Soccer Refereeing Tips #4

-Substitutions-

It's almost time to play, and the book for official referees is massive, how much do you know.  Well, here are some key rules to keep an eye on to keep the game fair.

Players:  Each team may have up to 11 members, no game will be played if a team is down to 7 players.
Substitutions:  In official FIFA matches, there will be no more than 3 substitutes during gameplay.  National "A" matches may have up to 6.  Other competitions may have more, and will be decided by the league.

How to Substitue:
-Referee must be informed prior to it occurring
-Substitute may only enter once the substituted player has left the field
-Substitute may only enter at the half-point of the field and during an official game play pause
-The substituted player may not participate anymore in the match
-Any player may substitute for the goalie

Sanctions:  If a team does not follow procedure, it is up to you (the Ref) to act appropriately.
If switch occurs without Refs knowledge-stop play, cautions the sub for unsportsmanlike behavior, and orders him to leave the field
If a substitute starts in the match rather than a starting player without the Refs knowledge-play continues, no sanctions, number of substitutes is not reduced, action is reported to appropriate officials
If substitute occurs with the Goalie is not told to the Ref-Play continues, on official break the Ref cautions the substitute

In all cases, the substitute is cautioned and the ball is given to the opposing team.

This gives a quick glance at a major area that Referees will deal with, tomorrow we will look at the powers and duties of the Referee

Play on!

Soccer Refereeing Tips #3

-Field and Gear-

Everyone see's the field, and everyone has an idea about the gear, but do you know what the lines mean and what gear you really need?

Field:  Here's a basic layout of the common soccer field.  The dimensions of a field vary between 100x50 to 130x100 yards.  Head out to a field and see if you can identify the main areas of the field.

Gear:  The main item you will need will be the game ball, or 3 or 5.  They should not give way when squeezed.  Be sure to check each playing ball to ensure it is properly filled.  If you have extra, place one at the side of each goal box, that way the goalie can grab one quickly.  There are different sizes, based on age group, and gender.

Now get out there are start doing warm-up laps, tomorrow we'll actually get into the nitty-gritty.

Play on!

Soccer Refereeing Tips #2

-Hand Signals-

Long before you hit the field for your first game you are going to want to know the hand signals involved during game play.

From the image above, you see that there is a fair mix of using your hands, a whistle, and flags.

When making a movement, be sure you know which team is on which side, as the direction you "point" is against the side who it is for.

Practice making these motions and read up on when to do them.  Tomorrow we'll talk about the field and game equipment.

Play on!

Soccer Refereeing Tips #1

Soccer/Futbol is a world-wide sport that has a set of dedicated individuals that set out to protect the sport and ensure fairness.  Referees spend lots of "classroom" and "field work" time learning the sport and the ins and outs of their jobs before they move up to being a professional.  This week I'm going to break down some of the key areas of their training and skill sets they have.

-Getting Started-

Physically Fit:  If you've seen any game you know that the Ref must be able to keep up with the players and stay out of the players way.  Running, is a key skill.  Forward, back, side-to-side, every direction, and maybe the ability to dodge a ball.  If you haven't done a lot of running, get out a few times a week to limber up and continue to get better.

Uniform:  As with any job, you have to look the part.
Shirt-Typically yellow, check with the league to see what color they want you to have.  Typically, it also has a Velcro location for your official badge
Socks-Black, either with 3 white stripes or the USSF (United States Soccer Federation) logo
Shorts-Plain black, with pockets to carry job specific items
Cleats-Turf shoes work as well, should be black, think, would you wear white shoes with a black suit?
General-Socks stay up, shirt is tucked in

Equipment:  Without the gear, you're gonna have a problem.
-Red/Yellow Cards
-2 Flags
-Watch (NOT a phone)
-Whistle
-Pen
-Coin
-Water Bottle (doesn't do any good if you're dehydrated)

Now that you're going to take the next day to get the gear, tomorrow we're going to take a look at the calls and signals you will be making.

Play on!