Pre-Game Checklist

Getting Ready For The Match

Referee Pre-Game Checklist

Make sure that the referee team is properly equipped
1. All referees are in the same colored jersey,
2. Jerseys tucked into black shorts,
3. Black socks with distinctive triple white bands are pulled to just below the knee,
4. Writing instruments are available to each referee, and
5. Two (2) forms of timekeeping are available.
Conduct Pre-Game Briefing
1. Discuss the traditional diagonal referee will run.
2. Appoint 1st assistant referee, who will run visitors touch line and back-up on time.
3. Remind assistant referees to stay with second to last defender, but making sure to follow the ball to goal line.
4. Discuss Offside
  1. Make sure of participation by offside player,
  2. Raise flag and keep flag raised until play reverses or whistle is blown, and
  3. Indicate side of field where offside occurred.
5. Discuss Throw-ins:
  1. What is considered ball out of play at touchline.
  2. Once out of play, raise flag to 120 degree in direction of throw-in, and
  3. What to watch for on a lawful throw-in.
6. Discuss Goal Kick
  1. Watch placement of ball on 6,
  2. Move to the top of the penalty area for kick, and
  3. Make sure that the ball is kicked forward and leaves the penalty area.
7. Discuss Corner Kicks
  1. Remind assistant referees to place themselves on the goal line behind the corner flagpost at a distance not to interfere with the player taking the corner kick.
  2. If no goal is scored either move to the ball or last defender, whichever is closest to the goal line.
  3. Look for offside after second touch on the ball.
8. Discuss Penalty Kicks
  1. Remind assistant referees to place themselves on the goal line behind the corner flagpost
  2. If a goal is scored move toward the halfway line.
  3. If goal is scored and ball returns to play, stop play by raising flag straight flag up. Referee will acknowledge with a whistle and assistant referee will move toward the halfway line to indicate a goal
  4. If no goal is scored either move to the ball or last defender, whichever is closest to the goal line, or indicate a goal kick by holding the flag toward the field at a 90 degree angle if the ball crosses the goal line.
9. Discuss Fouls
  1. Raise flag 180 degrees and give the flag a slight wiggle
  2. Once whistle is blown indicate direction of restart
  3. Place hand over patch for non-penal foul.
10. Remind assistant referees to mirror each other's flag so that flags are not at referees back.
11. Refresh flags for fouls in the penalty area.
12. Remind assistant referees to look to referee for positioning of free kicks
13. Follow ball to goal line on breakaways.
14. Administer substitutions from the halfway line.
Enter and exit field as a team.
Check field and nets.
1. Repair holes in the nets that would allow a ball to exit,
2. Make sure portable goals are secured with stakes,
3. Fill in large holes or mark with safety cone,
4. Check entire field for dangerous materials.
Check teams for safe and proper attire.
Bring captains to center of field with game ball for coin toss.
Start and finish games on time.
Have fun out there!

Website Manager

Hesperia Heat AYSO 878

Getting Ready For The Match

Site Links

Contact Us

Hesperia AYSO Region 878