General Officiating Pointers–5u/6u/7u/8u/10u

Smile and have fun. We’re 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, you’ll look so ‘official’ and have instant field cred).
- 5/6/7—just the official yellow referee t-shirt and whistle (which we provide for free)
- 8U and older—the 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 you’re supposed to get started, and prepare accordingly.
End on time, so the next teams get their whole time slot. It’s GOOD MANNERS. If you’re 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 “Game Cards” (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 check—shin guards and safe shoes; no jewelry; NO EARRINGS
Keep the game SAFE: use your (kind) voice and remind them what is or isn’t 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