AYSO Region 630 Guide for New Referees

• Know the Laws of the Game

• Know the accepted mechanics, signals, and procedures for Referees and Assistant

  • Referees per US Soccer

• Arrive to the field at Least 20 minutes prior to kick off

• Be professional and approachable yet confident and firm

• Be properly attired with only AYSO approved Referee uniform with socks pulled up & a wristwatch with chronograph capability (timer)

• Take charge but do not dictate

• Start the game on time

• The Referee and ARs should work as a team and never disagree publicly

• Use sunscreen & maintain hydration before, during half, and after the game

• Inspect the Field – Goals must be anchored or the game cannot be played

• Check in the players 10 minutes prior to kick off

• Introduce yourself to the coaches, be respectful, courteous, and professional

• Referee should have a pre-game conference with his Assistant Referees

• Referees (Center) should help mentor new ARS.  Remember that you were a rookie at some point too!

• Referees should be running, ARs should be running 

• Clear whistle when needed (not normally needed except for fouls, kick offs, etc.)

• Be decisive and control the game.  Even in U7/8.  Tell the players when their behavior is unacceptable.

• Coaches should be positive, instructional, and encouraging ONLY.  Be proactive with coaches and let them know that Public, Persistent, Provocative, or Personal actions or words towards any officials will not be tolerated.   Ask them to stop.  Tell them to stop.  Then you may REMOVE – eject them from the game.  Assistant coach then takes over (unless he or she is the one ejected).   Contact the RRA for help with a report.

• Do not take dissent personally.  Some dissent is to be expected.

• Yellow and Ref Cards are not used in U7, U8, U9, or U10.  Speak to the coach first to see if he can help you control a problem player.

• Ask the coach to control problem spectators/parents.  If he is unable or unwilling to control parents that are crossing the line, please eject them from the field.  Contact the RRA to file a report.

• Learn from experienced Referees.  Mentoring and peer review is part of soccer officiating.