Grade 8|2014 USSF Referee Recertification
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification
Handling
Section
1
The Ball
Goal
Safety
Penalty
Kicks
Central
Assign
Handling the Ball
Objective
Upon completion of this portion of the recertification
clinic you will be able to correctly identify three key
criteria a referee should use to determine whether
contact between a player’s hand/arm and the ball
constitutes a foul for handling.
2009 Referee Program Directive “Handling the Ball”, February 2. 2009
Match
Reports
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Handling
Handling the Ball
There are several key criteria referees should use to
determine whether contact between a player’s
hand/arm and the ball constitutes a foul for handling.
Many of the criteria have formed the foundation of
referee identification of handling offenses for years.
Despite this foundation, handling criteria continue to be
applied inconsistently.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Handling
Handling the Ball
Going forward, additional criteria will need to
considered by officials in determining if contact by the
ball with the hand/arm is, in fact, a handling offense.
The following three criteria should be the primary
factors considered by the referee:
1. Making yourself bigger
2. Is the arm or hand in an “unnatural position?”
3. Did the player benefit?
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Handling
Handling the Ball
1. Making yourself bigger
This refers to the placement of the arm(s)/hand(s) of the
defending player at the time the ball is played by the
opponent. Should an arm/hand be a position that takes
away space from the team with the ball and the ball
contacts the arm/hand, the referee should interpret this
contact as handling. Referees should interpret this action
as the defender “deliberately” putting his arm/hand in a
position in order to reduce the options of the opponent.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Handling
Handling the Ball
1. Making yourself bigger
Does the defender use his hand/arm as a barrier?
Does the defender use his hand/arm to take away
space and/or the passing lane from the opponent?
Does the defender use his hand/arm to occupy more
space by extending his reach or extending the ability of
his body to play the ball thereby benefiting from the
extension?
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Handling
Handling the Ball
2. Is the arm or hand in an “unnatural position?”
Is the arm of hand in a position that is not normal or
natural for a player performing the task at hand?
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Handling
Handling the Ball
3. Did the player “benefit?”
In considering all the previous “signs”, the referee should
also consider the result of the player’s (usually a
defender) action. Did the defender’s action (handling of
the ball) deny an opportunity that would have otherwise
have been available to the opponent? Did the offending
player gain an unfair tactical advantage which enabled
him to retain possession? In other words, did the player
benefit by putting his hand/arm in an unnatural
position?
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Handling
Handling the Ball
After applying the three key criteria, if the referee is still
uncertain as to whether handling the ball has occurred,
the referee should then incorporate the following two
criteria as part of his decision making process:
4. Reaction Time
5. Hand/arm to ball
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Hair Devices
Handling the Ball
4. Reaction Time
The less time a defender has to react, the less likely
there has been a handling offense. The referee must take
into consideration whether the defender’s reaction is
purely instinctive, taken to protect sensitive areas of the
body as the dace. Distance is a factor in determining
reaction time. The further the ball, the more reaction
time a player may have.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Hair Devices
Handling the Ball
5. Hand/arm to ball
Referees must be ready to judge whether the player
moved his arm to the ball thereby initiating the contact.
Additionally, the referee should evaluate whether the
player deliberately readjusted his body position to block
the ball thus intentionally playing the ball with his
hand/arm.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification
Handling
The Ball
Goal
Safety
Penalty
Kicks
Central
Assign
Match
Reports
Goal Safety
Objective
Upon completion of this portion of the recertification
clinic you will possess a greater awareness of the
importance of goal safety and the pre-match soccer
goal safety checklist.
CJSA, CSSA Point of Emphasis
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Goal Safety
Goal Safety
Myth # 1
Heavier soccer goals need not
be anchored because of the
inherent difficulty in moving
them.
Fact
Any unanchored goal can be
tipped with catastrophic
results.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Goal Safety
Goal Safety
Myth # 2
The majority of soccer goal
related injuries occur during
matches or training.
Fact
Most soccer goal related
injuries occur when organized
soccer play is over. Injuries
occur either during the
transport of goals, when goals
are used for unapproved
purposes, or during pick-up
soccer.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Goal Safety
Goal Safety
Myth # 3
Fact
Homemade goals that match
manufacturer’s designs or
styles will act as suitable
replacement for professionally
manufactured goals.
The Consumer Product Safety
Commission reports a large
majority of goals involved in
fatal or serious tip-over
accidents involve “homemade” goals made without
considering proper anchoring
techniques and safe counterbalancing goal design.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Goal Safety
Goal Safety
Myth # 4
Fact
Soccer goals will not tip unless Unanchored, portable,
moved or climbed upon.
lightweight goals are capable
of tipping during high wind
conditions, especially with
nets affixed to the frame. All
goals should be anchored
when they are in an upright
position.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Goal Safety
Goal Safety
Myth # 5
Padded goals will reduce
injury when a goal tips over.
Fact
Padding will not protect a
person from injury when a
goal tips over.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Goal Safety
Goal Safety
Pre-Match Soccer Goal Checklist
1. Are anchors in place and secured properly to the goal
and ground surface?
2. If anchor bags are being used, are they in good
condition?
3. Are anchor bags adequately filled with aggregate?
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Goal Safety
Goal Safety
Pre-Match Soccer Goal Checklist
4. Are anchor bags placed over the base of the goal
frames at the back corners?
5. Is all connecting hardware, such as nuts and bolts, in
place and secure?
6. Has the structural integrity of the goal been
compromised?
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Goal Safety
Goal Safety
Pre-Match Soccer Goal Checklist
7. Are welds cracked?
8. Are corner joints secure?
9. Is the goal on a level surface?
10. Are the goal nets attached properly to the goal
frame?
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Goal Safety
Goal Safety
Pre-Match Soccer Goal Checklist
11. Do sharp edges exist in any part of the goal and net
attachment system?
12. Do the nets have large holes or tears?
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Goal Safety
Goal Safety
Any issues discovered during the inspection of the goals
should be brought to the attention of the home team
coach and must be corrected prior to starting the match.
Can you start a match if the goals are not safe or
properly anchored?
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Goal Safety
Goal Safety
NO
If goals are not properly anchored
do not start the game
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Goal Safety
Goal Safety
It is the responsibility of the referee to check for the
safety of the players.
The first order of business for the referee team upon
entering the field is to determine the fitness of the field.
Failing to perform that duty is a significant breach of the
referee’s responsibilities and represent referee
misconduct.
If goals and not properly anchored – do not start the
game.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification
Handling
The Ball
Goal
Safety
Section
3 Kicks
Penalty
Central
Assign
Match
Reports
Penalty Kicks
Objective
Upon completion of this portion of the recertification
clinic you will be able to correctly identify three
specific examples of deceptive behavior by the
identified kicker at the taking of a penalty kick that
are to be considered as unacceptable unsporting
behavior.
USSF Position Paper: “Deception at the Taking of a Penalty Kick”, August 25, 2009
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Penalty Kicks
Penalty Kicks
In 2000, the International Board clarified its guideline
regarding what the player taking a penalty kick may do
to confuse or deceive the defending goalkeeper. Most
recently, the new “interpretations” section of the Law
book states:
“Feinting to take a penalty kick to confuse an opponent
is permitted … However, if, in the opinion of the referee,
the feinting is considered an act of unsporting behavior,
the player must be cautioned.”
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Penalty Kicks
Penalty Kicks
What is the line between acceptable “feinting” and
unacceptable “unsporting behavior”? In essence, it is
“the opinion of the referee” – informed by the specific
circumstances of the kicker’s actions and the referee’s
“feel” for the match at that point.
However, referee should keep in mind that the USSF has
previously provided three specific examples of behavior
by the identified kicker which are not acceptable, i.e.,
which cross the line into unacceptable unsporting
behavior.
Grade 8|2014 Referee Recertification – Penalty Kicks
Penalty Kicks
Examples of Unacceptable Unsporting Behavior:
1. Running past the ball and then stepping backward
to perform the kick
2. Excessively changing direction or taking an
excessively long run to the ball (thus causing an
unnecessary delay in the restart, in the opinion of
the referee)
Grade 8|2014 Referee Recertification – Penalty Kicks
Penalty Kicks
Examples of Unacceptable Unsporting Behavior:
3. Making a hand or arm gesture which obviously
distracts or deceives the goalkeeper
4. Stopping prior to kicking the ball.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification
Penalty Kicks
Referees should evaluate the behavior of the player
taking the kick in terms of what would and would not be
acceptable at the taking of a free kick. An action which
clearly is consistent with acceptable behavior while
taking a free kick should be considered as falling within
the category of acceptable “feigning” where the restart
is a penalty kick.
Grade 8|2014 USSF Referee Recertification
Handling
The Ball
Goal
Safety
Penalty
Kicks
Central
Section 4
Assign
Match
Reports
Central Assign
Objective
Upon completion of this portion of the recertification
clinic you will be able to correctly identify how to
perform basic functions within the Central Assign
system.
Connecticut State Referee Committee, Point of Emphasis
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Central Assign
Central Assign
Central Assign is a web-based Referee Management
System that is available and free to us for any current
year Connecticut USSF Certified Assignor and will
provide every current year Connecticut USSF Certified
Referee with their own account (username and
password).
The Central Assign web address/home page is
http://csrp.ctreferee.net
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Central Assign
Central Assign
Once an account has been established Referees will be
able to modify their profile, accept/decline assigned
games, report games as well as input their officiating
availability (full day or partial day).
Select the link “Take a Tour” from the top menu bar
(http://csrp.ctreferee.net/take_tour.html) to see
examples of all the Central Assign features. Referees will
use the features shown on images on pages 15-19 to
manage their account.
Grade 8|2014 Referee Recertification – System of Officiating
Central Assign
What should you do if you forget your username and/or
password?
On the home page, select the “Click Here if You Forgot
Your Password” link to submit your email address and
receive a return email containing all your login
information.
Grade 8|2014 Referee Recertification – Central Assign
Central Assign
How should you change your contact cell phone or email
address?
After logging in, select the “Update My Profile” option
and make changes as necessary. This option allows a
referee to update/change their username, password,
email address and phone number. From this page a
referee will be able to designate which assignors will be
able to see their phone numbers.
Grade 8|2014 Referee Recertification – Central Assign
Central Assign
What should you do if you are delayed getting to a
match (a flat tire for example)? Who should you contact?
Central Assign is automated to provide each referee an
email reminder 72 hours prior to each accepted assigned
game containing contact information that could be used
for crew members to communicate with one another. If
you are delayed for any reason you should use this
information to contact your team members to let them
know you will be late or will not be showing up. You
should also contact your assignor to let them know of
your changed status.
Grade 8|2014 Referee Recertification – Central Assign
Central Assign
How do you accept/decline a game once you have
received an email notifying you of a new game
assignment?
You should select the link provided in the Game
Invitation email and you will be taken to the “Manage
Game Invitation” option of your Central Assign account.
Once here select either the “Accept” or “Decline” action
link.
Grade 8|2014 USSF Referee Recertification
Handling
The Ball
Goal
Safety
Penalty
Kicks
Central
Assign
Match
Section
5
Reports
Match Reports
Objective
Upon completion of this portion of the recertification
clinic you will be able to correctly identify three
situations when a match report is required to be
completed and forwarded to the CJSA Office for a youth
match, as well as when a match report is required to be
submitted for an adult match.
CJSA, CSSA Point of Emphasis
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Match Reports
Match Reports
A CJSA referee match report must be completed and
forwarded to the CJSA office for a youth match in each
of the following situations:
1. All CT and State Cup matches
2. All Premier League matches
3. All matches in which a card is issued, a coach or
other team official is sent off, or when there has
been a serious injury or other unusual incident
A report may be submitted electronically or by mail
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Match Reports
Match Reports
Adult Matches
A match report must be submitted for all CSSA
sanctioned matches. A supplemental match report must
be submitted when a player or team official has been
sent off as well as when a serious injury or other
significant event has occurred during the match by the
referee and both assistant referees.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Match Reports
Match Reports
Adult Matches – Assistant Referee
A match report must be submitted by each assistant
referee for all CSSA sanctioned matches. The following
information is required to contained in the report: (1)
Score, (2) Cards Issued, (3) Fee Received, (4) Number of
Officials Traveled to the game if the game was cancelled,
and (5) Teams Behavior.
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification – Match Reports
Match Reports
Report Preparation Guidelines
1. Report only the facts
2. Use proper terminology when describing reasons for
cautions and send offs
3. Do not include opinions or recommendations of
disciplinary action you think should be taken
4. Submit your report in a timely manner to the
competition authority (CJSA for youth matches ,
adhere to published guidance for adult matches)
2014 USSF Referee Recertification ‐ Advantage
Handling
the Ball
Goal
Safety
Penalty
Kicks
Central
Assign
Match
reports
Advantage
Objective
Upon completion of this portion of the recertification clinic you will be able to correctly identify situations when Advantage can be applied as described in the USSF Advise to Referees paper “Advantage Update”, June 2012.
•For review the 2012 update on “Advantage” can be found on the CSRP home page www.ctreferee.net
•Scroll to “Recent USSF Memorandums and Position Papers” section to select and view a PDF file or video.
•Return here to continue with the Recertification process…
Advantage
Law 5
U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Advantage Update
June 2012
ADVANTAGE
Advantage – A Core Concept
• An offense occurs
• Stop play or not?
• Why are offenses committed?
• Slow the pace of play
• Give the team time to defend
• Break up momentum
ADVANTAGE
What Offenses?
•Traditional View
• Fouls (Law 12)
• Misconduct (Law 12)
•Contemporary View
• Any offense committed by a
player while the ball is in play
ADVANTAGE
This is not about
•What criteria should be used
•How to signal advantage
•What to do if the advantage does
not continue
•Coming back for misconduct even
when advantage is applies
•Etc.
ADVANTAGE
This is about
•Explaining how the advantage
concept has expanded
•Providing concrete scenarios which
help referees understand the
expanded concept
ADVANTAGE
What is needed?
•Offense committed by a player
•While the ball is in play
ADVANTAGE
“Ball in play”
Advantage cannot be applied to
any restart
Restart requirements exist prior to
the ball going into play
Example: Throw-in
ADVANTAGE
Scenario 2
The Red team is taking a goal kick but the kicker
does not hit the ball squarely so it only travels six
feet and stays inside Red’s penalty area. The kicker
runs to the ball and kicks it again, this time causing it
to leave the penalty area but coming directly under
the control of a Blue opponent.
Advice 2
Advantage is not applied in situations involving a
violation of a restart requirement. In this case, the
goal kick must be retaken.
ADVANTAGE
Scenario 3
Blue #23 performs a goal kick. The ball leaves the
penalty area but is blown back toward the Blue goal.
The Blue goalkeeper handles the ball but the ball
continues into the goal.
Advice 3
Advantage should be applied in this situation (the
violation is a foul under Law 12 and would be
covered under previous guidelines anyway). No
advantage signal should be given and the goal
should be counted.
ADVANTAGE
Scenario 6
Blue #35 is in an offside position when a teammate
passes the ball in her direction. She makes contact
with the ball but the ball then goes directly to Red #9
who appears to gain clear control. Red #9 takes a
step or two but misplays the ball to a Blue opponent.
Advice 6
This situation is governed by the “wait and see”
concept and, though advantage is being initially
considered, no advantage signal should be given.
When it is evident that Red’s control is not
maintained, the offside offense should be called.
ADVANTAGE
Scenario 8
Blue #35 is in an offside position when a teammate passes the
ball in her direction. She turns and shoots on goal but the Red
goalkeeper takes clear control of the ball and makes a long
punt downfield.
Advice 8
Advantage is applied but, in the special case of offside, no
advantage signal should be given. The “wait and see” concept
is used to ensure that the element of control by the opposing
team is reliable and demonstrated by the opposing team being
able to maintain an active, credible attack on the goal of the
team which committed the offside violation. If the evidence of
advantage is not convincing and maintained, the offside
offense should be called.
ADVANTAGE
Scenario 9
During an attack on goal by Blue #46, a Red
substitute runs onto the field and tackles the ball
away the attacker. However, the ball then goes to
Blue #30 who appears able to maintain the attack.
Advice 9
In this situation, advantage cannot be applied
because the violation has not been committed by a
player. Play should be stopped the moment the Red
substitute interferes with play and, after dealing with
the substitute’s misconduct, play is resumed with an
indirect free kick where the ball was when play was
stopped (for the illegal entry of the substitute).
Grade 8 |2014 USSF Referee Recertification
The next step…
The next step in the recertification procedure is to
successfully complete an online test to verify mastery of
the objectives stated for the recertification clinic. You
must answer all questions correctly before continuing
the recertification process. Upon completion of the clinic
examination you will take a 50 question online
recertification examination. You must achieve a passing
score of 75% in order to be recertified. You may use
references when taking the examination. You will be
given two chances to achieve a passing score.