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REGIONAL REFEREE COURSE

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National Referee Program

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”

OBJECTIVES FOR THE DAY

• Review your Online Learning
• Know the parts of the field
• Recognize ball in and out of play
• Whistling – Know how to start, when to stop and how to restart play

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• Understand positioning and signals
• Offside Overview
• Cursory understanding of offenses, misconduct and free kicks
• Other things that you need to know

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OBJECTIVES FOR THE DAY

AYSO’s SIX PHILOSOPHIES

Open Registration

Balanced Teams

Everyone Plays

Positive Coaching

Good Sportsmanship

Player Development

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.

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

Philosophy of Coaching

AYSO teaches coaches that they need to be

• Positive
• Instructional
• Encouraging

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

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Safe

Fair

Fun

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If the kids had a Safe, Fair, and Fun match then you did your job as a referee, nothing else matters.

Soccer Fundamentals

Ball in and out of Play

with restarts

Basic Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1

Touch Line

Goal Line

Halfway Line

Penalty Area

Parts of the field

Basic Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1

Touch Line

Goal Line

Halfway Line

Penalty Area

Parts of the field

Stopping the Game

Soccer is a dynamic game that involves free-flowing play and creativity. In soccer dynamic play starts with a kickoff and is paused or suspended when the ball crosses the touch line or goal line, when an offense or misconduct as been committed, or any other time that the referee deems necessary.

TL;DR: There are two reasons to stop play:

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• The ball goes out of play

(Over a touch line or goal line),

Or

• The Referee deems it necessary (offenses/misconducts, outside interference, injuries, etc). 

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Only whistle if needed – players generally know already!

Always requires a whistle!

In Soccer:

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Not the player’s position

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

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

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.

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It does not matter which team put it there.

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

Basic Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1

Goal Line

BALL CROSSES GOAL LINE

Goal Line

We have 3 Scenarios to consider:

1. The ball goes into the goal
2. The ball does not go into the goal, last touched by an attacker
3. The ball does not go into the goal, last touched by a defender

A Goal is scored, dynamic play is stopped, what is the restart?

A

A

R

KICK-OFF!

Scenario #1

Goal Kick (Scenario #2)

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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GOAL KICK

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All of these balls are legally placed

within the goal area.

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Players can put the ball

anywhere within the goal area.

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Restarting the Game

GOAL KICK

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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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Corner Kick (Scenario #3)

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.

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The kicker cannot move the corner flag.

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

Basic Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1

Touch Line

BALL CROSSES the TOUCH LINE

Touch Line

Throw In

A

A

R

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

Red Takes the Throw in

Assistant Referee Signals a Throw in for Red

Restarting the Game – Throw in

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• Face the field of play.

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

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

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

Restarting the Game

THROW-IN

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

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• Opposing players must be at

least 2 yds. from the point

of the throw-in.

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• A goal may not be

scored directly from a throw-in.

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Restarting the Game

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.

or

Restarting the Game

A way to restart play when the Referee has stopped play because of an offense or misconduct.

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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.

Restarting the Game on a Free Kick

1. The Ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
2. The kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has touched another player.
3. If they touch the ball a second time, an Indirect Free Kick is awarded to the other team.

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This is true for all restarts

EXCEPT a dropped ball.

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

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• Taken from the location of the offense, and is

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• In play once it is kicked and clearly moves.

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All opponents must

be 10 yards from the ball

(8 yards for 10U).

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Exception: Penalty Kick

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.

Stopping the match……Natural stoppages.

There are four opportunities for substitutions:

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

Play may be stopped for injury (Unnatural Stoppage)

If a player is injured and leaves the field

(with the Referee’s permission):

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• 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 with another player; however, the original player is done for the quarter.

Play is stopped for injuries

Blood on clothing must be neutralized.

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Blood on the body must be removed.

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This is the coach’s responsibility.

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

Play is stopped when the referee deems it necessary.

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

If the Assistant Referee raises the flag, the Referee does not have to stop play.

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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DROPPED BALL

1. The referee drops the ball for a player of the team that has or would have gained possession if this is clear to the referee; otherwise, it is dropped for a player of the team that last touched it. The ball is dropped at its position when play was stopped. (2025/2026 update)
2. All other players (of both teams) must remain 4.5 Yards (4M) from the ball until it is in play.
3. Drop ball is used to replace a defective Ball
4. The ball is dropped for the defending team goalkeeper in their penalty area if, when play was stopped: The ball was in the penalty area, or the last touch of the ball was in the penalty area.

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Drop Ball Procedure – Anywhere but Penalty Area

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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Drop Ball Procedure – Penalty Area

A

A

Blue starts a breakaway and in comes a bad actor.

1. Blow The Whistle (Stop dynamic Play)
2. Award a drop ball to the GK of the RED team because it’s in the red penalty area
3. Opposing team (Red) is moved 4.5 yards away.
4. Perform a drop ball.

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R

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Question: 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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Referee and

AR Mechanics

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Referee and Assistant Referee Mechanics

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What are the Duties of the Referee ?

1. Keep a record of the match.
1. Timekeeper.
2. Scorekeeper.
3. Control substitutions.
4. File a written report.
2. Stop play for injury.
3. Restart play when it has been stopped.
4. 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.”

Diagonal System of Control

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 her 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 his offside line – which is now the halfway line.

Referee Signals

A way to restart play when the Referee has stopped play because of an offense or misconduct.

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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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Referee Signals

To signal a

Direct Free Kick, the Referee raises an arm at a

45 degree angle

in the direction

of the kick.

Referee Signals

To signal an Indirect Free Kick, 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.

Referee Signal – Kick Off

A

A

R

Goal Kick

A

A

R

AR Stopped at the Half Line

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

Corner Kick

A

A

R

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

Throw In

A

A

R

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

Red Takes the Throw in

Referee Signals – Penalty Kick

• Whistle LOUDLY!!!!
• SELL IT! You saw a foul in the penalty area. Everyone needs to know it

Referee Signals – Advantage

• Verbal – “PLAY ON!”
• Visual – Arms in front signaling a forward motion
• You can change your mind if advantage does not play out

ASSISTANT REFEREE

DUTIES AND SIGNALS

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• 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.

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• Should be positioned at halfway line, even with the second-to-last defender or the ball (whichever is closest to the goal line) in order to judge offside position accurately.
• Should hold the flag at their side pointing to the ground, except when signaling.
• Should assist the Referee to enforce the Laws of the Game.

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ASSISTANT REFEREE

DUTIES AND SIGNALS

ASSISTANT REFEREE

Lined up with the 2^nd to last defender

A

A

R

• Throw-in
• Goal Kick
• Corner Kick
• Offside
• Goal
• Other

Non-Verbal Communication between the Referee and

Assistant Referee’s FLAG SIGNALS

ASSISTANT REFEREE DUTIES AND SIGNALS

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

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

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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Please Stop Play.

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I will tell you why with my next signal.

REFEREE COMMUNICATION / SIGNALS

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REFEREE COMMUNICATION / SIGNALS

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

ASSISTANT REFEREE

Off-Side

Near

Middle

Far

Far

Near

A

A

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Fouls

A free kick offense is an unsafe or unfair act:

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1. Committed while the ball is in play
2. Generally while on the field of play

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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 Offenses
• Indirect Free Kick Offenses

Direct Free Kick offenses

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There are 13

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The first 7 must be committed against an opponent in a matter considered by the referee to be:

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• Carelessly
• Recklessly

or with

• Excessive Force

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CREf

• There are 5 “un-conditional” offenses.
• If they happened….restart with a DFK

Direct Free Kick offenses

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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

1-3 of 7 conditional

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Direct Free Kick offenses

5. Charges an opponent

4. Jumps at an opponent

6. Pushes an opponent

7. Tackles or Challenges

an opponent

CREf

Direct Free Kick offenses

8. Holds an opponent

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• Handball Offense (more in 2 slides)

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• Impedes an opponent with contact

The next five “unconditional”. They are an offense if they occur, restart with a DFK.

Direct Free Kick offenses

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

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• 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.

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

It is a handball offense if a player:

• Touches the ball with their hand/arm when it has made their �body unnaturally bigger. �
• A player is considered to have made their body unnaturally bigger when the position of their hand/arm is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, the player’s body movement for that specific situation. �
• By having their hand/arm in such a position, the player takes a risk of their hand/arm being hit by the ball and being penalized.

Handball Offense

It is a handball offense if a player:

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• Deliberately touches the ball with their hand/arm, including moving the hand/arm towards the ball

Handball Offenses

• Scores in the opponents’ goal:
• Directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental including by the goalkeeper.�
• Immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm even if accidental.

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# 13 Goalkeeper – 8 Seconds offense

1. A goalkeeper who controls the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s) for more than eight seconds will be penalized, with a corner kick being awarded to the other team.
2. A goalkeeper cannot be challenged by an opponent when in control of the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s)

2025/2026 Update – NEW, NEW, NEW!!!!! Law 12 Update

Goalkeeper – 8 Seconds

A goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball with the hand(s) when:

• The ball is between the hands or between the hand and any surface (e.g. ground, own body) or by touching it with any part of the hands or arms, except if the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper has made a save
• holding the ball in the outstretched open hand
• bouncing it on the ground or throwing it in the air

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The eight seconds start when the referee is satisfied that the goalkeeper has clear control of the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s). The goalkeeper does not need to be standing up for the countdown to start, especially because in many examples of time-wasting the goalkeeper catches the ball, falls unnecessarily to the ground and then stays there for some time even though no one is preventing them from standing up.

10U – 14U keepers are typically not falling to the ground.

Goalkeeper – 8 Seconds offense

Referee Procedure

10U and 12U be lenient, the players are still figuring out what they’re doing and most of the time they’re looking to the sideline for help.

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14U+ be LOUD let the keeper know that you’re counting.

At 5 Seconds, the referee will raise their hand and start counting down by showing 5 fingers, then 4, 3, 2, and finally 1. If the ball is not in play the referee will blow the whistle and signal a corner kick for the opposing team.

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

Three that are committed

solely by the goalkeeper

The IDFK offenses fall into two groups:

Six that can be

committed by anyone

Indirect Free Kick Offenses

Indirect Free Kick offenses | There are 9

Three apply to goalkeepers in their own penalty area.

1. Touches the ball again with their hands after it has been released from their possession and has not touched any other player.
2. Touches the ball with their hands after it has been deliberately kicked by a team-mate.
3. 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

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The remaining six pertain to all players:

4. Playing in a dangerous manner
5. Impeding the progress of an opponent without contact
6. 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
7. Is guilty of dissent, using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures or other verbal offenses
8. Commits any other offense, not mentioned in the Laws, for which play is stopped to caution or send off a player
9. Initiates a deliberate trick for the ball to be passed to the goalkeeper with the head, chest, knee etc. to circumvent the law

The most common IFK offense

in 10U and younger age groups:

• Plays in a dangerous manner

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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.

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

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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

Goalkeepers at:

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

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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

Misconduct

MISCONDUCT

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

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

Two types of Misconduct:

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Those resulting in a Caution

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Those resulting in a Send-Off

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 gestures
3. Violent conduct
4. Spit or bite at 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.

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Referees should deal with it informally, usually (meaning never) without showing cards.

Offside

Elements of the offside offense:

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1. Position

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• Active Involvement

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Both elements must be present or there cannot be an offense

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OFFSIDE

Offside Position

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Players are in an offside position if any part of the head, body, or feet are:

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1. In the opponents’ half of the field*, AND

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• Closer to the opponents’ goal line than the ball, AND

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• Closer to the opponents’ goal line than the second-to-last opponent.

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All elements MUST be present for a player to be in an offside position or there cannot be an offense.

The halfway line is neutral.

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

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Whichever is closest to the goal line …

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

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becomes the boundary between onside and offside position.

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This is the “Offside Line.”

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A

A

R

Opponent’s Half

2^nd to Last Defender

Last Defender

Offside Position

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Offside Position

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

It just means that player is

momentarily off her team.

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They cannot interfere with play or any of the opposing players.

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They cannot have any involvement

in the match.

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The player is “off” their “side.”

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Time of Judgment

(Very Important!)

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

Time of Judgment

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If attackers are onside when their teammate plays or is touched by the ball, they are free to move forward.

If the attackers are offside when their teammate plays or is touched by the ball, they may NOT become involved in active play.

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P laying the ball

(or being touched by it)

I nterfering with an opponent

Gaining an advantage*

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*Gaining an advantage by being in that position. Ex. The ball rebounds or is deflected by an opponent or the goal frame, or after an opponent makes a save.

Judging Active Involvement

OFFSIDE

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Once these two conditions have been met:

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POSITION (at time of judgement)

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ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT

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An offside offense has occurred.

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

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OFFSIDE

Exceptions

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There is no offense if a player

receives the ball directly from a:

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Goal Kick

Corner Kick

Throw-In

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Let’s look at some examples:

OFFSIDE

A2

A2

b

a

D1

A1

D2

AR

Direction of attack

DECISION

Offside offense: Interfering with play (playing the ball)

A2

A2

D1

A1

D2

AR

Direction of attack

DECISION

NO offside offense

110

D1

AR

DECISION

Wait and see: who will touch it first?

Direction of attack

A3

A3

A2

A2

A1

D2

111

A2

A2

D1

A1

D2

AR

Direction of attack

DECISION

NO offside offense. Restart with goal kick.

112

A2

D1

A1

D2

AR

DECISION

NO offside offense

Direction of attack

113

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

A4

And now . . .

. . . YOU make the call!

Offside Position, but………

How to be offside on a corner kick (ish)

Goal or no goal?

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Pre-Game Duties and Activities

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 minutes prior to game time (preferably more),

in the proper uniform.

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Brief Assistant Referees

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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):

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

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Arrive early

With required equipment

NO JEWELRY!

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

Check Field and Equipment

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• 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.
• Check that the balls have air

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129

Pre-game Duties and Activities

Introduce yourself to the Coaches

Learn their names

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Be friendly

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

Pre-game Duties and Activities

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Team Uniform (5 Components)

Shirt, Shorts, Shoes, Socks, Shin guards.

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Shin guards must be under the socks.

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

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Check Players and Substitutes

Uniforms & Equipment

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131

Pre-game Duties and Activities

Allowed equipment

Glasses

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

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Gloves

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

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Sweatpants and undershirts for cold weather.

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Knee Braces that are not a danger to other players

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132

Pre-game Duties and Activities

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NO CASTS OR SPLINTS

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

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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.

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NO HATS

Exception: goalkeepers may wear soft hats for head protection.

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NO SUNGLASSES

Exception: prescription sunglasses may be worn.

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133

Conduct the coin toss

• Brief introduction (no long lectures)

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• The Referee tosses the coin.
• Visitor or home calls it, you pick who

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Pre-game Duties and Activities

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The team that wins the toss can now choose to take the kick-off or which goal to attack.

Kick-Off

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Kick-Off is used:

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

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

Keeping Time – 1^st Half

Example Game 10U:

• 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)
• 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 – Referees meet at kick off mark

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Keeping Time – 2^nd Half

Example Game 10U:

• 5 Minute Break – Referees meet at kick off mark
• 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

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

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In Region 37,

NEVER EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER,

ADD ADDITIONAL TIME.

Keeping Time

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

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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)

139

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.

140

Post-game Duties

Supervise team handshake.

AR responsibility

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

• 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 referees.

1011

1-2

4-2

1011

1001

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

Interactions with coaches and spectators

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Spoiler Alert: We don’t really have problems in Region 37. We are very fortunate to have great coaches and parents.

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Something might happen, and this section is to prepare you how to handle it if something bad does happen.

AYSO Region 37

Happy Cheering Sideline!

Not AYSO Region 37

Angry, cranky, and ignorant sideline. They yell things like “OFFSIDES” and “that’s a foul” and they’re very wrong!

AYSO R37

Happy Cheering parents!

Not AYSO37

Angry, cranky, and ignorant parents. They yell things like OFFSIDES and that’s a foul and they’re very wrong!

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Referees are the guardians of the game and need to do so by:

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Modeling Appropriate Behavior

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Setting the Tone for the Match

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Dealing with Inappropriate Behavior

REMEMBER, we’re here for the kids!

146

Philosophy of Parenting

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

Loud is good! Players need encouragement!

Irresponsible Behavior (Coaches, Players, 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 (dissent).
• Spectators telling coaches how to manage the team.
• Anything other than cheering for the team (Spectators)

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Expected Sideline Behaviors

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!

Great ☺

Not good ☹

Abusive Behavior (Coaches and Spectators)

• Speaking insulting words or making offensive gestures (Do you even know the rules?)
• Verbal Taunting and Mocking appearance (do you need your glasses?)
• Accusations of Bias (what’s the other team paying you?)
• Throwing objects in protest.
• Inflammatory and/or insulting comments.
• Come on Ref get it right.
• Call it both ways.
• You’re the worst ref we’ve ever had!
• That call was complete $H*t!
• Your mother was a snowblower!
• Negative comments or unwanted contact towards players of the opposing team.

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Behavior Types Defined (Continued)

REALLY BAD (Not good at all!)

Ask coaches to deal with

inappropriate spectators.

Dealing with Unruly Behaviors

Ask coaches to help you with players when needed

Addressing Dissent or Abuse�(talking to the coaches)

What to say (overview)

• Explain the problem
• Outline the repercussions
• Make it clear, make it their decision
• Always check for understanding — “Do you understand?”
• Always say “thank you”

Do not add emotion to the situation!

Sample Dialogue to use with Coaches

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Walk to the coach (do not rush) – Be calm, take deep breaths, align your chakras, and find your Zen.

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Minor Issue or a 1^st discussion

• “Coach your words are unkind and heedless, I am asking you to please stop. Do you understand?” (Wait for a response) “Thank you.”

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Coach said something considered dissent.

• “Coach, your behavior/words right now are irresponsible and churlish. You are being cautioned for _____. If it continues you will be sent off from the match, do you understand?” (Wait for a response) “Thank you.” (Show yellow card)

Do not add emotion to the situation!

Sample Dialogue to use with Coaches (continued)

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Verbal Taunting/Harassment/Intimidation/Threats/Derogatory Language

• “Coach your behavior/language is derogatory and unwarranted. You are being sent off from the match for…….” (Show red card)

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Note: When issuing a caution or a send off to a coach, provide a brief explanation for the discipline. This is not a conversation, and an affirmative response is all we need from the coach.

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Make it fast. The longer you talk to the coaches, the more game time is stolen from the kids.

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YOUTH REFEREES

• ANY dissent or abuse directed towards a youth referee will not be tolerated (refer to Safe Haven) under any circumstances
• Repercussions for dissent or abuse to a youth referee may result in greater penalties and must be dealt with immediately
• Youth Referees are highly encouraged to avoid any interaction with adults. Walk to the other side of the field where the good team is at and ask the coach to send someone to the tent, with “Tell them the red team on field x has a problem.”

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Managing the Players and Spectators

Words that work well:

• ASK Coach can you please help me with one of your parents?
• ASK Coach can you please join me on the field?
• 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.

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Advice:

• When dealing with unruly spectators, use the tent staff. Tent staff/mentor/board member can deal with the spectator, and the kids get to still play.

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Remember: We’re here for the kids, do you want them seeing this?

• Cursing or use of insulting language towards a coach, player, or spectator
• “Coach, shut up, sit down”
• Attacks or criticism towards the coach or his team
• (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.
• The referee removing a parent from the field; publicly embarrassing the parent when someone from the staff or board can do it more discretely.
• NEVER EVER make physical contact with a coach, spectator, or player.

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Being an Example as a Referee

We’re here for the kids.

• Referees MUST be the role model, and they MUST set the tone for the match.
• Referees MUST interact appropriately with players, coaches, and spectators.
• Referees are the guardians of the game and MUST remember the concept of the AYSO team (Parents + Coaches + Referees = FUN, Fair, and SAFE for kids).
• Referees manage the problems outside the touch line.
• Report any abuse to the RRA (Referees@ayso37.org)
• Take sportsmanship points off for bad behaviors.
• Teams need sportsmanship points to qualify for the tournament.
• When we see reduced points, we know that there is a problem to address.
• Please write a note on the game card of what the issue was.

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Last thoughts

The Build out line

and non-comp modifications

The 8U and 10U Build-Out Line

158

BOL Does Not Restrict Player Location During Normal Play

159

Opponents MUST Move Behind BOL When GK Gets Possession

160

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).

161

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 .

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162

Opponents MUST Move Behind the BOL for Goal Kick

163

Blue

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.

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164

9U/10U BOL and Offside

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

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

165

BOL Limits Location of Offside Position

166

BOL Defines Potential Offside Infractions

167