How to Referee a Soccer Game

Soccer referees hold the tenor of the entire game in their hands. At the professional level, a thorough knowledge of all aspects of play is demanded. Not only must professional soccer referees know the game inside and out, they must also be able to control the players. Referees who do not quickly exert their authority may see a game spiral out of control. Parents and others who referee soccer games on a smaller scale will also find that it's important to exercise control from the start of the game.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Discover How to Ref a Soccer Game

1. Understand your responsibilities as a ref. Law 5 of the Laws of the Game established by the International Football Association Board enumerates the duties of a referee. Control the soccer game by enforcing the rules knowledgeably and consistently.

2. Ensure that the ball and all other equipment meet specifications and are safe for play.

3. Keep the time for the game as well as game records.

4. Administer player discipline in the form of yellow cards and red cards. Send off players if such action is warranted by their behavior.

5. See that any player who is bleeding leaves the field of play immediately.

6. Oversee the behavior of assistant referees as well as officials and coaches of both teams.

7. Suspend play if appropriate. The ref also makes the final decision on stopping play in case of injury or terminating play should the need arise. A game which has been stopped can only be restarted by the referee.

8. Submit post game reports to the appropriate governing bodies.

9. Participate in ongoing education. To referee soccer on a regular basis, most organizations require you to attend clinics on soccer rules as well as safety and liability issues.

10. Most soccer referees will work at the recreational level. Adapt your style to the type of game and players with which you are working.

Tips & Warnings

• Referees should always be updating their soccer knowledge base.
• In cases where you do not know the exact rule to enforce, it is more important to make sure that you ref consistently.
• Treat teams fairly and they will respect your judgement.
• If you are the ref at a game for young and/or inexperienced players, consider making it a learning experience. Caution a player without giving out a yellow card for minor offenses.
• Follow up with a yellow card if the behavior occurs a second time.
• Even veteran referees can let a game get out of hand.
• Insist upon respect and immediate compliance with your decisions.

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