Team Check-in

Perform a safety check to ensure all players have:

• Shin guards (if they don't, they don't play)
• Removed all visible jewelry
• Acceptable shoes
• Keep the check-in very brief; a suggested line is "Play the ball, play the whistle, have any questions?
• Politely remind coaches the substitution breaks should take less than 2 minutes and are not a coaching session.
The clock runs on the substitution breaks.
• Do not say what you will and will not call when it comes to Referee interpretation, this gives you more options if needed

Game Line-up Cards

Obtain one from each Coach and have the Assistant Referees clearly mark the players not playing
for the respective quarters:

• All players should be playing 3 quarters
• If a player is sitting out for 2 quarters (or more), ask "Coach, player XX is sitting out 2 quarters, is that correct?"
• Determine if this due to injury, sickness, late arrival or if the child or parent desires it. Clearly mark the game card for one
of these reasons; if the parent or child requests it, have the parent sign the game card.
• Referees DO NOT enforce the 3 quarter playing requirement. Regional Management will address it after it's been reported.
• Have the coaches initial the game card
• Put the completed game cards in the mailbox at the field If no mailbox available, please hold on to card until end of season.
This helps if there are any questions about the game.

Pre-Game Meeting

Always conduct a pre-game consult with your Assistant Referees and explain what you want them responsible for

• Walk and inspect the field for debris and make note of trouble areas mud, holes etc.
• Inspect Goals, Nets, and Flags - for proper position and condition
• Discuss length of game and when substitutions will take place
  
• Explain expectations of the Assistant Referees and answer any questions
• Assign a backup Referee if needed
• Assign a Assistant Referee to backup on time.
  

Assistant Referees who are not certified (a Regional badge or higher) should only call the ball in and out of bounds (No Offside or Fouls)
Use your Assistant Referees to involve them in the game and to make your job as the Referee easier by:

• Let them call in and out bounds in their quadrant of the field and mirror their direction calls
• Make frequent eye contact with them and recognize their efforts

Player Substitutions

U-8 – U14:  After 1st, 2nd halftime and 3rd Quarters and in (case of injury)
U-16 & U19:  Free substitutions - on the discretion of the center referee.

The preferred times to make a substitution are:

• Throw-in
• Goal Kick
• Kick off
  

 The substitution process should take about 2 minutes or less
 The clock runs during the substitutions 

Sideline Behavior Guidelines

• Coaches should be positive and encouraging at all times and remain within 10 yards of either side of the Halfway line.
• Coaches are responsible for the positive behavior of the parents/spectators on their side.
• Should sideline behavior not be positive and encouraging, politely invite the coach onto the field and ask for their support with this. Keep it very brief and to the point and get the game re-started.
  
• Questioning of Referee calls/non-calls is NOT allowable
• Should non-positive behavior persist, invite the coach onto the field again and reiterate compliance. Inform them non-compliance may require the person(s) to leave the field at the Referee's discretion.
•  Inform the Regional Referee Administrator of all game sideline behavior situations beyond the first incident - Match Report.

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