Created from contributions by current and former FIFA Referees, and USSF National & State, Referees, Instructors, and Assessors.
We are committed to providing each and every soccer referee the opportunity to become the best officials they can be.
There is no higher priority for the officiating team than the health and safety of the players. Accordingly, referees must remain vigilant in any situation where an injury might have occurred to err on the side of protecting the safety of the player. This is particularly the case where an injury may have occurred to the head or neck of a player as a result of hard contact with anyone, whether or not as a result of a foul, or of contact with any hard surface. The first action to be taken immediately is to stop play and then
to bring medical assistance onto the field.
Players who are injured are required to leave the field under either of two conditions:
• the referee stops play solely for a serious injury (i.e., no other violation) or
• with play stopped for any other reason, the referee signals approval for someone (team official, medical personnel, etc.) to enter the field to assist the injured player.a goalkeeper is injured,
There are three exceptions to this rule:
• a goalkeeper is injured,
• one or more field players (regardless of team) and a goalkeeper are seriously injured in a collision, or
• two or more players from the same team are seriously injured in a collision.
In most cases, treatment for an injury is required to be done off the field but the referee must allow treatment on the field under any of the exceptions listed above or, where an exception does not exist, if a player’s injury is sufficiently serious that moving the player off the field would itself constitute a danger (usually, situations where immediate first aid must be administered).
If play has been stopped for an injury or if assistance has been waved onto the field, it is usually unwise to remain in the area of the injured player. The referee should move away and pursue other duties – consulting with one or both assistant referee about details of the event, calming other players understandably upset about the injury, checking in with the fourth official, and so forth.
CAUTION: The guidelines presented below are intended for use with a player or team official whose agitated behavior is largely verbal, shows no signs of escalating beyond that point, and does not present as potentially physically aggressive or violent. Referees who suspect that a player or team official may present a safety risk to self or others should immediately seek additional assistance (Assistant referee/s, player/s, team official/s, etc.). There are two important concepts to keep in mind:
1) Reasoning with an enraged player or team official is not possible. The
first and only objective in de-escalation is to reduce the level of arousal so
that discussion becomes possible. 2) De-escalation techniques are abnormal. We are driven to fight, flight or
freeze when scared. However, in de-escalation, we can do none of these. We must
appear centered and calm even when we are frightened.
Therefore these techniques must be practiced
before they are needed so that they can become "second nature.”
THERE ARE 3 PARTS TO BE MASTERED IN VERBAL DE-ESCALATION
A. THE REFEREE IN CONTROL OF HIM/HER SELF 1) Appear calm, centered and self-assured even though you don’t feel it.
Relax facial muscles and look confident. Your anxiety can make the client feel
anxious and unsafe and that can escalate aggression. 2) Use a modulated, low monotonous tone of voice (our normal tendency is to
have a high pitched, tight voice when scared). 3) If cards were shown and if you have time, put them away. 4) Do not be defensive-even if the comments or insults are directed at you,
they are not about you. Do not defend yourself or anyone else from insults,
curses or misconceptions about the game and misinterpretations of the laws of
the game. 5) Be aware of any resources available for back up. Know that you have the
choice to terminate the game, tell the player/team official to leave should
de-escalation not be effective 6) Be very respectful even when firmly setting limits or when showing a
caution, sending off a player or dismissing a team official for irresponsible
behavior. The agitated individual is very sensitive to feeling shamed and
disrespected. We want him/her to know that it is not necessary to show us that
they must be respected. We automatically treat them with dignity and respect. B: THE PHYSICAL STANCE 1) Never turn your back for any reason 2) Always be at the same eye level. Encourage the player or team official to
maintain distance. 3) Allow extra physical space between you – about four times your usual
distance. Anger and agitation fill the extra space between you and the payer of
team official. 4) Do not stand full front to player/team official. Stand at an angle so you
can sidestep away if needed. 5) Do not maintain constant eye contact. Allow the player/team official to
break his/her gaze and look away. 6) Do not point or shake your finger. 7) DO NOT smile. This could look like mockery or anxiety 8) Do not touch – even if some touching is generally culturally appropriate
and usual in your setting. Cognitive dysfunction in agitated people allow for
easy misinterpretation of physical contact as hostile or threatening. 9) Keep hands out of your pockets, up and available to protect yourself. 10) Do not argue or try to convince, give choices i.e. empower. 11) Don’t be defensive or judgmental. 12) LISTEN in a way they want to TALK to you. 13) TALK in a way they want to LISTEN to you. C: THE DE-ESCALATION DISCUSSION 1) Remember that there is no content except trying to calmly bring the level
of arousal down to baseline. 2) Do not get loud or try to yell over a screaming player/team personal.
Wait until he/she takes a breath; then talk. Speak calmly at an average volume. 3) Respond selectively; answer all informational questions no matter how
rudely asked, (e.g. "Why do I have to leave the F.....ing field when I was
the one being hurt?” This is a real information-seeking question). DO NOT
answer abusive questions (e.g. "Why are we paying you when you're not
doing your job?) This question should get no response what so ever. 3) Explain limits and rules in an authoritative, firm, but always respectful
tone. Give choices where possible in which both alternatives are safe ones
(e.g. you’re telling me my ARs and I missed a elbow to the back, I promise you
we’ll keep an eye on him for the remainder of the match, but don’t do anything
stupid, let us handle it, let him be the one getting a red card not you.) 4) Empathize with feelings but not with the behavior (e.g. "I
understand that you feel angry, but it is not okay for you to threaten me or my
crew.") 5) Do not solicit how a person is feeling or interpret feelings in an
analytic way. 6) Do not argue or try to convince. 7) Wherever possible, tap into the player's or team official’s cognitive
mode: DO NOT ask: "Tell me how you feel." Ask: "Help me to understand what you are saying to me” People are not attacking you while they are teaching you what they want you
to know. 8) Suggest alternative behaviors where appropriate e.g. "Would you like
to take a break or have some water? 9) Give the consequences of inappropriate behavior without threats or anger. 10) Trust your instincts. If you assess or feel that de-escalation is not
working, STOP! You will know within 30 seconds to 1 minute if it’s beginning to
work. Tell the player or team official to leave and get the captain and other
players involve.
There is nothing magical about talking someone down. You are transferring
your sense of calms and genuine interest in what the player or team official
wants to tell you, and respectful, clear limit setting in the hope that the
player or team official actually wishes to respond positively to your
respectful attention.
Do not be a hero and do not try de-escalation when a
person shows any behavior that signifies hostility or intent to attack.
“How to deal
with pressure on the field”BY JANIE FRAMPTON
In almost every sport the
top fifty competitors in the world are all as strong, as fast and as skillful and have as much stamina as each other. Yet in every sport some emerge as
winners and others never quite reach the podium.
The same is true for Match Officials. We have those who work hard on their physical fitness, perfect their
skills in law, application and management of people and situations. These
skills and others can produce an individual performance that can reach levels
unmatched by their peers.
What is it that makes the difference?
The winners are the ones who
can overcome the mental pressures of a tough game. They can ignore or feed-off
the crowd, or the importance of the occasion.
So where does the mental pressure come from?
The answer is – it comes
from within! It is their own reading of the situation which causes pressure,
and because it is from within it can be controlled: The winners are not
necessarily born this way but have trained themselves both mentally and
physically.
What are the mental skills?
There are a range of skills
demanded of the match official; many of them can be linked to the individual’s
state of mind. For instance, the first thing expected of a match official by
the players and coaches is that he or she is consistent.
But from where does such consistency come?
It can only be the ability
to focus on the game, ignore internal and external distractions and apply the
law correctly in each and every situation.
Perhaps it is a good
starting point to consider the mental qualities required by looking at what
would be expected from the ideal match official:
• Calm under pressure
• In control of their
emotions
• Confident
• Mentally alert
• Positive.
Let us consider these points
in more detail.
The good match official does
not try to avoid pressure; he or she accepts that it is part of the game at all
levels.
Be confident that you have
the skills to deal with the situation; pressure is not a threat but a challenge
to be welcomed.
• Do not get upset by the
challenge of the players to your decisions, they are not directing their anger
at you, they do not know you! Their frustration is directed at the uniform and
the authoritative role you represent.
Take a few moments to gather your
thoughts and re-focus.
Do not lose focus on the game, and
keep concentration throughout.
• Show no anger, no fear and
no negative emotions. The only emotion which should be shown is enjoyment.
Remember, this is what we are there for!
• Be strong in your decision
making; take responsibility and manage the consequences whether your decisions
are right or wrong
• Be confident; assertive
but not arrogant; have a determined belief in your own ability that you can
perform well. This will mean that you will not be intimidated by the pressures
of the occasion, or by the antics of the players
• Be able to maintain
concentration on the things that matter in the game, and have the ability to
‘switch-off’ no matter what the pressure.
So how do we get there?
How do you learn to
officiate under pressure?
The answer is – you do not.
Nobody performs well under pressure. The reason why our top officials at all
levels of the game ‘shine’ when the stakes are highest, the competition the
fiercest and the game the toughest is not because they can do it under
pressure, but
because they eliminate the
pressure and officiate in an ‘ideal mental state’!
When you are officiating at
the ideal mental state:
• You feel relaxed although
the adrenaline level is high
• You are a little nervous,
but with a sense of calmness and confidence
• Your decisions will be
made spontaneously without the conscious thought process as you will have a
strong belief in your ability
• You will always feel as if
you are in the right place at the right time
• You will maintain
concentration and have an awareness of what is happening around you
• You will maintain control
over your emotions and not become tense, therefore remaining in total control
of yourself.
If you manage the above, you
will eliminate the excess of pressure, which would otherwise prevent you from
performing at your best.
So what will help you to reach the ideal mental
state?
Relaxation
– Take a few moments to gather your thoughts and re-focus.
Concentration – Do not lose focus on the game, and keep concentration throughout.
Visualization – Visualize how you will deal with certain situations and when they
occur you will then be armed with ideas on how to deal with them. These are
‘closed
skills’, performed in
isolation.
Emotional Control – The focus at all times must be on positive feelings. Examples of
these are: Confidence, determination, relaxation and of course, above all,
enjoyment.
Attitudes
– Will controls a referee’s behavior. If you think you can, you will; if you think
you have to be the best then you won’t be - be yourself!
Awareness
– By harnessing strengths and working on areas that need attention, you will
become a better referee.
Affirmations
– It is good to have affirmations that deflect pressure. Mohammed Ali said, “I
am the greatest”, because he believed it. This may not be a usual statement
from referees, but other positive affirmations could be, “I never let emotions
affect my
officiating”, or “I always
spot the flash points”. These are positive and will give you confidence.
Handling the pressure
What can be done to handle
the pressures which will arise? The first aspect must be to ensure a good pregame
preparation.
Preparing for your game
Do not change your physical
preparation. This means continuing any physical training at your usual level
and do not change your pattern of relaxation. Relaxation is as important as
physical preparation.
• Do prepare yourself
mentally for anything which might happen
• Don’t try to make changes
to your refereeing technique. What you have done so far has been good enough to
give you the opportunities you are receiving; only make changes to your
identified areas of development
• Do a little mental
rehearsal every day; see yourself refereeing in an ideal mental state
• Don’t become anxious about
your nerves. You will need an adrenaline flow for the game, so look forward to
the ‘buzz’
• Do anticipate that you
will enjoy the game. You are going to perform well, be in control and you are going
to handle any situation that arises.
Actions aimed at the face of an opponent must be dealt with severely REGARDLESS OF THE FORCE USED if the actions are:
Deliberate
Intended to intimidate
Endangering the safety of an opponent
Insulting and/or offensive in nature
Potentially inciting further action on the part of opponents
The following lists some specific examples (but not all examples) of the manner in which the contact can be initiated are:
Use of the backhand
Open handed slap
A push/slap to the face
The jabbing of a finger(s) to the face
Grabbing hair
Use of a fist
To assist referees in recognizing and properly addressing these situations, the acronym F-I-R-E was provided to assist officials with the identification of elbows that should be defined as red card offenses (violent conduct):
Frustration
Intimidation
Retaliation (payback)
Establish Territory or Space
When applying the aforementioned examples, the use of force becomes increasingly important as it relates to contact with the back of the player’s head as the likelihood for injury is somewhat lessened as compared to contact with the face. Consequently, some discretion may be exercised on the part of the referee as it relates to contact with the back of the head depending upon the intent and the force used.
Video Clip: New England at Real Salt Lake (19:53)
This clip involves violent conduct as a result of a player striking an opponent by head butting him. The player uses his head (hard surface) to contact the opponent in a very vulnerable area (the soft surface of the face). In addition, the act falls under the guidelines provided above and in the “Contact Above the Shoulder” directive. The player’s actions are: deliberate, intended to intimidate, endanger the safety of the opponent, incite further action on the part of opponents and are executed in a provocative and inciteful manner. As a result, the player must be sent off for violent conduct.
Referees can attempt to take preventative actions when similar situations arise. Although the referee attempts to provide flow to the game by allowing play to continue as the goalkeeper gains clear possession of the ball (despite a bridging/tripping foul being committed by the attacker as the keeper goes up in the air to gather the ball), the referee must be cognizant of the actions that follow and their potential impact on the game. In this case, a quick whistle on the part of the referee to stop play as soon as the players go chest-to-chest would potentially prevent further action. Given the attacker’s immediate actions, the referee could stop the game and eventually restart with a free kick for the defense. The free kick could result from the tripping/bridging foul as advantage did not materialize or for unsporting behavior for bringing the game into disrepute (review the “Game Disrepute and Mass Confrontation” directive. This would require the referee to caution the attacker for unsporting behavior and restart with an indirect free kick. By taking either of these actions, the referee is using common sense and is using preventative techniques to manage/control the game.
Once the referee has stopped the game, he should immediately sprint to the area of the confrontation. The referee’s presence could act as a tool to prevent escalation of the situation. Upon quick arrival, the referee could separate or channel the players thereby defusing the situation.
Pursuant to U.S. Soccer directives and guidance, the attacker in this clip should be red carded for violent conduct.
Feeling the game comes in many forms whether it be identifying persistent infringement or sensing trouble spots or trouble situations in a match. The ability to anticipate these “flash points” or warning signs is vital to preventative officiating. For example, feeling a situation or “flash point” can lead to a referee modifying his position or to initiating communication with a player(s) all in the hopes of prevention.
A referee’s presence is often a key component of urgency. The speed and energy a referee uses to get to a spot or to be around the ball or play can play a vital role in helping to channel player behavior in a positive, preventative manner. Players can feel or sense a referee’s presence and this can influence their decision-making process.
VIDEO: Almost two minutes into added time, a throw-in is being taken by the team winning 1-0. The throw-in is deep into their attacking half. The thrower plays the ball toward the corner flag. This is a warning sign or potential “flash point” for the referee. The referee senses that the attacking team will work to hold the ball near the corner flag in an attempt to waste time, get a corner kick, get another throw in or be the benefactor of a foul.
As the clip unfolds and the throw in is played toward the corner, the referee can be observed increasing his work rate. He is not standing and watching. He is moving with the ball feeling a potential “flash point.” This anticipation allows him to be close when calling a foul and then the referee exhibits even more urgency as he recognizes a second “flash point:” Two players on the ground and attempting to get up. click here for the VIDEO
Simulation, diving, embellishment, gamesmanship, play acting. Whatever term is used, the action should be addressed by the referee. Players who employ this tactic not only ruin the enjoyment of the spectators but are attempting to cheat the game and influence a potentially game-deciding ruling from the referee. Furthermore, simulation also often raises the frustration level of opponents resulting in face-to-face confrontations.
Remember, the ultimate goal of players is to get the referee to unfairly punish the opponent. As a consequence, simulation is a prime candidate for cheating. As a potential act of simulation confronts the referee, the official must quickly consider the following guidelines:
Human Act vs. Intentional Act
Human Act - Does the situation involve incidental contact?
Intentional Act - Is there deception involved? No contact or contact intentionally created by the attacker. Referees must train their eyes, mind, and responses. When evaluating a player’s action to determine if it meets the criteria of simulation, consider the following signals:
Location on the field - Often times, players dive in or near the penalty area. The player is willing to take a chance that his cheating will go unnoticed by the officials and result in a penalty kick or dangerous free kick.
Contact - It is difficult to caution a player for simulation (unsporting behavior) when there is contact with the opponent. Hence, contact and who initiates it, must be taken into consideration. Do not mistake simulation for embellishment. Embellishment occurs when a player “play acts.” In other words, the player makes a minor infraction seem much grander in scale. Embellishment, is cautionable for unsporting behavior.
Score of the game - A team that is needing a goal to tie the game or to gain a lead, will attempt to garner a penalty or free kick in the “danger zone” (30 yards or so from goal).
The ball - Can the attacker get or play the ball? Attackers with the ball who have touched it too far in front of them will go down easily as a defender challenges them because they know they will not be able to get to the ball (it will go over the goal line or an opponent will get it) and they will lose possession.
The attacker’s feet - As the player is going down, observe his feet. Does the player bring his feet together and drag them along the ground causing him to intentionally lose his balance and go to the turf?
The attacker’s actions before he lands and when he lands - First, evaluate the attacker’s eyes and head. As divers go down, they are likely to try to make eye contact with the referee. It is a natural reaction for players to look for the decision maker (the referee) and to see where he is positioned. Second, evaluate the attacker’s arms – bracing the fall. Attackers who go down as a result of an unfair challenge, often times do not have the opportunity to brace their fall. Players who plan their fall, will look to cushion their fall by extending their arms out or by rolling on their shoulder.
Remember, players who utilize diving/simulation are cautioned for unsporting behavior.
An updated and revamped version of U.S. Soccer's Advice to Referees is now available for download. This file provides U.S. Soccer's official interpretations of the FIFA Laws of the Game. All affiliated competitions and registered officials are expected to adhere to and implement this information to the fullest extent possible.
Please note that while this information can be helpful to officials working at all levels of competition, the content is most relevant for those referees officiating competitive youth games and above. This updated version is available here.
When the Laws of the Game provide for a signal to be given, this means the sounding of a whistle. Verbal signals are insufficient and should not be used by themselves. A whistle is required for:
• every kick-off or penalty kick
• any free kick, throw-in, corner kick, or goal kick if the referee has held up the restart for any reason – for example:
- allow a substitution
- evaluate an injury
- card for misconduct
- a decision to change the restart
- enforce the minimum distance upon request of the team given the restart
- consult with an assistant referee, fourth official, someone in the technical area, or a player
• stopping play due to an offense
• signaling the end of a period of play
• evacuating the field in case of weather or other dangerous condition
Whistle at Work
The primary communication tool for a referee is the whistle. An effective referee learns how to make the whistle talk for them. Players, fans, and coaches know from the tone, volume, and length of the whistle whether the foul is a simple foul, a misconduct, or even a penalty kick.
Choose the right whistle – There are many things to consider when choosing a whistle.
Form – There are two basic forms of whistles: (1) the traditional-style whistle that is typically used with a lanyard, and (2) the fingergrip whistle that allows the referee to carry the whistle without a lanyard.
Tone - The tone of a whistle can be very different from one type to another. Some are very high-pitched and shrill while others are more sharp or penetrating. I recommend experimentation with a few different whistle types and find out which one works the best for you. “Best for you” means find the tone that makes the players respond to your whistle.
Pea or Pea-less – A pea whistle requires more air while a pea-less whistle which requires less air and produces a very loud sound.
More than one - Carry two different whistles when you officiate. Because you may drop your whistle or it may be broken unexpectedly, and also because you may find it necessary to switch to a whistle with a different tone. For example, if you are working a match near other fields and the surrounding officials are using the same tone whistle as you, you may be well-served to change to a different tone that will help the players know when you are using the whistle and when the neighboring official is using their whistle.
Choosing When to Blow the Whistle – Like every type of communication, use of whistle must be saved for a time when it is most effective. If the situation can be better handled by your voice or a simple signal then the whistle may be unnecessary and better used for a different situation. Referees tend to go through swings in their use of the whistle. Early in their career, referees are often hesitant to use their whistle and draw attention to their decisions. Later, they tend to use the whistle exclusively for every situation. This use of the tool for trifling events weakens its effectiveness when it is used for a major event. Not to mention, the constant tweet of the whistle upsets players, coaches, and fans. Finally, the referee learns when to blow the whistle and how to make it communicate effectively.
Informational Whistle - A few short tweets of the whistle is used to inform players that they need to follow specific instructions. For example, a player is taking a free kick or throw-in from the wrong location and you want to let them know that they need to move to a different location. A variation of this whistle technique is used for major incidents like fights or bench unrest. In this case the same short blasts are used by with considerable more volume and intensity.
Minor Offense - A single short blast is used to inform players of minor offenses like a push or trip that was not reckless or violent but still needs to be penalized with a free kick. Another example is the obvious offside whistle.
Misconduct - If a foul escalates to misconduct requiring the issuance of a caution or send-off, a long and hard whistle is used to make sure everyone is aware that you have seen the offense and are going to take care of it. This type of whistle brings play to an immediate stop and often stops potential retaliation or further misconduct. The length of the whistle varies with the distance the referee needs to travel to reach the point of the misconduct.
Penalty Kick - Perhaps the most intense whistle is for a penalty kick. This whistle is usually extremely loud and long with the referee sprinting to the penalty mark to indicate the penalty kick. If this offense takes place late in the match, the referee’s fitness will be tested by the extended breath required to blow the whistle while sprinting to the penalty area.
Remember that the whistle is the referee’s primary tool of communication and an effective referee finds a whistle that meets their style of officiating and quickly learns how to make the whistle talk for them. Every player, coach and fan should be able to tell what event has occurred and what the repercussions of the event will be by simply listening to the referee’s whistle.
This in-class/field clinic is shorter that our regular pre-season clinic. It is imperative that you go thru all the material and complete all the lesson assignments prior to attending the in-class sessions.
ATTENTION: Wait 30 sec. after downloads before opening the files.
Due to the work by officials to eliminate tackles from behind, players have been forced to find other methods to slow opponents and to send messages or intimidate. The use of the arm, forearm or hand to foul opponents has replaced the tackle from behind. In particular, the use of these items as a weapon in aerial challenges has increased. Due to the speed and athleticism that is a characteristic of the modern game, contact with the arm/forearm/elbow/hand (a hard, solid surface) with any part of the opponent’s body above the shoulders (soft tissue areas) makes the incident much more dangerous. The speed at which many of the aerial challenges are committed increases the force and severity of the contact and, therefore, often translates into excessive force which increases the possibility that the opponent’s safety is endangered. Should the referee believe that excessive force is used in a challenge, a red card would be mandated.
The 2009 Directive on “Contact Above the Shoulder” provides a framework for officials to use in deciphering challenges near the neck and facial region. Key is the referee’s ability to differentiate between the use of the arm/forearm/elbow/hand as a “tool” or as a “weapon.” The following table will assist match officials with interpreting whether the use of the arm/forearm/elbow/hand is fair, careless, reckless or excessive force.
TOOL
WEAPON
Arm used for balance
Normal body movement
No swing of the arm INTO the opponent
Opponent into arm/elbow/hand – not arm/elbow/hand into opponent
Arm/elbow was out before the challenge was initiated
Not UP and IN – just UP
Excessive force used
Safety of the player is endangered
Hard surface (forearm/elbow/hand) contacting soft surface (facial and neck region)
Arm/elbow UP and IN to opponent
Arm/elbow/hand is swung toward opponent’s facial region
UP and IN – arm used as a ”battering ram”
Injury results
When the arm/forearm/elbow/hand is used as a “weapon” as described above, the referee is required to issue a red card. The more it is used as a “tool,” the referee should consider a foul and/or a yellow card. Officials should thoroughly review the 2009 Directive “Contact Above the Shoulder” referenced above.
VIDEO #1
This “contact above the shoulder” situation had several warning signs that could have assisted the referee by increasing his urgency through anticipation and decreased reaction time. As the clip is viewed, consider the following: approximately two minutes earlier, there was a red card that resulted in game disrepute and further misconduct.
Considering the circumstances and atmosphere of the game created a few minutes before (a first warning sign), the referee must anticipate increased tensions and be prepared to respond to volatile situations like the one in clip 4. A headbutt is precipitated by late and hard body contact after the ball is gone (a second warning sign). The player on the receiving end of the late and reckless foul then responds with a more intense response of his own, a headbutt.
As soon as the referee recognizes the late body charge by the Houston player (orange shirt), the referee must move to the spot with urgency with the hope that the player that has been fouled “feels” the referee’s presence and “feels” that the referee will take prompt and correct disciplinary action. As you watch the referee’s response to the situation, notice his first few steps. These initial steps lack urgency and energy, thereby reducing his arrival time on the scene of the crime.
Given the actions by the two players, the disciplinary decisions by the referee are correct. The Houston player (orange shirt) should be cautioned for his reckless challenge (unsporting behavior) while the Chicago player is correctly sent-off for violent conduct (head butt).
There are three established types of events (some events may have multiple types) based on the size, focus, competition level and opportunity for off-field training:
Identification
General Training
Invitational Training
Identification Events Large events with 20 or more games per day officiated by a group of over 100 referees. The primary focus of the event is on-field performance. The event may or may not offer full length games or assessments by national assessors.
General Training Events Large events with 20 or more games per day officiated by a group of over 100 referees. The dual purposes of the event are on-field performance and off-field instruction. The off-field instruction may come in the form of assessment debriefs, classroom sessions or Q&A sessions with elite referees. Invitational Training Events Small events with less than 20 games per day officiated by a group of selected/invited referees and assistant referees. Invitations are mostly offered based on performance at previous identification and training events. Assignments are made based on official positions and crews are selected carefully for each match. Referee performance will be closely evaluated by U.S. Soccer’s elite national assessor network in an environment that prepares referees for the professional game. Officials will receive intensive training and instruction not only on the laws of the game, but also on physical, psychological and administrative elements of successful officiating at the professional level. If you would like to be included in the selection process to participate in these type of events contact Richard Rodriguez by email RichardUSSF@live.com.
Every referee needs to know the facts. And the fact is, when it comes to unaffiliated competitions, every referee is at risk.
US Soccer Referee Program
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Coverage applies to US Soccer Federation (USSF) member referees who have been certified by USSF, but only while acting in their capacity as soccer referees during USSF sanctioned camps or clinics and during matches between USSF affiliated teams and leagues.
- This includes USSF soccer referees acting in the capacity of State Referee Administrator, State Director of Assessment, State Assignment Coordinator, State Director of Referee Instruction, Chairman of the State Referee Committee and State Youth Referee Administrator, assistant referee 4th official, assessor, instructor or assignor.
USSoccer.com
Affiliated and Unaffiliated Competitions
Registered and certified officials have the responsibility to officiate games among youth, adult and professional teams which are affiliated with the U.S. Soccer Federation so that affiliated teams do not have a shortage of qualified officials for their competitions.
Unaffiliated competition refers to teams and leagues that meet any of the following criteria in relation to the U.S. Soccer Federation:
Have never been affiliated with;
Suspended by;
In bad standing with; or
Left voluntarily (while in good standing at the time of departure)
And PLEASE,don't take my word for it... if you have any questions, contact the US Soccer Referee Administration directly:
- For questions about registration and administrative policies, please contact Adrian Garibay, Director of Registration and Referee Administration.
- For questions about the U.S. Soccer Bylaws and Policies, legal affairs and referee suspensions, please contact Greg Fike, Staff Attorney.
* Involves
at least one player and sometimes two or more opposing players adopting an
aggressive attitude towards each other or the match officials.
The actions of the players bring the game into
disrepute.
* Usually the
ball is dead (out of play). Players feel at liberty to have a “go” at each
other because they don’t have to chase a live ball. These are volatile situations.
Because the ball is dead, a specific foul cannot be called but that should not
prevent the referee from taking appropriate action
* Actions
that detract from the enjoyment of the game. Something where the general fan
says, “That is not what I want to watch.”
* Aggressive
behavior toward an opponent or behavior that attempts to provoke an opponent or
the benches. For example: Trying to get a negative reaction from the opponent
(like taunting an opponent).
* Treating
the game, the referee, or the opponents in a disrespectful manner; often the
player is attempting to show he is above the game.
Mass
Confrontation: The Definition(s)
* The concerted actions of three or more players (may
be from either team):
1. Toward the
referee by multiple players of the same team
Disputing a decision by surrounding the referee or
hindering or forcing movement by the referee. Involves aggressiveness toward
the referee, AR, or fourth official. Players are trying to intimidate one or
more of the officials to influence a current outcome/decision or a future outcome/decision.
2. Toward
opponents by multiple opposing players
Coming together to engage in a physical and/or verbal
confrontation. Involves a swarm of opposing players exhibiting aggressive
behavior toward each other. Physical contact is often a by-product of the acts.
Intimidation and a source of strength are trademarks.
* Game Disrepute can quickly escalate and become Mass
Confrontation.
Characteristics and actions required by officials to
prevent escalation:
* Caused by a
trigger issue
Follows an issue or foul that is sensitive to players
like a hard foul in front of the bench or a foul where the safety of a player
is endangered. Consider the foul to a goalkeeper or key player. The player who
runs into the goal to retrieve the ball after they have scored a goal can also
ignite a confrontation.
* Recognize
the trigger issue
Officials must immediately recognize the flash point
or trigger issue. Failure to recognize or a slow response by the referee will
result in further escalation.
Before the game, discuss trigger issues with the
referee team based upon the characteristics of the teams/players involved and
store that information in your databank. For example, teams have certain
players who are more protected by their colleagues than others. These players
can often be the
trigger points for mass confrontation between
opponents. Identify them before the first whistle.
* Get there
to diffuse
Once mass confrontation among opponents arises, a
member of the referee team must get there immediately to prevent escalation.
For each step you are late, it allows one more player to participate.
* Separate
and disperse
The first official on the scene should work to carefully
separate the immediate players. Once three or more players enter the scene, the
referee should step back and observe the situation. The two assistant referees
should also take a vantage point to
observe the actions of the players while the fourth official
maintains his position and monitors the bench area unless he can get to the
scene sooner than the bench side AR. If this is the case, the bench side AR assumes
the duties of the fourth official. This procedure forms a triangle around the confrontation and
maximizes the sight angles from which to monitor the situation and gather
information. As the situation settles, officials should attempt to channel
opposing players into safe zones away from the hot spot in a positive, non-threatening manner.
* Observe and prevent others from joining in
All four officials should not focus on the same hot
spot or become too involved in gaining control of the situation. As stated
above, form a triangle around the situation, observe, and make notes (mental
and otherwise). Look for positive ways to prevent other players from joining in
as these players
often add “fuel to the fire.”
* Dispense appropriate misconduct
Once the situation is under control and players have
been channeled to safe zones, the referee team must quickly dispense the
appropriate punishment.
The referee should ensure he has solicited the input
of the other officials prior to taking action unless immediate action is
required to control the situation and the perpetrators are clear. Violent
conduct should be the first line of focus.
Warning
Signs or Flashpoints
Game disrepute and mass confrontation can happen at
any time in the match.
There is normally a trigger situation. For this
reason, the referee must not let his guard down and get complacent.
1. Severity of the initial foul
2. Zone of contact / location on the field:
* Near signboards / walls
* Near benches
3. Ball is often out of play or not playable
* Near
the boundary lines
4. The distance a player runs to become engaged in
the situation
5. Score
6. Time
7. Physical contact that is a step above normal play
8. Player standing over another player (intimidating
stance)
9. Players putting hand or finger near opponent’s
face
10. Players running into the goal to get the ball
after a score
11. The comments between players
12. Delaying a restart
* Standing
over or directly in front of a ball when a restart is contemplated
* Carrying
/ throwing the ball away
* Kicking
the ball way
13. Body stance and aggression displayed
* Invasion
of body space
* Chest-to-chest
* Push
or shove
* Touching
the face of the opponent
14. Collision with the goalkeeper
* Players
continuing their run toward the goalkeeper
15. Challenge off the ball
16. Frustration levels / Temperament of the game
* What
the players are saying to each other
* Body
language
How It
Should Be Handled
1. Recognize the flash-point or warning signs
(Awareness)
* Anticipate
and expect the unexpected
2. Become the “third man in”
* Get
there early: the closest official
* Act
quickly
* Defuse
it before it starts or escalates (especially to prevent game disrepute from
escalating to mass confrontation)
* Do
not be the one that raises the temperature of the situation as a result of your
actions/approach
* Attempt
to separate players (when only 2 involved) or channel them to neutral areas
3. Body language and voice
* An
authoritative approach should be used without “adding fuel to the fire”
4. Consider getting the card out quickly to
discourage others from joining in
5. Once game disrepute becomes mass confrontation (3
or more players):
* Step
back
* Form
“triangle of control”
6. Identify / Observe players
* Negative
players / instigators / escalators / third man in
* Positive
players / peace makers: use them to facilitate control
7. Take notes
8. Isolate players: once issue settles, step in
* Channel
players to neutral areas
* Administer
any obvious red cards
9. Referee team meet, if required
10. Issue formal sanctions (misconduct) to any other
player(s)
11. Get the game restarted as soon as possible
Roles and Responsibilities of the Referee Team
Note: roles vary based on the position of the
situation on the field and the relative position of the officials to the
incident.
Entire
Team
1. Pre-Game
* Establish
the “game plan”
* Review
the logistics as well as roles and responsibilities in the pre-game
* All
team members are empowered to ask questions in order to clarify
2. Discuss use of the “triangle of control”
3. Closest official becomes “third man in”
* Get
there as quickly as possible to defuse and prevent escalation
4. Identify the:
* The
instigator
* The
retaliator
* Third
man in
* The
escalator
* The
player who comes from distance to be involved (may be the “escalator” or “third
man in”)
5. Pay special attention to contact in the face area
6. Post-Game paperwork
* Ensure complete and accurate descriptions and reasons
are provided in game report – be specific
Referee
1. Identify the flashpoints
2. If 2 players are involved attempt to intervene
until it becomes 3 or more players, then step back and form “triangle of
control”
* Defuse
and minimize
3. Consult with crew regarding misconduct
* Make
sure everyone is aware of the information you require from them
* Ensure
the following individuals are clearly identified:
a. Instigator
b. Retaliator
c. Escalator
d. Third man in
e. Anyone who has come from a distance to get
involved
4. Administer misconduct
5. Restart game as soon as possible
6. Heighten awareness in order to be cognizant of
retaliation
Closest
AR
1. Enter field if:
* You
can prevent the situation from escalating (third man in or can prevent others
from participating)
* Game
disrepute turns in to game misconduct (more than 2 players involved)
Note: if the fourth official is closer to the
incident and he can arrive sooner, then assume the role of the fourth official
and monitor the technical areas
2. Step back and observe if further game misconduct
occurs
* Take mental or written notes
3. Provide information to the referee
Furthest
AR
1. Enter field if:
* Game
disrepute turns into mass confrontation (more than 2 players involved)
2. Quickly form the third point in the “triangle of
patrol”
* Take
a very wide view to capture any fringe misconduct
3. Observe
* Take
mental or written notes
4. Provide information to the referee
Fourth
Official
1. Remain at the bench area to ensure no one from the
technical areas enter the field of play unless:
* You
are closer to the incident than AR1, then you enter the field and follow the
same steps noted for the “Closest AR.” AR1 will assume the fourth official
responsibilities
The
“Triangle of Control”
The “triangle of control” is to be utilized in all
instances of game misconduct following the steps outlined above in accordance
with the roles and responsibilities provided.
Dealing
With Misconduct: Taking Official Action
Referees are encouraged to consider the following as
situations involving misconduct on the part of the participants. Based upon the
severity of the players’ actions, the referee should make a determination as to
whether the
misconduct warrants a yellow or red card.
1. Game
Disrepute
* If
the situation involves only 2 players, the referee has flexibility and discretion
to manage
* Particular
focus should be given to the Instigator / Aggressor – the player who
aggressively initiated the game disrepute. Referees are encouraged to deal more
firmly with this player
* The
aggressive nature of the confrontation should be considered when determining
the sanction
* The referee
is encouraged to consider cautions to both participants if both players act in
an aggressive and intimidating manner KEY: The referee should ensure both
players are punished
uniformly
2. Third
Man In
* If a
third man joins the game disrepute and causes it to escalate to mass
confrontation, this player must be cautioned for unsporting behavior.
* The
third man in may be sent-off for violent conduct if his actions so warrant
3. Mass
Confrontation
* Once
game disrepute becomes game misconduct, referees should monitor for the third
man in and take appropriate action as noted above
* Should
the situation warrant it, the referee should look for a 1 and 1 situation for
cautions (minimally 1 player from each team must be cautioned in cases of mass
confrontation)
KEY: The referee should ensure offenders are punished
uniformly
4. Use of
Hands / Arms: Violent Conduct
When evaluating player behavior / actions during
times of game disrepute and mass confrontation, referees should pay particular
attention to the following:
*Hands out: are hands used to defend or are they used
to intimidate and aggressively inflame the situation?
* Location
of contact with the hands/arms/elbows:
(a) Above the shoulder to the front of the face is a
red card for violent conduct
(b) From the side to the back of the head (from the
ears back) is minimally a yellow card but may be a red card depending upon the aggressive
or violent nature and intent of the contact
