GAME DAY CANCELLATIONS
Go to your assigned field and follow the MYSA and FIFA guidelines on whether to cancel the game or suspend as necessary. This is the enter referees decision and no one else’s! The Assignor will attempt to contact the refs if cancellations are known ahead of time.
GAME DAY EXPECTATIONS
All referees must arrive for games 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. In the event that one of the refs is a no-show, you may draft a “club linesman” from the local team and proceed with a 3-man system. A “club linesman” will not be paid for their services unless they are currently certified and wearing a ref uniform.
PROFESSIONALISM
Referees are perceived by visiting teams as a representative of TRSA. We must, at all times, be professional and totally objective and unbiased.
If you are aware that you made a mistake, you need to acknowledge and correct it whenever possible. FIFA does not require refs to explain their decision on the field. If you are asked a respectful question by a player, team captain or coach during the course of play you should try to respond to them with a courteous and concise answer that is to the point. It will tend to enhance your authority on the field. At the half or immediately following the end of a game, you should respond to respectful questions or comments from coaches without engaging in any form of debate. Interactions with spectators should be politely avoided.
Do not fraternize or have causal conversation with players, coaches, parents or spectators other than in your role as a referee. Dress and act professionally at all times. Arrive at the fields dressed and ready to go.
Any incidents must be reported to the Referee Assignor immediately.
Complaints from anyone should be forwarded to the ref assignor or board president immediately.
WEATHER/HOT DAYS
The center referee is the only one responsible for not allowing play if weather conditions are dangerous. This generally takes the form of lightning, sever winds, hail etc. It is TRSA’s policy to always error on the side of safety – take no chances.
Up to 89° -
Normal Play
90°to 99° - Mandatory 2 minute water breaks halfway through half with time running and each half shortened by 5 minutes.
99° and up - Mandatory 2 minute water breaks halfway through half with time running and each half shortened by 10 minutes.
FIELD CONDITIONS
On rare occasions, a scheduled field may be withdrawn from use on very short notice (usually due to excessive rain). If possible, this will be communicated to you by game time. Otherwise, the sole responsibility for determining the safety of field conditions belongs to the center referee.
SEPARATION OF PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS
MYSA requires that teams and spectators be on opposite sides of the field. Ask the coaches for help before the game starts if separation is not occurring.
JEWLERY
All jewelry must be removed from a player with the exception of a medical alert bracelet or necklace. The medic alert must be taped down to the arm or chest. NO EXCEPTIONS! If the player refuses to remove the jewelry, they will not be permitted to play!
NO PASS NO PLAY
This must be enforced. MYSA says that passes consist of: one card for each player, participant’s signature, player picture and laminated front and back. If this cannot be completed before the start of the game, they cannot play. This is true for the coaches allowed on the side with the team also.
If you question a pass, involve the center ref to make the final decision.
If a player arrives after the game has started, wait for a break in play to check them in. If they do not check in they cannot play.
SMOKING ON/NEAR FIELD
All TRSA games are played in school zones. There is to be no smoking on any field or any parking lot.
UNIFORM
Your uniform consists of the yellow uniform shirt, shorts, black socks with white stripes, black shoes, with or without cleats. Optional: long sleeves, black pants, 2nd color uniform (blue, black with pin stripes or green). Hats/sunglasses may be worn with the approval of the center.
WATER
Drink plenty of water and be sure to bring a water bottle with you to each game!
MYSA MODIFICATIONS
Be sure you are aware of all MYSA modifications for all U9-U10 and U11-U12 games. Print out these pamphlets at mnyouthsoccer.org and keep them with you for reference.
PRE-GAME CHECKLIST
Arrive a minimum of 20 minutes before the game in full uniform with a watch, coin, water bottle, flags, pencil, red-yellow cards and sunscreen.
Check field. Make sure that goals and net are secure and field is marked properly. Check for any hazards or debris on the field.
Referees review games management procedures they intend to follow to include wearing of same colored jerseys, signals, record keeping etc.
Home team IS responsible for game ball and stamped addressed envelope for game reports.
Center referee verifies:
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No conflicting colors
- Start time
-
Duration of game
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Length of half time
Assistant Referees verifies using player/coaches passes
o Team names
o Age and division level
o League game #
o
Jersey # of each player
o Shoes are soccer cleats only
o No jewelry
o Coaches on sidelines
o Receives stamped envelope from home team
o Game report from each team
Center Referee communicates with captains and provides names of all officials, instructions and coin toss.
Center Referee completes the game report and mails it within 48 hours.
