Dear Members,

It is with regret that I inform you that former Metro Women’s Soccer League Coordinator John Jukes has died. No word yet on the cause of death or details of a funeral.

John, in my opinion, could be considered a friend of referees. Although not a referee himself, he understood the trials and tribulations we go through and always supported referees in his dealings with teams and players while working for the Metro Women’s Soccer League. He was a constant fixture at Vancouver Area meetings, always providing information about the league and perhaps his attendance led to his understanding and support of the refereeing profession. John always had a positive demeanour and was always willing to talk with referees.

Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

Sincerely,

Elvio Chies

President

Canadian FIFA Referee and RA member Michelle Pye has been bestowed with dual honours recently. She has been appointed to officiate in the girl’s tournament of the first ever Youth Olympics Games (YOG) in Singapore. The YOG tournament which features players born in 1995, will be held Aug 14-26^th.

Michelle was also announced as this year’s BC Soccer Association Official of the Year, the presentation which will be made at the BC Soccer Awards and Scholarship Celebration on the night of June 13^th. This is the second time she has been bestowed this honour.

The RA congratulates Michelle on her award and wishes her the very best for her upcoming appointment in Singapore.

Several members were present at this year’s National “In-Service” Provincial clinic held in Toronto by the CSA. Vancouver Area Association members Philip Leung and Sasa Jecanski participated in the clinic while CSA Referees Committee and RA Member Bob Sawtell, along with BCSA Referee Development Coordinator and RA member Jose Branco, were part of the crew of instructors. This year’s session was held over the Victoria Day weekend.

Each year the CSA gathers all referees being upgraded to Provincial status to a national clinic. To be able to attend the clinic, participants must have passed an online exam, had the requisite number of assessments and taken and passed the fitness test held in their respective province.

The RA congratulates the aforementioned members on their involvement in this year’s clinic!