JDSL - Print Referee Guide

NUMBER OF PLAYERS / ELIGIBILITY

Pre-K and Kindergarten Leagues: each team fields 6 players one of whom is the goalkeeper. Eligible players are children in Kindergarten and Pre-K (age 4 prior to the start of the season).

First Grade League: each team fields 7 players one of whom is the goalkeeper. Eligible players are children in First Grade and Kindergarten.

Second Grade League: each team fields 8 players one of whom is the goalkeeper. Eligible players are children in Second Grade and First Grade.

If a team has less than the regulation number of players at game time, the other team should field the same number of players to equalize the number of on-field players on each team.

EQUIPMENT

Shinguards are compulsory equipment for all players. Players cannot wear anything that is a danger to themselves or other players including a hard cast or jewelry.

DURATION OF GAME

Games consist of 4 twelve minute quarters with a two minute break between quarters. Pre-K and Kindergarten coaches have the option to play ten minute quarters. Play is suspended and the game clock is stopped when a player is injured on the field.

HOME TEAM / VISITORS

Home team is the first team listed numerically on each weeks schedule. Home team should furnish game ball (#4). Home team is responsible for wearing a vest/pinny of contrasting color when both teams have similar colored jerseys. Home team takes the kick-off to start the game and the third quarter. The visiting team chooses which goal it will defend at start of the game. If both coaches agree, teams will not change ends at half-time.

REFEREES

Each game is controlled by the referees who have full authority to enforce the rules. Their decisions are final and shall not be challenged or criticized. Coaches may discuss the officiating with the referee provided it is done in a civil manner but not while the game is being played. A referee evaluation form is available on the website to advise the League Commissioner of any complaints about the officiating. If the referee doesn't show up for a game, the game will still be played with the on-field coaches refereeing the game.

COACHES

Only one coach from each team is permitted on the field and one coach on their own goal line, next to, but not behind, their own goal. On-field coaches should be careful not to intimidate players or interfere with ongoing play. On-field coaches are not allowed in the penalty area. Please refer to the Coaches Code of Conduct for more.

COACH MISCONDUCT

A coach that exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended or expelled from the league. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes verbally abusing a referee, player or opposing coach; the use of profanity; repeated violations of league rules. Coaches are held responsible for the unsportsmanlike conduct of their players and spectators.

PLAYER MISCONDUCT

A player who exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct will be warned, along with his/her coach, that if the conduct continues, the player will be ineligible to continue to play and a substitution must be made for that player. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes negative comments, hitting, kicking, spitting, committing numerous fouls, committing an intentional foul, or committing a serious foul such as a high kick or slide tackle or any action that reflects harmful intent. Coaches should remove a player exhibiting aggressive play for a brief period to give them an opportunity to calm down.

MERCY RULE

If the score differential reaches 4 goals, then the team with more goals must remove one field player. If the goal differential returns to 2 goals, then the teams return to the original number of players.
If the score differential reaches 6 goals, then the team with fewer goals may add one player. If the goal differential returns to 2 goals, then the teams return to the original number of players.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Unlimited substitutions for both teams may be made when play has stopped with the permission of the referee. Coaches shall make quick substitutions to facilitate the continuous flow of the game.

THROW - INS

Players will be allowed a second attempt to make a correct throw-in. Play will continue if player makes a foul throw-in on second attempt.

GOALKEEPER

Opposing players must not interfere with the goalkeeper when releasing the ball. Goalkeeper may go to end of penalty area to release the ball. Steps will not be called on goalkeeper. Goalkeeper has no time limit when controlling the ball with his/her hands. Goalkeeper should wear colors which distinguish him/her from the other players.

OFFSIDES

Offsides will not be called unless it is a flagrant violation. For example, a player that is more than 15 yards offsides.

FREE KICKS / GOAL KICKS

There are no penalty kicks, indirect kicks or dropped balls. All free kicks are direct kicks. If a foul is committed in the penalty area the free kick shall be taken outside the penalty area. All other fouls will result in a free kick taken from the location of the foul. Goal kicks are taken at the corner of the penalty area. If play is stopped due to an injury or unusual situation, the game shall be restarted by a direct kick by the team in possession of the ball at the place of the ball when play was stopped.

TEAMS/SPECTATORS

Coaches and players should be on the opposite side of the field away from spectators. The area between the North and South fields at Msgr. Meyer Center and the west side of the Lindenwood Park Field is reserved for coaches and players. Spectators should remain a minimum of 5 yards from the side lines. Spectators are not allowed behind the goal lines. This rule shall be enforced by the coaches.

CANCELLATIONS / MAKE-UP GAMES

Game cancellations due to unplayable field conditions or weather conditions will be posted on the website. Coaches should contact the League Commissioner if they have concerns about playing a game (not canceled) due to weather or field conditions. The final decision to play a game with questionable field conditions is made by the coaches. Make-up games for any canceled games are played at the option of the coaches. Contact League Commissioner to schedule a make-up game.

CYC RULES

Apart from these rules, the CYC Soccer Rulebook will apply.

REFEREE GUIDELINES

1. You have full authority to control the game by enforcing the rules. Don’t be afraid to blow your whistle. Blow your whistle with confidence to show that you are in charge. A barely audible "tweet" indicates to everyone that you're not sure of yourself and are not in charge. A firm/loud whistle will eliminate most of the arguments about your calls from the coaches. After blowing your whistle always announce whose ball it is "yellow ball" and point in the direction of the play. Blow your whistle and announce every call loud enough so the players and coaches can hear the whistle and your call.

2. Always explain to a player why a foul was called.

3. The ball is out of play when the whole ball crosses the goal-line or touch-line.

4. A goal is scored when the whole ball passes over the goal line. Don't call a goal if goalkeeper has possession of the ball but steps behind the goal line, but instruct him/her to avoid doing that.

5. Don't call a foul if goalkeeper only goes a few steps out of the penalty area with the ball but instruct him/her to avoid doing that.

6. Don't be too technical on hand-ball calls, call only clearly intentional hand-balls.

7. Players cannot kick at ball when goalkeeper has possession and must give him/her room to release the ball. Goalkeeper is considered in possession of the ball if he or she has a hand on the ball even if it's still on the ground. Blow whistle if necessary to prevent players from kicking at the ball to protect the goalkeeper.

8. Corner kicks must enter the playing field or it is to be taken over. The kicker cannot play the ball a second time until it has touched another player. If that occurs, the corner kick should be taken over.

9. Throw-in must enter the playing field or it is to be taken again.

10. Advantage Rule: If a foul is committed but the non-offending team has the advantage, don’t blow your whistle, tell them to “play on”.

11. A free kick should be given for any of the following fouls or misconduct:

  a) Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent;
  b) Trips or attempts to trip an opponent;
  c) Jumps at an opponent;
  d) Charging an opponent;
  e) Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent;
  f) Pushes an opponent;
  g) Tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball;
  h) Holds an opponent;
  i) Handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper in the penalty area);
  j) Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands;
  k) Pulls opponent's jersey.
  l) Slide-tackles opponent (strictly prohibited).

12. Mercy Rule- you need to keep track of the score to be able to enforce the Mercy Rule. See League Rules for explanation of Mercy Rule.

SHOWING UP FOR GAMES
1. If you can't make a game you are scheduled to referee, with or without a partner, you should call, text or email me as soon as possible.

2. If you fail to show up for a scheduled game without contacting me, you may be replaced for future games. I have asked the coaches to let me know if a referee fails to show up for a game.

RECORD KEEPING/GETTING PAID
1. You must submit your Referee Worksheet on the website before the end of each day of reffing or risk not getting paid for those games. Print a copy for your records. I will keep track of your submitted Referee Worksheets and send you a check a few weeks after the season for all the games you refereed this season.

2. You will not be paid for games where you are a second (unscheduled) referee at a game.

3. Each referee is paid $13.00 per game except one referee at Second Grade games is paid $16.00 per game.

4. You will not get paid if you show-up for a game that is cancelled. You will get paid the full amount for a game that starts but does not finish because of weather conditions.

GAME CANCELLATION
1. You should check the website for updated game cancellation information before going to your games.

CRITICAL COACHES/SPECTATORS

GAME DAY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. You should bring the following items to each game:
  a) A loud whistle
  b) Watch
  c) Copy of the rules
  d) Copy of schedule
  e) Water bottle
  f) Pen to write down the score of the game

2. You must wear a referee shirt (preferred) or a black shirt or sweatshirt at all games.

3. Before each game introduce yourself to each coach.

4. You should arrive at the field 15 minutes prior to the game and start the game on time and act as strict timekeeper throughout the game. Do not cut time off a game even if you are running behind schedule. Only stop the game clock if there is an injury on the field.

5. If a team has less than the regulation number of players at the start of the game, ask the coach of the other team to play with the same number of players.

6. Ask the coach of the visitor’s team which goal they want to defend at start of game. Home team takes the kick-off to start the game and the third quarter. Visitor's team takes the kick-off for the second and fourth quarter. There is no coin toss at start of the game.

7. Kick-off - technical rules don't apply, any kind of kick-off works. Blow your whistle at game time to signal the start of the game and kick-off is ready to be taken.

8. Ask the coaches to inform their spectators (if necessary) not to be in the areas reserved for players and coaches. Spectators are also not allowed right behind the goals.

9. Goal kicks - get the ball quickly, and place it at the corner of the penalty box. Blow your whistle when goal kick is ready to be taken.

10. Corner kicks - get the ball quickly, and place it at the corner of the field. Blow your whistle when corner kicks are ready to be taken.

11. Throw–ins – get the ball quickly, stand where throw-in is to be taken, announce who has possession, ("Red-Ball") indicate the direction of the ball by raising your arm and pointing in that direction until throw-in is made.

12. After a goal is scored, get the ball quickly, and place it at the center-off spot.

13. Keep track of the score for purposes of the Mercy Rule and Referee Worksheet. If the Mercy Rule is triggered, ask coach with fewer goals if he or she wants to enforce the Mercy Rule. See League Rules for explanation of Mercy Rule.

14. Stop play when player falls on the ball to avoid player getting kicked.

15. Blow your whistle to stop play when a player is injured. Restart play with free kick to team who had possession of the ball when play was stopped.

16. Check throughout the game to make sure that each team has the correct number of players on the field.

17. Move with the play so that you are always in a position to call all fouls, ball out of bounds, goals, etc. You should not be more than 10 yards away from the ball at anytime. If you are not moving with the play, you are not doing your job.

18. Two referees at a game should divide the field, by the length of the field, controlling their half of the field and sidelines.

19. When a player engages in unsportsmanlike conduct, you should warn player and the coach that if the conduct continues, player won’t be able to continue to play and a substitute must be made.

20. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes:

  a) Commits numerous fouls.
  b) Delays the restart of play.
  c) Fails to move back 5 yards when goalkeeper has the ball, a free kick or corner kick is taken.
  d) Commits a serious foul such as high kicking or slide tackling.
  e) Hits or strikes an opponent.
  f) Spits at an opponent.
  g) Uses offensive, insulting or abusive language.
  h) Commits an intentional foul.

21. Ask coaches at the end of the first half if they want to agree not to change ends. If one coach wants to change then teams must change ends.

22. Inform goalkeeper that he/she can run out to end of penalty box to release the ball.

23. When a foul is committed, get the ball quickly and stand where the free kick is to be taken, announce your call and point in the direction of the offending team’s goal.

24. Move players back 5 yards when a throw-in, free kick, goal kick or corner kick is taken.

25. When and how to blow your whistle:

  1) 1 long whistle
   a) Stand at mid-field - blow your whistle to alert coaches that game should start.
   b) When there is an injury on the field to stop play.

  2) 1 short whistle for the following:
   a) When ball goes out of bounds.
   b) When a goal is scored.
   c) When a foul is committed.
   d) Anytime to stop and restart play.

  3) 2 long whistles
   a) At the end of the first, second and third quarters.

  4) 3 long whistles
   a) At the end of the game.

  5) Continue to blow your whistle if players do not stop play after you have blown your whistle.