Culpeper Soccer Association Referees

Do not start a game unless the field and equipment are correct:

•  Goals are securely anchored and mechanically sound. No sharp edges. Nets are secured with no gaps on edges and no holes.

•  Field is lined and corner flags in place.

•  Potential safety hazards are eliminated.

You or ARs must check each player for proper equipment:         

•  Jewelry is not allowed. Medical bracelets are permitted, but must be wrapped and taped down so nothing will catch on it.

•  Players must wear proper, safe footwear. No exposed metal, no tip-of-the-toe cleat.

•  Players must wear shin guards. These must fit properly and be completely covered by the sock for the entire game.

•  Players may wear arm casts, but they must be completely wrapped (to blunt impacts and prevent catching; thick towel or bubble wrap are suggested).

•  Only headbands or proper soccer protective headgear may be worn.

•  Player uniforms must be visible--sweat pants or wind pants are acceptable in cold weather, but uniform shirt must always be the outermost garment. Use your discretion in permitting teams to dress for cold weather. Be sure goalkeeper is clearly identifiable.

•  Orthopedic braces must have no exposed metal or sharp edges.

Your referee uniform:                     - back to top -

•  Look sharp and be professional! Shirt tucked in, socks up, proper patch.

•  Shoes must be black or mostly black with other trim.

•  Only black long-sleeved shirts may be worn under short-sleeved referee shirts.

•  Shorts or long pants must be all black.

•  Do not wear jewelry.

•  Generally, sunglasses are discouraged. If needed, sunglasses must be conservative.

•  Black stocking caps are acceptable as needed. Under normal circumstances, referees should not wear a brimmed (baseball-style) hat.

•  Long hair must be pulled back.

•  Do not wear your whistle around the neck.

On the field:                     - back to top -

•  Look sharp and be professional!

•  Use that whistle! Be assertive with your calls. Do not accept quibbling or any backtalk, deal with such incidences accordingly.

•  Strive for consistency. Stay calm, focused, and always professional. Coaches, players, parents may get emotional but you should not! No matter what! Take your time in all things… think , decide, then act!

•  You will make mistakes! How you handle them reflects upon your reputation. No one is perfect, so do not dig a deeper hole by making up new rules or being vague. Learn from it, and move on

Helpful references:                     - back to top -

Laws, updates, articles: http://ussoccer.com/laws/index.jsp.html

Ask/answer with experienced refs, good stuff: http://asktheref.com

Training, articles, opportunities, links: http://www.vadcsoccerref.com/