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AYSO National Referee Program

REGIONAL REFEREE COURSE

2024-2025

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History of the Game

The modern game dates from 1863 when the Laws of the Game were established at a London pub.

Two factions split from one another.

One was Rugby Football.

The other was

Association Football

(soccer).

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Governing Organizations

FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) governs the worldwide game

USSF (United States Soccer Federation) is the national governing body

AYSO is a National Association member of USSF

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LAWS and Rules used by AYSO

International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game

theIFAB.com

PDF and mobile app

AYSO National Rules & Regulations

aysovolunteers.org

within “AYSO Reference Book”

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OBJECTIVES FOR THE DAY

  • Understand what to expect from younger players
  • Be able to perform pre and post game duties
  • Managing the game play (Starts and Stops)
  • Recognizing when the ball is in and out of play
  • Offsides

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OBJECTIVES FOR THE DAY

  • Understand methods of scoring
  • Referee and AR Mechanics
  • Fouls and misconducts
  • Build out Line and 6U/7U/8U modifiers

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AYSO’s SIX PHILOSOPHIES

Open Registration

Balanced Teams

Everyone Plays

Positive Coaching

Good Sportsmanship

Player Development

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Everyone

Plays

In our

Community

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AYSO Team

The AYSO Team consists of the parents, coaches and referees who in addition to supporting the players, also volunteer to help run the AYSO regions.

This AYSO Team triangle demonstrates how kids in AYSO are surrounded and protected by AYSO Team members.

Referees

Coaches

Parents

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Philosophy of Coaching

AYSO teaches coaches that they need to be

  • Positive
  • Instructional
  • Encouraging

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Philosophy of Refereeing

“Football [Soccer] must have Laws which keep the game ‘fair’, as a crucial foundation of the beauty of the ‘beautiful game’ is its fairness – this is a vital feature of the ‘spirit’ of the game.

The best matches are those where the referee is rarely needed as the players play with respect for each other, the match officials and the Laws.”

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Philosophy of Parenting

PARENTS should CHEER for the players. That’s it.

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The spirit of the Laws of the Game can be summarized in three simple words:

Safe

Fair

Fun

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Understanding Youth Soccer

and 6U-10U Players

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Physical Characteristics

Early stages of development

Can run, jump and skip, but motor skills are still developing

Lots of energy, but in bursts… Can still tire easily

Can’t sit still for a long time

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6U Players

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Social/Emotional Characteristics

Craves praise and attention

Fearful of unknowns

Needs encouragement

Unpredictable rapid mood change

Disposition to telling tall tales

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6U Players

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Thought/Cognitive Characteristics

Lacks judgment regarding own safety/abilities

Does not think logically

Asks lots of questions

Fond of stories

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6U Players

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Physical Characteristics

Play hard & works at playing hard

Sense of timing is developing

Improved eye-hand coordination

Better agility/endurance than 6U

8U can now balance on one foot

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8U Players

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Social/Emotional Characteristics

Starting to define likes & dislikes

Friendship is important

“Play” needs a purpose

Afraid of failure

Need for honesty training

Start comparing self to others

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8U Players

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Social/Emotional Characteristics

Self-esteem and self concept are big issues

Becoming more outgoing

Peer acceptance is very important

Quick to tattle

Cooperative with adults

Wants to belong to a group

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8U Players

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Thought/Cognitive Characteristics

Beginning to understand moral rules of behavior

Can solve some problems

Starting to grasp Team concept

Understands viewpoint of others

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8U Players

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Thought/Cognitive Characteristics

Needs concrete reinforcement

Treats every little mistake as a major crime

Rigidly interprets ideas of justice and fair play

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8U Players

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Physical Characteristics

More interested in competitive activities

More interested in improving skills

Attention span is increasing

May accept a physical touch, but some will begin to reject it

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10U Players

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Social/Emotional Characteristics

Group acceptance is important Wants to be liked

Feelings are easily hurt

May blame others to explain their own mistakes

Needs reinforcement

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10U Players

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Thought/Cognitive Characteristics

Can recall details with accuracy

Can understand the concept of cause and effect

Enjoys attention but their reaction to praise may be more subdued

Still takes what is said quite literally

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10U Players

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Pre-Game Duties and Activities

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Region 37 Specific Duties

  • Know your team number (Ask your Coach)
  • Check in at the tent and
  • Sign into the Referee Book
  • Know when your match is

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Check in at the tent.

At least 15-30 minutes prior to game time (preferably more),

in the proper uniform.

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Arrive early

With required equipment

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Introduce yourself to the Coaches

Learn their names

Be friendly

For most coaches, this is their first time as a coach.

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Basic Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1

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Touch Line

Goal Line

Goal

Corner

Flag

Halfway Line

Center Circle

Penalty Area

Goal

Area

Corner

Area

Penalty Mark

Penalty Arc

Halfway

Flag

Pre-game Duties & Activities

Check Field markings

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The Ball

  • Spherical and safe (not torn)

  • Firm, but yields ¼ inch to� thumb pressure

  • Size 4 for 10U and 12U

Pre-game Duties and Activities

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Check the field and Equipment

  • Ensure the field has markings.
  • Look for holes, glass, rocks, debris, etc.
  • Ensure the Goals are secured
  • Check that the nets don’t have holes.

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Inspect goals

  • Position of goalposts: Back of goalposts even with back of goal line

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Team Uniform (5 Components)

Shirt, Shorts, Shoes, Socks, Shin guards.

Shin guards must be under the socks.

Goalkeeper’s shirt must be distinguishable from all other players and IDEALLY the Referee.

Captain’s Armband: Teams must designate a captain who wears an authorized, single color “Captain” or “C” armband. (AYSO Guidance)

Check players and substitutes uniforms & equipment

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Allowed equipment

Glasses

Players may wear Prescription glasses. It is recommended they wear a retaining strap.

Gloves

Goalkeepers may wear gloves as long as they are not dangerous.

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Allowed Equipment

Sweatpants and Shirts

are often allowed under the player’s jersey in cold weather.

Knee Braces

The Referee must ensure that the brace is padded and does not pose a danger to other players.

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

NO CASTS OR SPLINTS

May never be worn in AYSO games and may not be removed at the field in order to play.

NO JEWELRY OF ANY KIND

This prohibition includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anything hard in hair (including woven beads).

Exception: medical alert bracelets may be worn, taped down with the medical information visible.

NO HATS

Exception: goalkeepers may wear soft hats for head protection.

NO SUNGLASSES

Exception: prescription sunglasses may be worn.

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Brief Assistant Referees

How we are going to work as a team?

How we are going to communicate?

  • Follow standard signals
  • Discuss non-standard signals

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Brief Club Linesmen

(the non-Referee volunteer):

  • Explain expectations.
  • Put at ease.
  • Only signal if the ball is in/out of play.
    • Raise flag straight up when the whole ball has gone over the whole line.

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Conduct the coin toss

  • Call for captains
  • Provide a brief introduction (no long lectures)

  • Doesn’t matter who tosses the coin or who calls it
  • Winner of the coin toss chooses which goal to attack or to kick off

Pre-game Duties and Activities

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Pre and Post Game Duties R37

  • Before the game, the coach will give you this card.

X

X

X

G

G

X

I

Allison Richins

1

23

10

18

21

7

8

12

5

Christen Press

Carli Lloyd

Ashlyn Harris

Adrianna Franch

Abby Dahlkemper

Julie Ertz

Alyssa Naeher

Alex Morgan

X

X

G

G

X

III

X

Mrs Captain Awesome

Mr Captain Awesome

Red, White, and Blue

Team USA

1001

7/7/19

9:15

10U

Santana 1

  • It will be filled out
  • During the game, keep track of substitutes, goalkeepers and scoring.
  • At Half time and after the game, review the cards between the referee team.

1011

1-2

4-2

1011

1001

  • All Referees must sign the back and award sportsmanship points
  • Sportsmanship points starts at 3!

3

3

3

9

Matt Richins

Noobie McNoob

Liam Richins

Reg

Adv

Int

1052

Staff

Staff

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Now that we’ve finished our

pre-game activities....

How do we start the game?

Blow the whistle!

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Kick-Off

Kick-Off is used:

  • To start the game
  • After a goal is scored
  • To start the second half

Pro Tip: The Kickoff can be a single person from the attacking team, it does not require 2 people.

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Kick-Off

Verify the correct number of players on the field.

For 10U - seven (7) players on each team (5 minimum).

For 12U - nine (9) players on each team (6 minimum).

Pro-Tip: AR’s can help here

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Basic Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1

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All players must be on their own side

A

D

D

A

A

A

A

A

A

D

D

D

D

D

Defenders must be 10 yds from the ball

The kicker may be on the opponents’ side of the field.

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Kick-Off

The ball is stationary in the center of the field.

The Referee blows the whistle to start play.

The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.

Time officially starts when the ball is put into play

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Keeping Time – 1st Half

Example Game 10U:

    • Referee signals to start the game (Blow Whistle)
    • Ball is kicked and clearly moves (Referee starts watch)
    • ~11 M to ~13 M the ball goes out of play. The referee blows the whistle to signal quarter (THE CLOCK KEEPS RUNNING)
    • Substitutions occur and the game is restarted by the Referee blowing the whistle (Usually a throw in or goal kick to restart)
    • 25 M exactly the referee signals half time (Blows whistle twice)
    • 5 Minute Break

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Keeping Time – 2nd Half

Example Game 10U:

    • 5 Minute Break
    • Encourage coaches to get the players on the pitch
    • Referee signals to start the game (Blow Whistle)
    • Ball is kicked and clearly moves (Referee starts watch)
    • ~11 M 45 S to ~12 M 30 S the ball goes out of play. The referee blows the whistle to signal quarter (THE CLOCK KEEPS RUNNING)
    • 25 M exactly the referee signals the end of the game (Blows whistle thrice)

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Keeping Time

Time starts when the ball has been put into play (kicked and clearly moves).

The match is divided into two equal halves:

19U 90 minutes (45 minute halves)

16U 80 minutes (40 minute halves)

14U 70 minutes (35 minute halves)

12U 60 minutes (30 minute halves)

10U 50 minutes (25 minute halves)

8U 40 minutes (20 minute halves)

6U 32 minutes (16 minute halves)

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Keeping Time

Law 7 grants Referees the discretion to add time for time that is lost through time wasting, injuries, etc.

In Region 37,

NEVER EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER,

ADD ADDITIONAL TIME.

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Ball in and out of Play

(Stopping the Game)

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Stopping the Game

There are really only

two reasons play stops:

  • The ball goes out of play

(which includes a goal),

Or

  • The Referee deems it necessary (which includes everything else). 

Only whistle if needed – players generally know already!

Always requires a whistle!

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In Soccer:

Not the player’s position

The ball’s position determines whether it is in or out of play,

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The lines of the field are part of

the area they define:

IN

OUT

In Play

In Play

Out of Play

In Play

Either in the air or on the ground

YOU MAKE THE CALL: IN or OUT

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Play is stopped when a goal is scored

When the whole ball crosses over the whole goal line, between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar.

It does not matter which team put it there.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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When an offense is committed An offense is an action that is unsafe or unfair

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Play is stopped when the referee deems it necessary.

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Play is stopped when the Referee deems it necessary

If the assistant referee raises the flag for an offense, play does not stop until the referee blows the whistle. The Referee has the final decision and does not have to stop play.

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Play is stopped when the referee deems it necessary.

Sometimes there are outside influences that make it necessary to stop play.

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Weather Safety

  • Thunder & Lightning:

Hear it, fear it; see it, flee it.”

    • If you see lightning or hear thunder, suspend the game until at least 30 minutes has past since the last lightning or thunder is heard.
  • Very hot days: Be sure players get adequate water opportunities.
  • Extra Water breaks are ok.

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Play is stopped for injuries

ANYTIME

IMMEDIATELY

In younger players’ games, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

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Play is stopped for injuries

Blood on clothing must be neutralized.

Blood on the body must be removed.

This is the coach’s responsibility.

Players CANNOT be on the field if they have blood on their person or their clothing.

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Play may be stopped for injury

If a player is injured and leaves the field

(with the Referee’s permission):

  • The coach can decide if the team will play short (less than the number normally on the field) until the player returns to the field (with the Referee’s permission),

or

  • The coach can substitute the injured player.

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Play is stopped for substitutions

There are four opportunities for substitutions (THIS MAY OR MAY NOT BE A TEST QUESTION):

  1. Injury
  2. About midway through the first half
  3. Halftime
  4. About midway through the second half

Ok, it’s a test question, pay attention!

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When time expires, the game is over.

If the ball is out of play when time expires, the Referee is not required to wait

until play resumes to blow the final whistle.

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Offside

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Offside

There are 3 elements of an offside offense

  1. Offside Position

  • Time of Judgement

  • Active Involvement

All three elements MUST be present or there cannot been an offside.

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Element #1 Offside Position

Offside position defined

Players are in an offside position if they are:

  1. In the opponents’ half of the field*, AND
  2. Closer to the opponents’ goal line than the ball, AND
  3. Closer to the opponents’ goal line than the second-to-last opponent.

All three elements MUST be present for a player to be in an

offside position.

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Whichever is closest to the goal line …

    • the second to last defender,
    • the ball, or
    • the halfway line*

becomes the boundary between onside and offside position.

This is the “Offside Line.”

A

A

R

Last Defender

Offside Position

2nd to Last Defender

*For 10U we use the BOL as an offside line instead of the halfway line.

Opponent’s Half

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Effect of being in offside position

It is not an offense to be in an offside position. It just means that player is momentarily off their team.

  • The player cannot interfere with play or any of the opposing players.
  • The player cannot have any involvement in the match.
  • The player is “off” their “side.”

Offside Position

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Element #2 Time of Judgment

(Very Important!)

Offside Position is judged at the MOMENT that the ball is played or is touched by a teammate.

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Attackers in onside vs offside position

  • If attackers are in an onside position when their teammate plays or is touched by the ball, they are free to move and play the ball.
  • If they are in an offside position when their teammate plays or is touched by the ball, they may NOT become involved in active play.

Element #2 Time of Judgment

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Playing the ball or being touched by it (Interfering with play)

Interfering with an opponent

Gaining an advantage*

*Gaining an advantage is doing P or I after the ball rebounds or is deflected by an opponent or the goal frame, or after an opponent makes a save.

Element #3 – what is Active involvement?

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OFFSIDE – the 3 elements together

Offside offense defined

Once all three of these conditions have been met:

1) Offside position

2) Time of judgment

3) Active involvement

An offside offense has occurred.

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the place the offense occurred.

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OFFSIDE

Exceptions

There is no offense if a player

receives the ball directly from a:

Goal Kick

Corner Kick

Throw-In

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It is a violation of the offside law to be in an offside position.

TRUE or FALSE

FALSE

It is not an offense to be in an offside position.

It just means that player is

momentarily off his team.

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Let’s look at some examples:

OFFSIDE

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A2

A2

b

a

D1

A1

D2

AR

Direction of attack

DECISION

Offside offense: Interfering with play (playing the ball)

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A2

A2

D1

A1

D2

AR

Direction of attack

DECISION

NO offside offense

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D1

AR

DECISION

Wait and see: who will touch it first?

Direction of attack

A3

A3

A2

A2

A1

D2

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A2

A2

D1

A1

D2

AR

Direction of attack

DECISION

NO offside offense. Restart with goal kick.

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A2

D1

A1

D2

AR

DECISION

NO offside offense

Direction of attack

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A2

A2

a

b

D1

A1

D2

AR

Direction of attack

DECISION

Offside offense: Interfering with play (playing the ball)

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A2

A2

a

b

D1

A1

D2

AR

Direction of attack

DECISION

Offside offense: Interfering with play (playing the ball)

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D1

AR

DECISION

NO offside offense

Direction of attack

A3

A3

A2

A2

A1

D2

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And now . . .

. . . YOU make the call!

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Offside Position, but………

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How to be offside on a corner kick (ish)

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Goal or no goal?

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Offside: Key Takeaways

  • It is not an offense to be in an Offside Position.
  • Time of Judgment is when the ball touches or is played by a teammate.
  • Wait for Active Involvement before penalizing for offside.

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Fouls

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A foul is an unsafe or unfair act:

A foul is:

  1. Committed while the ball is in play
  2. Generally while on the field of play
  3. Generally against an opponent

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Free kick offenses are categorized into two types:

These categories are named for the way play is restarted.

  • Direct Free Kick (DFK) Offenses
  • Indirect Free Kick (IDFK) Offenses

Fouls – Free Kicks

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Direct Free Kick offenses

There are 12

The first 7 must be done

  • Carelessly
  • Recklessly

or with

  • Excessive Force

CREf

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Fouls for which a Direct Free Kick is awarded

1. Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent

Even the attempt to commit any of these three actions is an offense.

3. Trips or attempts to trip an opponent

2. Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent

CREf

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Direct Free Kick offenses

5. Charges an opponent

4. Jumps at an opponent

6. Pushes an opponent

  1. Tackles or Challenges

an opponent

CREf

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Direct Free Kick offenses

  1. Holds an opponent

10. Impedes an opponent with contact

  1. Handles the ball deliberately

The next five are an offense if they just happen

FIFA 20/21

Update

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Direct Free Kick offenses

  1. Bites or Spits at someone on the team list or match official

  • Throws an object at the ball, opponent or match official, or makes contact with the ball with a held object

These are both VERY rare in 10U.

The next five are an offense if they just happen (cont’d)

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Direct Free Kick offenses

These Four offenses commonly occur

in 10U and younger age groups:

  • Pushes an opponent
  • Holds an opponent
  • Handles the ball deliberately
  • Trips or attempts to trip an opponent

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Indirect Free Kick offenses | There are 9

Four apply to goalkeepers in their own penalty area.

  1. Takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with their hands, before releasing it from their possession. (DO NOT BE TRIFLING ON THIS. “Let’s Go Keeper” works great!
  2. Touches the ball again with their hands after it has been released from their possession and has not touched any other player.
  3. Touches the ball with their hands after it has been deliberately kicked by a team-mate.
  4. Touches the ball with their hands after they have received it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate.

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Indirect Free Kick offenses

The remaining six pertain to all players:

  1. Plays in a dangerous manner
  2. Impedes the progress of an opponent without contact
  3. Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from their hands or kicks or attempts to kick the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing it
  4. Is guilty of dissent, using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures or other verbal offenses
  5. Commits any other offense, not mentioned in the Laws, for which play is stopped to caution or send off a player
  6. Initiates a deliberate trick for the ball to be passed to the goalkeeper with the head, chest, knee etc. to circumvent the law

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The most common IFK offense in 10U and younger age groups:

  • Plays in a dangerous manner

Indirect Free Kick

Examples:

  • A kick high up when it is dangerous to an opponent.
  • Playing the ball from the ground when it unfairly makes it dangerous for an opponent to play the ball.

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Misconduct

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MISCONDUCT

Behavior that is in serious conflict with the spirit of the game and good sportsmanship.

(Something that’s very rare in the 10U games.)

Two types of Misconduct:

Those resulting in a Caution

Those resulting in a Send-Off

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MISCONDUCT

There are eight cautionable offenses:

  1. Fails to respect the required distance on a corner kick, free kick or throw-in
  2. Enters/re-enters/ leaves the field of play without permission
  3. Dissent by word or action
  4. Delays the restart of play
  5. Unsporting behavior
  6. Persistent offenses
  7. Entering the Referee Review Area (RRA)
  8. Excessively using the “review” (TV screen) signal

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MISCONDUCT

There are eight send-off offenses:

  1. Serious foul play
  2. Abusive, offensive, or insulting language and/or actions
  3. Violent conduct
  4. Spitting at or biting someone
  5. Receives a second caution in the same match
  6. Denies a goal or obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball
  7. Denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by an offense punishable by a Free Kick or Penalty Kick
  8. Entering the video operation room (VOR)

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Misconduct is rare in 10U games.

Referees should deal with it informally, usually without showing cards.

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Younger Player Misconduct

  • The referee should approach the offending player's coach, explain the misconduct to the coach while showing the coach you are recording the misconduct on your match report.
  • The misconduct should also be recorded on the back of the game card and a misconduct form completed as required by the competition authorities.

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Misconduct

Coaches may be warned, cautioned (shown yellow card) or sent-off (shown red card).

Not common in AYSO games.

Spectators may be warned, cautioned, or sent-off. Do not show yellow or red cards to spectators.

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Ask coaches to deal with inappropriate spectators.

Referees

Coaches

Parents

Unruly coaches and spectators

DO NOT Punish a coach because of a spectator unless the coach refuses to handle the situation. Work with the coach

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Roles and Responsibilities - Referee

  • Focus on providing a SAFE, fun, and fair playing environment for the kids.
  • Learn the Laws of the game.
  • Be approachable before, during, and after the game where appropriate.
  • Be firm, fair, and calm.
  • Blow the whistle with confidence!
  • Maintain concentration on the field.
  • Use loud communication so the players understand what is happening.
  • Listen to what players are saying. Do not be too quick to call it dissent.
  • Utilize Ask, Tell, Remove in the appropriate manner (Next Slide on unruly spectators).

Do not take it personally.

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Irresponsible Behavior (Coaches and Spectators)

  • Telling the referee during and after the game the fouls that s/he missed.
  • Entering the field of play without permission.
  • Interfering with the performance of assistant referee duties.
  • Unpleasant comments in general.
  • Spectators telling coaches how to manage the team.
  • Anything other than cheering for the team (Spectators)

Behavior Types Defined

Responsible Behavior (Coaches)

  • Provide positive and encouraging instruction
  • Direct players where to play.
  • Manage team positions.
  • Manage injured players.
  • Enlisting parents to cheer for the team.
  • Active monitoring of players on the field (health, morale, performance)
  • Managing tactical team play.
  • Leading by Example!

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Abusive Behavior (Coaches and Spectators)

  • Speaking insulting words or making offensive gestures
  • Throwing objects in protest.
  • Persistently and flagrantly protesting decisions by an official. (Dissent)
  • Inflammatory and/or insulting comments.
    • Come on Ref get it right.
    • Call it both ways.
  • Negative comments or unwanted contact towards players of the opposing team.

Behavior Types Defined

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123

Managing the Unruly Spectator

Words you can use:

  • ASK Coach can you please help me with one of your parents?
  • ASK Coach can you please join me on the field? (Yellow Card when done)
  • Coach, I’m worried about a player can we talk?
  • I hear you #6, come talk to me.
  • I hear you #6, we will talk at half time.
  • (AR) I will pass along the message when I can.
  • Yellow Card when appropriate.
  • Red Card when diplomacy has failed.

Advice:

  • Do not issue threats unless you’re ready to enter the “remove” phase and you are ready to follow through
  • Choose a time to stop the match when the opposing team is not attacking:

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Abusive Behavior

  • Curse or use insulting language towards a coach, player, or spectator
  • “Coach, shut up, sit down”
  • Attack or criticize the coach or his team
  • Do not use phrases that further invite debate or negative discussion
    • Have you even taken the ref class?
    • Would you like the whistle so that you can do this?
    • I don’t think that you know how soccer works.
    • Quit telling me how to ref, go play the game.
  • (AR) Second guessing the Referee decision or call “That was a bad call.”
    • As an AR when you are asked, every call the referee makes is a great call.
  • NEVER EVER make physical contact with a coach, spectator, or player.

Words you should never use

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Restarting the Game

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Restarting the Game

For some reason, the game has been stopped. (Injury, goal, offense, ball out of play, etc.)

How do we restart play?

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Restarting the Game – Cheat Sheet

Reason for stoppage

How to restart

Goal scored

Kick-off

Ball leaves field and was not a goal

Throw-in, goal kick, or corner kick

Foul / technical offense

Direct free kick (or penalty kick) or indirect free kick

Injury or unusual stoppage

Dropped ball

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Throw In

A

A

R

Ball is kicked across the touch line and OUT OF PLAY by blue

Opposing team Red Takes the Throw in

Assistant Referee Signals a Throw in for Red

Throw in is take from approximately where the ball left the field

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Restarting the Game

  • Face the field of play.

  • Have part of each foot touching the ground either on or behind the line.

  • Use both hands to deliver the ball from behind and over the head.

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must:

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Restarting the Game

THROW-IN

  • The ball is in play as soon as released and any portion of it is on or over the outside edge of the touchline.

  • Opposing players must be at

least 2 yds. from the point

of the throw-in.

  • A goal may not be

scored directly from a throw-in.

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Restarting the Game

on the field off the field

Facing the field

Direction of Throw

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Restarting the Game – Throw in

Yes

Both feet are on

or behind touchline

Is the players feet location OK?

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133

Restarting the Game – Goal Kick (GK) and Corner Kick (CK)

Goal kick and corner kick

When the whole ball passes over the goal line and no goal is scored, play is restarted with either

  • A goal kick for the defending team, or
  • A corner kick for the attacking team.

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Goal Kick

A

A

R

AR Stopped at the Half Line

Red Attacker Kicks the ball across the goal line (Not in the Goal)

Assistant Referee Signals a Goal Kick for Blue

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135

GOAL KICK

All of these balls are legally placed

within the goal area.

Players can put the ball

anywhere within the goal area.

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136

Restarting the Game

GOAL KICK

The ball is in play once the ball is kicked and clearly moves.

  • The ball can be played before leaving the penalty area.
  • The Kicker cannot touch the ball a second time.
  • A goal can be scored from a goal kick but only against the opposing team.
  • Only members of the kicking team can be in the penalty area.

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GOAL KICK

The kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until it’s touched by any other player.

A goal can be scored directly from a Goal Kick, but only against the opposing team.

During the Goal Kick, only members of the kicking team can be in the Penalty Area, and it doesn’t matter how many.

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138

Corner Kick

A

A

R

Blue Defender Kicks the ball across the goal line (Not in the Goal)

Assistant Referee Signals a Corner Kick for Red

Watch the AR’s Move

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CORNER KICK

  • Players from the opposing team must be 10 yds. from the ball (8 yds. in U10).
  • The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
  • It does not have to leave the corner area arc.

The kicker cannot move the corner flag.

  • A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick.

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140

Restarting the Game

A way to restart play when the Referee has stopped play because of a foul or technical infraction.

FREE KICKS

Direct Free Kick (DFK)

A goal can be scored directly from the kick

(against the opposing team).

Indirect Free Kick (IFK)

The ball must touch any other player before a goal can be scored.

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Restarting the Game

To signal a

Direct Free Kick, the Referee raises an arm at a

45 degree angle

in the direction

of the kick.

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142

Restarting the Game

To signal an Indirect Free Kick:

After showing the direction of the attack, the Referee holds an arm straight up into the air.

The arm remains in this position until the ball either

  1. touches any other player, or
  2. goes out of play, or
  3. Clearly will not enter the goal

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Restarting the Game

The kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player.

If they do, an Indirect Free Kick is awarded to the other team.

This is true for all restarts

EXCEPT a dropped ball.

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In most cases, a Free Kick (Direct and Indirect) is:

  • Taken from the location of the foul, and is

  • In play once it is kicked and clearly moves.

All opponents must

be 10 yards from the ball

(8 yards for 10U).

Some exceptions exist based on the location of the foul: i.e. Penalty Area and Goal Area modifiers

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Free kick of any type awarded to defending team in own goal area: Ball placed anywhere in goal area.

Ball in play once kicked and clearly moves.

Opposing players should be outside penalty area.

Direction of kick

G

D

A

A

A

D

D

D

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Direction of kick

IDFK awarded to attacking team in opponents’ goal area: Ball moved to nearest point on goal area line parallel to goal line.

The ball is in play once it is kicked and clearly moves.

Defenders must be either 10 yards away (8 for 10U/12U) OR on goal line between goal posts.

G

D

A

D

D

D

A

A

A

D

*Diagram not to scale

10 Yards

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Penalty Kick

Only kicker and GK are in the PA.

A

A

Kicker places ball on penalty mark.

R

GK must be on the goal line between the posts until the ball is kicked.

The referee makes sure the GK is ready and then must use the whistle to tell the kicker when to take the kick.

AR watches GK movement and whether ball crosses line.

All other players (from both teams) must be outside the PA and penalty arc and behind the ball.

The ball must be kicked forward. The kicker cannot touch a second time until touched by another player.

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Restarting the Game

To restart play for

an unusual but neutral reason.

DROPPED BALL

Injury

Dog on the field

Stray ball

Younger Sibling

These 2 are the common reason for stopping due to interference

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149

Drop Ball

A

A

R

Blue starts a breakaway and in comes a bad actor.

  1. Blow The Whistle (Stop Play)
  2. Award a drop ball to the team that last touched the ball (Blue)
  3. Opposing team (Red) is moved 4.5 yards away.
  4. Perform a drop ball.

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150

Play is stopped by error

While running the field, the Referee mistakenly blows the whistle.

What does the Referee do?

Everyone stops playing.

Restart with a

dropped ball.

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Restarting the Game

The referee is hit by the ball.

What should the referee do?

Usually nothing, but if ball stays in field and:

  • The ball goes into the goal, or
  • Possession changes, or
  • A promising attack results

Restart with dropped ball

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Referee and

AR Mechanics

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153

Referee and Assistant Referee Mechanics

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What are the Duties of the Referee ?

  1. Keep a record of the match.
  2. Timekeeper.
  3. Scorekeeper.
  4. Control substitutions.
  5. File a written report.
  6. Stop play for injury.
  7. Restart play when it has been stopped.
  8. Suspend/terminate a match for cause.

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REFEREE COMMUNICATION / SIGNALS

Whistle

Voice

Hand

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REFEREE POSITIONING

Applying the three principles (see play/see AR/out of way) & where the ARs need to be causes the Referee to follow what we call the “Standard Diagonal.”

AR

AR

R

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Referee and Assistant Referee Mechanics

Applying the three principles (see play—see AR—be out of way) and where ARs need to be causes Referee to follow “Standard Diagonal.”

Referee positioning: Diagonal System of Control (DSC)

AR

AR

R

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REFEREE POSITIONING

Starting the game

ARs line up with offside line (2LD, ball, or halfway/build-out line).

During the game, ARs stay on this part of touchline – because that is always where the offside position is.

A

A

R anticipates play, keeping play between her and the lead AR and staying close but out of the way.

R

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REFEREE POSITIONING

During the game

(Red has ball and is attacking)

ARs stay with the offside line – here the 2LD.

A

A

R

Three goals for the Referee to find the best position:

  1. “I can see play and the potential problem areas.”
  2. “I can see my AR.”
  3. “I am not occupying space the players need.”

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REFEREE POSITIONING

Example: Free Kick (by Red)

AR is lined up with their offside line.

A

A

R

Referee:

  1. Can see all key play areas.
  2. Can see the AR.
  3. Isn’t in the way.

Our trail AR is back here at their offside line – which is now the halfway line.

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AR DUTIES AND SIGNALS

  • Indicate ball out of play

(includes a goal scored).

  • Indicate which side gets

Throw-in, Goal Kick or Corner Kick.

  • Indicate when offside offense has occurred.
  • Assist the Referee to control the game.

Referee and Assistant Referee Mechanics

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Referee and Assistant Referee Mechanics

AR: position and flag

  • Positioned even with second-to-last defender OR ball OR halfway line—whichever is closest to goal line—to accurately judge offside position.
  • Hold flag at side pointing to ground—in hand closest to referee—except when signaling.

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  • Stop play
  • Throw-in
  • Goal Kick
  • Corner Kick
  • Offside
  • Goal
  • Foul

Communication between the Referee and

Assistant Referee’s FLAG SIGNALS

ASSISTANT REFEREE DUTIES AND SIGNALS

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Please Stop Play.

I will tell you why with my next signal.

REFEREE COMMUNICATION / SIGNALS

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ASSISTANT REFEREE

Throw In

A

A

R

Ball is kicked OUT OF PLAY by blue

Red Takes the Throw in

Assistant Referee Signals a Throw in for Red

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ASSISTANT REFEREE

Goal Kick

A

A

R

AR Stopped at the Half Line

Red Attacker Kicks the ball across the goal line (Not in the Goal)

Assistant Referee Signals a Goal Kick for Blue

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ASSISTANT REFEREE

Corner Kick

A

A

R

Blue Defender Kicks the ball across the goal line (Not in the Goal)

Assistant Referee Signals a Corner Kick for Red

Watch the AR’s Move

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REFEREE COMMUNICATION / SIGNALS

Proper position to see goal

Offense - Flick or wave flag

Goal scored

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ASSISTANT REFEREE

Off-Side

A

A

R

Assistant Referee Signals that Red is Off-Side.

Player Staring from the Offside Position (More coming up)

When the Referee blows the whistle to stop play, the Assistant Referee Signals Off-Side Middle Field

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ASSISTANT REFEREE

Off-Side

OFFSIDE – MIDDLE

OFFSIDE – NEAR SIDE

OFFSIDE – FAR SIDE

Near

Middle

Far

Far

Near

A

A

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Post-game Duties

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Post-game Duties

Collect the game ball and return to owner.

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Post-game Duties

Supervise team handshake.

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Post-game Duties

Congratulate referee team and seek feedback.

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Post Game Duties R37

Ensure that the card is signed and completed

If there was a reason to remove sportsmanship points please write a note on the card why.

X

X

X

G

G

X

I

Allison Richins

1

23

10

18

21

7

8

12

5

Christen Press

Carli Lloyd

Ashlyn Harris

Adrianna Franch

Abby Dahlkemper

Julie Ertz

Alyssa Naeher

Alex Morgan

X

X

G

G

X

III

X

Mrs Captain Awesome

Mr Captain Awesome

Red, White, and Blue

Team USA

1001

7/7/19

9:15

10U

Santana 1

1011

1-2

4-2

1011

1001

3

3

3

9

Matt Richins

Noobie McNoob

Liam Richins

Reg

Adv

Int

1052

Staff

Staff

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176

Player Development Initiatives and age group modifiers

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The 10U Build-Out Line

177

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BOL Does Not Restrict Player Location During Normal Play

178

OK in regular

game play

2

5

11

7

9

3

1-GK

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Opponents MUST Move Behind BOL When GK Gets Possession

179

Red team “Defensive Third”

179

GK holding the ball

3

2

5

11

7

9

1-GK

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Putting Ball into Play: �Referee Considerations

  • The goalkeeper may play the ball to either side of the BOL.
    • The BOL only impacts opposing team position on field.
  • The goalkeeper does not need to wait for opponents to retreat; takes the risk of interception.
  • The goalkeeper cannot punt the ball.
  • Referee should encourage opponents to retreat.
    • The goalkeeper has “6-seconds” to put the ball into play after opponents have retreated across the BOL (not commonly enforced in 9U/10U – vocally encourage the goalkeeper to put the ball into play).

180

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Opponent Considerations

  • Opponents may cross the BOL as soon as the ball is released from the goalkeeper’s hands.
  • Offense: an opponent crosses the BOL before the goalkeeper releases the ball and subsequently interferes with play:
    • Be vocally proactive; manage opponents to avoid this behavior.
    • Use judgement and don’t interfere for trifling offense.
    • If play has to be stopped to deal with the offense:
      • Remind the opponents of the proper procedure.
      • Restart with an IFK for the goalkeeper’s team on the BOL where the opponent crossed early .

181

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Opponents MUST Move Behind the BOL for Goal Kick

182

Blue

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Putting the Ball into Play from a Goal Kick:

  • Opponents may cross the BOL as soon as the ball is kicked and clearly moves.
  • Offense: Opponents cross the BOL before the goal kick is taken:
    • The Referee stops play and asks opponents to retreat; then the goal kick is retaken.
    • Use judgement and don’t interfere for a trifling offense.
    • Be proactive; manage opponents to avoid this behavior.

183

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9U/10U BOL and Offside

  • The area of potential offside infractions is defined by the BOL and the closest goal line.

    • The BOL replaces the Halfway Line as the boundary where offside infractions are considered.

184

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BOL Limits Location of Offside Position

185

Offside boundary line 11U/12U and older

Possible Offside area

In 9U/10U

No longer

can be

Offside

in 9U/10U

Offside boundary line 9U/10U

185

Attacking

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BOL Defines Potential Offside Infractions

186

NOT in Offside position

2

5

11

7

9

3

Attacking

1-GK

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BOL Defines Potential Offside Infractions

187

In Offside position

2

5

11

7

9

3

Attacking

1-GK

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188

Players at 12U and below* may not deliberately head the ball

USSF Safety Rule

This can never be the basis for a caution or send off.

* If there is a 11U division (such as in EXTRA) the restriction does not apply to the 12U division

The restart is an Indirect Free Kick

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Goalkeepers at:

  • 11U and 12 U may punt the ball.
  • 10U and 9U may NOT punt the ball.

This can never be the basis for a caution or send off.

The restart for a 10U or 9U goalkeeper punt is an Indirect Free Kick

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8U Modifications

  • Ball is size 3 and game duration is 40 minutes
  • No player may play goalkeeper for more than ¼ of any game.
  • Coaches are NOT allowed on the field during substitutions.
  • Coaches are allowed to instruct players on how to make correct throw-in, goal kick, corner-kick, kick-off, etc. from the touch line, NOT on the field and NOT behind the goal lines.
  • Players get a 2nd chance on throw-ins and will instructed by the referee or coach. If the second throwin is incorrect then the ball will be surrendered to the other team for a throw-in.
  • There is no off-side, however coaches are expected to instruct and monitor their offside players to get onside. Referees may instruct players who persistently stand in an offside position.
  • All fouls are IFK’s. There are no PK’s or DFK’s.
  • Scores are not kept.

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7U Modifications

  • Each coach facilitates (2) games of 4 v 4, each game day, with as little interference as possible.
  • Ball is size 3 and game duration is 40 minutes
  • There will be no goalkeepers or goal tending (no stationary players in front of the goal)
  • There should be no stationary players in committed defensive positions. The intent is to encourage all players to attack the ball and be involved.
  • Coaches will position themselves between the two fields and may move about to help facilitate smooth, uninterrupted play.
  • Coaches are allowed to instruct players on how to make correct throw-in, goal kick, etc. from the touch line, NOT on the field and NOT behind the goal lines.
  • No throw-ins. DFK from where the ball left the field of play.
  • All fouls are IFK’s. There are no PK’s or DFK’s.
  • Scores are not kept.

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6U Modifications

Same as 7U except they are 30-minute games.

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Last bit of advice for new referees…….

193

Allow yourself to be a beginner. No one starts off being excellent.

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194

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195

Picture Key for Test

E

D

C

A

F

B

G