Process, expectations & mechanics for LYSL recreational level referees

1. Administrative Info

• If you have to cancel or change assignments contact the referee coordinator as soon as possible. Referee Coordinator: Mark Smith, 332-4691, president@lakeshoreyouthsoccer.com. Email is the preferred method, however, for less than 24 hour emergencies you must call mobile phone.

• Field map: Click here.

• Payment process: Cash after match is played. If coach does not have an envelope contact .

• Current pay schedule, you will need to initial receipt of payment on the payment envelope.

  • U10 Center $25

  • U12 Center $25, AR's $20, Single $35, Dual $25

  • U14 Center $35, AR's $25, Single $45, Dual $30

2. Pre-Game Management

• Arrive at the field at least 20 minutes before the start time, dressed properly

  • Properly dressed includes referee shirt, shorts, socks with 3 white stripes pulled up & predominantly black shoes.

• Verify field is ready (lines, corner flags, goals anchored, etc)

• Introduce yourself to the coaches.

• Review your expectations (game duration, substitutions timing, etc.)

• Inspect player equipment

  • All must wear shin guards, socks over shin guard, shoes/cleats (must be soccer style), shorts, shirt. No jewelry unless medic-alert type. Prescription glasses only. Additional cold weather clothing must be worn under jersey. Goalie jersey color different than players.

• Give limited instructions to players (sub process, offside (if used), etc)

• Coin toss--winning team chooses direction to attack, other team kicks off

• Start the game on time

3. Starting the game

• Remind players to be on their half of the field till the ball is kicked, defense outside the

  center circle.

• Expect kick off procedure violations (no 2nd kick, players on their sides until ball is kicked). Restart with proper procedure.

4. During the game

• Use your whistle to communicate. If they can’t hear it, you aren’t communicating.

• Be instructive. Briefly explain your calls to ensure the players and/or coaches understand.

• Verbally acknowledge all necessary fouls or misconduct (or lack of) whenever you think

• there is a question (“watch the pushing”, “nothing there”). This let’s others (coaches,

  players & parents) know that you are aware and doing your job.

• Don’t let things go just because it is recreational soccer. Be conscious of the flow of the

• game when deciding to make the call. This is the hardest part, since it requires a certain

  degree of judgment that is developed over time. Do your best.

• FIFA direct and indirect kick guidelines apply for divisions U10 and above.

• Be decisive. Make your call and stick to it. Don’t back down because the coach or player

• challenges you. You are in charge (whether you are right or wrong).

• Make mistakes. What a great way to learn. If necessary, explain your error to the coach

• and don’t repeat.

• 5. Key Specific Procedures

• ARs: You must make every effort to be in the right position (even w/ last defender or ball,

• whichever is closer to the goal). Get to the goal line quickly to make the correct call for

  goals, corner kicks, goal kicks or any other potential situation.

• ARs: flag position for substitutions (outside-not ready / inside ready)

• Learn and practice the ceremonial start when using Diagonal System of Control (DSC) or Center/AR1/AR2 format. You’ll be expected to do this when working USSF games.

  • Referees start at touch line at hallway, walk on, shake hands, take positions.

• If you find yourself shorthanded for a DSC assignment, be prepared to use a Dual (two referee)

• system or club linesmen (ask each coach for one).

• No deliberate heading U12 and under.

• U10, remember to keep defending players out of the build out area when the goalie has the ball, whether is be a throw out (punting is not allowed) or a goalie kick.

• 6. Players on field: U10 7v7, U12 9v9, U14 11v11