Please review the "Futsal Rules Overview" page and the "2008 Futsal Rules" document, noting rule changes and clarifications in maroon. Massachusetts Futsal has adjusted several rules to more closely align with the FIFA and United States Soccer Federation Rules of Futsal, particularly as they apply to high school and adult league play.

Please contact Director of Futsal Jason Miller, Senior Official Eric Wharton or Referee Mentor Soorena Farboodmanesh with any questions or for clarification.

Referee Course A Great Success

On Friday, Nov. 16, 2007, Massachusetts Futsal welcomed United States Soccer Federation National Instructor Trainer Jeff Kollmeyer. Although the trip from Springfield, Missouri was long and tiring, Mr. Kollmeyer was very excited to work with the many eager referees in attendance at this year's recertification course.

More than 25 veteran Massachusetts Futsal staff members attended the four-hour clinic, which was also attended by Nigel Bright, the State Director of Instruction for the Massachusetts Referee Committee.

After the course, Mr. Kollmeyer and Massachusetts Futsal senior staff members: Jay Eidson, Soorena Farboodmanesh, Jerome Kirkpatrick, Jason Miller and Eric Wharton met to discuss rule changes for 2008.

On Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, the entry level futsal referee course was held. Mr. Kollmeyer led nine new officials through the eight-hour course.

At the conclusion of the weekend, nearly 40 officials were certified to officiate futsal matches in for 2008. Massachusetts wishes to thank Mr. Jeff Kollmeyer, Mr. Nigel Bright, Ms. Julie Ilacqua, Mr. Andy Weiss and The Park School for their efforts to make the courses a great success.

Massachusetts Futsal Announces 2007 Referees of the Year

On Saturday, March 31, 2007, Massachusetts Futsal Director of Futsal Jason Miller awarded four referee of the year awards at the organization's 2007 staff dinner. 

Soorena Farboodmanesh of Waban, Mass. was the recipient of the Adult Referee of the Year award. In his third year as a futsal official, Mr. Farboodmanesh officiated more games than any other referee in Massachusetts, at all ages and levels.  His great work ethic and passion for futsal refereeing were boosted immensely in February when he represented Massachusetts at the Super F National Futsal Championships in Kansas City.  He had the opportunity to work with and learn from the US Soccer FIFA futsal referees, as well as national instruction staff.

Ella Hartenian of Arlington, Mass. was awarded the 2007 Youth Referee of the Year award.  A long-time futsal player and referee, Ms. Hartenian quickly gained great respect from players and coaches for her ability to handle any kind of match.  She became the first youth official to referee adult games and additionally represented Massachusetts at the Super F National Championships in Kansas City.  Dedicated to improvement, Ms. Hartenian learned from the US Soccer FIFA futsal referees, national instruction staff and from senior officials in Massachusetts.

Tomas Cerveny of Newton, Mass. was the 2007 recipient of the New Adult Referee of the Year.  An excellent addition to the staff, Mr. Cerveny's fitness, knowledge of the game, calm demeanor and excellent player management techniques earned him this prestigious distinction.

Rose Williams of Jamaica Plain, Mass. received the New Youth Referee of the Year award..  Selected among several great new officials, Ms. Williams demonstrated the ability to manage many ages and levels and to apply with ease the rules of futsal in a very fast-paced environment.

To Become a Futsal Referee

Referee certification and recertification for 2008 is completed.  Only certified and registered officials may referee futsal games in Massachusetts.  Interested new officials should contact Massachusetts Futsal to get on the list for 2009.