Below are a few of the game day procedures you should incorporate into your routine each time you go to referee a game. Download a POCKET GUIDE and have handy to reference to when starting out refereeing. Pocket Guide
Click on a section to learn more!
What do I need to bring?
Always bring everything you would need as if you were the center (something could happen where the rest of your crew can't make it to the game and you have to center. What is everything: Ref Bag for your stuff: Black Referee shorts (not other shorts, referee shorts), referee socks, running or trail running (best) shoes, primarily black. Count-down watch Casio makes a good one for $20-25 on Amazon. Whistle, note pad with pencil and paper to record game notes, flags (2), water, sunscreen, chair & hat.
Where to get uniforms & equipment?
If you plan on refereeing a lot of games or at least for a long time the Pro kits are nice. If you are new and not sure how much or how long you will referee the Starter kits have everything you need. Suggestion: If you are doing multiple games out in the hot sun it is advised to wear long sleeves and a cap along with sunscreen. Sales happen fairly regularly and CALSOUTH sends out a nice 20% discount coupon to Dick's Sporting Goods usually 2-3 times a year. Official Sports Inernational (OSI) is also another main supplier of uniforms & equipment and have sales every winter just before Christmas. So remember to get on the CALSOUTH & OSI email lists to receive notices when the sales occur. You can also search online on EBAY or Facebook for used equipment and uniforms. As referees move up the ranks they often upgrade their tool boxes along the journey.
If you have any questions, issues, please reach out to ANY Assignor. Click Here to see a list of Assignors.
Thank you!
When do I get to fields?
Don't be late!! Arrive at the field at least 30 minutes prior to game-time unless you receive other instructions (some tournaments are 45-60 minutes)(20 minutes for REC since no check-in or paperwork). On upper level games, it is often reuired to arrive 1 hour or more before thegame kick off. You will be notified if that is the case. If by chance you are running late call the crew so they know, if you can't make the game at all call your crew as soon as you know and call me or another assignor until someone answers so we can replace you, hopefully.
What to wear?
Easiest thing to do is to look professional, dress appropriately. Wear a sports polo or nice athletic shirt to & from the fields. Don't wear your referee jersey to field or when you leave! You can put that on once you determine the color of teams & goalkeepers so you don't conflict (if possible have a yellow as well as one or more other colors (not mandatory).
Where to keep all your equipment & stuff?
I suggest look for a place in the shade, especially if you will be working multiple games throughout the day in the hot sun. Usually the referee crew finds a quite place off to one side where they can discuss anything which might develope during the games far enough away so the coaches or players can't hear. The whole crew is in the same situation with regards to keeping their gear safe from harm while working so maybe find a place where one of the ARs can watch everyone's gear at all times.
Check in the teams
Look and act professional, introduce yourself to the coaches, if you are brand new tell them that, if you are working as an AR in a crew tell your crew you are new so they can help mentor you. Introduce yourself to your crew make sure you know their names. If Solo REC is your first games there is no team check-in or match report to fill out. You should still keep score and track all of the game events as practice. If you are with a crew the center will guide you. They will check-in the teams using Got Sport or appropriate app for the game so you should go with them so you learn. Don't be scared to ask questions when something doesn't make sense or when you want to learn something.
If you have any questions, issues, please reach out to ANY Assignor. Click Here to see a list of Assignors.
Good luck and have fun!
Cancellation Procedure (games more than 24hrs away)
Cancelation Procedure for any game assignments that are more than 24 hours away of the weekend (meaning prior to Friday), if you have to cancel for any reason you need to reach out to the assignor responsible for your assignments. If unsure, you can also reach out to any other assignor and we will assist with either contacting the correct assignor or remove you from your assignments. If you are feeling sick or think you might not be able to make your accepted assignments, PLEASE notify your assignor ASAP and give us ample time to find a replacement. It looks really bad when we do not have a full crew, especially on a high level older age game and we could have found a replacement or shifted someone off of a younger level game. We understand things happen and emergencies arise but please do your part and make sure to contact your assignor.
Cancellation Procedure (games less than 24hrs away)
When your assignments are within 24 hours of the weekend (aka Friday), YOU MUST SPEAK with an assignor over the phone OR a text message that is followed by a response that confirms they received your message that you are unable to satisfy your game assignments. EMAIL cancelation is only acceptable if it is MORE than 24 hours notice (aka Mon-Thurs) before the weekend. If you see you are still on the games, it was more than 24 hours prior to your game assignments for the weekend, please get a response from an assignor as if it was 24 hours (Friday) before the weekend.
If you have any questions, issues, please reach out to ANY Assignor. Click Here to see a list of Assignors.
Thank you!
Before you even step onto the field it is suggested you do your homework. Below are a few steps to build a pregame routine.
Pregame check list and speech ready?
Who are you working with? Have you worked with the match game referees before? If not then familiarize yourself...
Where is the game?
What are the laws or rules for this particular game?
Who are the teams playing? Is there a rivalry?
What are the tactics of the two teams? Style of play?
Will you be using technology (ie coms or buzzing flags)? If so familiarize yourself with how they work and are working properly before the game.
Are you working on certain referee skills? Ask the other referees for advice and/or feedback on your techniques...
Is everybody in crew on same page? Do all have all their gear and uniforms?
Walk the Field:We suggest a nice walk around the field to check for pot holes, sprinkler heads, or anything that might pose a danger to the players.
Goal Posts:Are the goal posts securely anchored to the ground?
Goal Nets:Are there any holes in the nets and are they attached to the goal posts securely?
Lines Marked:Is the field properly lined and marked?
Corner Flags:Are there corner flags?
Have you brought any "toolbox" supplies ie zip ties or weight bags to secure nets and goals which could possibly make a safer environment for any of the players or spectators?
Getting to know who you are working with is essential in preparation for communicating during the game.
REFEREE CREW: You should know the names of the crew you are working with so you can communicate with them properly.
TRAINER or MEDICAL PHYSICIAN: Who is the trainer at the field or where are they located? Just in case of an injury or emergency this is important to know!
TEAM COACHES: Who are the coaches of both teams?
FIELD MARSHALL: Who is the field marshall at the site or nearby to turn game reports in or just in case a ball goes missing?
CLOCK OPERATOR: If using a scoreboard with a clock it is necessary to know who to contact to fix or start/stop the clock.
Game Fees: Don't wait till end of game to collect game fees!
Who from?: Different leagues have different methods so check first. Sometimes just home team pays but most leagues use each team pays half the fees method.
Fee Matrix: Fee amounts should be listed on the game report the coaches hand you. If not, it was also sent out via email at start of season. It might be wise to keep a printed copy with you at all times. And that means a printed copy of each league as each league has different fees.
What went wrong in 1st half?
What went right in 1st half?
What needs to be changed in approach for 2nd half?
Are you going to call it tighter 2nd half?
Any other tips or suggestions from other crew members?
Are the details from 1st half written down right and double checked with other crew members?
It is essential in the development process to review each game for strengths and weaknesses. Then try and incorporate any of these into the next game. You can even between games practice & prepare how to use different techniques during the next game. Practice makes perfect!
Pros from the game? - What went well in the game...
Cons from the game? - What went wrong or could have gone better?
Going Forward - What will you incorporate into your next game?
Review field conditions - Was there anything to report on the match report about the field conditions?
For game reporting, please keep the original game report at the conclusion of your game. SCDSL you will not have to report anything unless there is a red card or serious injury, if this occurs in your game, fill out the supplemental and send it to me. CalSouth Supplemental in case you have a serious injury, suspected head injury, or a red card. All match/game reports are due within 24 hours for all games and leagues and retain primary copy for 90 days in case of disputes.
Match Reports - Match Reports must be turned in within 24hrs. If in doubt check the game card provided for how to complete match reports as each league will be slightly different in their match reporting procedure requirements. Usually each team should be receiving a copy or photo of the game report, however sometimes only the home is responsible for collecting the game card and verifying the scores. There are also times when the teams are reponsible for submitting the scores and game report to the league which makes your job simply to turn game report to the teams on the field.
Field Conditions - Any and all field conditions which don't follow the rules must be included in match report (ie no corner flags).
RED CARDS: - Ejections & Red cards must be reported/submitted on the SAME DAY!! A supplemental report is needed for ANY and ALL red cards. Ask your assignor if you have any questions.
INJURIES: - A supplemental report is needed for ANY and ALL serious injuries (ie concussion, broken bone, etc...). It must be reported on the match report!! Ask your assignor if you have any questions.
ANY SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT: Must be filled out and turned into Dennis Wickham (wickham@scmv.com) and Keoni Owens SDCSRA Director of Assignments (808assignor@gmail.com).
Referee Abuse - Must be reported SAME DAY!! - A supplemental report detailing the whole scenario is required. Coach/Manager are the ONLY ones allowed to ask to see your CalSouth Referee ID. And they may only ask BEFORE the game, not after. They are NOT allowed to take a photo of you or your ID.** IF this happens, you are to contact your assignor, Keoni Owens (Director of Assignments), or Dennis Wickham (SDCSRA President) IMMEDIATELY or NO LATER than immediately after the game. We will not tolerate ANY form of Referee Abuse or Harassment.
Below are the general forms for reporting RED cards, injuries, referee abuse as well as some league match reporting. If you have any questions email your assignor and he/she will know what is needed and how to complete. We suggest you print and keep a few copies of each form with you when you go to referee a game.
