I just got assigned a USL2 line for a game that is 3.5 hours away in about a month from my National Assignor. It's not the money that does it (really!) it's just.. the time. That's practically a whole day. Especially when kickoff is 7PM. What's the most you've travel (either 1 way or both) for one (or more) game? Is it a common occurance the higher up you go?
6 hours in the car one way. But I didn't have to go right home. I stayed with family who lived in the area. The worst one was 4.5 hrs to a game and drove home straight after. If you have a 7pm kick and a 3.5 hour drive, they should be put you up in a motel over night. That's not always available, but it should be the expectation.
I would imagine that it all depends on how many teams at each higher level are around you, or if there even are any. If that 3.5 hour away team is the only USL2/equivalent game around you, I guess that’s what you’ll be stuck with being forced to do.You’re probably leaving your house at 2-2:30P to get there 60-90 min before kickoff, done at 9p, probably won’t pay for a hotel for you so you either get one yourself or don’t get home until 1230-1A. That’s horrible. A while back we had a big discussion here about the MLS Next tournaments, and how they expect refs to pay for their own transportation (flights) and lodging while only getting a few games per day. People here were nearly unanimous of “you have to make sacrifices to move up so deal with it”.
But I don't want to move up. I mean, sure, it'd be nice, but I'm pretty content on being Regional. At age 31, I have no qualms realizing that. Others below me that are Regional in my state absolutely have a better chance at that. However, the USL2 games in Alabama have all been all Regional crews (except the 4th) and since I'm 1 of 3 Birmingham referees that is Regionals (of all 7 in Alabama), I got picked for the long drive, I would wager. Is the USL2 really that competitive that calls for all on-field Regional crew? I am guessing it is. I've never done USL2.
USL2 is trying to become the de facto 4th division semi pro league, but continues to compete with the other significant players in that space for preeminent status. As the final step before the players jump to "full professional" status, these games would theoretically be exactly what the regional badge should be for as officials prepare themselves to work in full professional leagues as well.
Make sure you read the league manual for details on how and when you need to request a hotel, mileage, etc. Missing the time for that can mean missing out on pay.
You could be in Texas where you can drive for 12 hours and still be in the same state. Dallas and Houston are both about that far from El Paso, which used to have the EP Patriots that played in PDL and always seemed to advance far enough in Open Cup to require an out-of-town crew.
It is difficult when the assignment comes outside of the window where the room can be requested, for that you would need to work with the assignor or the team immediately upon getting the assignment. I've seen this go both ways. Some teams take the attitude of "We'd rather have good refs than none at all" and other teams will say, "This is outside of protocol" (but what they're really saying is they don't have the money OR they don't want to spend more money. I spoke with an NPSL 4th official once who told me later that the team's coach (also the "owner") wouldn't sign whatever document they had to sign until after he made them listen to him grouse about the fact that the assignor forced referees on him that were entitled to travel funds. (This also is a guy that is never pleased with the refereeing, so I guess he feels that if he is paying more somehow he should be getting "better," whatever that is.) For most officials, I think this falls under "it depends."
At that level, the teams should be partnering with a hotel in the area. The road team is probably being put up for a night… I doubt they travel in the day if the game, but maybe travel out after the game. Anyhow, there is probably need for 20 or more room nights for refs alone during the season, and that doesn’t cover other team staff, league staff, etc. that might travel for a game. anyhow, $500 a game should cover the cost for the crew at a business class hotel (Hampton Inn, Courtyard) in the metro area of most teams.
Since you are not looking to move up here is what I would think about in terms of accepting the assignment or not. 1) do you enjoy reffing higher level matches? 2) is there an opportunity to drive with one or two of the other referees or maybe even an assessor? 3) can you make a weekend out of it? I spent approximately 5 years driving up and down the mid-Atlantic for PDL (USL2) and NPSL games and thoroughly enjoyed it even when I had to drive 6 hours for matches. When I started, I was just excited to do some higher level matches and move up the pyramid. At that point I was a state (6) running lines for nationals or on a crew of all state (5/6) and maybe a lucky grade 7. When I finished I was a national candidate traveling with some up and coming refs who are now working MLS. I solidified some great friendships traveling with guys and even an assessor or two. My oldest son tagged along for a few matches too which was great bonding as well. When travel meant we were driving over 2 hours and returning after midnight no team ever complained about footing the bill for a hotel. Then again those teams were far enough away from population centers that they knew going in they would have the expense. Several teams used points - they earn a lot when their teams travel. Never once did I stay at a sketchy flea bag hotel. BUT we were often 2 guys to a room. We certainly don’t do these games for the money. I would say do them for the experience and the camaraderie that comes with spending 24 hours traveling with someone who you may know from the pitch and after a game or two becomes a good friend. In my experience, it was also great to meet and engage with what I would call the grassroots of the professional soccer ecosystem in America. Coaches and GMs and owners who are putting their own money on the line to provide a semiprofessional environment for players and maybe some fun in the stands for the fans. And finally, on a more probing level I would ask if you don’t want to do these matches then you should probably ask yourself why you are a regional referee, bc part of being a regional is that you are interested in working games on a regional basis rather than just the local league matches.
@Baka_Shinpan Fantastic response. To your three points, yes -- to all three. I should have been more straight-forward with my OP. I suppose, in general, that is to be expected, and I have no problem going to places given the opportunity -- I guess I'm not a fan of driving long distances (personal decision) and I definitely have other means of methods of travel, as you mentioned. What the original question came down to, I hear how grueling some match days can be but those are oft-associated with Regionals-going-for-Nationals so they definitely do not flinch at long days. In fact, I have a maintenance assessment USL2 game coming up that will be a 3.5 hours to another state that I'll be pairing up with another referee with. (He's driving...) But I became a Regional for a reason and I'm starting to get called up for long drives and I plan on fully representing my state with the best performance possible each time.
Yes, driving 3.5 or more hours for a game, reffing and then having to drive back can be grueling. If I was driving alone, I would leave much earlier, plan to arrive 3-4 hours ahead of match time so that I could catch up on work emails and relax / stretch out after a long drive. I would also pack a pregame meal just so that I didn’t have to count on finding something when I got there. Better to be relaxed when you get to the stadium or field complex then to be stressed bc you have been on the road and in traffic. Some people drive back post match which can be very grueling. Some do it bc they want to get back asap or have some commitment back home. I don’t recommend it if you can avoid it. Cramping up at 70mph on the middle of nowhere on a highway is not smart. Make sure you have hydration and electrolytes. My worst drive was 6+ hours each way by myself bc my game got moved due to flooding. I ended up having to do it all the same day bc of a family medical issue that arose that kept me from leaving the night before (the home club was willing to pay for a hotel the night before since the game got moved 2 hours further away and to an afternoon start).