REFEREE GAME DAY PROCEDURES

Here is what you should do to be prepared for those inevitable emergencies that can leave you short handed at the fields:

1)  Print a copy of your schedule before going to your assignment and take it with you.  The names of the officials should be printed on it. You could also call your crew the night before.

2) Check your email, phone messages and the Game Assignments at my website, www.socrefva.com/mclrasl BEFORE leaving for the fields.

3) Call the hot line, 703-792-4750 ext 3282, or check the web site, www.socrefva.com/mclrasl BEFORE leaving for the fields.

4) 20 minutes before game time, try calling the official at either home or his/her cell if it is listed if they are not at the field when you arrive.

5) 15 minutes before game time, if you have not been able to get in contact with them, call me at 540-273-8227 and leave a detailed message to include, your name, game location, time, game number, who is late, and a phone number where I can reach you at the field. NO 2 MAN SYSTEM!! ALWAYS DSC using club lines. (no volunteers, NO game!).

6) Proceed with pre-game check ins of teams, picking up of a roster from each team, etc., and asking the team managers if there is a certified referee connected with their teams who can stand in as a possible temporary replacement. (Some are players, some are parents or siblings who may be there watching, ask about them first). Who ever is the center referee remember to get the name and phone number of the person who steps in to include in your game report. CLUB LINES DO NOT CALL OFFSIDE OR FOULS.(posting them on the corner flags works well!)

7) If the center ref is missing, the most experienced AR should step into that position.

8) If you are unavoidably running late or unable to make the game:

a) Try calling the center referee or one of the officials on the crew you are working with if you have that number.

b) If you do not have their number, call 540-273-8227 or 540-898-3640 and leave a detailed message.
My primary focus will be to find a referee to replace them.  I will contact you with any information as soon as I have it.

c) BE SURE TO RECORD TEAM, PLAYER NAME & #, and the sanction code for the 7 yellow or red cards during the game and then report those sanctions and incidents (injuries) in the GAME REPORT online.

d) CHECK IN Procedures:

1. Teams should arrive at least 20 mins (ideally 30 mins.) before their game time to do their warm-ups on an adjacent field and go through the check in procedure. They have a 15 min. grace period if they don't have at least 6 men & 1 woman. Divide the lost time over 2 equal periods.

2. The team captain/manager will distribute the player cards to each player by 10 mins before game time. The game cards will have the player’s jersey # in permanent black ink on the game card side with their name.

3. The team captain/manager will give the referee the official roster that lists the team players alphabetically by last name and their jersey #.

4. The referee will then pick up each card from each player and verify card, jersey #, and verify all equipment is legal (no jewelry including ear rings, exposed piercing, plastic/string bracelets, etc.) and safe.

*note* There are several players each week not removing neck jewelry and ear rings until asked. Flat wedding bands may be taped along with religious and medical necklaces/bracelets but NOT earrings, studs, nor piercings.

5. Players arriving late may enter the field of play after the game has started but must first check in with the Assistant Referee on the team side to collect the player card and check out proper equipment. The referee will return all cards back to the manager/captain at the end of the game and keep the rosters for their record keeping.

Following the above procedures should only take 5 mins. if the referee crew takes one team each. To complete and therefore leave time to start on time.

e) The clock starts at posted game time. We do not have much time in between games so STAY ON SCHEDULE. We do "add time" to handle delay tactics. We want to give them full playing time, but if they don't want to start on time, that's their choice.

9) The Center Referee (CR) will complete the Game Report within 48 hours of the game. I DO NOT get Game Cards from the leagues so this is the ONLY WAY you get paid.

10) Remember to check the Game Assignment Board for each week. Games often change over the course of the season.

BELOW ARE THE MAIN RULE MODIFICATIONS FOR THIS LEAGUE:

A. Unless noted in the bylaws, all rules and regulations accepted and documented in the FIFA rulebook govern play in this league. Interpretation of these rules vested in the referee(s) directing play at the time.

B. Slide tackling will not be permitted in this league. Restart with an indirect free direct kick for dangerous play. Remember, a TACKLE takes 2 players. Just because a player slides to clear a ball does not constitute a slide tackle. SAFETY is the emphasis in YOUR decision(not theirs). Sanctions or verbal warnings are at your discretion.

C. Shinguards will be worn at all times during league play.

D. Fighting will not be permitted in this league.

E . A team cannot field more than seven men at any time, although a team may choose any number of women.(7 males and 4 females) unless both teams can only field three women for a game, teams can field 8 men and 3 women but only if both team captains agree before the start of a game. The number of males agreed on will not change after the game begins.

F . The minimum number of people needed to play a game is seven. One of these players must be a female. The game will be a forfeit if a team does not meet this requirement within 15 minutes after scheduled game time (official time kept by the referee present)

G. No alcoholic beverages are permitted in, on, or around the field area. In addition, if for any reason any player becomes unresponsive or incapacitated during any point of the game, the player shall be removed from the game and cannot return to the present game. Judgement of unresponsiveness is vested in the referee(s) present.

H . Injuries, regardless of their cause, must be reported to the referee assignor, in your game report, who will then inform the commissioner.

I. Metal cleats shall be allowed during play.

J. Each player (excluding goalkeepers) must wear like and same color shirt (Lake Ridge shirt) with his/her number clearly visible.

K. If a players received a yellow card he/she must leave the field for five minutes. The player may be substituted. Yellow card issued by a referee must be reported to the head referee assignor in the game report.

L . If for any reason a player sustains an open or bleeding wound, it shall be immediately brought to the attention of the referee. That player should be removed until such time as the wound is cleaned and fully covered to protect from contact. Judgement of fully covered shall be vested in the referee.

M. Substitutions:

Substitutions will be limited to the following:

a. At before goal kicks and after goals by either team.

b. On throw-ins, by either team if both teams are ready for substitution but, only by team with possession if only one team is there.

c. Substitutions take place at mid field an new player enters the field with your permission.

d. ANY number of players may substitute during injuries.

N. NO Jewelry will be worn by any player during the game according to FIFA guidelines. Taped over IS NOT acceptable.

O. The duration of each game should be 90 minutes of playing time divided into 2 equal periods.

P. Teams will take the same side of the field as spectators but there should be at least 5 yds left open at the mid field between the teams.