Make the Call - Week 1/27 - 2/3

Are you smarter than a soccer mom?2/3/13

If, in the opinion of the referee, the player in the offside position is
involved in active play by interfering with play or interfering with an opponent or gaining an advantage by being in that position when a teammate plays the ball, that player must be declared offsides.
a) True
b) False

Law 11 is Offside. OFFSIDES.


What Law is Offsides?
a) Law 11
b) Law 7
c) None of the above.

Law 11 is Offside. OFFSIDES.

Using the powers given to him (or her) by Law 5, the center referee may stop, suspend or terminate the match, at his discretion, for any infringements of the Laws.
a) True
b) False

Law 5- The Referee. CENTER REFEREE.

The single most important responsibility for the Referee Assistant is making timely and accurate offside decisions. All other duties outlined in Law 6 are secondary.
a) True
b) False

Law 6 - Assistant Referee     Referee Assistant

Within each penalty box, a penalty mark is made 11m (12 yards) from the midpoint betweek the goalposts and equidistant to them.
a) True
b) False

Law 1 - Field of Play. Penalty Area.   Penalty Box

Make the Call - Week 1/20-1/26

Blue defender #6 fouls (reckless foul) Red attacker #9 in the penalty area and the center referee whistles and signals for a penalty kick. Before the PK is taken, the senior assistant referee signals the center referee for a conference and informs him that the Red team has too many players on the field, and that Red #9 was supposed to have substituted out of the game at the last substitution break but came back onto the field.

Q. What is the proper restart? What if any disciplinary action should be taken?

Post your comments.


Answer:
Law 3 (in the Interpretation of the Laws of the Game in the back of the book) tells us:

Substitute or substituted player
 If a substitute or a substituted player enters the field of play without permission:
 • the referee must stop play (although not immediately if the player in question does not interfere with play or if the advantage can be applied)
 • the referee must caution him for unsporting behavior
 • the player must leave the field of play
 If the referee stops play, it must be restarted with an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the position of the ball when play was stopped
(see Law 13 – Position of free kick).

The referee did not stop play for player #9's entry without permission,
but because he was “fouled” by defender #6. Because #9 was NOT a player,
no foul could be called for #6's “foul”; however, #6 may be cautioned for unsporting behavior.
Player #9 must also be cautioned for unsporting behavior (entering without permission) and removed from the field, and the game will be restarted with an indirect free kick for #6's team from the position of the ball when play was stopped for the “foul” (see Law 13 — Position of free kick)

Make the Call - Week 1/13-1/19

1/20/13

LAW 12:

During a PDL match score 1-1 at the 89th min., there was a through ball for the attacking team, the forward run through to dribble into the penalty area. The keeper (the last defender) runs out of his penalty area to stop the ball, and missing it completely, and collided with the attacking player and took him out of play. The referee was near the top of the penalty area, and had a clear view of the contact. He signalled a penalty kick. The goalkeeper after screaming "Ref are you blind" "You just F~*up the game" was issued a caution for dessent. Since, it was his 2nd caution, the referee showed him a red card.
The defending team asked him to look at his assistant referee. The AR was standing firm around the 25 yard line, signalling an offside.
The referee reversed the call to an indirect free kick for the defending team, and took back the cards.

Did he make the right call?  No.

1) Offside, indirect free kick for the defending team.
The decision to use the information supplied by the AR was correct. Award the indirect free kick for the goalkeeper’s team.
2) Goalkeeper send off for 2nd caution.
The second caution which resulted in a red card should not have been withdrawn solely because the referee accepted the advice from the AR and declared that the stoppage was for the offside. The ‘keeper’s act itself warrant the caution for dissent (and red for 2nd yellow).

USSF Referee Fitness Program

60 Day Fitness Test Training (Off Season)

The goal of this training plan is to provide individuals with a structured approach to developing the muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, and explosive power specific to the FIFA Fitness Test. Un-like the “In Season” Fitness test training plan this plan will not incorporate field agility exercises. Instead this program will work to develop a base of muscular and cardiovascular fitness while preserving the central goal of individual preparation for the fitness test. In years past we have placed the training emphasis on being able to pass the FIFA Fitness Test.

Click here for the official US Soccer Referee Fitness Program

2013 Pre-Season Quiz

In each of the following, you are given a situation and at least one or more possible answers.

1. During the pregame inspection, the referee finds that the portable goals are not anchored.

1. They do not have to be anchored, but must be secured, adequately anchored or counterweighted.
2. The game may begin with the goals in their current state.
3. The game may not begin with the goals in their current state.
4. A parent may stand near the goal and hold it in place.

2. During the pregame inspection, the referee finds that the goal areas and penalty areas at both ends of the field are improperly marked.

1. The game shall not start until the area lines are properly marked.
2. The game may be started and played with the lines as is and the coach instructed to have proper markings for the next home game.
3. A report shall be made to the assigner, league, or governing authority.

3. A8 is taking a corner kick. The ball comes to A9, who immediately shoots toward the left post. The ball hits the post and bounces to B3 who, under pressure from A7, deliberately kicks the ball to keeper B1, who picks it up in the goal area about three yards from the goal line.

1. There is no infraction; continue playing.
2. Whistle and signal indirect free kick.
3. Whistle and signal direct free kick.
4. Take the free kick from where B1 touched the ball.
5. Take the free kick from the goal area line perpendicular to where B1 touched the ball.
6. Take the free kick from where B3 kicked the ball.

4. What are the requirements for a ball to be legally used during a game?

1. The ball must be spherical.
2. The ball must bear an authenticating mark (FIFA/USSF).
3. The home team is only required to provide the game ball.
4. By rule, the home team is asked to provide five game balls, but if they cannot provide five balls of similar quality, the other team may provide game balls.

5. A8 scores a goal. A8’s name was not on the team roster submitted by the coach at the beginning of the game.

1. It is a valid goal.
2. It is not a valid goal.
3. Either a or b, depending on whether the ensuing kickoff has restarted play before the discrepancy is discovered.
4. A8’s name and jersey number may be added to the roster and A8 may remain in the contest.
5. A8 must depart the field and may be replaced by substitute A13.

6. What are the requirements for a pregame meeting between the referee and coaching staffs?

1. There is no requirement for referees to introduce themselves to coaches or hold a pregame meeting.
2. It is recommended that you introduce yourself and address any concerns that each coach may have.
3. The referees and head coaches interact as they conduct a pregame conference about proper equipment and good sportsmanship.
4. Game rosters must be exchanged 15 minutes before game time. Typically, both head coaches and the referees are at that exchange.

7. In an effort to read the intention of the player taking a penalty kick, goalkeeper B1 moves laterally along the goal line, then takes two steps forward prior to the ball being struck. The correct referee action is to:

1. Award a goal if the ball goes into the net.
2. Award a retake of the kick if a goal is not scored.
3. Do nothing — no infraction has taken place.
4. Either a or b, based on the outcome of the kick.

8. The referee awards a throw-in to team B. As B5 is preparing to throw the ball in, the coach for team B sends a player to the scorer’s table for entry into the game.

1. Allow the substitution.
2. Do not allow the substitution.
3. The substitute must have already reported to the scorer (or nearest assistant referee) before the ball went out for the throw-in.

9. Player B3 is sent off for a second yellow card.

1. Team B must play one player short.
2. B14 may enter the game to replace B3.
3. Display only the red card.
4. Show the red and yellow cards simultaneously.
5. First display the yellow card, lower it, and then display the red card.

10. What are the restrictions on a player’s run-up during a throw-in?

1. The thrower may not run more than three yards, making the “flip throw” illegal.
2. The thrower’s run must finish within one yard of the touchline.
3. There is no restriction on how far a thrower may run before throwing the ball — unless the referee deems the player is attempting to delay the restart of play. Caution that player but the same team is entitled to the throw-in.
4. The thrower may not move more than one yard up or down the touchline from the location designated as the throw-in spot.

11. An impending storm shows dark, overcast skies. Before the start of the game wanting to get a full game in, both coaches ask the referee if both halves can be shortened by five minutes and the halftime break be five minutes.

1. The referee does not have the authority to shorten halves or the halftime break period.
2. The referee does not have the authority to shorten halves, but the halftime break may be reduced.
3. The referee should agree to do what both coaches request.
4. The referee could have agreed to the shorted halves and halftime period if only the home-team coach had made the request.

12. After a controversial referee decision, away-team B refuses to take the field and continue playing.

1. The referee should terminate the game.
2. By rule, the referee should terminate the game after waiting three minutes.
3. Team B forfeits the contest.
4. The referee should abandon the match.

13. During the game, A4 was sent off (disqualified, ejected) and shown a red card. After the game, both coaches and the assistant convince the referee that A4 should not have been shown the red card.

1. The card stands and must be reported, along with a description of any referee misgivings.
2. The referee may fix the error by reporting it as two yellow cards.
3. The referee may fix the error by saying it was an error in judgment.
4. Only the league, conference or governing body can change the penalty aspects of a card already displayed.

14. Which of the following are legally counted as a valid goal?

1. A9’s kickoff goes directly into the team B goal.
2. B5’s corner kick goes directly into the team A goal.
3. Keeper A1’s long clearance bounces once and goes into the team B goal.
4. All of the above.

15. A8 is in an offside position. Keeper A1 takes a goal kick and A8 is the first person to touch the ball.

1. Since A1 was in his own half of the field, there is no infraction.
2. A8 cannot be offside, as that is one of the exceptions to being in an offside position.
3. Whistle and declare A8 offside; restart with an indirect free kick.

16. During the game, A5 is cautioned and shown the yellow card. FIFA Laws require A5 to leave the field and the referee beckons A13 to enter after A5 is off the field. Just before play is restarted, A5 loudly curses the referee.

1. A5 is shown a second yellow card, then the red card.
2. A5 is shown a red card.
3. A5, now on the bench, cannot be shown a card of any color.
4. A13 must come off the field and team A must play with 10 players.
5. A13 may remain on the field and team A may play with 11 players.

17. After scoring the go-ahead goal with a few minutes remaining, scorer A10 takes his shirt off and waves it around his head like a windmill. Seeing the referee approach and sensing a yellow card is coming, A10 hands the jersey to a handicapped spectator.

1. A10 should be shown the yellow card for Unsporting Conduct and a yellow for Excessive Celebration, and a Red Card for 2nd Yellow.
2. A10 taunted his opponents and should be shown the red card.
3. A10 used excessive celebration and should be shown the yellow card.
4. Many referees might overlook the generous and spontaneous gesture and keep the yellow card in the pocket.

18. When the assistant referee observes a foul not seen by the referee, the correct mechanic is to:

1. Call out his partner’s name to get his attention.
2. Continue running with the flag in the air.
3. Stop running and raise the flag in the direction of the restart.
4. Stop running, turn square to the field, raise the flag, and once the referee makes eye contact, waggle the flag once and point in the direction of the free kick.

19. Of these seven violations, which of the following three are examples of misconduct (yellow or red card)?

1. Dangerous play.
2. Spitting.
3. Jumping at.
4. Incidental foul language.
5. Leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission.
6. Charging.
7. Pushing.

Answers - click here

Upgrade from Grade 8 to Grade 7.

By Richard Rodriguez.

Most referees start out their referee career as either a Grade 8 or Grade 9 referee. The USSF Referee Program is designed to allow individuals to advance, or “upgrade”, from these entry levels all the way up to Grade 1, International and World Cup status.

As an entry level referee you will most likely receive assignments to work mainly as an Assistant Referee or as a Referee for younger, less competitive games until you have acquired much needed game experience and understanding. After working a number of games, you may feel you have the skills and confidence to be entrusted to work at higher levels of competition and have a desire to upgrade to the next level. Are you ready?

Why upgrade?
Just as there are numerous reasons and motivations in becoming a referee, the benefits and incentives of upgrading are just as various and specific to each individual. 

• You will never know how good you are until you challenge yourself to become better. Upgrading provides opportunities for higher-level and allows you to referee players who are more skillful. As you upgrade, you will be given the opportunity to travel to other parts of the state, other states, or even internationally. For those with the desire and learned skills and abilities, you can even work your way up to the professional level, working MLS and possibly even World Cup matches. 
• It is important to remember that officiating at the same level all the time, does not help you grow as an official. The higher your grade level, the more variety of games you'll have opportunity for. I remember working a WPSL match Wednesday evening - as Referee, a PDL (Professional Development League) match on Friday night - as junior AR, and a Red Bulls Reserve home game Saturday evening- as junior AR.
• As your experience broadens, so does your network of referee friends and “family". Upgrading provides opportunity to work with more experienced referees who are also working the more competitive matches. The more levels of play you officiate, the more friendships you'll form. In addition, coaches, players, and fans will come to recognize and respect your style and you'll enjoy the game more.
• The upgrading process will make you better at what you do on and off the field. You will receive advanced training and classroom instruction including a greater variety of referee related topics going beyond the laws of the game to include player, coach, and referee psychology, aspects of the "spirit" of the game, people management techniques, etc. In addition you’ll participate in physical fitness tests, assessments, and interact with a greater number of experienced referees. This will also allow you to give back to other referees, especially new ones, as you’re able to share that knowledge and experience to help others.
• Referees who do not upgrade could referee for years without getting any objective observations on their performance. Upgrading give referees an opportunity to receive much needed feedback from assessors and higher level referees.  If you do not get this and do not try to improve, you could develop a number of bad habits that are difficult to break. If you stay at Grade 8 or 9, the only feedback you could receive is from parents who think they know more than you do.

Are you ready?

Throughout my referee career I have been assessed over two hundred (200) times, last year alone I was assessed fifteen (15) times and eight (8) of those times by a National Assessor. To help you understand how assessments work, below, you'll find a sixteen (16) point "Performance Expectations for Advancement" for grade 8 referees looking to upgrade.

1. Professionalism (your first chance to make an impression)
a. Contact your Referee Crew before the game
b. Whole team arrives at least 30 minutes early
c. Clean correct uniform, not worn out
d. Inspect the field and deal with any issues
e. Pre-game conference – stress what you all will do to work as a team
f. Address both teams and coaches formally

Game Start

2. Be in charge - not overbearing, but be there when the game/situation call for it
3. Deal with Serious Foul Play and Violent Conduct - older ages - Caution or strong warning is not dealing
4. Be 10-15 yards from the ball, anticipate where you should be next and get there
5. Maintain an angle on the ball so that you can see both the ball and you AR
6. Prevent player frustration - be in tune with what is happening, deal with or prevent what you can
7. Protect all players - not just the stars, not just the keeper
8. Get 10 yards on all formal kicks - always!
9. Protect the ball - this means don't let play restart until you are ready - substitutions, injuries, cards, distance if necessary
10. Be aware of key periods, game changes (score, time, etc.) - every major event (score, 2nd half, O/T), can bring a whole new game, while time remaining, etc. can alter game intensity. "Anybody can referee the 1st half, now the 2nd half is where the problems start, and the last fifteen (15) minutes of the match is what separates the referees from the wannabes"
11. Eliminate trash talk - have none of it, is dissent or disruptive. Leads to major problems
12. Have no tolerance for calculated dissent - from players or the bench
13. Be sharp on crew teamwork - upon arrival, inspection, game start, game, half time, after game. Lots of communication & show all participants that you are a team
14. Enjoy the game, the referee crew, the whole experience – and show it!

Game End

15. Take care of the paperwork, each member of the crew individually inspects the paperwork for errors
16. Continue to conduct your appearance and behavior in a professional manner until you are gone from the site.

The official USSF Expectations for Referee Performance by Grade Level

The following is a list of “Performance Expectations” for referees based upon grade level. Assessors will use this as a guideline when evaluating referees at various grade levels in determining their overall performance.

Grade 8: Entry Level Referee

The referee is expected to demonstrate the following skills:
• Has an elementary knowledge of the game.
• Recognizes obvious fouls and misconduct but may not recognize subtle fouls, such as persistent infringement and tactical fouls.
• Keeps his assistant referees (AR’s) in view while running the diagonal system of control but often has a diagonal that is rigid and rarely does the referee go wide or deep into the corners or enter the penalty area when the game demands it. Does not recognize the need for a flexible diagonal.
• Has basic fitness but often runs at a constant pace or walks and doesn’t demonstrate sprinting to recover from deep positions, when required.
• Gives a basic pre-game briefing which usually focuses on mechanics and signals for proper communication.
• Main focus is on fouls and lacks the personality to manage players when the game demands it.
• The referee is in proper uniform and gives a good first impression upon arriving at the pitch.
• Applies the Laws of the Game as written with little or no understanding of the Spirit of the Game.
• Deals with violent conduct and serious foul play for game control but lacks the experience to always recognize when they occur.
• Generally ignores coaches and doesn’t have the courage or understanding to ensure they behave and are not abusive.

Grade 7: Referee – Intermediate level

Referee is expected to demonstrate the following skills in addition to those found in a Grade 8:
• Demonstrates fitness to run a flexible diagonal for the entire game and always keep the AR in view.
• Has a work rate that varies from a jog, to light sprint, to a full out sprint when the game demands it.
• Has a firm grasp of the Laws of the Game and understands when to invoke the Spirit of the Game vs. the Letter of the Law while managing the game and the players.
• Demonstrates some personality in managing players and uses some preventative mechanics to avoid problems during the match.
• Demonstrates self confidence in decisions and is willing to be approached by players who have questions.
• Demonstrates a strong presence with the use of the whistle, appearance, and body language.
• Demonstrates the proper use of advantage.
• Demonstrates foul recognition and foul discrimination.
• Makes good use of cards for game control and demonstrates good card mechanics.
• Makes effective use of assistance given by AR’s on offside, and misconduct.
• Often ignores dissent rather than deal with it.


If you are interested in upgrading let your assignor know that you have a desire to advance as soon as you can. He or she will then be able to work with you and offer you game assignments that will assist you in meeting those requirements.

REMEMBER: You are responsible for monitoring the number and level of games you have worked in the past. You will need to show some documentation when you apply for the upgrade, so keep accurate records: game date, opposing teams, referee partners, age bracket, etc.

Once you are close to meeting the game count requirements and because of the complexity of upgrading, it is strongly recommended that you contact and work with the State Referee Administrator and State Director of Assessment to ensure you satisfy all requirements.

If I can help you in any way feel free to email me
Good Luck.!

Make the Call - Week 1/6-1/12

SUB DENIES OBVIOUS GOALSCORING OPPORTUNITY INSIDE HIS OWN PENALTY AREA.

Question:

What should the referee do when a player comes off the bench and denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity inside his team's penalty area?

What's the call?
Any cards?
What's the restart?

Answer:

Send him off for denying the obvious goalscoring opportunity.  
Restart with an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the position of the ball when play was stopped (see Law 13 — Position of Free Kick). 
Indirect free kick is for the offense of unsporting behavior (sub enters without permission). The caution could be shown first, before the red card for denying the opportunity but not recommended.