Writing a Referee Report
For Youth Games.
A Quick Overview
2009 Recertification Clinics
Objective
At the end of this session, the
referee will know the correct way in
which to file a Game Report for a
Youth Match in Maryland.
What is a Referee Report?
An official USSF/MSYSA document
summarizing events of the game, including
periods before and after the game.
It is NOT a league report or “game card”.
Provides information to the association/
league about incidents which may require
action by the disciplinary committee.
Who May Write a Report?
Referee
Assistant Referees
When Do I Write a Report?
During any game in which there are:
• Serious Injuries
• Abuse
• Termination of Match (any reason)
• Unusual Incidents with possible consequences
(e.g., Removal/dismissal of team or match
officials, fan conduct, field conditions)
• Assault - on or by a player, coach, parent,
or referee
Usually within 48 hours of the game
Who Gets a Copy of the Report?
•
•
•
•
State Association (SRA/SRC) <- Automatic
SYRA (Youth Games) <- Automatic
League Officials <- Automatic
Adjudication Committee <- Automatic
You also may want to include
• Referee(s)
• Assignor
• Local Association President, USSF Rep
Note: These latter are courtesy only, and not part
of the official disciplinary adjudication
Game Report Writing
Materials:
Game Log / 4th Officials Log
LOTG
ATR
Other FIFA or USSF Materials
(e.g., USSF Memoranda)
Rules of Competition
USSF Form and Supplemental
Form
Rosters (if available)
*
If a report will be necessary, immediately after
the match review pertinent facts and details
with members of the officiating crew
What to include?
• Facts only, not opinions
• Enough information to enable disciplinary committee
to do it’s work properly
(DO NOT provide more information than necessary)
• If serious injury, what action was taken and by
whom
Examples of What to Write:
•
•
•
•
•
Teams
Location, date & time of match
Competition (league, tournament, etc.)
Name, number, team of individuals involved
Specific reason(s) for cautions or send offs (7+7)
The verbiage should match that in the
Laws of the Game,
especially for fouls and misconduct
Examples of What NOT to Write:
• “I think…”
• “I believe he was going to…”
• “#8 had been belligerent since the
beginning of the game.”
• “I red carded #11 for an unsporting
tackle.”
• “The players wouldn’t listen to me.”
MSYSA Web Page
MSYSA Referee Page
MSYSA Referee Report
Where can I find help?
•
•
•
•
•
•
USSF Referee Administrative Handbook
Assignor
SYRA
SRA
SDI
www.marylandsoccer.com/referees
Summary
• Referee and A/Rs file reports for
any serious situation during match
• Within 48 hours
• Be concise and complete
– report facts, not opinions
• Send copy to appropriate people
immediately