IMPORTANT OLDER NEWS:

AUGUST 2022: Alexandre Loussarevian 1933-2022 On Sunday, August 28, long-time Providence resident Alexandre Loussarevian 89, passed away while surrounded by his loved ones. Widely and affectionately known as "Frenchy," he immigrated to the US in 1968. He is survived by his sister Catherine Loussarevian Milan and her husband Andre Milan of France, his son Philippe Loussarevian in Japan, his daughter Sonia Loussarevian, his stepchildren Rosemary and Peter and their children, his nephew Patrick Milan and the Loussarevian families in France, the Hussian and Meguerditchian families, also of France, the Sahagian family and his godchild, Michael Sahagian, of Boston, the Hudson family, and his numerous friends and associates. Alexandre was a dedicated Rhode Island state employee for over 26 years, and was a loyal member of the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers. In addition to officiating lacrosse, he was for many decades a familiar figure on soccer fields throughout Rhode Island. Over the course of his long and esteemed officiating career that spanned almost 60 years, he was inducted into the Rhode Island Soccer Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2010, and the Rhode Island Girls Soccer Officials Hall of Fame in 2017. *As published by Nardolillo Funeral Home on Aug. 29, 2022

NOVEMBER 2019: Tiverton JV Tournament Once again, RiGSO is the subject of positive press by the Interscholastic League; this time for 19 RiGSO referees who volunteered their time for a round-robin style junior varsity tournament, which was part of a Tiverton High School soccer player's senior project. The RIIL news aticle can be found here: [JV Tournament Senior Project] The article also includes several photos of the event.

OCTOBER 2019: Honoring Maddie and Gianna Once again, RiGSO is the subject of positive press by the Interscholastic League; this time for a presentation to the sisters of Maddie Potts and Gianna Cirella at Monday's Chariho-Toll Gate girls soccer game. Twitter news aticle can be found here: [Fans of Sportsmanship] The referees also presented flowers to both teams.

SEPTEMBER 2019: RIIL Communication Regarding SPORTSMANSHIP Attention RIIL Official's Associations: In response to issues that have been brought to our attention, please be aware that during the course of a game (before, during or after) game officials have the authority to identify inappropriate unsportsmanlike behavior, bring this to the attention to the home or visiting team representative, and request that such behavior stop immediately, and or have those spectators who are responsible for this behavior removed. In addition, if the unsportsmanlike behavior continues and is not corrected the game official has the authority to stop the game and forward the report to the RIIL. Therefore, we are asking the home school to provide a welcoming and respectful environment for visiting teams, coaches, officials and fans. Section 2: TAUNTING - The Principals Committee on Athletics passed a recommendation of the Sportsmanship Committee to broaden the definition of TAUNTING and make it a disqualifying foul in all sports. As a result, officials will be expected to eject players and bench personnel (including coaches) for taunting; and the Rhode Island Interscholastic League tournament supervisors will be expected to eject from the premises any spectator who engages in taunting. The definition of taunting is this: "Any actions or comments by coaches, players, or spectators which are intended to bait, anger, embarrass, ridicule, or demean others, whether or not the deeds or words are vulgar or racist. Included is conduct that berates, needles, intimidates or threatens based on race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, or background, and conduct that attacks religious beliefs, size, economic status, speech, family, special needs or personal matters." Examples of taunting by coaches, players or spectators include: Any form of "Trash Talk", Ethnic or racial slurs, Physical intimidation outside the spirit of the game, References to sexual orientation, "In the face" confrontation by one player to another, Standing over or straddling a tackled or fallen player. PLEASE REFER TO THE RIIL TAUNTING POLICY. Noticeable improvement in school sportsmanship will require concerted effort. Good sports don't need to wait for other's actions. Good sports already know what is offensive, and what has no more place in school sports than it would have in a school classroom. This is educational athletics. We must maintain the highest education standards in all facets of the athletic arena.

MAY 2019: RiGSO Uniforms Starting this fall for the 2019 soccer season and beyond, RiGSO's primary uniform will be the "NEW" style uniform in yellow, pictured right. The old style (pictured left) will still be allowed if both referees have it. As for socks, both 2 and 3 striped socks are allowed, but ALL REFEREES must match. Uniform shirts, shorts, and socks will be available for purchase at the pre-season meeting.

FEBRUARY 2019: Soccer America Article From the President's desk... Here is an excellent article on referee abuse as it pertains to paid ticket holders at scholastic sports events. https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/81234/ref-abuse-isnt-a-consumer-right.html The take away: A paid entry fee does not provide a spectator the right to do or say anything they want.

JUNE 2018: Big League Assignment! RIGSO's Omar Roa was chosen to officiate an Under-16 NAYSL (North Atlantic Youth Soccer Leage) match this weekend. Playing were the Hillsboro Heat from New Hampshire versus the Rhode Island Rush. Why is this newsworthy? Because the venue was Gilette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass! The game was played on the New England Revolution's home field in the actual stadium! Omar officiated the game with his son David, and daughter Julianna. Excellent opportunity and a job well done! (Click the photo to the right for the full resolution version.)

JANUARY 2018: Gianna Cirella Memorial Fund The Gianna Cirella memorial fund has been established in Gianna's name to provide assistance for sepsis research, to children and their families who have been affected by sepsis. Because Gianna had such a passion for soccer, this fund will also provide scholarship money for local soccer players. RiGSO welcomes its members to check out these two events scheduled: First is the [Gala and Silent Auction] scheduled for April 20. Second is the [1st Annual 5K Walk/Run] scheduled for May 13. Anyone that wishes to donate or participate is encouraged to do so.

JANUARY 2018: Maddie Potts Foundation RiGSO welcomes its members to check out the [Maddie Potts Foundation] website. The Foundation has been set up in Maddie's honor, by her parents Stephanie and Dan. Of special interest are the video tributes, which are particularly heartwarming. All donations go directly into the foundation, which gives back to athletics, art and other areas near and dear to Maddie's heart, with scholarships and annual awards. Her family is hoping that one day they will raise enough to build 'The Maddie Potts Fieldhouse and Indoor Practice Facility.' Any member that wishes to donate individually is encouraged to do so.

JANUARY 2018: JACK BREETVELD 1937-2018 Jack Breetveld, 80, passed away on January 18, 2018. He was a big, warm Dutchman who emigrated to the US in 1960. He worked at Brown University for 39 years, most of that time as a manager in the physics department. Jack was a passionate and admired soccer referee for many years. He was a national referee and a national assessor, mentoring younger referees. He took special pleasure in officiating for the children and grandchildren of former players he knew. He is survived by his longtime companion, Madeline Klein; his sister Hannie Verheij and her husband Wim and family in the Netherlands; his brother Frank Breetveld and his wife Wilma and family, also in the Netherlands; two dogs and two cats; and many loving friends. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 22, 2018, at 11am in the Chapel of Hope and Memory in Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd. Providence, RI. Please bring stories and memories. *As published in The Providence Journal on Jan. 20, 2018

NOVEMBER 2017: Pictures of Finals Elise Lanouette, owner of E.lotusphotography, was on hand Sunday to take pictures of all three final soccer matches at RIC. Elise did a tremendous job and her pictures have been uploaded into three photo albums on flickr. Links to the albums can be found below. [2017 RiGSO Finals by Elise Lanouette] A few dozen hand-picked photos from her albums have been added to the GALLERY tab on this website. A special THANK YOU to Elise for all of her hard work and for making us referees look great!!

NOVEMBER 2017: Honoring Maddie and Gianna Once again, RiGSO is the subject of positive press by the Interscholastic League; this time for the group's honoring of Maddie Potts and Gianna Cirella during the semifinal and championship games of this years R.I. Interscholastic League Girls Soccer Tournament. The RIIL's Carolyn Thornton's article can be found here: [RiGSO Honors 11 and 12]

JANUARY 2017: RIIL Communication Regarding Blue Card Referees are asked to read the following important PDF document which pertains to RIIL Article 12: Sportsmanship and reading of the blue card. This is a communication sent directly from RIIL President Thomas Mezzanotte. This document can also be found under the REFEREE FILES tab on this website. [RIIL Blue-Card Rule (Article 12)]

NOVEMBER 2016: Division One Final For the first time ever, the Division 1 final was officiated by an all-female crew! An excellent article was put together by Carolyn Thornton of the RIIL and can be found here: [RIIL Girls Soccer Referees Division 1 Final] Congratulations to Leah, Lindsay, Victoria, and Erin!