After listening to and reading comments concerning “what is wrong with the annual soccer dinner”, I would like to go over the positives of our affair.

The location, while not perfect, is readily accessible(40 minutes or less) to over two- thirds of our membership. If we were able to find a place in eastern Queens or western Nassau, the percentage would go up to over eighty five. Unfortunately we have not been able to find a place that can offer us anywhere near the deal that the Sterling offers in terms of value for the money. If the group decided that they were willing to kick in an extra $15 to $20 apiece, we might be able to find another place.

I really enjoy the award ceremonies for all the recipients and take pride in being a part of the excellence although I have never received a performance award. As a member of our group and essentially part of a larger team, I do not need any incentive or personal triumph to attend a function that rewards excellence within our group and provides an opportunity for camaraderie with our fellow officials and coaches. It may sound corny, but to give up one night in the year to be with friends who you have gone to battle with does not seem too great a sacrifice.

Unless we can find a comparable location that is willing to bend over backward and keep the price reasonable as the Sterling does, I feel we should stay there. Concerning the lack of motivation or incentive to attend the function, this is purely a personal decision but I will buy anyone who attends the dinner a free drink for the first hour of the affair.

Yours in soccer,
Joe DeCristoforo

The location of the dinner in eastern Nassau County on a week night just during or after rush hour provides a conundrum for many members who reside or work in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island or other distant communities. Perhaps the chapter should consider a more convenient central location so members do not have to travel up to two hours one way.

A tedious raffle was conducted during the last dinner I attended which was time consuming, added nothing to the chapter’s festivities and, in my opinion, was unprofessional for this organization. This should be eliminated if it still takes place.

Too many awards are bestowed on the members which, after a period of time, takes away from the significance of an award. I suggest that you discontinue all referee awards except the chapter service award. Recognition should still be bestowed upon those officials who were assigned to playoff games as this serves as motivation for the other members to achieve professional growth.

The problem with non-attendance for coaches is one that the Executive Board will have to address. If the athletic director is invited with the coach this may increase your turnout but this could be an embarrassment if not many referees attend their own function. As an alternative, an Executive Board member can make arrangements with the honored coach and AD so that the award can be presented at the school in the office of the AD. This will cut down on expenses and avoid costly no-shows.

Good luck in your decision making.

Michael Moskowitz