Upcoming Referee Clinics
Consider becoming a licensed referee. Course offered at Watsonville High School May 16th-19th 6-9 PM and May 22nd 9-3 PM. Must attend all classes. Cost is $25 plus $40 license fee. Contact Mary Ann Krein at makrein@ucsc.edu
Check the SCCYSL referee page for additional referee clinics.
Game Rules
U9-10 Coming soon
U11-12
Conform to FIFA laws with the following exceptions
Size 4 ball
Halves 30 minutes each.
Unlimited substitutions: by team in possession of the ball on throw in, by either team on a goal kick, after a goal, at half time, or if the referee stops play after an injury. In addition, a player recieving a yellow card may be substituted during the yellow card stoppage.
U13-14
Same as U11-12 except:
Size 5 ball
Halves 35 minutes each
U15-16
Same as U13-14 except:
Halves 40 minutes each
U17-18
Same as U15-16 except:
Halves 45 minutes each
Helpful links:
Tips for Referees
Before the Game
1. Show up at least ½ hour before the game with proper uniform and equipment.
2. The referee should introduce him/herself to both coaches.
3. The referee should have a discussion with the assistants of how he/she wants to do the game.
4. If you do not have a full crew, you should discuss with the coaches (together) whether or not to
use club lines. Club lines should only signal out of touch, not fouls or offside. Divide the club line
duties between the teams to avoid the appearance of partiality.
During the Game
1. Being a successful referee is about selling. To sell you must convince players, coaches and
spectators that you know what you are doing and are in charge of the game. How to sell:
a) BLOW YOUR WHISTLE AS LOUD AS YOU CAN. Your whistle is your most important tool. Change the sound level,
length and number of blasts to suit the situation. Above all, no weak whistles.
b) Make your decisions and stand by them. Try avoid appearing to change a decision because of
pressure by players, coaches or spectators. Consult your assistants before the decision if they may
have had a better view.
c) Do not tolerate dissent. It will only grow. Warn, then caution (yellow card), then eject (red
card). It is useful to make it clear to all that you are warning a player or coach to stop dissenting.
2. The game is not about you or the coaches or the spectators. It is about the players. Your goal is
to provide an environment where skill and the joy of the game can shine. Concentrate on
controlling the serious fouls. Try to stop the game as little as possible.
3. Try at all times to remain calm and polite. If you are calm, others will be more calm.
4. Remember that the referees are a team. The center referee should make a habit of making
repeated eye contact with the assistants. It is acceptable to offer an explanation of a team member's
decision to a coach, player or spectator. However, that explanation should always be supportive of
the decision and never repeat never be critical of the decision.
5. In general, ignore coaches and spectators. However, they cannot be allowed to create a hostile
environment for you or the players. They cannot be allowed to incite fouls or violence.
a) If a spectator is causing problems, stop the game and ask the coach to either stop the behavior or
remove the spectator. If the behavior continues, ask the coach to remove the spectator before the
game can proceed.
b) If a coach is causing problems, stop the game, warn the coach. If the behavior continues tell him
that you are giving him a caution (do not show him a card). If it still continues, eject the coach. Do
not enter into a discussion with the coach.
6) If players, coaches or spectators refuse to follow your directions, blow your whistle, terminate
the game and leave the field.
After the Game
1. Observe the post-game handshake. Some of the worst behavior happens then. You are still in
charge.
2. Promptly submit the game cards and any necessary reports, especially red card reports.
3. Report both good and bad behavior by coaches and spectators.
Above All,
Have Fun!
If it’s not fun, don’t do it.
