Referee Handbook
Capital Valley Youth Soccer League
Geoff Lilley
CVYSL Referee Coordinator
916-213-7451
[email protected]
Table of Contents
Advice to Referees ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Law 1 (The Field) ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Law 2 (The Ball) ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Law 3 (The Players) ................................................................................................................................... 1
Number of Players ................................................................................................................................ 1
Substitutions ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Law 4 (The Players' Equipment) ................................................................................................................ 3
Uniforms ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Jewelry and Piercings ............................................................................................................................ 3
Equipment Malfunctions....................................................................................................................... 4
Law 5 (The Referee) .................................................................................................................................. 5
Law 6 (The Other Match Officials) ............................................................................................................ 5
Law 7 (The Duration of the Match) ........................................................................................................... 6
Law 8 (The Start and Restart of Play) ........................................................................................................ 6
Law 9 (Ball in and Out of Play) .................................................................................................................. 6
Law 10 (Determining the Outcome of a Match) ....................................................................................... 6
Law 11 (Offside) ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) ................................................................................................................ 7
Types of Fouls ....................................................................................................................................... 7
To PK or Not to PK, that is The Question…. .......................................................................................... 7
Cards ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Handball ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Goalkeeper Fouls .................................................................................................................................. 8
Impeding ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Law 13 (Free Kicks).................................................................................................................................... 8
Law 14 (The Penalty Kick) ......................................................................................................................... 9
Law 15 (The Throw-In) .............................................................................................................................. 9
Law 16 (The Goal Kick) .............................................................................................................................. 9
Law 17 (The Corner Kick) .......................................................................................................................... 9
REFEREE CHEAT SHEET ................................................................................................................................ 10
Age-Specific Adjustments ....................................................................................................................... 10
Seven Habits of a Good Referee ............................................................................................................. 10
My Info: ................................................................................................................................................... 10
U8 MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LOTG ............................................................................................................. 11
Law 1 (The Field) ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Law 2 (Ball) .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Law 3 (The Players) ................................................................................................................................. 11
Law 4 (The Players’ Equipment).............................................................................................................. 12
Laws 5 (The Referee)............................................................................................................................... 12
Laws 6 (Other Match Officials)................................................................................................................ 12
Law 7 (Game length) ............................................................................................................................... 12
Law 8 (The Start and Restart of Play) ...................................................................................................... 12
Law 9 (Ball in and Out of Play) ................................................................................................................ 12
Law 10 (Determining the Outcome of a Match) ..................................................................................... 12
Law 11 (Offside) ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) .............................................................................................................. 12
Law 13: Free Kicks ................................................................................................................................... 12
Law 14 (Penalty Kicks) ............................................................................................................................. 12
Law 15: (Throw-in) .................................................................................................................................. 13
Law 16: The Goal Kick ............................................................................................................................. 13
U10 MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LOTG ........................................................................................................... 14
Law 1 (The Field) ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Law 2 (Ball) .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Law 3 (The Players) ................................................................................................................................. 14
Law 4 (The Players’ Equipment).............................................................................................................. 14
Laws 5 (The Referee)............................................................................................................................... 14
Laws 6 (Other Match Officials)................................................................................................................ 14
Laws 7 (Game length) ............................................................................................................................. 15
Laws 8-11 ................................................................................................................................................ 15
Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) .............................................................................................................. 15
Law 13 (Free Kicks).................................................................................................................................. 15
Law 14 (Penalty Kicks) ............................................................................................................................. 15
Law 15 (Throw-in) ................................................................................................................................... 15
Law 16 (The Goal Kick) ............................................................................................................................ 15
Law 17 (The Corner Kick) ........................................................................................................................ 16
U-12 MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LOTG .......................................................................................................... 17
Law 1 (The Field) ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Law 2 (Ball) .............................................................................................................................................. 17
Law 3 (The Players) ................................................................................................................................. 17
Law 4 (The Player’s Equipment).............................................................................................................. 17
Laws 5 (The Referee)............................................................................................................................... 17
Laws 6 (Other Match Officials)................................................................................................................ 18
Law 7 (Game length) ............................................................................................................................... 18
Laws 8-11 ................................................................................................................................................ 18
Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) .............................................................................................................. 18
Law 13-17 ................................................................................................................................................ 18
U-14 MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LOTG .......................................................................................................... 19
Law 1 (The Field) ..................................................................................................................................... 19
Law 2 (Ball) .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Law 3 (The Players) ................................................................................................................................. 19
Law 4 (The Player’s Equipment).............................................................................................................. 19
Laws 5 (The Referee):.............................................................................................................................. 19
Laws 6 (Other Match Officials)................................................................................................................ 19
Law 7 (Game length) ............................................................................................................................... 20
Laws 8-11 ................................................................................................................................................ 20
Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) .............................................................................................................. 20
Laws 13-17 .............................................................................................................................................. 20
U-16 MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LOTG .......................................................................................................... 21
Law 1 (The Field) ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Law 2 (Ball) .............................................................................................................................................. 21
Law 3 (The Players) ................................................................................................................................. 21
Law 4 (The Player’s Equipment).............................................................................................................. 21
Laws 5 (The Referee)............................................................................................................................... 21
Laws 6 (Other Match Officials)................................................................................................................ 21
Law 7 (Game length) ............................................................................................................................... 22
Law 8-17 .................................................................................................................................................. 22
Law 1 (The Field) ..................................................................................................................................... 23
Law 2 (Ball) .............................................................................................................................................. 23
Law 3 (The Players) ................................................................................................................................. 23
Law 4 (The Player’s Equipment).............................................................................................................. 23
Laws 5 (The Referee):.............................................................................................................................. 23
Laws 6 (Other Match Officials)................................................................................................................ 23
Law 7 (Game length) ............................................................................................................................... 24
Laws 8-17 ................................................................................................................................................ 24
Appendix A: Offenses Cheat Sheet ............................................................................................................. 25
Direct Free Kick Offenses, by Body Part.................................................................................................. 25
8 Free Indirect Free Kick Offenses by Offender ...................................................................................... 25
Appendix B: Fouls and Misconduct ............................................................................................................. 26
What is a Foul? ........................................................................................................................................ 26
What is Misconduct? .............................................................................................................................. 26
Types ....................................................................................................................................................... 26
Careless ............................................................................................................................................... 26
Reckless ............................................................................................................................................... 26
Excessive Force ................................................................................................................................... 26
Appendix C: Offense Types ......................................................................................................................... 27
7 Cautionable Offenses ........................................................................................................................... 27
7 Send-Off Offenses ................................................................................................................................ 27
Appendix D: Possible Concussions .............................................................................................................. 28
Description .............................................................................................................................................. 28
Directive from CalNorth on Concussions ................................................................................................ 29
CVYSL Evaluation of Game Officials ............................................................................................................ 30
Advice to Referees
Law 1 (The Field)
Two major points:


Make sure the corner flags are completely outside the corner line
Walk the field before your game to check for any trouble spots – dips, mud patches, anything
like that
No need to measure the field, since the field sizes are a known quantity. The lines are painted by
volunteers, so they'll be as good as we can get.
Your checklist for Law 1:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Field safe
Goal posts secured
Corner flags secure and proper height
Parents at least 1 yard from touchline
Teams on opposite sides where possible
Coaches should be coaching from middle 10-yard area
Law 2 (The Ball)
Make sure that the home team provides the game balls, and that they are appropriate to the age group.
See the Cheat Sheet for details.
Law 3 (The Players)
Number of Players
Again, appropriate to the age group. See the Cheat Sheet for details.
Substitutions
1)
Substitutions:
a.
Prior to throw-in, in your favor. Competitions may allow substitutions by either team if
the team in possession of the ball substitutes. (Ex: Blue is about to throw in. Blue
requests a substitution. Therefore, Red may request a substitution, as well.)
b.
Prior to a goal kick, by either team.
c.
After any goal, by either team.
d.
After any injury, when the referee stops play, by either team. If team personnel has to be
called on to the field to evaluate the condition of the player, the player must be
substituted
New for 2016-17: We do not have to require an injured player to leave the field, if the
coach or team personnel have been called on, if:
a player is injured as the result of a physical offence for which the opponent is cautioned
or sent off (e.g. reckless or serious foul challenge), if the assessment/treatment is
completed quickly (47)
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e.
f.
When the referee stops play to caution a player, only the cautioned player may be
substituted, prior to the restart of the game.
The number of substitutes shall be unlimited. A substitute shall not enter the field of
play until he/she has been given a signal to do so by the referee.
Interference by Outside Agents
If play is stopped and the interference was by:


A team official, substitute, substituted or sent off player, play restarts with a direct free kick or
penalty kick
An outside agent, play restarts with a dropped ball
If a ball is going into the goal and the interference does not prevent a defending player playing the ball,
the goal is awarded if the ball enters the goal (even if contact was made with the ball) unless the ball
enters the opponents’ goal.
If, after a goal is scored, the referee realizes, before play restarts, an extra person was on the field of
play when the goal was scored:



The referee must disallow the goal if the extra person was:
o a player, substitute, substituted player, sent off player or team official of the team that
scored the goal
o an outside agent who interfered with play unless a goal results as outlined above in
‘extra persons on the field of play’
Play is restarted with a goal kick, corner kick or dropped ball.
The referee must allow the goal if the extra person was:
o A player, substitute, substituted player, sent off player or team official of the team that
conceded the goal
o An outside agent who did not interfere with play
Goal Incorrectly Awarded Due to Outside Interference
If, after a goal is scored and play has restarted, the referee realizes an extra person was on the field of
play when the goal was scored, the goal cannot be disallowed. If the extra person is still on the field the
referee must:



Stop play
Have the extra person removed
Restart with a dropped ball or free kick as appropriate
The referee should write the incident on the game card, and report it to his or her Referee Coordinator..
The team captain has no special status or privileges but has a degree of responsibility for the behavior of
the team.
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Law 4 (The Players' Equipment)
Uniforms
The Law states that all players on the same team should have the same color socks. Don't prevent
people from playing on account of that, but do recommend to the coach that the player fix the problem
in time. Same for tape on the socks; I'm not going to make a stink about that.
Players on the same team must wear different color jerseys; if the home and away teams wear the same
color, the home team is required to change; pennies are OK.
The goalkeepers on the opposite teams must wear different jerseys; again, pennies are OK.
1)
Teams in uniforms that allow referee to distinguish teams and players on the team, including:
a.
Stockings/socks must be of the same color (e.g., a player must wear stockings/socks of a
matching color) and should be correctly worn in the pulled-up position covering shin
pads or guards.
(Note: Some players will put on their sock, then the shin guard, then pull the sock over
the shin guard; let’s stop that, and have the shin guard completely under the sock.)
b.
The two teams must wear contrasting sock colors. Note: This is NOT a reason to prohibit
the players from playing the game. Gentle encouragement is enough.
c.
Shirts/ jerseys shall be neatly tucked into their shorts.
d.
Each field player shall have a unique number on the back of the jersey.
e.
The wearing of tracksuit trousers or long tights in a color that coordinates with the
team’s colors is permissible in adverse weather.
f.
Cyclists’ pants, tights, etc., may be worn under a player’s shorts if they are the same
color as the shorts. (Again, same as the socks – encourage, but don’t make it a gamestopper)
g.
The wearing of long sleeve base-layer garment, in a color that coordinates with the
team’s colors, beneath the uniform jersey, is permissible in adverse weather
h.
The referee shall not allow participation of any player with a bleeding or oozing wound
or wearing blood-soaked clothing. A wound shall be adequately covered. Use of blood
by a player as a means to assault another person shall be punished as serious foul
play/violent conduct.
Shin guards – must be worn
Players are permitted to wear soccer-style cleats, tennis shoes, or any other form of footwear
the referee deems safe for play and appropriate for the conditions of the field. The following
types of footwear are explicitly prohibited:
a.
Flip-flops or any other style of open-toed shoes
b.
Softball/baseball style cleats
c.
Any form of metal spikes/studs
2)
3)
Jewelry and Piercings
I am implementing a zero tolerance policy for jewelry, piercings, and other dangerous equipment in our
club, however. That policy covers the following items, but not limited to:


Ear/tongue/nose piercings
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Necklaces




Gel bracelets
Hard plastic headbands
Hard casts/braces/splints
Hats or caps with a hard bill
The following items, however, are not a problem:






Soft braces or wraps (if it's an Ace style bandage, though, double-check that it does not have metal
clasps; those are not OK)
o Wrist and knee braces with a fiberglass, reinforced spline are OK if it’s covered and padded
o Any other kind of wrap or brace that has
Soft knit caps
Ribbons
Cloth headbands
Religious head covering, such as a turban or a hijab, provided that it is not held on with any hard metal
pins or clips
Any form of jewelry or symbol that the player cannot remove for religious reasons, please ask the player
to make a reasonable effort to make it safe, but do not ask the player to remove it
When in doubt, think Law 18 – Common Sense.
You're going to get some pushback from the parents of the young ladies who just got their ears pierced. Please
let them know that the players are welcome to put their earrings back in right after the game, but they may NOT
tape over the earrings and play. This is a safety issue, and I will not move on this. They don’t play until the
earrings are out, and the parents are more than welcome to call me to discuss it if need be. I will back you 100%.
If anyone asks you why, here's the reason: Right behind the earlobe is the softest part of the skull, and in the
event of a fall, the earring can penetrate that part of the skull, causing severe injuries. Since our reason for
existing on the field is to keep players safe, this is a matter on which we cannot deviate.
Equipment Malfunctions
It happens. Players lose a shoe, pop a shin guard, stuff like that. Again, the LOTG has been updated for 16-17 to
help us with that:
A player whose footwear or shinguard is accidentally lost must replace it as soon
as possible and no later than when the ball next goes out of play; if, before doing
so, the player plays the ball and/or scores a goal, the goal is awarded. (42)
Good news is, you can let a player back on to the field while the ball is in play, after your AR has inspected the
equipment to ensure the malfunction has been corrected. Please be sure that the player is entering when the
ball is not in play near them.
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Law 5 (The Referee)
Uniforms
I'm not the toughest Referee Coordinator you're ever going to work for. Not even close. We're a recreational
league, and I'm not going to hold you to World Cup ref standards. I do want our players, coaches, and families to
feel like they're getting the best we have to offer, though, so please follow these guidelines:








Please wear only black socks; I don't care if they have three stripes on the top, or if they're the USSF
official, or regular soccer socks are fine, too; they should just be black
Referee shorts; again, don't have to be USSF official, as long as they're black, have two pockets in the
front and two in the back to keep your cards, whistle, and other items
In the event of extreme/inclement weather, black sweats can be worn in the place of referee shorts
On your jersey – always tucked in; I’m not too concerned about brand (Law 5, Score, Forza, Official
Sports; it doesn't really matter, as long as it's an official USSF jersey)
Make sure you always wear your current year patch on your jersey
Jersey part 2 – The majority of our games, yellow is an OK color; your backup color should probably be
blue
We have clearance from USSF to wear hats on the field; please no sunglasses; transition lenses are OK
Your whistle and your watch should always be around your wrist, not around your neck
Decisions
When it comes to explaining or defending your decisions, this is a good paragraph to know:
Decisions will be made to the best of the referee`s ability according to the Laws
of the Game and the ‘spirit of the game’ and will be based on the opinion of the
referee who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework
of the Laws of the Game. (45)
Of equal importance, however, is a paragraph further down:
The referee may not change a decision on realizing that it is incorrect or on the
advice of another match official if play has restarted or the referee has
signaled the end of the first or second half (including extra time) and left the
field of play or terminated the match.
Disciplinary Action
When you have two offenses occur at the same time, consider these factors, and then punish the more serious
offense:




Sanction
Restart
Physical severity
Tactical impact
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Law 6 (The Other Match Officials)






The same guidelines apply for your uniform
Doesn't really matter what color or brand your flags are, as long as they're visible across the field
On raising your flags for fouls and offside – remember that it's easy up, easy down; no snapping, please
Back up your center referee on score and time
If a coach asks you a question about a call, you're welcome to answer it if you can do so without
interfering with play
You have the authority to ask parents and coaches to stay back in the tactical area so as not to interfere
with players; call over your center ref if you have a problem
Law 7 (The Duration of the Match)
Just like with all the other adjustments, age adjustments below. See the Cheat Sheet for details.
Five minute breaks at the half works for most age groups.
Law 8 (The Start and Restart of Play)




Make sure you have a coin with you for the kickoff
Know your position for a kickoff
At the start of the game, check that the keepers are ready
Remember, as of the 2016-17 revisions, the ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves; it is no
longer a requirement that the ball move forward (exceptions for PK and GK)
Law 9 (Ball in and Out of Play)
The most confusing thing for our families and players new to the game is the first clause: The ball is out of play
when it has wholly crossed the goal line or touch line whether in the ground or in the air.
(A lot of parents, me included, grew up watching American football, so if you get questions, remind your families
that it's not like football, where the ball just has to "break the plane."
Use your best judgment. If it looks like the ball is still partially on the line, let play continue. At the upper age
groups, the players are pretty good about restarting.
Remember that if the ball rebounds off of a goalpost, flag, or one of us, it's still in play.
Law 10 (Determining the Outcome of a Match)
This is where we can really earn our keep as Assistant Referees; verify that the ball has completely crossed the
goal line.
To the center referee, please make sure to write down each goal on the game card. The player's number and the
time are not as important. If you can capture it, that's gravy.
In our games, it's OK for a game to go to a draw; no need for kicks from the mark.
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Law 11 (Offside)
There's a reason this topic is a whole night in our ref class, so I'm just going to touch on a few key points:



Active involvement in play
At the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team
And, most importantly of all: In the opinion of the referee
While possible, it is unlikely that you’ll see defenders try to put an attacker offside by leaving the field. If so,
remember Law 11 has been clarified:
A defending player who leaves the field of play without the referee’s permission
shall be considered to be on the goal line or touchline for the purposes of offside
until the next stoppage in play or until the defending team has played the ball
towards the halfway line and it is outside their penalty area.
That said, there is a notable exception:
A player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent who
deliberately plays the ball (except from a deliberate save by any opponent) is not
considered to have gained an advantage.
A lot of our players and coaches are going to disagree with your offside calls. Get used to it.
Please be sure to refer to it as "offside," which is the proper soccer term, rather than "offsides," which is the
American football term. It just adds to your credibility.
Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct)
Types of Fouls
The majority of the fouls you're going to see, especially at the younger ages, are going to be careless more than
reckless.
Younger players, especially, don't have a full command of their strength and speed, and sometimes that can
cause fouls. It's when players get to the U14 age group or so that you start seeing more intention; act
accordingly.
To PK or Not to PK, that is The Question….
…and the answer is, “If a defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area and continues holding
inside the penalty area, the referee must award a penalty kick.”
Cards
My principal directive on issuing cards is, use your judgment. For U10, I wouldn't go so far as to say don't issue
cards; I'd say it's a lot less likely that you'd have an offense that rises to that occasion. Generally, you can get a
younger player to stop the offending behavior with a talking-to.
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In U12 and above, here's the question you have to ask yourself: What will stop the unacceptable behavior from
continuing? If, in your judgment, the card will keep the problems from escalating, then use it. But ask yourself
that question first.
If the offense is Violent Conduct or Serious Foul Play, I have no problem with a red card; you have to stop that
kind of behavior on the spot.
Cards Are for Players, Not Coaches
Per a directive from District 6 Director of Youth Referee Administration, Chuck Pirone, we do not issue cards to
coaches for irresponsible behavior or dissent. Remember, use Ask, Tell, Dismiss.
Handball
There's one key question you want to ask when you’re determining whether to call a handball: Did the ball hit
the hand, or did the hand hit the ball?
Look to see where the player's hand was when it made contact with the ball, and what was the result?
If the player was clearly trying to protect a sensitive body area (covering the face with the hands, for example),
then I'd let it go; if the hands are unnaturally positioned (covering the face, but 4-6 inches from the face) then I'd
call it.
The other question to ask is, did the player have time to respond, and move away from the ball? If not, that
leans more towards ball hitting the hand.
Goalkeeper Fouls
Remember that a "pass back" to the goalkeeper is an indirect free kick from the spot of the foul; if it's in the goal
box, then place the ball parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.
If the goalkeeper, when drop-kicking the ball, steps outside the penalty area with the ball still in his/her hands,
it's a direct free kick from that spot.
The tricky one here is when the keeper is about to perform a drop kick, and has the ball in his or her hands. On
this matter, the AR should be watching the keeper's feet at the point that the ball was released; if the keeper's
foot is on the line at the release, it's legal.
Impeding
Subtle difference to be mindful of here – impeding with contact is a DFK, while impeding without contact is an
IFK. The key words here are, “when the ball is not within playing distance of either player.” (83)
Law 13 (Free Kicks)
Make sure the opposing team respects the 10-yard distance. Many of the younger players won't know about
that, so help guide them. Since we're a recreational league, give the player the benefit of the doubt if they're
trying to comply.
As of 2016-2017, the ball is in play after a free kick when it “is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.” (92).
That can mean backward, forward, or to the side. There’s no requirement for it to travel any particular distance.
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Law 14 (The Penalty Kick)
Remember:



Hand the ball to the kicker for placement
The ball must be stationary on the mark before the kick can be taken (95)
If there's an encroachment before the kick, follow the Law; look at what advantage was gained, if any
Offense
Encroachment by attacking
player
Encroachment by defending
player
Offence by goalkeeper
Goal
Penalty is retaken
Indirect free kick
Goal
Penalty is retaken
Goal
Ball kicked backwards
Illegal feinting
Indirect free kick
Indirect free kick and caution
for kicker
Indirect free kick and caution
for wrong kicker
Penalty is retaken and caution for
goalkeeper
Indirect free kick
Indirect free kick and caution for kicker
Wrong kicker
No Goal
Indirect free kick and caution for wrong
kicker
Law 15 (The Throw-In)
The biggest violation you'll see at the younger ages is lifting the foot. It's OK to call those; I expect the AR to keep
an eye on the thrower's feet.
Make sure the opposing team respects the 2-yard boundary.
Law 16 (The Goal Kick)
In the younger age groups, the biggest problem you'll have is the ball not leaving the penalty box completely.
The second biggest problem is the opposing team rushing in and touching the ball before it leaves the box.
Either one is a re-kick.
Remember:
A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing
team; if the ball directly enters the kicker’s goal a corner kick is awarded to the
opponents if the ball left the penalty area. (103)
Law 17 (The Corner Kick)





No offside on the kick itself, but offside is in full effect once the ball is released
Just like other forms of free kick; the ball just has to clearly move; no distance requirement
Make sure the defenders give the kicker 10 yards; you won't always have the hash to tell you
The kicker cannot touch the ball until someone else does, either team
The kicker may not lean on, bend, or move the corner flag
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REFEREE CHEAT SHEET
Age-Specific Adjustments
Age Group
Ball Size
Minimum Players
Per Side
Maximum Players
on Field Per Side
Maximum Players
Per Rostered Side
Increments
Length
Goalkeeper
Offside
Fouls/Penalty
Kicks
Incorrect ThrowIn
U8
3
4
U10
4
5
U12
4
6
U14
5
7
U16
5
7
U19
5
7
4
7
9
11
11
11
8
12
14
18
22
22
Quarters
10 minutes
No
No
All kicks are indirect
Halves
25 minutes
No
Yes
All kicks are indirect
Halves
30 minutes
Yes
Yes
USSF Laws apply
Halves
35 minutes
Yes
Yes
USSF Laws apply
Halves
40 minutes
Yes
Yes
USSF Laws apply
Halves
45 minutes
Yes
Yes
USSF Laws apply
One re-throw per
team
One re-throw per
team
Ball goes to the other
team
Ball goes to the other
team
Ball goes to the other
team
Ball goes to the other
team
Seven Habits of a Good Referee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Show up to your games 30 minutes before
Maintain a clean, neat, professional appearance – jersey tucked in, patch straight, socks pulled up
Give the game your full attention from start to finish – no cell phones/texting during the game
Speak respectfully and kindly to both coaches and players at all times
Openly communicate with your coordinator; when are you not available, when are you available
Openly communicate with your team on and off the field; tell each other what you're seeing in terms of fouls/misconduct/trouble brewing
Remember why we're here – to keep the players safe
My Info:
Geoff Lilley
[email protected]
916-213-7451
10
U8 MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LOTG
Slide tackling is NOT permitted; should a player engage in slide tackling during the course of the game, the Referee shall
issue a verbal warning to both the player and the coach for the first offense; the second offense committed by any
member of that cautioned team shall result in a caution; explain the issue to the player and the coach, and offer the
coach the opportunity to substitute the offending player.
Law 1 (The Field)
Law 2 (Ball)
Size 3
Law 3 (The Players)
The small-sided U8 game is to be played with 4 players to a side, and a maximum of 8 on a team’s roster, except where
special permission of the CVYSL board has been previously granted.
The small-sided U8 game is to be played without a goalkeeper, nor with a player standing in a goalkeeper position. The
intention of the small-sided game is for every player on the field to get the maximum number of touches, and to assign a
player to serve in the capacity of goalkeeper defeats this purpose.
Should the referee observe a team assigning a player to a goalkeeper position, the referee shall handle this issue as
follows:


The first occurrence, stop the game, and speak to the coach, and ask the team to cease and desist the practice
After each successive occurrence therein, the referee shall stop play and award an indirect free kick to the
opposing team, with the kick being taken from the spot of the ball when play was stopped
11
Law 4 (The Players’ Equipment)
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Laws 5 (The Referee)
All matches played shall be officiated by one Referee currently certified by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) at
grade 9, or at a higher grade level. Consistent with CVYSL’s commitment to developing and growing its referee corps, it is
acceptable to use younger-age (14-year-old) referees in this setting. Due to the smaller size field and reduced number of
players, CVYSL has implemented Cal North’s recommendation to use a single referee in U8 play.
Laws 6 (Other Match Officials)
Does not apply to this age group.
Law 7 (Game length)
The length of play shall be four fifteen-minute quarters, with a five-minute break at the half. Teams must switch
directions after each half.
Law 8 (The Start and Restart of Play)
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Law 9 (Ball in and Out of Play)
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Law 10 (Determining the Outcome of a Match)
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Law 11 (Offside)
Does not apply to this age group; there is no offside.
Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct)
All of the standard fouls and misconduct apply; referees are strongly discouraged to use cards as a form of game
management with this very young age; the exceptions would be Violent Conduct and Serious Foul Play.
Deliberately heading the ball is not permitted, and shall be treated as follows:
 Play shall be stopped, and restarted with an indirect free kick for the opposing team
 If inside the penalty area, the kick shall be taken from a spot on the penalty area line nearest the spot of the
infringement
 Deliberate heading does not require any disciplinary action against the individual player; these actions are not
taken into account when evaluating Persistent Infringement
Law 13: Free Kicks


All free kicks are indirect, and are taken from the spot of the foul, just like direct free kicks would be.
Free kicks require the opponent to give the kicker 8 yards’ distance, not 10 yards, as specified in Law 13.
Law 14 (Penalty Kicks)
Does not apply to this age group; all free kicks are indirect
12
Law 15: (Throw-in)
Conform to FIFA laws of the game, except at U-8 level allow one re-throw, after explaining the throw-in procedure to the
child.
Law 16: The Goal Kick
There are no goal kicks in U8. Should the ball cross the goal line, last touched by an attacking player, then the modified
restart is as follows:


The defending team shall be awarded a throw-in from the touch line, on the side of the field where the ball
went out
The thrower may take the throw-in up to two yards away from the corner flag
13
U10 MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LOTG
Slide tackling is NOT permitted; should a player engage in slide tackling during the course of the game, the Referee shall
issue a verbal warning to both the player and the coach for the first offense; the second offense committed by any
member of that cautioned team shall result in a yellow card for the offending player.
Law 1 (The Field)
On the matter of the penalty area line, it is permissible for a club to use either a painted line, as is traditional and
accepted with other field markings, or cones, if the field conditions are not conducive to penalty area lines. The only
requirement for the delineation therein is that it is clearly visible to players, coaches, and match officials.
Law 2 (Ball)
Size 4
Law 3 (The Players)
Seven players to a side, maximum 12 to a rostered side.
Law 4 (The Players’ Equipment)
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Laws 5 (The Referee)
All matches played shall be officiated by one Referee currently certified by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) at
grade 9, or at a higher grade level. Consistent with CVYSL’s commitment to developing and growing its referee corps, it is
acceptable to use younger-age (14-year-old) referees in this setting. Due to the smaller size field and reduced number of
players, CVYSL has implemented Cal North’s recommendation to use a single referee in U10 play.
Laws 6 (Other Match Officials)
Does not apply to this age group.
14
Laws 7 (Game length)
The length of play shall be two 25 minute halves, with a ten-minute break between. Teams must switch directions after
each half.
Laws 8-11
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct)
All of the standard fouls and misconduct apply; referees are strongly discouraged to use cards as a form of game
management with this very young age; the exceptions would be Violent Conduct and Serious Foul Play.
Deliberately heading the ball is not permitted, and shall be treated as follows:
 Play shall be stopped, and restarted with an indirect free kick for the opposing team
 If inside the penalty area, the kick shall be taken from a spot on the penalty area line nearest the spot of the
infringement
 Deliberate heading does not require any disciplinary action against the individual player; these actions are not
taken into account when evaluating Persistent Infringement
Law 13 (Free Kicks)


All free kicks are indirect, and are taken from the spot of the foul, just like direct free kicks would be.
Free kicks require the opponent to give the kicker 8 yards distance, not 10 yards, as specified in Law 13.
Law 14 (Penalty Kicks)
Does not apply to this age group; all free kicks are indirect.
Law 15 (Throw-in)
Conform to FIFA laws of the game, except at U-10 level, allow one re-throw, after explaining the throw-in procedure to
the child, if both coaches agree in advance before the game.
Law 16 (The Goal Kick)
Per directive from District 6, the following modifications shall be in effect:



When the goalkeeper has the ball, either during play or from a goal kick, the opposing team must move behind
the build out line. Should the opposing team fail to respect this requirement, the referee shall address the
behavior as follows:
o The first time an opposing player infringes on the goalkeeper, the referee will give a gentle, verbal
warning ("remember, you have to leave the area so that the goalkeeper can release the ball"). One such
warning will be permitted per team, per game.
o The second time a player from the same team infringes on the goalkeeper, the referee will award an
indirect free kick to the goalkeeper's team, which will be taken from the spot where the infringement
occurred.
Once the opposing team is behind the build out line, the goalkeeper can pass, throw or roll the ball to a
teammate.
Punting the ball is not allowed as this would defeat the purpose of the build out line and reduces the
opportunity to play out of the back in an unpressured setting. Should the goalkeeper punt the ball instead of roll
it, the referee shall address the behavior as follows:
15
o

The first time a player punts the ball, the referee will give a gentle, verbal warning ("remember, you can
throw the ball, but not kick it"). One such warning will be permitted per team, per game.
o The second time a player from that same team punts the ball, the referee will award an indirect free kick
to the opposing team, which will be taken from the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point
nearest to where the infringement occurred.
After the ball is put into play, the opposing team can then cross the build out line and play can resume as
normal.
Law 17 (The Corner Kick)
Corner kicks, like all other forms of free kick, are indirect, but the ball placement should conform to the LOTG.
16
U-12 MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LOTG
The Modifications listed herein are in direct compliance with the District VI CPL Rules and Policies. While U-12 teams do
not technically fall under the auspices of CPL at this time, it is fairly common for U-12 CVYSL teams to play teams from
other leagues, so great care has been taken to ensure that our Modifications conform to what other leagues have in
place.
Slide tackling is permitted; however, the referee shall take extra care to ensure that the slide tackling is done in a safe
and appropriate manner, in accordance with Law 12 (particular attention should be paid to the definition of Serious Foul
Play.)
Law 1 (The Field)
Law 2 (Ball)
Size 4
Law 3 (The Players)
9 players per side, maximum 14 rostered players.
Law 4 (The Player’s Equipment)
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Laws 5 (The Referee)
All matches played shall be officiated by one Referee currently certified by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) at
grade 9, or at a higher grade level. Consistent with CVYSL’s commitment to developing and growing its referee corps, it is
acceptable to use younger-age (14-year-old) referees in this setting.
17
Laws 6 (Other Match Officials)
1)
The CVYSL has a strong preference that the two Assistant Referees are also USSF Grades 9 or above. When two
certified Assistant Referees are not available, "club linesmen" may be used in lieu, as outlined in USSF Advice to
Referees (ATR), section 6.6:
Where neutral assistant referees are not available, the referee may use club linesmen. Club linesmen should
report to the referee before the start of the game for instructions. The referee should make it clear that the
decision of the referee is final and must not be questioned. The relationship of club linesmen to the referee
must be one of assistance, without undue interference or any opposition. Club linesmen are to signal only
when the ball is entirely over the goal line or touch line.
2)
Law 7 (Game length)
The length of play shall be two 30 minute halves, with a ten-minute break between. Teams must switch directions after
each half.
Laws 8-11
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct)
All of the standard fouls and misconduct apply. While U12 players are starting to obtain a better grasp and
understanding of the strategy and tactics of soccer, referees are to enact the following modifications with regards to
fouls and misconduct:




Be judicious and selective with the use of red and yellow cards; at this age, there are situations that can merit it,
but they should be generally limited to:
o Matters of safety (Serious Foul Play or Violent Conduct)
o Disrespect for the players, referee, or the game
 Dissent
 Unsporting behavior
 Excessive celebration
Referees are thusly highly encouraged to work with the coaches and other team personnel to keep the situation
from requiring such extreme measures in the first place.
Goalkeeper-specific fouls and misconduct shall be modified as follows:
o The 6-second rule will not be enforced strictly; instead, we'll gently encourage the keeper to release the
ball
o Should the keeper bounce the ball, put it down, and pick it up, no penalty; instead, gentle
encouragement
Deliberately heading the ball is not permitted, and shall be treated as follows:
o Play shall be stopped, and restarted with an indirect free kick for the opposing team
o If inside the penalty area, the kick shall be taken from a spot on the penalty area line nearest the spot of
the infringement
o Deliberate heading does not require any disciplinary action against the individual player; these actions
are not taken into account when evaluating Persistent Infringement
Law 13-17
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Point of order: Since U-12 CVYSL teams often play teams from other leagues, any player or team personnel misconduct
that requires a report must go to the league PAD Committee of the host team; in other words, if a CVYSL team plays a
River City team on a CVYSL field, the pass and report go to CVYSL for adjudication.
18
U-14 MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LOTG
The Modifications listed herein are in direct compliance with the District VI CPL Rules and Policies.
Slide tackling is permitted; however, the referee shall take extra care to ensure that the slide tackling is done in a safe
and appropriate manner, in accordance with LOTG Law 12.
Law 1 (The Field)
Law 2 (Ball)
Size 5
Law 3 (The Players)
11 players per side, maximum 18 rostered players.
Law 4 (The Player’s Equipment)
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Laws 5 (The Referee):
All matches played in CPL shall be officiated by at least one adult Referee currently certified by the United States Soccer
Federation (USSF) at grade 9, or at a higher grade level.
Laws 6 (Other Match Officials)
1) The CVYSL has a strong preference that the two Assistant Referees are also USSF Grades 9 or above. When two
certified Assistant Referees are not available, "club linesmen" may be used in lieu, as outlined in USSF Advice to
Referees (ATR), section 6.6:
2) Where neutral assistant referees are not available, the referee may use club linesmen. Club linesmen should
report to the referee before the start of the game for instructions. The referee should make it clear that the
decision of the referee is final and must not be questioned. The relationship of club linesmen to the referee
19
must be one of assistance, without undue interference or any opposition. Club linesmen are to signal only
when the ball is entirely over the goal line or touch line.
Law 7 (Game length)
The length of play shall be two 35-minute halves. Teams must switch directions after each half.
Laws 8-11
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct)
All of the standard fouls and misconduct apply. While U14 players are starting to obtain a better grasp and
understanding of the strategy and tactics of soccer, referees are to enact the following modifications with regards to
fouls and misconduct:




Be judicious and selective with the use of red and yellow cards; at this age, there are situations that can merit it,
but they should be generally limited to:
o Matters of safety (Serious Foul Play or Violent Conduct)
o A poorly executed slide tackle should be treated as Unsporting Behavior, while a slide tackle executed
with a blatant disregard for an opponent’s safety should be treated as VC or SFP, whichever the
situation merits
o Disrespect for the players, referee, or the game
 Dissent
 Unsporting behavior
 Excessive celebration
Referees are thusly highly encouraged to work with the coaches and other team personnel to keep the situation
from requiring such extreme measures in the first place.
Goalkeeper-specific fouls and misconduct shall be modified as follows:
o The 6-second rule will not be enforced strictly; instead, we'll gently encourage the keeper to release the
ball
o Should the keeper bounce the ball, put it down, and pick it up, no penalty; instead, gentle
encouragement
Deliberately heading the ball is not permitted, and shall be treated as follows:
o Play shall be stopped, and restarted with an indirect free kick for the opposing team
o If inside the penalty area, the kick shall be taken from a spot on the penalty area line nearest the spot of
the infringement
o Deliberate heading does not require any disciplinary action against the individual player; these actions
are not taken into account when evaluating Persistent Infringement
Laws 13-17
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Point of order: Since U-14 CVYSL teams often play teams from other leagues, any player or team personnel misconduct
that requires a report must go to the league PAD Committee of the host team; in other words, if a CVYSL team plays a
River City team on a CVYSL field, the pass and report go to CVYSL for adjudication.
20
U-16 MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LOTG
The Modifications listed herein are in direct compliance with the District VI CPL Rules and Policies.
Slide tackling is permitted; however, the referee shall take extra care to ensure that the slide tackling is done in a safe
and appropriate manner, in accordance with Law 12 (particular attention should be paid to the definition of Serious Foul
Play.)
Law 1 (The Field)
Law 2 (Ball)
Size 5
Law 3 (The Players)
11 players per side, maximum 22 rostered players.
Law 4 (The Player’s Equipment)
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Laws 5 (The Referee)
All matches played in CPL shall be officiated by at least one adult Referee currently certified by the United States Soccer
Federation (USSF) at grade 9, or at a higher grade level.
Laws 6 (Other Match Officials)
1) The CVYSL has a strong preference that the two Assistant Referees are also USSF Grades 9 or above. When two
certified Assistant Referees are not available, "club linesmen" may be used in lieu, as outlined in USSF Advice to
Referees (ATR), section 6.6:
21
2) Where neutral assistant referees are not available, the referee may use club linesmen. Club linesmen should
report to the referee before the start of the game for instructions. The referee should make it clear that the
decision of the referee is final and must not be questioned. The relationship of club linesmen to the referee
must be one of assistance, without undue interference or any opposition. Club linesmen are to signal only
when the ball is entirely over the goal line or touch line.
Law 7 (Game length)
The length of play shall be two 40-minute halves. Teams must switch directions after each half.
Law 8-17
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
22
U-19 MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LOTG
The Modifications listed herein are in direct compliance with the District VI CPL Rules and Policies.
Slide tackling is permitted; however, the referee shall take extra care to ensure that the slide tackling is done in a safe
and appropriate manner, in accordance with Law 12 (particular attention should be paid to the definition of Serious Foul
Play.)
Law 1 (The Field)
Law 2 (Ball)
Size 5
Law 3 (The Players)
11 players per side, maximum 22 rostered players.
Law 4 (The Player’s Equipment)
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Laws 5 (The Referee):
All matches played in CPL shall be officiated by at least one adult Referee currently certified by the United States Soccer
Federation (USSF) at grade 9, or at a higher grade level.
Laws 6 (Other Match Officials)
1) The CVYSL has a strong preference that the two Assistant Referees are also USSF Grades 9 or above. When two
certified Assistant Referees are not available, "club linesmen" may be used in lieu, as outlined in USSF Advice to
Referees (ATR), section 6.6:
2) Where neutral assistant referees are not available, the referee may use club linesmen. Club linesmen should
report to the referee before the start of the game for instructions. The referee should make it clear that the
23
decision of the referee is final and must not be questioned. The relationship of club linesmen to the referee
must be one of assistance, without undue interference or any opposition. Club linesmen are to signal only
when the ball is entirely over the goal line or touch line.
Law 7 (Game length)
The length of play shall be two 45-minute halves. Teams must switch directions after each half.
Laws 8-17
Per FIFA LOTG; no age-specific modifications.
Point of order: Since U-19 CVYSL games are played under the auspices of the CPL (Community Playing League) of the
California Youth Soccer Association, District 6, then any offenses resulting in a red card require a Match Report and the
player's pass to be submitted to the District 6 PAD Chairman for adjudication.
24
Appendix A: Offenses Cheat Sheet
Direct Free Kick Offenses, by Body Part
1)
Mouth
a)
Spitting
2) Body
a)
Jumping at the opponent
b)
Charging
3) Legs & feet
a)
Kicking/attempting to kick
b)
Tripping/attempting to trip
c)
Tackling
4)
Hands/arms
a)
Handling with intention
i)
Unnatural position of the hand
ii)
Ball to hand vs. hand to ball
iii)
Time to react – did the player have time to move his or her hand out of the
way?
iv)
Hand used in attempt to make oneself “bigger”
v)
Distance to react – was there enough room between the player and the ball
where s/he could reasonably move out of the way?
b)
Holding
c)
Striking/attempting to strike
d)
Pushing
8 Free Indirect Free Kick Offenses by Offender
1)
By the Goalkeeper
a)
Receive the ball from a teammate’s kick, to the hands
b)
Receive the ball from a teammate’s throw-in
c)
Control the ball for more than 6 seconds
d)
2nd touch
2)
By a player on the field
a)
Dangerous play
b)
Impeding the progress of an opponent
c)
Interfering with the goalkeeper
3) Any other reason not mentioned for which play has to be stopped
25
Appendix B: Fouls and Misconduct
What is a Foul?



Committed on the field
Ball is in play
Against an opponent
What is Misconduct?
Any Law 12 offense that is committed under one of the following circumstances:



Away from the field of play
Ball is not in play
Either against an opponent or a teammate
Types
Careless
 Simple foul
 Possession did not change
Reckless
 Above average speed/strength applied in the challenge for the ball
 The offending player was clearly making a challenge for the ball, and is guilty of poor execution
rather than engaging in a deliberate attempt to harm the opponent
Excessive Force
 Disproportional speed/strength without regard to the safety of the player
 The offending player is clearly seeking to stop or disable the player, and has no legitimate or
feasible likelihood of playing the ball
26
Appendix C: Offense Types
7 Cautionable Offenses
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Dissent by word or action:
a)
Personal
b)
Public
c)
Provocative
Unsporting behavior
Delaying the restart of play
Failure to respect the required distance
a)
10 yards for a free kick
b)
2 yards for a throw-in
Leaving the field without the referee’s permission
Entering the field without the referee’s permission
Persistent infringement
7 Send-Off Offenses
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Violent conduct
a)
What: Anything
b)
Who: Anyone
c)
Where: Anywhere within our jurisdiction
d)
When: Any time within our jurisdiction
e)
How: If the ball is out of play, use the appropriate restart; if the ball is in play, IFK
Serious foul play
a)
What: A Law 12 offense committed with excessive force while challenging for the ball
b)
Who: Against an opponent
c)
Where: On the field, with the ball in play
d)
When: Challenging for the ball
e)
How: DFK or PK, depending on where the offense took place
Spitting at anyone
Insulting, offensive, abusive language
Persists in misconduct after receiving a yellow card caution
Denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball
Denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by committing an offense punishable by a free kick
a)
Distance to the ball
b)
Direction to goal
c)
Distance to the goal
d)
Defenders between attacker and goal
27
Appendix D: Possible Concussions
Description



Concussions are a traumatic brain injury
Concussions do not always involve a loss of consciousness
Concussions are not always a blow to the head; it can be a result of the head/neck snapping
violently forward or backward

If you see one or more of these symptoms, advise the coach that you suspect a head injury. Do
not use the word concussion; we do not have the medical qualifications to make that
assessment.
o
Nausea
o
Vomiting
o
Headache
o
Sensitivity to light or noise
o
Loss of memory
o
Dazed

The player may not return to play until they have been cleared by a medical professional

Note in your match report that you have a “suspected head injury”; include the player’s
number, and the time
Clarification: For CVYSL games (12 and under), the player pass is to be pulled and sent to the League
President.
For CPL (14 and above), the pass is to be sent to District 6, at the following address:
District 6 PAD Chair
4518 Wellesley Way
Sacramento CA 95861
The player may return to Cal North and/or US Youth Soccer play only after release from a medical doctor
or doctor of osteopathy trained in concussion treatment and management.
28
Directive from CalNorth on Concussions
The Concussion Notification Form is to be filled out in duplicate and signed by a team official of the
player's team.
If a parent/legal guardian of the player is present, have the parent/legal guardian sign and date the
Form, and give the parent/legal guardian one copy of the completed Form. If the parent/legal guardian
is not present, then the team official is responsible for notifying the parent/legal guardian ASAP by
phone or email and then submitting the Form to the parent/legal guardian by email or mail.
When the parent/guardian is not present, the team official must make record of how and when the
parent/legal guardian was notified. The notification will include a request for the parent/legal guardian
to provide confirmation and completion of the Concussion Notification Form whether in writing or
electronically.
The team official must surrender the player pass to a League representative upon injury. The player pass
will not be returned until a Medical Release has been received by CalNorth. League must send copy of
Medical Release to Cal North office (11040 Serpentine Lane, Suite 201, Pleasanton, CA 94556).
Players may wear their jersey, but must not be in full uniform until the League has received the Medical
Release and the pass has been returned to the team official.
29
CVYSL Evaluation of Game Officials
Date
Home Team
Gender
Final Score
Cautions
Name
Game information
Field
Time
Visiting Team
Age
Home
Visitor
Ejections
Reporter’s Information
Phone Number
Role (Parent/Coach/ Referee Coordinator)
Referee Information
Referee
AR1
AR2
Difficulty of the Game
Easy
Normal
Difficult
☐
☐
☐
Referee Assessment
Criteria (If you choose to, provide written examples below)
Punctuality/Dress and Appearance
Pre-game organization
Knowledge/Application of the Laws
Fitness/Stamina/Field Coverage
Consistency/Judgment
Fairness/Impartiality
Cooperation with Assistant Referees
Game Control
Ability to gain respect through Performance/Personality
Overall Rating
Referee
AR 1
AR 2
Very Difficult
☐
EX
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
VG
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
G
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
F
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
P
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
5
5
5
4
4
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
Comments:
Please mail this form to:
Geoff Lilley
5232 Bellwood Way
Carmichael CA 95608
[email protected]
916-213-7451