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Open Letter | June 5, 2024
TO: New Trier Administration
From: Michael Moore
Subject: New Tier Girls Soccer
Date: June 5, 2024
New Trier Administration,
As President of United Suburban Soccer Officials Association, I am writing you to express my extreme disappointment regarding the actions of the New Trier Varsity Girls coaching staff towards the soccer officials during the championship match on June 1, 2024.
Coach Burnside and his staff berated and insulted the center referee on multiple occasions questioning her judgement, ability, and knowledge of the rules for over an hour. All within hearing distance of the spectators, the opposing team, and the North Central College stadium staff. Even after a yellow card was issued to Coach Burnside for his behavior the abuse continued from the New Trier staff.
The coaches were observed by the IHSA Head Clinician of Soccer Officials who was present between the team benches for the 2nd half of the match.
I would also like to point out the actions by one of the New Trier assistant coaches at the conclusion of regulation as seen in the screenshot below. Coming out from the coach’s box forty yards away to chastise and gesture at the referee crew is totally unacceptable! We will be presenting the actions of the New Trier staff at our upcoming certification clinic as a point of emphasis.
This type of behavior is one of the main reasons the referee ranks are dwindling in high school sports, especially soccer. If this is happening to very seasoned officials working the State Final Championship match how are the New Trier coaches treating less experienced officials?
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Michael Moore
President
United Suburban Soccer Officials Association
RESPONSE | June 8, 2024
FROM: New Trier Administration
From: Augustino Fontanetta
Subject: New Tier Girls Soccer
Date: June 8, 2024
Michael,
Thank you for sharing. Coach Burnside and I did discuss the game, including the yellow card. I will be sure to check in with Beth as well at our meeting on Monday.
Open Letter | October 29, 2023
TO: Naperville Central High School Administration
From: Michael Moore
Subject: Naperville Central Boys Soccer Communication
Date: October 29, 2023
Naperville Central High School Administration,
I would like to bring to your attention a post to X (Twitter) that was generated by the Naperville Central Boys Soccer account on 10/28/2023 berating the on field officials.
As President of the United Suburban Soccer Officials Association I find this communication from any official school account to be reprehensible.
Please be aware that USSOA will be escalating this matter to the IHSA as well as advising its membership of over 125 soccer officials not accept any boys or girls match assignments until this matter is addressed.
It is actions like this that deter future qualified officials from officiating high school sports.
Sincerely,
Michael Moore
President
United Suburban Soccer Officials Association
