About the tournament

 

You are invited to join over 500 Referees from around the world, representing over 15 countries and 30 US States. Schwans USA Cup will be holding it’s 24th year of competition from 14 - 19 July 2008. In the past 24 years Schwans USA Cup has hosted teams from 38 US States and countries such as Austria, Bermuda, Brazil, Columbia, Denmark, England, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Russia, Scotland, Sweden as well as many others.

  

The Tournament is held at the National Sports Centre, the world’s largest premier soccer complex, which is located just north of Minneapolis, Minnesota.  The complex boasts 54 full size grass fields in one location. 

 

The tournament provides excellent competition and opportunity for cultural exchange and could prove to be an experience you will remember forever.

 

You will be paid for your work as a referee per game. This will be in sterling and will depend on your match official level.

 

Tournament Rules and Game Times

 

Throughout the tournament the diagonal officiating system will be in operation. This consists of one referee and two assistant referees.

 

The Schwans USA Cup follows FIFA and USYSA rules with minor modifications (such as unlimited substations in lower age groups). 

 

Once teams have played their preliminary World-Cup rounds they are seeded into an A, B or C play-off group according to their World-Cup round record. The play-off round is single elimination.

 

Schwans USA Cup game times are 25 – 30 minute halves, with the exception of the finals. 

 

A complete set of rules will be given to you prior to the competition.

 

Housing and flight Arrangements

 

There are a number of housing options including National Sports Centre dormitories, the University of Minnesota dormitories, as well as reasonably priced hotels.  The cost of staying in the dormitories is $32 per night.  This includes your bed in an air conditioned room and food available all day. 

 

The departure date for the flight out to the US will be Wednesday 9 July 2008 and the return journey will be on Sunday 20 July 2008. A number of flight options will be available from various airports around the UK. These flight prices are available on request

  

For further information and to apply, please contact the USA Cup UK Referee Co-ordinator, Trevor Wing on 01642 599655 or 07860780446 or by emailing Trevor.wing10@btinternet.com

 

The acceptance of your application will be subject to the USA Cup referees committees decision and if successful you will be notified.