Calgary, Alberta – [May 31, 2024] – The Calgary District Soccer Referees Association (CDSRA) is thrilled to announce exciting new partnership agreements with the Calgary United Soccer Association (CUSA), Calgary Women's Soccer Association (CWSA), and the Calgary Minor Soccer Association (CMSA). These groundbreaking new partnerships mark a significant milestone in our mission to support and develop the highest standards of soccer officiating across the region.

Through this collaboration, CUSA, CWSA, and CMSA will join the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) to be official sponsors of the CDSRA Referee Development Pathway. This initiative aims to enhance the skills, knowledge, and experience of all soccer referees in the region at all levels, ensuring Calgary can become a national leader in referee development at all levels of the game. 

These sponsorships will provide critical funding for various components of our Referee Development Programs, allowing the CDSRA to provide inclusive referee programming and education free-of-charge to all referees in the region at all levels. Additionally, this proposal encompasses a structured training and development program for mentors, assessors, and instructors, aiming to elevate the overall quality of soccer education and officiating in Calgary.

The CDSRA Referee Development Pathway is comprised of three core programs:

• Referee Enhanced Development (RED): A dedicated training and education program specifically tailored for new referees of all ages and referees 20 & under.

• Integrated Referee Training (IRT): An education and development program targeted towards all grassroots officials in the region with no restrictions. 

• Centre for Advanced Referee Development (CARD): An education, training, and development program targeted toward the select group of officials selected to officiate provincial and top level games in the region.

Through these programs and other concurrent initiatives, the CDSRA with the support of its partners aims to raise the bar for officiating standards across all levels in Calgary. The organization's multi-pronged approach aims to not only enhance officiating quality but also foster an environment conducive to higher referee retention and decreased incidents of abuse and complaints.

Additionally, the CDSRA is focused on addressing the gender gap within refereeing, creating opportunities for women to excel on the field and cultivating a more diverse, and inclusive officiating community. Central to this vision is the establishment of a robust referee pipeline system and a clear and defined progression pathway, ensuring a steady influx of skilled officials ready to officiate at every level of play. 

Mazen Hassanin, President of the CDSRA, expressed excitement about the collaboration: "This partnership with CUSA, CWSA, CMSA, and ASA is a testament to our collective commitment towards improving soccer in our region. It will help us develop a truly inclusive & free-of-charge pathway for referee development and growth, eliminating barriers to participation and advancement and setting a clear progression pathway for any referee who wishes to better themselves. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our league partners and ASA for their support and trust in our project and vision. I would also like to thank the CDSRA Board of Directors for their support over the past 14 months as we worked to make this vision a reality.”

Pearl Doupe, Outgoing Executive Director of CUSA, stated: "CUSA is immensely proud to back this initiative. Supporting the CDSRA aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering a vibrant soccer community in Calgary. We are committed to contributing to an initiative that not only elevates the standard of refereeing but also enriches the overall soccer experience for our players and teams."

Jacquie Hertlein, Executive Director of CWSA, emphasized: "CWSA recognizes the crucial role of referee development in advancing women's soccer. Investing in this area is vital for ensuring fairness, integrity, and enjoyment of the game for all participants. We are particularly excited about the potential to inspire and involve more young women in officiating at every level, contributing to the program's success and to soccer’s growth in Calgary."

Jordan Stewart, Technical Manager of CMSA, stated: “CMSA looks forward to working with CDSRA to further progress local referees in collaboration with CUSA, CWSA. This partnership will allow for greater access to the development and education of our referees needed to elevate the game further within Calgary. Couple with CMSA’s existing Mentorship Program, and Teal Shirt Campaign, these accessible and valuable educational opportunities will see Calgary become a leader in referee attraction, development, and progression in the coming future.”

For more information about the CDSRA Referee Development Pathway, please visit cdsra.org/programs