General Officiating Pointers–5u/6u/7u/8u/10u
- Smile and have fun. Weâre all on the same team (parents, coaches, referees).
- Please refer to the specific Division Guidelines for detailed info on each age group found under “Division Guidelines” tab
- Have the correct referee uniform (so we can discern you from the players, youâll look so âofficialâ and have instant field cred).
- 5/6/7âjust the official yellow referee t-shirt and whistle (which we provide for free)
- 8U and olderâthe proper official referee uniform: yellow jersey, Regional badge, black shorts, black socks, whistle, ref wallet, watch, pen, maybe flags (we will provide for free, except pen and watch, at your referee training class)
- Start on time; know what time youâre supposed to get started, and prepare accordingly.
- End on time, so the next teams get their whole time slot. It’s GOOD MANNERS. If youâre running behind schedule, you will want to shorten the game by shortening each half by equal amounts.
- HOME team and spectators on north (or west) sideline. AWAY team and spectators on south (or east) sideline.
- 8U and above teams need âGame Cardsâ (provided by Coach/team Manager) to keep track of goals, substitutes, absentees, etc. Team Manager will get these printed out.
- 5/6/7 do not have Game Cards
- Remember the team check-in, safety checkâshin guards and safe shoes; no jewelry; NO EARRINGS
- Keep the game SAFE: use your (kind) voice and remind them what is or isnât ok.
- Keep the game FAIR: reading the Division Guidelines, and the IFAB Laws of The Game never hurt a ref.
- Regular Season games can end in a draw (“tie”). But hey, EVERYONE’S a winner in Region 20 AYSO
