This is must reading for all referees, especially our newest members. This set of guidelines provides advice on getting started, pre-game
responsibilities, refereeing the game, dealing with coaches, problem players, parents, and improvement.
Use of the Whistle
The whistle is needed to:
- start play (1st, 2nd half)
- stop play
- for a free kick or penalty kick
- if match is suspended or terminated
- when a period of play has ended due to the expiration of time
- restart play at:
- --free kicks when the opponents are ordered back the appropriate distance
- --penalty kicks
- restart play after it has been stopped due to:
- -the issue of a yellow or red card for misconduct
- --injury
- --substitution
The whistle is NOT needed to stop play for:
- a goal kick, corner kick or throw-in
- a goal
- to restart play from a free kick, goal kick, corner kick or throw-in
A whistle which is used too frequently or unnecessarily will have less impact when it is needed. When a discretionary whistle is needed to start play, the referee should clearly announce to the players that the restart may not occur until after that signal
Dealing with Problem Coaches
One of the most common sources of disruptions to the game is the coach. We refer to those coaches who disrupt
the game by loudly disagreeing with your calls and/or shouting negative comments from the sidelines. Referees
are encouraged to take action against these disruptive coaches. New referees need to be comfortable with their
responsibility in this regard. Use the following procedure to manage disruptive coaches.
If comments from a coach have created a situation that you feel is disruptive to the game, at the next stoppage:
- Hold up play
- Go over to the coach (in a controlled manner yourself)
- Inform the coach that his/her behavior is out of line ... That you need it stopped immediately
- You can say "please"
- Restart according to the stoppage
This generally will get the coach to stop ... but if negative comments continue:
- Choose a time to stop the match when the opposing team is not attacking
- Blow your whistle firmly and hold up play
- Take note of where the ball is, as that is where your restart will be
- ... a dropped ball if stopped just to handle the situation
- Approach the coach
- Display the yellow card
- You do not need to say anything, the coach knows
- Restart according to the stoppage.
If the coach continues to disrupt the game:
- Choose a time to stop the match when the opposing team is not attacking
- Blow your whistle firmly and hold up play
- Take note of where the ball is, as that is where your restart will be
- ... a dropped ball if stopped just to handle the situation
- Approach the coach
- Display the red card
- You will need to ask the coach to leave the area of the game
- Acknowledge that the assistant coach is taking over
- Assistant coach (or trainer) must have a pass
- Do not restart the game until he is as far away as you feel he needs to be
- Restart according to the stoppage
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If the coach behaves inappropriately towards you once the game is ended, do not display cards and do not
engage in conversation.
You have the support of the WSRO and WYSL to implement this procedure. Abuse from substitutes,
spectators and bench personnel is also the responsibility of the coach and can be handled similarly.
If a red card is issued to the coach, retain his pass at the end of the match, enter the information in your
report and submit the pass to WYSL office or the appropriate competition authority. In addition, contact the WSRO
president.
Linesperson Coaching
Under no circumstances should anyone be directing the players except the coaches. If a club linesperson is
giving instructions to players, ask him or her to please refrain from doing so. If it continues, explain to the
coach the problem, and ask the coach to talk to the linesman. If it continues, ask the coach to replace that
person.
Verbal Abuse from Coaches or Spectators Sideline
Talk to the coach if it is him/her who is the offending party. Ask them to refrain from the comments and
concentrate on the game. Do not get into a verbal confrontation with them. If it is the spectators, ask the
coach to handle the situation. If it continues, do not be afraid to use your cards, especially in this case.
Referee Assault
The following is the procedure that MUST be followed in the event of an assault on a referee:
- If the game was in progress, the referee IMMEDIATELY terminates the contest. Under NO circumstances is
the game to be completed.
- If a person with a pass (coach/player/trainer) was involved, and the referee can safely do so, display
the red card. Again, if safety permits, after retaining the offender(s) card(s), the referee may return the
others unless the local rules require the referee to retain all passes (using an intermediary is a good
method to avoid any further problems). However, even if the referee cannot display the red card or retain
the passes, a Supplemental Game Report still is to be submitted detailing the assault and the misconduct
(dismissal/send off).
- If contact was of a nature that a crime was possibly committed (physical assault i.e. being struck,
bumped, pushed, or spat upon), the referee is to contact local law enforcement immediately and fill out a
formal complaint at the venue. This way, any witnesses who can support the referee's story will be on
record with the police as well.
- As soon as possible (preferably same day) the referee is to contact:
- Fill out a USSF Referee Game and Supplemental Reports. Make NO recommendations or suggestions as to what
you feel should be done. Simply state the facts. Be sure to send copies to all four individuals in step
listed in Step 4.
- Await contact by either the SRA or the State office about further proceedings. Be sure to proceed with
any charges with local law enforcement.
- If the game is a WYSL game, you must note the incident when you submit your game report online.
If you were safely capable of retaining the individual(s) card(s), you must send the pass(es) to the
WYSL as procedure requires. Otherwise, follow the instructions of the competition authority.
Please note that these are ENY State requirements and must be followed!!
