U8-to-Assistant Referee Course
OBJECTIVES
Understand the differences between
U-8 and U-10 play in AYSO
Understand the basics of offside
Use appropriate signals
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1
Understanding U-10 Players
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
U-10 Players
Physical Characteristics
More interested in competitive activities
More interested in improving skills
Attention span is increasing
May accept a physical touch,
but some will begin to reject it
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
U-10 Players
Social/Emotional Characteristics
Group acceptance is important
Wants to be liked
Still generally cooperative with adults
Crave praise and attention
May blame others
to explain their own mistakes
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
U-10 Players
Thought/Cognitive Characteristics
Can recall details with accuracy
Can understand the concept
of cause and effect
Enjoys attention but their reaction to
praise may be more subdued
Still takes what is said quite literally
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Understanding U-10 Players
Implications for how
we officiate these games
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Field of Play
Penalty
Area
Goal
Area
Halfway Line
Corner
Flag
Halfway
Flag
Goal
Goal Line
Penalty
Arc
Penalty
Mark
Corner
Arc
Center
Circle
Touch Line
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Pre-game Duties and Activities
early
Assistant refereesArrive
are often
used in U-10 games.
Check
andand
equipment
They
arefield
dressed
equipped
the same
as the
Introduce
yourself
to referee
the Coaches
Check players equipment
The assistant referees help the referee with the
Briefpre-game
Assistantduties
Referees
Conduct coin toss
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Pre-game Duties and Activities
Arrive early
At least 15 minutes prior to game time
(20-30 mins if first game of the day)
In proper uniform
(look like a team)
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Pre-game Duties and Activities
Why should
the assistant
Arrive
early referee
also have this equipment?
With required equipment
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Pre-game Duties and Activities
Check Field and Equipment
Markings
Holes, glass, rocks, debris, etc.
Goals (properly secured)
Nets (secured, no holes/gaps)
Corner flags
Ball
U8-to-Basic Referee Course
1.1 - Lesson
1
U8-to-Assistant
Referee
Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Pre-game Duties and Activities
Use the assistant referees to help
check players equipment
Team Uniform
Shirt, Shorts, Shoes, Socks, Shinguards
If thermal shorts are worn, they
must be the same color as the shorts
Shinguards must be under the socks
Goalkeeper’s shirt must be distinguishable
from all other players and the referee
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Pre-game Duties and Activities
Check players equipment
Nothing dangerous (in the referee’s opinion)
No jewelry, watches, earrings
No casts or splints (even if padded)
Knee braces are okay, but only if padded and
safe to all players (in your opinion)
Medical alert bracelets may be worn, but must
be secured to the player with tape, cloth
wristband or something similar that is safe.
The information must remain visible
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Pre-game Duties and Activities
Brief Assistant Referees
Neutral AR’s:
Work as a team
Follow standard signals
Discuss non-standard signals
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Pre-game Duties and Activities
Brief Assistant Referees
Club Linesmen:
Non-neutral
Explain expectations;
Put at ease
Only call in/out of play
Raise flag straight up when ball has
gone completely over the line.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
During the safety inspection of the players,
the referee notices that a player is wearing
earrings. She explains that she had her
ears pierced the previous day and if she
removes the earrings the holes will close.
What should the referee do?
The referee should explain to the player that
earrings are not permitted; if she wishes to
play, she must remove them. The referee
may choose to involve the coach.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
In a U-10 game, the ball offered by the
home team is a size 3 but otherwise
acceptable.
What should the referee do?
Point out to the team that provided the
ball that it is the wrong size and ask for a
size 4 ball. If the team cannot provide
one, ask the other team for one. If no size
4 ball is available, play the match with a
size 3 ball.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
During the field inspection, the assistant
referee notices that a goal is being held in
place by two bricks placed on the back of
the structure.
What should the assistant referee do?
Bricks resting on the goal structure are not
sufficient to anchor it securely. The assistant
referee should inform the referee of the
problem, who in turn should inform the
coaches that the goals need to be securely
anchored before the match can start.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
The goalkeeper must wear a jersey that is __?
Different from the referee and all other players
It is not necessary to check the field prior to
the start of the match if it is the last game of
the day. (True/False)
False
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
A club linesman may indicate whether a corner
kick can be awarded or not. (True/False)
False. Club linesmen can only indicate when
the ball has gone over the touchline or the
goal line (not a goal).
Knee braces may be worn by a player (T/F)
True, but only if padded and if it is safe for all
players, in the opinion of the referee.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Now that we’ve finished our
pre-game activities....
How do we start the game?
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Starting the Game
Coin toss
Assistant referees typically join the referee
for the coin toss to reinforce the notion
of an officiating team.
But this may not
always be possible
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Starting the Game
Verify the correct number
of players on the field
(no visible/audible counting).
Minimum of seven (7) players
on each team for full-sided
regulation games.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Defenders
All playersmust
mustbebe10on
yds
their
from
own
theside
ball
A
A
D
D
A
A
D
D
D
A
A
A
D
A
D
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
D
Starting the Game
The assistant referee lets the referee know
he’s ready to start the game by:
• Making eye contact with the referee, and
• Unfurling the flag
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
The team that wins the coin toss
gets to choose ____ ?
Which goal to attack
Where should the players be on a kick-off?
Each team should be in its
own half of the field.
The team that is not taking the kick-off
must be outside the center circle.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Stopping the Game
There are seven reasons to stop play:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Ball goes out of play
The referee deems it necessary
Goal is scored
Foul is committed
Injury
Substitution
Halftime / End of Game
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
The lines of the field are part of
the area they define:
In Play
In Play
IN
OUT
In Play
Either in the air or on the ground
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Out of Play
The ball’s position determines
whether it is in or out of play;
Not the player’s position
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Play is stopped when the referee
deems it necessary
Sometimes there are
outside influences that
make it necessary to
stop play.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Play is stopped when a goal is scored
When the ball crosses
wholly over the goal line,
between the goalposts
and beneath the crossbar.
It does not matter which
team put it there.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Play is stopped when
a foul is committed
This is something that is
unfair or unsafe.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Play is stopped for injuries
ANYTIME IMMEDIATELY
In younger players’
games it’s better to
err on the side of
caution
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Play is stopped for injuries
Blood on
clothing must be
neutralized.
Blood on the
body must be
removed.
This is the coach’s responsibility
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Play is stopped for substitutions
There are four opportunities for substitutions
during a regulation match:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Injury
Approx. midway through the first half
Halftime
Approx. midway through the second half
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Play is stopped at the end of the
first half and at the end of the game
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
When can the referee stop play for an injury?
Anytime
Immediately
A player dribbling the ball steps over the
line. The ball is out of play. (True/False)
False. It’s the position of the ball (not the
player) that determines whether the ball is
in play or not.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
How many substitution opportunities are
there in a regulation match?
Four
Name them
Approx. midway through the first half
Halftime
Approx. midway through the second half
Injury
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
A player is injured and leaves the field
(with the referee’s permission). What
are the coach’s substitution options?
1. The team can play short until the player
returns to the field (with the referee’s
permission); or
2. A substitute can replace the injured
player.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
A player is injured and leaves the field (with
the referee’s permission). The coach
decides to substitute the injured player.
Which player gets credit for the “quarter”?
The player that started the “quarter”.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
If the boundary line of the field is a rut in
the grass and the ball gets caught in the
rut as it rolls, is it in play?
Yes. The lines are a part of the area they
define. The ball remains in play until
the entire ball crosses the entire line.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
According to the National Rules and
Regulations, what is the minimum amount
of time each team member must play?
Half the game (two “quarters”)
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
For some reason, the game has been stopped.
(Injury, goal, foul, ball out of play, etc.)
How do we restart play?
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
THROW-IN
When the ball passes out of play over a
touch line, play is restarted with a Throw-in.
The throw is taken by the opponents of the
team that last touched the ball.
The throw is taken from the approximate
point on the line where the ball left the field.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
THROW-IN
At the moment of delivering
the ball, the thrower must:
• Face the field of play;
• Have part of each foot touching the
ground either on or behind the line; and
• Use both hands to deliver the ball from
behind and over the head.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
THROW-IN
• The ball is in play as soon as released
and any portion of it is on or over the
outside edge of the touchline.
• Opposing players must be
at least 2 yds. from the
point of the throw-in.
• A goal may not be scored
directly from a throw-in.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
GOAL KICK
When the whole ball passes over the goal
line, last touched by an attacker (not a
goal), play is restarted with a Goal Kick
for the defending team.
The ball is placed anywhere
in the goal area.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
GOAL KICK
All of these balls are legally placed
within the goal area.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
GOAL KICK
The ball is in play when it leaves the
penalty area into the field of play
The kicker cannot touch the ball a second
time until it’s touched by any other
player.
A goal can be scored directly from a goal
kick, but only against the opposing
team.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
CORNER KICK
When the whole ball passes over the goal
line, last touched by a defender (not a
goal), play is restarted with a Corner Kick
for the attacking team.
The ball is placed
anywhere
within the corner
arc area.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
CORNER KICK
All of these balls
are legally placed
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
CORNER KICK
Players from the opposing team
must be 10 yds. from the ball.
The ball is in play when it is kicked
(with a kicking motion) and moves.
It does not have to leave the
corner arc area.
The kicker cannot move the corner flag.
A goal can be scored
directly from a corner kick.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
DROPPED BALL
A way to restart play for
an unusual but neutral reason.
Examples:
Injury
Dog on the field
Stray ball on the field
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
DROPPED BALL
The referee drops the ball where it was
when play was stopped.
The ball is dropped from the
players’ waist height.
The ball is in play when it hits the ground.
If a player kicks the ball before it hits the
ground, the ball is dropped again.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
FREE KICKS
A way to restart play when the Referee
has stopped play because of a foul.
There are two
types of free kicks:
Direct Free Kick
Indirect Free Kick
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
Direct Free Kick (DFK)
A goal can be scored directly from the kick
(against the opposing team)
Indirect Free Kick (IFK)
The ball must touch any other player before
a goal can be scored
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
To signal an Indirect Free Kick,
the Referee holds his hand
straight up into the air.
The hand remains in this position
until the ball either (a) touches
any other player, or (b) goes out
of play.
There is no signal for a Direct Free Kick
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Restarting the Game
The kicker may not
touch the ball a
second time until it
has touched
Exception: If a free kick taken by the
another player.
defending team in its own penalty area is
touched a second time before the ball
leaves the penalty area, the kick is
retaken.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
In most cases a Free Kick (both types) is:
• Taken from the location of the foul, and
• In play once it is kicked (with a kicking
motion) and moves.
• All opponents must
be 10 yds. from
the ball.
But there are
some exceptions.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
If a free kick of
any type is
awarded to the
defending team in
its own penalty
area…
Direction of Kick
The ball is in play
once it leaves the
Penalty Area into
the field of play
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
If a free kick of
any type is
awarded to the
defending team in
its own goal area,
the ball can be
placed anywhere
in the goal area
Direction of Kick
The ball is in play
once it leaves the
Penalty Area into
the field of play
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
If an IFK is
awarded to the
attacking team in
its opponent’s
goal area, the ball
is moved out to
the goal area line.
Direction of Kick
The ball is in play
once it is kicked
and moves.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
If a Direct Free
Kick Foul is
awarded to the
attacking team in
the opponent’s
penalty area, a
penalty kick is
awarded instead.
Direction of Kick
The ball is in play
when it is kicked
and moves
forward.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
PENALTY KICK
(U-10 and above, only)
• A penalty kick is awarded when a direct
free kick foul has been committed by a
team within its own penalty area.
• All players (other than the kicker and the
goalkeeper) must be:
- Outside the penalty area and penalty arc
- Behind the ball
Until the ball is played.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
PENALTY KICK
(U-10 and above, only)
• The goalkeeper must remain on the goal
line (but can move side-to-side) until the
ball is in play.
• The ball is in play
once it is kicked
and moves forward.
• The kicker may not touch the ball a
second time until touched by any other
player.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
The ball goes completely over the touch
line, last touched by an attacker.
What is the restart?
Throw-in for the defending team
The ball goes completely over the goal line
(not a goal), last touched by a defender.
What is the restart?
Corner Kick
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
Is this ball legally placed
for a corner kick?
Yes
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
What does this signal indicate?
Indirect Free Kick
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
Checking for Learning
How many players must be present for the
taking of a dropped ball?
There is no requirement
The ball goes completely over the goal
line (not a goal), last touched by an
attacker. What is the restart?
Goal Kick
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 1
OFFSIDE
The Offside Law is the only law that restricts
tactical positioning during dynamic play.
The offside law is intended to ensure that players
earn the right to shoot on goal.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
OFFSIDE
Elements of the offside infraction:
1. Position
2. Time of Judgment
3. Active Involvement
All three elements must be
present or there cannot be an
infraction
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
OFFSIDE
Offside Position
A Player is in an offside position if he is:
1. In the opponents’ half of the field;
2. Closer to the opponents’ goal line than at least
two opponents; and
3. Closer to the opponents’ goal line than the ball
All three elements must be present or the
player is not in an offside position, and
there cannot be an infraction
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Offside Position
It is not an offence to be in an offside position
It just means that player is
momentarily off his team.
He cannot interfere with play or any of the
opposing players.
He cannot have any involvement in the match.
He’s off his team.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
OFFSIDE
Time of Judgment
Offside Position is judged at the moment
the ball touches or is played by one of his team
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
OFFSIDE
Active Involvement
A player may be involved in active play by:
1. Interfering with play;
2. Interfering with an opponent; or
3. Gaining an advantage by being in that position.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
OFFSIDE
Once all three of these conditions have been met:
POSITION
TIME OF JUDGMENT
ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT
An offside infraction has occurred
An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing
team from the place the infringement occurred.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
OFFSIDE
Exceptions
There is no offence if a player
receives the ball directly from:
Goal Kick
Corner Kick
Throw-In
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Direction of attack
AR
OFFSIDE
A1
A2
D
A
D
A
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Direction of attack
AR
NOT
OFFSIDE
D
A2
A
A1
D
A
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Direction of attack
AR
NOT
OFFSIDE
D
A
A2
A1
D
A
A
A3
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Direction of attack
AR
A2
NOT
OFFSIDE
A1
A
D
Goal Kick
A
D
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Direction of attack
AR
OFFSIDE
A
D
D
A
Deflection off goalpost
or goalkeeper
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Direction of attack
AR
NOT
OFFSIDE
D
A
D
A
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Direction of attack
AR
OFFSIDE
A
A
D
D
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Direction of attack
AR
OFFSIDE
A
D
D
A
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Direction of attack
AR
OFFSIDE
D
A
A
D
D
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Direction of attack
AR
NOT
OFFSIDE
D
A
D
A
D
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Direction of attack
AR Corner Kick
A
A
D
OFFSIDE
D
D
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Key Takeaways
It is not an offence to be in an offside position
Wait for Active Involvement before penalizing
for offside
The player is not required to
touch the ball for the offside
to be penalized
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 - Lesson 2
Referee and Asst. Referee Mechanics
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
What are the Duties
of the Referee ?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Keep a record of the match
a. Timekeeper
b. Scorekeeper
c. Control substitutions
d. File a written report
Stop play for injury
Restart play when it has been stopped
Suspend/terminate a match for cause
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
REFEREE COMMUNICATION / SIGNALS
Whistle
Voice
Hand
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
REFEREE POSITIONING
AR2
Direction of play
Goal line
R
Fouls and
injuries
AR1
Offside
Diagram 1
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
Touch line
REFEREE POSITIONING
AR2
Offside
Touch line
Goal line
Direction of play
R
Fouls and
injuries
AR1
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
REFEREE POSITIONING
AR2
Offside
Touch line
Goal line
Direction of play
R
Fouls and
injuries
AR1
Diagram 3
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
ASST. REFEREE DUTIES AND SIGNALS
Neutral Assistant Referee:
• Indicate ball out of play
• Indicate which side gets
throw-in, goal kick or corner kick
• Indicate when offside infringement has
occurred
• Indicate when substitution is desired
• Assist the referee to control the game
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
ASST. REFEREE DUTIES AND SIGNALS
Club Linesmen
Only indicate ball
in-and-out of play
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
ASST. REFEREE DUTIES AND SIGNALS
FLAG SIGNALS:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Throw-in
Goal Kick
Corner Kick
Offside
Goal
Other
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
Key Takeaways
The Referee’s role is to ensure the game is
Fun, Fair and Safe
Assistant Referees assist the Referee
The referee team positions
themselves to “box” play
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
Checking for Learning
Who determines when the half is over?
The Referee
Who makes the offside call?
The Referee
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
Checking for Learning
What method of communication by the Referee
is most effective to say to the players
“Stop playing – I saw a foul”?
The whistle
What is the Assistant Referee’s signal for a
throw-in awarded to the attacking team?
Faces the field of play and raises the flag 45
degrees above the diagonal in his right
hand, parallel to the touch line
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
Checking for Learning
What method of communication by the Referee
is most effective to announce to the players
to take a kickoff?
The whistle
What is the Club Linesman’s signal for a
throw-in awarded to the attacking team?
None. A Club Linesman can only indicate
when the ball has gone completely out of
play (by raising the flag straight up). He
cannot indicate who gets the throw-in.
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course 1.1 – Lesson 3
In AYSO,
It’s about more
than the game !
U8-to-Assistant Referee Course