Referee Training Notes
What to Bring:
T-shirt, large plastic bag (for clipboard), pen, whistle, stopwatch, drink, snack, sweatshirt, rain gear, clipboard, rule matrix – remember, you are going to work – be prepared.
Pre-game:
Get to the field early and get organized –be visible
Introduce yourself to the coaches
Confirm rules/time with coaches – # players, time of halves , offside, etc.
Have the coach sign the game sheet
Check players equipment (shin pads)
Check for jewelry – ask them to remove
Starting the game:
Make sure teams have proper number of players
Check to see that the goalkeeper is ready
Blow the whistle to start the game—start the stopwatch
Starts and Restarts:
Kick off – ball must go forward
Indirect Kicks – awarded for dangerous play, obstruction, ball must touch a second player for a goal to be scored
Direct Kicks – awarded for a penal foul (tripping, pushing, holding or handball -can be kicked directly into the goal
Penalties – awarded if a penal foul is committed in the penalty area
Goal kicks – ball not in play until it leaves the penalty area
Throw Ins – hands over head, feet on ground, outside of line
Drop ball – after and injury, ball must hit the ground to be in play
Responsibilities during the game:
Safety – stop play in dangerous situation—player on the ground – keeper with the ball – chairs or other objects too close to the field – ask people to move back
Keep the game moving – be energetic to keep the game moving
Control the game through the rules
Teach the younger players
When to blow the whistle:
To stop or start play
Kick-off – to signal both teams that the ball is in play – blow whistle and say “play”
To stop play due to a foul
To stop play after an improper free kick or throw in
To start play after substitutions – blow whistle and say “play”
To signal the ball is off the field (unless it is very clear that the ball is out and the players have already stopped)—whole ball must be over the whole line
To signal the end of the half or game – blow tweet, tweet, TWEEEEEET
How to handle problem kids/parents/coaches:
Some kids are more aggressive than others. They may push or kick opposing players to get to the ball. Stop play and gently explain what the player did wrong. If persistent then ask the coach for help – be polite and ask the adult to address the child
Sometimes parents get a little over-excited when they perceive that the referee made a mistake in some play that involves their child. If persistent then speak with the coach and ask him to speak with the parent.
Sometimes even the coaches forget that you are a kid. If possible, talk to them quickly during the game or at halftime. Remind the coach that you are a kid. If you introduced yourself before the game you will already have established a relationship with the coach, which will help when you need his/her help.
Put a note on the game sheet regarding any incident that makes you uncomfortable.
If necessary find Mario, Don or a board member
Miscellaneous:
Review of Rules Matrix
Where should the referee be positioned?
Where do the referee position themselves if two referees?
Thank you for your interest. If you have any questions please send an email to the referee coordinator.
