RDP Game Day Procedures and General Rules
Game Day Procedure
1. Show up to the field 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the game in proper uniform
with stopwatch. Have your whistle, coin and cards in your pocket. Walk around
the field to make sure that goals are properly placed and weighted down. This is a
good time to ask spectators to remain 2 yds. back from the touchline. You may
want to ask the coaches to place cones at the corners to help you with out of
bounds.
2. Introduce yourself to both Coaches. Confirm age group & length of half. Ask the
coach to make sure that his players are properly equipped. (Socks over shin
guards, no jewelry and any hair restraints should be soft) All casts or hard edge
splints must be covered with 1”foam) Ask one coach to provide a game ball.
3. Go to the center of the field. Blow whistle once and call for captains. Have the
players shake hands and introduce themselves. The away team should call the
toss, but if you don’t know just pick one. Whoever wins the toss chooses which end
they want to defend. The other team gets kickoff. (This switches for second half.)
4. 2 min. prior to game time go to the center of the field (game ball in hand), blow
whistle to get players onto the field. Count players on each side and ask keepers if
they are ready. Start your watch, point in the direction the ball will be going and
blow whistle to start game!
5. Be decisive when on the field. If you think you saw a foul, you most likely did see it
– blow the whistle and make the call. Our primary job is safety for the players and
enforcing the laws of the game. Use your cards. At any stoppage a coach can
sub players. Make sure you acknowledging the substitution by giving eye contact
and maybe 2 short whistle blasts and a wave onto the field.
6. At half time blow 2 longer whistle blasts and announce “Half-Time”. Collect the
ball, go get a drink, and have a short talk with your field marshal (if available)
about how the game is going. 5 minute half. Start second half. End the game
with 3 whistle blasts.
7. Remember there is to be no spectators behind the goal , or the end line.
Spectators, teams and Coaches need to set-up and remain a distance of 2 yards
from each sideline.
8. There is zero tolerance for comments or loud “suggestions” directed towards the
referee. Coaches are responsible for their sidelines. Inappropriate behavior from
coaches will be reported to the appropriate Club. If there is a field marshal please
report any incidences to them.
Game specifics according to division for small-sided/modified programs:
Division
Number of players on field
Game duration
Ball size used
U-15
9 (including GK)
30 min halves
5
U-13 and 14*
9 (including GK)
30 min halves
5
U-11 and U12
9 (including GK)
30 min halves
4
U-10
7 (including GK)
25 min halves
4
U-9
6 (including GK)
25 min halves
4
U-8
5 (including GK)
25 min halves
3
U-7
4 (including GK)
20 min halves
3
3 (no GK)
16 min halves
3
U-6 and below
General Rules
Too Few Players - If a team cannot field required number of players, the coaches can
agree to play with fewer players on the field. Coaches should agree to this before the
start of the game and inform the referee.
Substitutions: Substitutions may be made, with the consent of the referee during any
stoppage of play. The number of substitutes shall be unlimited.
Charging the Goalkeeper: No player shall make physical contact with the goalkeeper,
harass the goalkeeper or attempt to play the ball once the goalkeeper has control of the
ball in any manner and to any degree whatsoever. Also included in “having control of
the ball” is, if the goalkeeper holds the ball on the ground with one or both hands.
Ball In and Out of Play: The ball is out of play when is has wholly crossed the goal line or
whole touchline, whether it is on the ground or in the air.
All goalies are allowed to drop kick/punt the ball. However, from a coaching perspective
if you have a goalie (U8-U9) that can punt the ball from one end to the other it is better
for all players involved that the goalie throws the ball instead. This will prevent the game
from being a kicking match back and forth between goalies.
Off-sides are to be enforced at the U10 and above age divisions. Below are a few key
points to remember about off-sides.:
Offside Position
It is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position.
A player is in an offside position if:
• he/she is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second last
opponent
A player is not in an offside position if:
• he/she is in his own half of the field of play or
• he/she is level with the second last opponent or
• he/she is level with the last two opponents
Offence
A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is
played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by:
• interfering with play or
• interfering with an opponent or
• gaining an advantage by being in that position
No Offence
There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from:
• a goal kick
• a throw-in
• a corner kick
There are no Direct kicks at U9 & below, only indirect kicks
Penalty Kicks will be granted ONLY at U11 & up. U10 penalty in the box shall have direct
kick out side of the GK box
U10 & up direct kicks and corners shall be granted a goal
Goals are not allowed off a referee drop ball. A ball entering the goal off a referee
drop ball will come out as a goal kick.
Slide tackling will NOT be allowed at U10 and below. Offenses should be called and
awarded a direct kick at U10 and an indirect kick at U9 and below.
Mercy Rule
Prior to the start of the game, meet with both coaches. Asked coaches if either team is
ahead by 5 goals, do they want to play a man down or the team losing wants to add a
player. If the losing team gets within 3 goals teams go back to their normal amount of
players. Please make sure both coaches are in agreement.
If you have any problems on game day or have any questions please be sure to email
[email protected] or ask a referee mentor at the field.
Wenatchee Valley Soccer Referee Association Contact information:
Ed Navarro
(509) 264-5177
[email protected]
Kristine Marohl
(509) 860-7093
[email protected]