Pre-Game Team Requirements: Coaches and teams should arrive 15 minutes before match time to complete pre-game requirements. REFEREES ARRIVE 30 MINS. BEFORE GAME TIME! Call the Hotline @ 548-4303 if you need verifiation of games still on.

1. Each team will provide the referee with a team official rooster before the start of the match. The Center Referee will give the teams the names of the referee crew.
2. Both coaches & referee should meet and review any special conditions related to the field, substitution rules, game length, and ball size before the match.
3. The assistant referees will check team player passes with the roosters provided by each team before the match. Teams without passes at game time may be required to forfeit. After checking the passes (picture and team #), return them to the team. If one team does not have player passes, note it on the official game record and play the game.
4. When uniform colors conflict, the home team must change jerseys unless the visiting team agrees to change.
5. Teams with fewer than 7 players (5 for U-10 and younger) who are ready to play within 10 minutes of stated match start time may forfeit the match. The game may be delayed up to 10 minutes if a team has fewer than 7 players.
6. If there are no officials present at game time and both coaches agree, the match may be played with a volunteer referee. The assignor should be called at 273-8227 if a referee is missing BEFORE the game starts. If an official arrives later, the match is turned over at the next stoppage of play. The referee should meet with the volunteer to establish the length of game, score, time remaining, and any cautions or send offs. In all circumstances, the teams should attempt to play the match.
7. Unless otherwise approved, the diagonal system of control (DSC) is the preferred method of refereeing games. NO DUALS!!! If one or two officials are absent, use club linesmen. If the officials arrive, they will assume responsibilities at the next stoppage of play.
8. LIGHTNING POLICY - Matches will be suspended at the sound of thunder or sight of lightning. Players, coaches, and referees should seek shelter. The match will resume 15 minutes after the last thunderclap or lightning bolt.
9. Suspended games that are resumed will re-start from the point at which they were stopped. Games that are resumed are played in full, unless another game is scheduled for that field. If that occurs, the game will end five minutes before the next scheduled game. Games that are not resumed are official if half the game is played. Games in which less than half of the game has been played will be rescheduled and not official. Discipline points for cards issued in a suspended match count
10. Following the Match, submit an Electronic Game Report using the Form found at www.refabc.com/socrefva. Failure to do so will result in a $5.00 fine. Continued failure to submit will result in the loss of the match fee and/or loss of future assignments.
11. Injuries: Due to insurance requirements, referees must record injuries on the Team Roster and the Official Match Record. If an injury occurs, record the player’s name and a generic description of the injury (e.g. injured right ankle). No diagnoses please!

Referees should not tolerate dissent or persistent misconduct. Caution or send off as necessary. If Referee Abuse or Assault takes place on you and/or your assistant(s), report it immediately to the FAS Assignor and fill out the Referee Abuse/Assualt Form found at the state website www.vadcsoccerref.com under Referee Forms.

It is the responsibility of the referee to assure the safety of all players equipment under Law 4. The following is a listing of common items often encountered by referees that officiate matches in central Virginia. To insure the safety of all players, the following items are NOT ALLOWED to be worn or used by a player, on the pitch, prior to or during a game. Officials refereeing matches for FAS will adhere to these guidelines.

• Watches
• Metal bracelets
• Cloth bracelets (whether loosely or snuggly fitting)
• Metal necklaces (whether loosely or snuggly fitting)
• Cloth necklaces (whether loosely or snuggly fitting)
• Bracelets must be removed to play; whether to cut them off to play is a player's decision.
• Metal or Plastic barrettes
• Ribbons in the hair are allowed, - but all players on the same team must wear the same color ribbon.
• Earrings - whether pierced, or not, on the lower or upper ear
• Earrings must be removed. If they require a tool, the player must remove them or not play.
• Players may not tape earrings in order to play.
• Rings on fingers or thumbs
• Any body piercing jewelry (nose, eyebrow, tongue, navel, etc., - including that under clothing)
• Referees will NOT inspect under clothing for these items. It is the responsibility of the player, parents, and coach to ensure that the player's safety is protected by removing these covered items.
• Wire rim glasses
• Plastic frame glasses are permitted - even if they contain a wire within the plastic arm of the glasses.
• If players on the same team have different colors, the referee should make every effort to play, avoiding targeting.
• If players on the opposing teams have the same color socks, the referee should play, and make the best calls possible.
• Elbow, finger, or wrist braces which contain any hard or inflexible substances
• Knee braces are permitted - if all hard edges and joints are properly padded. If during the game, the player uses the knee brace as a weapon in the opinion of the referee, it will no longer be allowed.
• Medical and/or religious bracelets and necklaces are permitted if securely taped to the player.

Availability Forms- Forms are either filled out and mailed to the assignor or done electronically at www.refabc.com/socrefva/. These are then reviewed and then assigned usually within 48 hrs. of receipt.

Referee Assignments- – The computer generates a listing of referees from those who have submitted availability forms and are available during the time period for which games are being assigned. If you fail to send in your availability form, your name will not be on the list, and you will NOT be assigned any games. Assignments, generally, are sent out 10 days before the games. Sometimes, however, the leagues change the games; these games are assigned by phone.

Once showing availability to FAS/RMYSL please do not accept assignments from other assignors more than a week ahead of time. If you marked that you were available for a specific time and you are assigned a game, you are expected to accept the assignment. If you do not receive FAS/RMYSL assignments within 7 days prior to match date, you may accept assignments from other assignors. If you receive late assignments from the FAS/RMYSL by mail or phone, your commitment to another assignor will be respected. We realize that plans change and that you may have to turn back games. If refusals become routine, however, you will not be assigned any games.

Assignment Confirmation- Call or e-mail to confirm all game assignments as soon as you get them. If you do not confirm assignments quickly (48 hrs), they may be reassigned. Once you accept your assignments, you are expected to show, on time, dressed professionally at the field assigned. If you need to turn-back an assignment, PLEASE CALL, DO NOT EMAIL TURNBACKS to the assignor. If a member of the crew is missing, CALL 273-8227. If there is "a hole" on another field after you finish your sets, please help cover that spot and you will be paid extra!

Official Match Records- If you are the center referee, you must give the final score and sanctions issued to each team manager at the end of the game and they mail the cards into Richmond. The Center Referee MUST submit the Official Match Record (Game Card) electronically. Match Records should be complete including the game number when available, and submitted to the site at www.refabc.com//socrefva/refgamereport.html. NOT DOING SO WILL INCURR A $5 Penalty Fee. If your computer is down, you must mail your GAME REPORT by the next business day to the assignor at 5218 Leavells Crossing Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22407. Incomplete or incorrect match records will be returned to the referee. DO NOT postpone submitting your match record or you may miss a payroll. If you caution or send off a player, write the team, player's name, number, card (red or yellow), and infraction. Remember, errors can cause innocent players to be disciplined. These sanctions MUST be emailed or called into the Assignor (NOT left on the answer machine).

Game Cancellations- Home teams must contact the assignor if they cancel for poor field conditions or weather. For Games Cancelled/Status, call 540-548-4303 and listen to the message before going to your game. If there are no messages, the game is on. If you get to a match and no one is there, check the site, time, and date on your assignment sheet. If you are at the right place, or if a game is cancelled, send in a game card, if you want to be paid. Write on the back, explaining why the game wasn’t played and what officials showed for the match. All this is ALSO emailed to www.refabc.com/socrefva/refgamereport.html.

Match Times- Our contracts with the leagues state that we will arrive prior to the match so plan on arriving at least 30 minutes prior to match time! Showing up late can start things off on the wrong foot. Being early allows ample time to warm up, pre-game discussions, and check the field, player, equipment, and team rosters.

Send Offs- If you send off a player, or caution or send off a coach, call the assignor at 273-8227 immediately after the match with the player's or coach's name, number, team, and the infraction. WE DO NOT SHOW CARDS TO COACHES OR SPECTATORS IN THIS LEAGUE!! Referee reports must be submitted (mail or Website), within 24 hours.

Telephone Calls- We receive many phone calls per day and try to respond as soon as possible. If you have not had a response within 2 days call again. Please note e-mail messages are preferred for general inquiries.

E-Mail- Many times a mass e-mailing is used to fill last minute turn backs. Check your e-mail regularly, especially a day or two before weekend games. You may be able to pick up a game or two. Also, e-mail is used to send out general information on payroll, tournaments, and other various topics. The Main Website is www.refabc.com/socrefva. Add this site to your favorites (bookmarks). This will also link to other helpful information. The assignor can be reached directly at socrefva@yahoo.com.

Paychecks- Invoices will be submitted to the FAS Treasurer at the end of each month. Checks are written every 3-4 weeks. BE SURE TO SUBMIT YOUR GAME REPORT ONLINE at www.refabc.com/socrefva/refgamereport.html within 24 hrs of game completion. When the payroll is run, the computer program will not process games without a submitted match record. Therefore, you get no pay for these games. Keep track the games for which you have been paid and game counts. This is also helpful in keeping game counts for upgrades.

Recertification- Only current, USSF-certified referees may be assigned to FAS games. Keep your certification current. Officials who have certification questions should contact a local USSF Instructor for answers.

Upgrading- We encourage all referees to upgrade when they have sufficient game counts. Refer to requirements as stated in the Referee Administrative Handbook in order to upgrade. Upon completing requirements, contact the Northern Area Assessment Administrator to apply for an assessment and all subsequent questions concerning upgrade issues. Once you apply, check the box on the availability form to request an assessment.

Evaluations- Call the head assignor if you want an informal evaluation. Games by youth referees are generally limited by age as contracts require center referees to be at least two years older than the age group they are working (i.e. age 16 is limited to centers up to a U-14 match).
The evaluation committee relies on comments that referees make on match records. Take the time to evaluate and comment on your assistants. We need positive comments as well as negative ones. If you want to be evaluated to increase your rating, contact the assignor. Be patient, there is usually a backlog of officials awaiting evaluation.

RSRA Mentor Program- This is the local Mentor Program "designed to develop, improve, and strengthen the performance of referees." Our mentor program was developed to provide the best possible training for referees whose goals include: attaining a USSF State or National Grade, becoming the best referee they can be, and working with the widest range of challenging matches. Contact the RSRA Secretary for the names of the latest coordinators.

Attention Youth Referees-

1. The home team may provide the referee a RMYSL Game Record that should be fully completed after the match and returned to the team.
2. Teams with less than 7 players (5 for U-10 & U-9) ready to play within 10 minutes of game time may forfeit the game. Officiate a scrimmage if the teams wish.

Law I- Field of Play: Fields will include a coach, team, and spectator line one to two yards from and parallel to each touchline and extending between each 18-yard line. Coaches, players, and spectators must stay behind this line. Referees should note improperly marked fields on the match record. Team bench areas will be on the same side, across the field from the spectator's seats. The spectator area extends between each 18-yard line. Parents and other spectators must stay on the opposite side of the field from the players. Coaches are responsible for the behavior of their teams' spectators and a referee may abandon the match if the spectators become unruly or out of control.

Law II - The Ball: U-12 and under use a size 4 ball; U-13 and older use a size 5 ball.

Law III - Number of Players: U11 and older teams field 11 players. U-9 and U-10 teams field 7 players, including the goalkeeper. Offside is enforced for all the youth leagues.

Substitutions: Generally, teams may substitute when play stops (except for a corner kick):

Law IV - Player Equipment: Casts and splints are allowed, if in the opinion of the referee they are reasonably padded and safe to the wearer and other players. Wire-rimmed glasses are not allowed as safety glasses are recommended;. Players must wear similar jerseys, numbered as noted on the official team roster, which must be tucked in. Players must wear shin guards covered by socks.

Law V - Referees: Use the diagonal system of control (DSC) NO DUAL SYSTEM (use club lineesmen)! Coaches may be cautioned or sent off for their actions, or for the actions of their assistants or spectators. Discipline measures that may be taken against cautioned or sent off players apply to cautioned or sent off coaches. NO CARDS ARE TO BE DISPLAYED TO COACHES, TEAM PERSONNEL, OR PARENTS!Positive and tactful coaching from the touchline is allowed.

Law VI- Duration of the Game: The following table shows the standard game duration by age group. See the entries for each league for exceptions or those not included here. The clock runs continuously, except when the severity of injury prevents an injured player from being removed from the playing field.