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SunshineLeagues.org

Referee Assignors Meeting

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Agenda

  • Introduction
  • Match Day Procedures
  • NEW HIGHER Referee Fees & Assignor Policies
  • Regional Payment Models
  • Referee Quality & Standards Discussion
  • Compliance & Reporting Protocols
  • New Policies (RAP, Fair Whistle, Electronic Payments)
  • Q&A

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Introduction – Why are we here

  • 7 FYSA Sanctioned Leagues (whole state)
    • Region A: EDP, TFL, SFPL, SFUYSA, GHSL
    • Region B: EDP, GCF
    • Region C: EDP, USA
    • Region D: i10 (by EDP)
  • To set same standards across the leagues:
    • Rules
    • Referee Fee Structure
    • Administrative Tasks
  • Our work is never done www.SunshineLeagues.org

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Introduction – Work done, work continues

  • Our work is never done www.SunshineLeagues.org

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Introduction – Work done, work continues

  • Bit.ly links (also on SunshineLeagues.org)
    • Rainout Policy - bit.ly/rain_out
    • “Only the captain” - as of 7/1/2025 bit.ly/onlycaptains
    • Serving Red Cards or Suspensions - bit.ly/serving_red
    • Youth Soccer Fair Play Policy - bit.ly/fairplay_policy
    • FYSA Rule 205 Rostering - as of 8/22/25 bit.ly/FYSArostering
    • Reschedule Policy - bit.ly/self_schedule
    • RAP:�U.S. Soccer's updated Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (RAP), Policy 531-9, effective March 2025, establishes stricter consequences for both physical and non-physical abuse of referees in youth and amateur soccer matches, aiming to foster a more respectful and safer environment by providing clearer definitions and a standardized penalty matrix for violations. The policy emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach, encouraging all participants - players, coaches, parents, and spectators—to treat referees with empathy and dignity, as they are essential to the game. For more information and penalties, contact your Club or refer to https://www.flsoccerrefs.org/referee-abuse-prevention

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Match Day Roster Guidelines

  • Roster Sizes:
    • 7v7 max 12 can dress
    • 9v9 max 16 can dress
    • 11v11 max 18 can dress (22 max on team, 30 FYSA)
  • Jersey Numbers Required - Must match roster
  • Handwritten players = forfeit (play the game regardless)
  • Club Coach, if handwritten, must show pass

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Match Day Roster Guidelines (cont)

  • Photo Match Cards preferred (must be in color)
  • Virtual IDs are allowed in all competitions
  • Dual-Sided Match Cards + Passes
  • 2 copies by each team (ref keeps one of each)
  • Swap & Return: Exchange cards at the end of the match
  • Handwritten players = forfeit (play the game regardless)

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Match Day Roster Guidelines (cont.)

  • Example Photo Match Card – PRINTED IN COLOR

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Match Day Roster Guidelines (cont.)

  • Examples of Standard Match Card and Virtual ID

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Match Procedures

  • Heading Rules:
    • 11U and below: No heading
    • 12U and above: Allowed
  • Buildout Line (and other 7v7 rules): Review procedures with coaches and referees prior to match
  • “Coaches Agreed To…” vs Rules of Competition
  • Assigning Logs: Ensure record of assignments for accountability

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Payment and AR Fees

  • Assistant Referees: Return fees if ARs not present
  • Home Team Payment Responsibility:
    • Region A: Split | 2026/27 home team pays
    • Region B: Home team pays already
    • Region C North: Split will stay (USA)
    • Region C South: Split | 2026/27 home team pays (EDP)
    • Region D: Split will stay
  • Assignor Fees: For homeless clubs, paid only if host requires early

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Red Card Protocols

  • Proper Reporting: Mandatory completion of red card reports
  • Service Procedure: Suspensions served according to documented process
  • Supplemental Reports: Required for all send-offs, ejections, or misconduct

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Referee Fees Increases

  • Goal: Referee fees standardized and increased across leagues - release Jan, effective Fall
  • Rationale:
    • Reduce disparity between leagues
    • Encourage consistency, retention, equity
    • Key Insight: Higher pay alone doesn’t ensure better referees, but helps retention
    • League contributions to training initiatives
    • Avoid "pay race" for top refs; instead, grow referee pool & support development

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Referee Fees Increases - Current

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Referee Fees Increases – New 2026/27

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Did it work? Did 16% help? Another 14% increase in 2027/28!

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Referee Fees Increases – New 2026/27

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Did it work? Did 16% increase help? Another 14% increase in 2027/28!

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Referee Abuse Prevention (RAP)

  • Policy: U.S. Soccer Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (531-9), effective Mar 2025
  • Zero tolerance for physical or verbal abuse
  • Accountability: Clear definitions, standardized penalties, empathy emphasis
  • More Info:�www.flsoccerrefs.org/referee-abuse-prevention
  • If you do not report we cannot help

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Game Reporting

  • Referees must score and upload match card before leaving – Scan the QR Code
  • Red cards and incidents must be recorded same day – Scan the QR Code
  • Upload the Match Card – Scan the QR Code
  • Clear full names on Match Cards
  • Supplemental 24-48 hours - Automatically
  • Return Club Linesman Fees: Immediately and without prompting

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Future Topics

  • Electronic Payments:
    • What do you need from us?
    • Steps required to get there fast?
  • Assignor Fee Adjustments: To account for payment system updates
  • Fair Whistle: Pilot program upcoming
  • Coach/Team Evaluations through FairWhistle.com

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Q&A / Open Discussion

  • Feedback on referee consistency and communication
  • Regional variations or concerns
  • Opportunities to simplify administrative workload