Game Day Procedures

Here is a list of things (at a minimum) that you should accomplish every time you come to the fields to work a game:

Arrive on time.  Arrive 30 minutes prior to start time for games at BSC and Glenloch.  You need time to inspect the goals, field, players, etc. and start on time.

Look sharp.  You are getting paid to work your game.  Therefore, you should look like the professional that you are.  Have all your correct uniform items including a current year badge.  Have your socks up to just below the knee and your shirt must remain tucked in.  Do not wear sunglasses.  Black, plain ball caps are authorized for those with a skin condition that requires it.  Bring flags, whistle, book, cards, pen, etc. to every game because your assignment may change at the last minute.

Center referees (CR) – brief your AR’s.  Tell them how you operate and what you expect.  Here is a checklist of things I brief before each game:
 

Inspect the field, the nets, the players, the ball(s) and make sure the touchline is clear

Both of you keep time and a record of the game / trail AR record goal 1st

Both of you signal for substitutions until I have seen it / subs wait at halfway line

You are primarily responsible for off-sides but I may wave you off

Signal for throw-in, goal-kick, corner kick, or information like this

Off-sides, if in doubt, don’t.  Position 2nd to last defender or ball whichever is deeper

Position for kick-off, free-kick, goal-kick, corner kick, penalty kick

Throw-ins – watch for infractions and that ball is in play

Fouls – signal any foul I may not have seen.  If in the penalty area signal like this

If you think a foul is worthy of a card signal like this

Talk with the players, keep involved

_____ minute halves & 10 min. halftime / field marshal / spare ball / nets /

Check the players’ equipment to include socks over the shin guards, if metal cleats that they are smooth and no sharp edges, no jewelry, and under no circumstances any hard casts (this is a state rule)

I would also like you ask the team if anyone has asthma.  If so, tell them they can step off the field to get their inhaler.  When they are ready to return, signal you (the Center referee) and when you acknowledge them they can come back on the field.  This is important for you to know because if they are in distress, they should feel confident they can leave the field without any problem.

All games at BSC must have player cards for each person on the bench, including coaches.  NO PASS, NO PLAY.  If a player is sitting out a red card note that on the game card.

Ensure the home coach designates a field marshal.  If you don’t have a field marshal and cannot identify them in the crowd, DO NOT START THE GAME.  If you ever have trouble with unruly spectators or coaches, do not talk to them directly.  Stop the game, ask the field marshal to tell the spectator(s) or coach to limit what they say to cheering for their team.  They are not to question your calls or yell at you.  If the behavior does not stop, you have the authority to terminate the game as a last resort.

Once you have accomplished all this (now you see why you need 30 minutes) start the game on time.  All three of you should keep time and a written record of the game.

Blow your whistle with authority.  No wimpy whistles!  When you make a call stick to it.  If you need to confer with your AR, do so.  AR’s if you need to talk to the CR, hold your flag straight up and get his/her attention.  Work as a team.

In the beginning of the game, call it tight.  It is much easier to loosen up as the game progresses rather than trying to get control of it.  Most of us do not call enough fouls.  Let me say this again.  Most of us do not call enough fouls.  No wimpy whistles!  Call the foul, point the direction and move on.

AR’s – make sure you make calls with the same authority that the center referee does.  If you know which direction the throw-in should go, put your flag up at a 45 degree angle with your arm straight until the ball is properly retrieved.  If in doubt, don’t make the call.  The CR will pick the direction.

If you issue a card, make note of it in your book to include the player’s number, the time and the reason.  Make sure you note the same information on both team’s game cards.  Any cards should be reported to me at referees@ptclazers.org and red cards must also be reported to the state.  Call me if you need help writing the report.

At the end of the game, the CR should fill out the game sheets (at BSC only) and sign.  Have your AR’s sign also.  You should have received four copies of the game sheet.  One goes back to each team and you keep one and one can go to the state office if a red card is issued.

Coaches, players, and spectators rely on YOU to assist with a good game.  Do the best you can each and every time.  That’s all anyone can ask.

You will see “mentors” on the schedule.  These are adults and experienced older youth referees that I have selected to give you feedback at the game.  They will observe you work the first half of the game, give you some comments on things you did well and things you could improve.  Then you can use those comments in the second half and see if it helps.  Please take this for what it is – training to help you be a better referee!

Mark Thornley
PTCYSA Director of Referees
referees@ptclazers.org
678-485-8313 (cell)