Observed Points of Concern

The Match Officials – Responsibilities -

LAWS 5 & 6

Officiating Systems

Diagonal System (One Whistle Only)

One Referee & Two ARs (with flags)

ONLY ACCEPTABLE SYSTEM !!!!

Diagonal System (One Whistle Only)

One Referee & One AR (with flag)

Officiating Systems

Diagonal System (One Whistle Only)

One Referee

ONLY ACCEPTABLE SYSTEM !!!!

Diagonal System (One Whistle Only)

One Referee, One AR & One Club Linesman

OR

One Referee & Two Club Linesmen

Officiating Systems

Dual System (Two Whistles)

Head Referee & Referee

NEVER ACCEPTABLE !!!!

All Competitive Youth Games – No Exceptions: League and OSYSA rules of competition do not have the authority

to approve a two or three whistle referee system. Only the Diagonal System of Control (one whistle) is acceptable. All sanctioned youth tournaments in Ohio South are “Competitive” games.

USSF does not allow its referees to use the dual (2 whistle) system and a referee’s USSF liability insurance coverage would be invalid in such an instance.

Officiating Systems

Dual System (Two Whistles)

Head Referee & Referee

NEVER ACCEPTABLE !!!!

Exception: Only Recreational Youth Games may not be subject to this

restriction. Youth League and OSYSA rules of competition (in accordance with USSF policy) may approve a two or three whistle referee system for recreational youth play only.

Referee - Responsibilities

DUTIES OBLIGATORY TASK

…. What an official has to do to be in compliance with the Laws

…. To officiate match using only the Diagonal System of Control (One Whistle)

REFEREE’S MANDATE …. To ensure player safety and promote

fair play

Referee - Responsibilities

POWERS DELEGATED AUTHORITY

…. Legal authority in accordance with the Laws of the Game.

REFEREE’S PREROGATIVE …. What a referee has a choice to decide

to do or not to do…. Does not have the choice to ever use a

two-whistle system of officiating

AR - Responsibilities

DUTIES• ARs are to assist the Referee (not insist)• Use proper Mechanics and Signals• Follow Referee’s pre-game instructions• To inform the Referee of infractions that are

not seen by the Referee

POWERS• Effectively none … subordinate to Referee,

who is the final decision-maker and ultimate authority

Who’s in ChargeThe Referee

• The Referee is both the “Judge and Jury” …. has the ultimate authority

regarding all match issues• An effective Referee uses the ARs and

promotes the concept of “team” and serves as its leader.

• Referee has an obligation to act upon AR’s information for any incident not seen

by the Referee.

Pre-Game Duties

Referee Team– Referee must conduct pre-game conference (do not

skip or ignore) with ARs to review duties, responsibilities and expectations … first step to effectively operate as a “team”.

– Must inspect the field (this is a safety issue)– Must inspect players’ equipment (also, a safety issue)– Must inspect and approve game balls– Conduct coin toss with team captains

Responsibilities – BT #6

Three adults have been assigned to a officiate a U14 boys game using the diagonal system. One official fails to show up and no one is available to serve as a Club Linesman.

Both coaches, who are familiar with both officials, agree that using two-whistles would provide a better officiated match and insist that the match be officiated using two whistles.

In this situation it would then be acceptable for the two referees to officiate the game using two whistles.

A. True B. False

Responsibilities-Professionalism-

It is the DUTY of each Referee & AR to dress

properly

MANDATORY STANDARD EQUIPMENT (All Game Officials)

Shirts - All Game Officials Must Wear Same ColorGold Short Sleeve – Basic Standard

Shorts - All Black (No White Stripes or White Trim)

Socks - Black (3 Styles Acceptable)Black w/ 3 White Stripes - Standard

Shoes - Predominantly Black (White Trim Only)

USSF Referee Badge (Current Year)

Slide 13

Proper Uniforms

Slide 14

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS (All Game Officials)

Shirts – Must Be Tucked InSleeve Length Should Match (Not

Mandatory)Pinstripes Need Not Match

Socks – Must Be Worn at Knee Length Styles Need Not Match

Visible Undergarments - Should Be Black (Navy Blue)

Proper Uniforms

ACCEPTABLE APPAREL

Eyeglasses

Wristwatch – Black Wristband

Hat (or Visor) with Bill – Solid Black Only

Referee’s Shirt – In youth play it is acceptable for the Referee to wear a shirt of an

alternate color than the ARs when (and only when) one of the teams is wearing gold or yellow shirts and one or both ARs do not have an alternate color shirt. In such a situation both ARs must wear gold shirts.

Slide 15

Proper Uniforms

Slide 16

Proper Uniforms

UNACCEPTABLE APPAREL

JewelryNo Earrings, Necklaces, Rings, etc. (Wedding

Rings, ok)No Visible Piercings

HeadwearNo Hats or Headwear with LogosNo Colored Hats or HeadwearNo Hats Worn Backwards

SocksSocks Not Pulled Up To Just Below the KneeNo Ankle Socks

ACCEPTABLE WEATHER-RELATED APPARELBlack Hats or Soft Black Caps

Individual Referee’s Choice Headwear Need Not Match

Exposed UndergarmentsBlack (or Navy Blue)Other Colors Unacceptable Matching Shirt Color Is Also Unacceptable

Uniform Shirts Must Be Worn Over Weather GearShirts Still Must Be Tucked In

Trousers or SweatpantsMust Be Black (or Navy Blue) in ColorNeed Not Be Worn By All OfficialsWhite Stripes Acceptable – But Not Preferred

SunglassesOnly Worn For Protection and When Conditions So

WarrantSlide 17

Proper Uniforms