Potomac Valley Soccer Officials

08/27/2026

🚨Reminder

WVSSAC exam closes August 31

MPSSAA exam closes September 3rd

08/22/2026

07/30/2026

⚽ PVSOA Updates

Several preseason training opportunities are coming up for new and developing officials.

Scrimmage assigning opening up this weekend
Scrimmages will be available for self-assignment in Arbiter. Officials with one, two, or three years of experience may also be assigned to one or more scrimmages at Greenway or Mountain Ridge alongside experienced mentors.

Please attend at least one assigned scrimmage, but participate in as many as your schedule allows. This is one of the best opportunities to work on positioning, mechanics, communication, and game management before the regular season begins.

West Virginia Officials
The West Virginia Officials Clinic will be held:

📅 Saturday, August 8
⏰ 9:00 a.m.
📍 Frankfort High School

Rule books will be available at the Frankfort clinic for officials who need them to complete their testing. West Virginia officials can also access a free digital rule book through the NFHS Digital App.

Maryland Officials
The Maryland clinic is now available through DragonFly. Please log in and complete the required clinic materials.

Next PVSOA Meeting
We are tentatively planning our next meeting for:

📅 Sunday, August 9

We will distribute materials and review the new rule changes in greater detail. An official meeting invitation with the time and location will be sent soon.

Please continue checking Arbiter, DragonFly, and your email for assignments and updates.

07/28/2026

OFFICIALS

NFHS Fall sport exams for Field Hockey, Football, Girls Flag Football, Soccer, and Volleyball will open this Saturday August 1, 2026 and will close on Friday September 3, 2026.

07/27/2026

Enjoying some light reading today!

Registered Officials: rule books and officials manuals are now available digitally via NFHS learn app. Contact us if you need assistance!

Physical copies are available at the next meeting!

07/02/2026

MISSED THE FIRST ONE?!?!? You got a second chance!
MONDAY versus Belgium!!
See you there!

07/02/2026

It’s that time of year again!
It’s time to start preparing the body and the mind for the season.
Throwback to last year’s plan.

Make some recommendations in the comments, what works for you?

⚽ WEEKLY PLAN OVERVIEW

Week 1 (July 1–7): Baseline & Mobility
• Goal: Build consistency, assess your fitness
• Beginner: Walk/jog 20–30 min x 3 days; bodyweight squats/lunges x 2 days
• Intermediate: Jog 30 min; intervals 3x (30 sec run, 90 sec walk); basic agility (ladders/cones)
• Advanced: 30–45 min run; sprints 4x30 sec; basic strength circuit

Week 2 (July 8–14): Add Agility & Intervals
• Beginner: Jog 25 min; side steps & high knees; short sprint drills
• Intermediate: 4x1 min run / 1 min walk; intro shuttle runs
• Advanced: 6x sprint intervals (30 sec on, 1 min off); hill sprints 2x/week

Week 3 (July 15–21): Build Strength & Core
• Add a core circuit 3x/week (planks, bridges, leg lifts)
• Beginner: Walk/jog 30 min; bodyweight squats/lunges; intro strength band work
• Intermediate: 2x20-min run; 2x sprint/footwork days
• Advanced: HIIT-style sprint circuits; agility ladder x 2/week; weightlifting (optional)

Week 4 (July 22–28): Midpoint Test & Progress
• All Levels: Time yourself on a 1-mile run or 10-minute shuttle test
• Increase intensity based on results
• Advanced: Try referee-specific test simulation (YoYo Intermittent Recovery Test or similar)

Week 5 (July 29–Aug 4): Target Recovery & Reaction
• Add reaction drills (ball drops, partner mirror drills, etc.)
• Maintain base mileage + agility
• Strength sessions: add resistance bands or dumbbells

Week 6 (Aug 5–11): Heat Acclimation + Simulations
• Start training in afternoon/evening heat when possible
• Add whistle/signal drills mid-run to simulate game interruptions
• Advanced: Back-to-back workout days to mimic doubleheaders

Week 7 (Aug 12–18): Peak Intensity
• Full-speed intervals 1–2x/week
• Full-body strength 2x/week
• Agility circuits (cone drills, zigzag sprints)
• Begin tapering intensity slightly for beginners

Week 8 (Aug 19–27): Taper & Game Simulation
• Light cardio 2x/week (15–20 min jog)
• 1 day: simulate a match — 2 x 40-minute halves with walking/jogging/sprinting rotation
• Focus on flexibility, hydration, sleep

✅ TIPS FOR ALL LEVELS
• Hydrate and stretch daily
• Prioritize foot health and check cleats/running shoes
• Log workouts to track progress
• Pair up with another official if possible for motivation

06/02/2026

Every sport needs more officials. Join the ranks!

05/22/2026

Do you really know what justifies a handling call? I bet you don’t 😉⚽️