January 23, 2002
(Milford, MA) Al Cosentino of Billerica has announced his resignation as State Referee Administrator, effective February 1st. Richard Frongillo, current State Youth Referee Administrator, will replace him. Frongillo, of Franklin, will temporarily perform both functions until a new SYRA is named.
“When I accepted this position, I knew it would be a tremendous challenge,” says Cosentino. “We needed to strengthen the program to accommodate the dramatic growth of the sport of soccer in the region, particularly at the youth and amateur levels. I had an agenda to focus on recruitment of talented officials, better instruction, expanded opportunity for upgrades, and most important, to build open lines of communication at all levels of the referee program throughout the state.”
“I am pleased with what we have accomplished to date,” continued Cosentino. “Nearly every goal I set out to achieve has been met. Right now Massachusetts has nearly 4,500 certified referees, including ten Massachusetts referees in the national pool, the highest number in its history. But there is much more that needs to be done, particularly in defining the mission and role of the MSRC to the overall benefit of its members. I believe this may best be accomplished by stepping aside as SRA to allow dedicated people with new ideas and approaches to take the program to its next level.”
“I feel I have some big shoes to fill,” said Frongillo about his appointment. “I give Al a great deal of credit for getting our program to the level it is right now. His devotion to Massachusetts referees is extraordinary. Our referees have been fortunate to have had Al working on their behalf, and I hope and expect that he will continue supporting referees for many years to come.”
Cosentino has been SRA for the past four years. During that time, he oversaw referee growth of almost 20%, including a four-fold increase in the number of referees qualified for small-sided games. Cosentino was very active in many programs, and remains the assignor for the Middlesex Youth Soccer League.
“One of the things I think he did very well was to allow others to make a contribution,” remarked Frongillo. “We have a great staff of instructors and assessors in this state, and the administrators are second to none. People want to be a part of this program and I want to encourage them to volunteer. There are great challenges ahead and it will require a team effort to get the job done.”
Frongillo can be reached by email at SRA@massref.net