Know the Laws of the Game (LOG) and Local Rules of Competition

• Success begins by being prepared.
• Read and know the Laws of the Game (LOG). Keep up to date on the correct interpretations, as these are updated yearly.
• Know the accepted mechanics approved by the U.S. Soccer and found in the IFAB Laws of the Game. Download them and have them available on your phone: www.theifab.com.
• Know the Local Rules of Competition. Many assignors have these local/league/club rules attached to the assignment (e.g., in Assignr). You can also find these by checking the league’s website or asking your assignor. In particular, make sure you know:
  • Length of the half
  • Size of ball
  • Number of players
  • Substitutions
  • Penalty kicks or no penalty kicks
  • Direct free kicks allowed or only indirect free kicks
  • Offside, no offside
  • What you do with the game report
  • Uniform requirements
• As a new referee, you will not make all the right decisions. Do not get upset if you make a mistake. Just learn from it. And learn from working with and watching more experienced referees.

Dress and Act Professionally(see Uniform Standards here)

• If you expect to command respect (one element of game control) on the field, then you must look and act like a professional.
• Approach the game in a way that shows you are looking forward to being there and being a part of the game.
• Dress for success – wear the proper U.S. Soccer uniform with your referee jersey tucked in and your socks pulled up. Wear the uniform properly any time you can still be seen by the players, coaches, and spectators.

Be a Leader/Facilitator

• Greet each coach with a firm handshake and a smile. Look each coach in the eyes.
• Use common courtesy (e.g., “Thank you”, “Please”, “Sir”, “Ma’am”).
• Issue firm, simple instructions to the players so they know you can manage the game.
• Taking charge does not mean yelling and acting like a dictator. This behavior encourages people to yell back at you.
• Start the game on time.

Getting to the Field 

• You should arrive at the field at least 30 minutes prior to the game.
• If you do not drive, make sure that someone knows you need a ride to your field and plan for someone to pick you up to take you home.
• Have the telephone numbers of your assignor and your crew. Know how to contact each (e.g., phone call, text, communication via the assigning platform, Assignr) if you are running late or not able to make your assigned match.
• Ensure you have all your gear in your referee bag (e.g., jersey(s), black shorts, two-strip socks, black shoes, badge, watch(es), notebook, pens/pencils, red and yellow cards, coin, whistle(s), flags, sunscreen, cold weather gear, snacks, water).

Inspect the Field 

• Goal must be securely anchored to the ground. Sandbags on the frame toward the rear are acceptable. The goal must not be easily tipped over. No matter how good the goals look at a distance, always carefully inspect them. If the goals are not securely anchored do not start the game. Safety first! Any problems, even if corrected, must be included in the match report.
• The home team is responsible for correcting any issues with the field (e.g., holes, markings) and equipment (e.g., corner flags, nets). Work with them to address any critical safety issue(s).
• Any issues with the field, markings, goals, nets, corner flags, etc. corrected or not, should be noted on the game report.

Hold Referee Crew Pregame Conference 

• An important item in a successful match is the pregame conference with the referee team. Each member of the team needs to know what will happen in given situations to ensure that those situations are dealt with properly. As leader of the officiating team, the referee must establish during the pregame how the team will work and cooperate. The referee should tailor their pregame to fit the composition of the refereeing crew, including their likely varying levels of knowledge and fitness, the age, competition, and skill levels of the players, and the requirements of the competition.
• Below is a list of topics to consider when preparing and tailoring your pregame. As you move forward, your pregame should and will include more information based upon experiences. Refer to this Pregame Conference Subjects documentation for a  more thorough listing.
  • Duties of the AR: signals of the AR (including NOT signaling when the referee can clearly see the incident), what to do when AR signals are missed by the referee (such as when and how long to maintain the flag), what the ARs should do in situations that are not covered by the Laws of the Game, such as unofficial signals or when the AR may/should enter the field
  • Duties of the 4th Official (if assigned)
  • Differences between the Rules of the Competition and the Laws of the Game
  • Duties at a penalty kick
  • Reminder to communicate at all possible moments (e.g., quick look exchanged between referee and the lead AR at stoppages)
  • Reminder to the ARs and the 4th to immediately alert the referee to any mistakes in procedure (e.g., 2nd caution not followed by send off)
  • Encourage the ARs to ask questions during the pregame

Complete Player/Coach Check In Procedures 

• Home team players/coaches should be checked first but it is not a requirement. You should start with the team that appears to be most ready for inspection.
• Check in players and coaches as per the requirements and the Rules of Competition for that league.
• Make sure that ALL jewelry, earrings, watches, etc. have been removed.
• Earrings must be removed. Covering them with tape does not make them legal.

All players must wear shin guards and socks must be pulled over shin guards.

Know the League/Club and Assignor Reporting Requirements

• Does the league require a completed, hard copy match report? To whom do you provide it to? Does the league require the match results to be submitted online? Do you have the URL or the QR code to scan? Does your assignor also require a match report before your crew will be paid for the match?  Does the league require a 4th official’s report?  Is any report required within a defined time-period (e.g., 2 hours post match)?
• Ensure player cards are returned to each team.
• Complete Game Report
• Review all results with the crew (e.g., number of cards, scores for each team and any incident that occurred) so that your game report is accurate.
• At a minimum, include the score, cautions, send offs, and any injury where the player cannot return to play.
• Take a picture of any hard copy match report in case this information is needed elsewhere.
• Complete a USSF Referee Supplemental Report for any send off or serious injury. Contact your assignor for initial determination of serious injury.
  • This report is used to provide the appropriate authorities with information re incidents that occurred before, during or after the match.
  • The appropriate league or association judicial committee reviews your written report and allows player/coach comment on their actions.
  • Sanctions (possible game suspension) are levied against the player/coach and/or team, and the reputation of the game is maintained (or not) SOLELY ON THE BASIS OF YOUR WRITTEN REPORT!
  • Use the Language of the Laws of The Game –
  • Only include facts
  • State only the facts of what happened.
  • Use terminology/language from IFAB LOTG and FIFA considerations.
  • Use names (and NOT pronouns (he, she, they, them, etc.) to avoid any confusion.
  • Leave out feelings – words such as “I felt” or “I Thought”
  • Write the report in 3rd person

• To be a good referee, you must continue to learn and improve with every game.
• Experience is the best teacher and confidence builder. The more games you do, the more comfortable and confident you will be.
• If something occurs in a game and you are not sure if you made the correct decision, go back to the Laws of the Game after the game and double check.
• Talk to more experienced referees about the decision you made and whether you should have done something differently. Call or email a mentor or referee coach with the question.
• Watch experienced referees and notice how they deal with specific situations that cause you trouble in a game.
• Have a mentor watch and review your performance and then remember to try the suggestions they give you.
• Seek out experienced referees and mentors/referee coaches to work with. By running lines for experienced referees, you gain a better
  appreciation as to what the protocols of the game are as well as learning about ways in which you can improve your game. This is an
  excellent tool. Once you have done this for several games, ask to have experienced referees as your assistant referees when you work the center.
• Go slow in advancing to more difficult matches do not rush it but also challenge yourself to keep growing as a referee by taking more
  challenging assignments once you have reached a comfort level where you are currently being assigned.
• Attend referee seminars, workshops and clinics. Be receptive to feedback provided by your referee crew, by your assignor and by mentors/referee coaches.
• Watch games of every age and competitive level whenever possible to both watch skilled referees work and to learn more about the way the game is played.