IN-TOWN REFEREE GUIDELINES

  • If you have been assigned to referee a game it is expected that you arrive on time. Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time and check the fields for safety. If you cannot make the assigned game, and then you are expected to notify the Referee Director ASAP. 

  • During inclement weather, unless you hear from the Referee Director you should show up at the field as assigned. If you report to a field and one or both teams do not show then report the situation to the Referee Director.

  • You are to wear proper referee attire: Gold referee jersey, plain black shorts, black socks, and preferably black soccer cleats/shoes. No hats please! If it is really cold black sweatpants with a black turtle neck under the gold shirt is acceptable.

  • Referees should bring a watch, whistle, and water bottle to every game.

  • Before the game starts, check the player's equipment. Make sure they have the same color shirts, shin guards, and proper rubber cleats (no metal cleats). No players are allowed to wear baseball shoes that have a toe cleat. If a player has inappropriate footwear, they are to cutoff the toe cleat, get another pair of legal shoes or sit on the sideline.

  • Check the condition of the ball, air pressure and the proper size ball is used. Use a #3 for U7/8 and a #4 for U9/10/11/12.

  • All spectators must be on the opposite side of the field from players and coaches (3 feet from the touchline).

  • If a coach is verbally abusive, using foul language or seems out of control, then ask the coach to stop. If the abuse continues then ask the coach to leave. The coach must leave the total area. If the coach refuses to leave then abandon the game and leave the field of play. You must notify the Referee Director immediately.

  • We will not allow spectators to interfere with the game. If spectators are abusive go to the coach and ask the coach to handle the issue. If the coach does not then abandon the game immediately and leave the field of play. No spectators shall run onto the field. You must notify the Referee Director immediately.

  • Only TWO coaches shall be in the coaches? box during the game. Players and coaches for both teams will be on one side of the field and all spectators are to be on the other side. Do not start the game until this is set.

  • Coaches must stay in the coaches box. Boxes start five (5) yards from centerline and are three (3) yards by 10 (ten) yards in size. If the coach refuses then stop the game. If they continue to refuse to do as requested let them know the game will be abandoned. If at this time nothing changes then abandon the game and leave the field of play.

  • Blow the whistle! When making a call, blow the whistle loud and be firm. There will be a lot of noise especially with the younger players so you need to make sure you are heard. If you stay with the play, you will get their attention.
     

  • After the game, stand and watch the players shake hands. Make sure the players and coaches continue to conduct themselves in a professional manner. As referees you have responsibility from the time you arrive in the parking lot until you leave.
     

  • Referees will report any issue or incidents that happen on and off the field to the Referee Director immediately. For example a spectator, coach, or player problem that causes the game to be abandoned. Any abuse before, during, or after the game. Any severe injuries that require medical help (trip to hospital etc.).

Modifications

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (FIFA) laws of the game (attached as an appendix) apply unless modified in the Basic Rules. The laws are modified for players under 16 and for small-sided soccer vs. full sided.

Some of the modifications include:

  • Size of the field of play

  • Number of players

  • Size, weight and material of the ball

  • Width between the goalposts and height of the crossbar from the ground

  • Duration of the periods of play

  • Substitutions

  • Offside

  • No slide tackling

  • No penalty kicks

  • Adopt some of the E.C.Y.S.A. small sided rules


 

Click below to view the FIFA / USSF Laws of the game!
 

http://images.ussoccer.com/Documents/cms/ussf/07_law_of-the-game.pdf

 

WHAT IS A SOCCER REFEREE?

A soccer referee is a neutral interpreter of the guidelines, known as the Laws of the Game, for fair safe play. Referees should not be intimidated, shouted at, or taunted at by players, coaches or parents. Please see the Methuen Zero Tolerance Policy.

Referees like soccer players need the opportunity to develop their skills in a positive manner. We encourage everyone to respect and accept the referees opinion and treat them courteously.

REMEMBER MANY REFEREES ARE CHILDREN, ONE OF WHOM COULD BE YOUR OWN SOMEDAY!