McKinney Soccer Referee Association�

Returning Referees

Season Dates

• 8/22 – 8/24 – 9U placement tournament
• 9/6 – Youth Begins
• 9/7 – Open & O30
• 9/11 – O40
• Season ends 11/8
• Weeknight games throughout the season.
• Roy Bruner Gravy Cup 11/14 – 11/16
• Recreational Teams 7U – 19U

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New Rules

• On July 1, the IFAB implemented rule changes that will impact games from the professional level down to the youth leagues around the world. If you watched the Club World Cup or Gold Cup, you most likely saw some of these changes and how professional players struggled with these changes. We will be following the same rule changes in MSA.

Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play

• DROPPED BALL
• If, when play was stopped:
• The ball was inside the penalty area, the referee drops it for the defending team goalkeeper in their penalty area. (No change)
• The ball was outside the penalty area, the referee drops it for one player of the team that has or would have gained possession if this can be determined by the referee; otherwise it is dropped for one player of the team that last touched it. The ball is dropped at its position when play was stopped.

Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct

• Corner Kick
• A corner kick is awarded if a goalkeeper, inside their penalty area, controls the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s) for more than eight seconds before releasing it.
• A goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s) when:
• The ball is between their hands/arms or between their hand(s)/arm(s) and any surface.
• Holding the ball in their outstretched open hand(s).
• Bouncing the ball on the ground or throwing it in the air.

Law 12 (Con’t)

• The referee will decide when the goalkeeper has control of the ball and the eight seconds begin. The referee will visually count down the last five seconds with a raised hand.
• A goalkeeper cannot be challenged by an opponent when in control of the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s).
• For 9U/10U games, the 8 seconds cannot begin until all offensive players are behind the buildout line.

Law 12 (Con’t)

• Here is a helpful video!

Local Association Changes

• At the fields, your point of contact should be the mentor located at your complex. We will have a mentor at Craig Ranch during the morning, for the majority of the season. I will be there in the afternoon.
• I will let everyone know on Thursday/Friday the mentors schedule for the week. You should only contact Marcus if you are unable to make your games.

Local Association Changes

• For all youth games where score is kept (9U – 19U), game reports will be given to the coach at the end of the game. Coaches will report their own scores. The ONLY exception to this is if there is a yellow or red card given, the referee will keep the game report and turn it in.
• Because of this change, it is IMPERATIVE that referees report scores promptly in Assignr. We will continue reporting all scores in Assignr, regardless of age group.

Local Association Changes

• Beginning in the fall season, MSA has allocated funds for a trainer at Al Ruschhaupt.
• Change for Adult Leagues. All Referees must be 17 years old. Any referee working these games under 18 must have a permission slip signed by their parents acknowledging that adult players are not subject to a background check or SafeSport cleared.

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New Field Layout for Craig Ranch

• CR #01 – 50x80 (11U, 12U & O40)
• CR #02 – 50x80 (11U, 12U & O40)
• CR #09 – Full Size (13U and up)
• CR #10 – Full Size (13U and up)
• CR #11 – 50x80 (11U/12U)
• CR #12 – Full Size (13U and up)

Issues with Parents

• As Referees, we should not be addressing parents on the sideline, whether you are the AR or the Center. If you are having issues with a parent (or parents), you need to talk to the coach and allow them to address it. If the coach fails to address the issue and it continues, then the coach is subject to a yellow/red card. Also, a field marshall should be alerted so they may monitor the game.

Important Reminder

• If you give a yellow card for Unsporting Behavior (UB), you need to provide an explanation of what the behavior was. Examples include: Slide tackle, tactical foul, foul from behind, stopping a promising attack, etc.
• If you have issues at the fields, these need to be addressed before you leave the complex. You can speak to a mentor or, if one is not available, please email Marcus (referee@mckinneysoccer.org(referee@mckinneysoccer.org) and Youth Registrar Cynthia McAnally (info@mckinneysoccer.org).

Old pay rates

New Pay Rates

As you can see, MSA has elected an across the table pay increase for all games from 4U – O40 leagues. This pay increase makes MSA referees the HIGHEST paid referees in North Texas and is an indication that MSA values you as the best group of referees in North Texas. With this pay increase comes certain expectations, such as being in uniform, showing up on time, etc.

Closing

• If you find errors in your schedule, please notify Marcus before Saturday morning.
• If you are sick, please text Marcus @ 682-438-7648 as soon as you know you will not be there. If I have not responded within 15 minutes, then call. But DO NOT wait until just before your game starts!

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