Please Support Our Sponsors!

Referee Guide

Why referee soccer games?

Over the years many have certified themselves to referee soccer games.  The reasons given are numerous.

1. I enjoy the game, so why not referee.
2. I want to learn more about soccer, so as I play I can become smarter.
3. I like being outside.
4. I want to be in charge.
5. I need the money and the pay is good.
6. It fits my schedule better then anything else.
7. My parents told me to.
8. All my friends referee.

As a referee the obvious answer is not always clear.  Yes, as a referee for the Paola Soccer Club you can earn several hundred dollars per season, and there is no manager telling you to get the drive-through line moving quicker. With the whistle in hand, you are in charge.

However, with that whistle comes responsibility.  Regardless of the age or skill-level you take on certain responsibilities.

Referee Responsibilities

1. Safety – of all players
2. Enjoyment – of all players, fans and coaches
3. Equality – every player is equal

You have sat through hours of instruction on the rules of soccer and you have played in many games.  However, as a soccer club there are a few extra things we want you to know.  These will make your season go smoother, make you a better referee and will be part of your development and assessment by coaches, the assigner and referee mentors.

The following guidelines need to be followed by every referee who accepts game assignments from the Paola Soccer Club. 

Referee Guidelines

1. Confirm assignment with the referee assigner by e-mail or phone. DO NOT wait until the last minute.  E-mail will be the primary form used.
2. Check the website for open games and accept only those games you know you can do.
3. Be prepared – physically and mentally.
   1. Are you physically fit?
   2. Run for the entire game.  Standing in the center circle or only moving down the center of the field is unacceptable.
   3. The attitude you show in body language, actions, and attitude is a big key to your success.

4. Professionalism – how you look does make a difference. Be in the proper uniform.

In accordance with USSF rule 531, the referee committee, at the April 10, 1999 meeting, recommended that the national board of directors approve the following uniform standards for United States Soccer Federation referees, effective immediately:

Official United States Soccer Federation Referee Uniform:

• Gold jersey with black pin stripes
• Black collar
• Black cuffs (long sleeve), or no cuff (short sleeve)
• Black shorts
• Black shoes
• Approved uniform socks

Official Alternate United States Soccer Federation Referee Uniforms (in no particular order):

• Black jersey with white pin stripes, black collar, black cuffs (long sleeve), or no cuff (short sleeve).
• Red jersey with black pin stripes, black collar, black cuffs ( (long sleeve), or no cuff (short sleeve).
• Blue jersey with black pin stripes, black collar, black cuffs (long sleeve), or no cuff (short sleeve).

Alternate Uniform for Grade 9 Referees ONLY:

• Gold t-shirt with black v-neck and the words “recreational referee” over the left breast pocket.
• Black t-shirt with white v-neck and the words “recreational referee” over the left breast pocket.

Extra Points of Emphasis

• ALTERNATE JERSEY - As you begin to referee more games the need for alternate jerseys increases.  Be prepared to change colors if conflict with either of the teams or goal-keepers is present. 
• COLOR CONFLICT - It is unacceptable to ask a goal-keeper to change so they do not conflict with the referee.  You should not have same color as field players, do not worry so much about the keeper.
• CAPS - The wearing of baseball caps is not recommended, however, for medical reasons, extreme sunny conditions, or tournaments they will be permitted in limited situations.
• SUNGLASSES - The wearing of sunglasses is unacceptable.
• SOLID BLACK SHORTS - Shorts must be solid black – striped soccer shorts are not acceptable.
• PANTS – Only in extremely cold weather or during heavy rain is the wearing of pants acceptable.  When they must be worn, they need to be solid black.
• JEWELRY – Limit the amount of jewelry you wear as a referee.

YOUR SHIRT MUST BE TUCKED IN, AND YOUR SOCKS UP.

Have the Proper Gear

• THE BASICS - Watch, coin, flags, whistle(s), pen or pencil, cards, game report or paper, alternate jersey, pump.
• ADDED SUGGESTIONS – Bug spray, sunscreen, band aides, rain gear, rule book, extra of everything.

Wear the Proper Badge

• It is also a good idea to carry your USSF certification card in your bag.

Know the Rules and Proper Procedures

• Know the laws of the game and the rule modifications for the game you are doing.

Be a Student of the Game

• Read the information that discusses specific points of emphasis.
• Watch games on television paying close attention to the referee crew.
• Attend games and watch the referees, ask questions at the end of the game.
• Ask questions of experienced referees and referee mentors who from time to time will be at your games.
• A simple word of caution: make sure to separate opinion from the facts, and make sure to apply the advice to the proper level game.
• Be on time - arrive for your game 30 minutes prior to kick-off.
• Conduct a pre-game with your referee crew.