Referee Conduct
Referees must arrive at the field 30 minutes prior to game time and wearing the proper uniform - yellow referee shirt (tucked in), black shorts, black long socks and black shoes. When you are wearing the referee uniform, you are representing all U.S.S.F. referees. Your conduct at the field should be professional.
Center Referee Instructions
Please make eye contact with your A.R.'s when the ball is played through for the off-side flag. If you agree, then call it. It not, waive it off. Be loud with your whistles. Protect the keepers. Error on the side of caution.
Assistant Referee Instructions
Stay in line with the second to last defender or the ball whichever is closer to the goal to call the off-side. Remember, the player must participate in the play by either interfering, playing the ball or forcing an opponent to run to play the ball before the call is made. A.R.s must flag fouls not seen by the referee. Especially on a full size field. Help out the centers. If you see it raise the flag and waive it.
Kicks From The Penalty Mark Procedure
This year we are eliminating ties in U10 and above age groups. We will use FIFA rules to determine the winner using "Kicks From The Penalty Mark".
- The referee chooses the goal at which the kicks will be taken and keeps a record of the kicks being taken.
- The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides whether to take the first kick.
- Subject to the conditions explained below, both teams take five kicks. The kicks are taken alternately by the teams.
- If, before both teams have taken five kicks, one has scored more goals than the other could score, even if it were to complete its five kicks, no more kicks are taken.
- If, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be taken in the same order until one team has scored a goal more than the other from the same number of kicks.
- Only players who are on the field of play at the end of the overtime match are allowed to take kicks from the penalty mark.
- Each kick is taken by a different player and all eligible players must take a kick before any player can take a second kick.
- An eligible player may change places with the goalkeeper at any time when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken.
- Only the eligible players and match officials are permitted to remain on the field of play when kicks are being taken.
- All players, except the player taking the kick and the two goalkeepers, must remain within the center circle.
- When a team finishes the match with a greater number of players than their opponents, they shall reduce their numbers to equate with that of their opponents and inform the referee of the name and number of each player excluded. The team captain has this responsibility.
- Before the start of kicks from the penalty mark the referee shall ensure that only an equal number of players from each team remain within the center circle and they shall take the kicks.
- A goalkeeper who is injured while kicks are being taken from the penalty mark and is unable to continue as goalkeeper may be replaced.
Handball
A hand-ball must be deliberate. Just because the ball bounces into a hand or arm does not mean it's a hand-ball. If a player is protecting themselves and the ball hits their hand, so intent is to protect and not to play the ball with their hands, then do not call a hand-ball. If they move their hands to knock the ball down, then it is a hand-ball. Don't let coaches, parents or players influence your call. Look at where the player's hands are when they strike the ball, are they in a normal running position or are they raised. If they are in a normal position, then no hand-ball. If they are raised, then possible hand-ball, depending on if they hit the ball or if the ball hits them.
Kicking Back To The Keeper
If a player deliberately kicks the ball back to the keeper, and the keeper plays the ball with his hands, the ruling is an in-direct free kick from where the keeper handled the ball. Not a penalty kick. It must be deliberate and it must be kicked back by a team mate.
Jewelry
Remember to check for jewelry prior to the game. No earrings, rings, necklaces, watches, or bracelets are allowed. Medic alert bracelets are allowed but must be taped down. Sunglasses are allowed if they are prescription.
The taping of earrings is not allowed. If they can't remove them they don't play. There will be no exceptions.
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