With the 2011 outdoor Soccer season winding down, there was finally an opportunity to coordinate a meeting between the OSRA’s President Bahram Sarvian and The OSA’s President Ron Smale.

For both sides, it was a chance to meet for the first time as leaders of their respective organizations and communicate about issues affecting referees across the Province.

Bahram Sarvian (London) had been elected Vice-President of the OSRA, but he assumed the role of President when Chris Cottle moved out-of-province in August. Ron Smale (Durham) has led The OSA for just over a year and has been instrumental in promoting a new approach to Soccer development in Ontario.

While many topics were discussed during the course of the three hour meeting, one of the important topics was the OSRA Board of Governors’ proposal for a co-sponsored OSA/OSRA mentoring program for newer referees to improve retention and create consistent referee performance.

It was clear that Mr. Smale believes in an inclusive Soccer community with all interested parties working together for the benefit of the Game. He reiterated his belief that the Ontario Soccer Referees’ Association is a valued partner of The OSA and that he looks forward to working with us on some new initiatives. Future meetings are now being planned.

Bahram Sarvian was impressed by the OSA President’s candour on tough questions which he posed from among the issues brought forward by the OSRA Board of Governors over the last year. The OSRA Board of Governors will be briefed at their next meeting which will be held this Fall.

Submitted by

Lisa Waywell

Administrative Officer

OSRA