Observed Points of Concern The Match Officials – Responsibilities - LAWS 5 & 6

Officiating Systems Diagonal System (One Whistle Only) One Referee & Two ARs (with flags) ONLY ACCEPTABLE SYSTEM !!!! Diagonal System (One Whistle Only) One Referee & One AR (with flag)

Officiating Systems Diagonal System (One Whistle Only) One Referee ONLY ACCEPTABLE SYSTEM !!!! Diagonal System (One Whistle Only) One Referee, One AR & One Club Linesman OR One Referee & Two Club Linesmen

Officiating Systems Dual System (Two Whistles) Head Referee & Referee NEVER ACCEPTABLE !!!! All Competitive Youth Games – No Exceptions:  League and OSYSA rules of competition do not have the authority to approve a two or three whistle referee system. Only the Diagonal System of Control (one whistle) is acceptable. All sanctioned youth tournaments in Ohio South are “Competitive” games.  USSF does not allow its referees to use the dual (2 whistle) system and a referee’s USSF liability insurance coverage would be invalid in such an instance.

Officiating Systems Dual System (Two Whistles) Head Referee & Referee NEVER ACCEPTABLE !!!! Exception:  Only Recreational Youth Games may not be subject to this restriction. Youth League and OSYSA rules of competition (in accordance with USSF policy) may approve a two or three whistle referee system for recreational youth play only.

Referee - Responsibilities DUTIES OBLIGATORY TASK …. What an official has to do to be in compliance with the Laws …. To officiate match using only the Diagonal System of Control (One Whistle) REFEREE’S MANDATE …. To ensure player safety and promote fair play

Referee - Responsibilities POWERS DELEGATED AUTHORITY …. Legal authority in accordance with the Laws of the Game. REFEREE’S PREROGATIVE …. What a referee has a choice to decide to do or not to do …. Does not have the choice to ever use a two-whistle system of officiating

AR - Responsibilities DUTIES ARs are to assist the Referee (not insist) Use proper Mechanics and Signals Follow Referee’s pre-game instructions To inform the Referee of infractions that are not seen by the RefereePOWERS Effectively none … subordinate to Referee, who is the final decision-maker and ultimate authority

Who’s in Charge The Referee The Referee is both the “Judge and Jury” …. has the ultimate authority regarding all match issues An effective Referee uses the ARs and promotes the concept of “team” and serves as its leader. Referee has an obligation to act upon AR’s information for any incident not seen by the Referee.

Pre-Game Duties Referee Team – Referee must conduct pre-game conference (do not skip or ignore) with ARs to review duties, responsibilities and expectations … first step to effectively operate as a “team”. – Must inspect the field (this is a safety issue) – Must inspect players’ equipment (also, a safety issue) – Must inspect and approve game balls – Conduct coin toss with team captains

Responsibilities – BT #6 Responsibilities – BT #6 Three adults have been assigned to a officiate a U14 boys game using the diagonal system. One official fails to show up and no one is available to serve as a Club Linesman. Both coaches, who are familiar with both officials, agree that using two-whistles would provide a better officiated match and insist that the match be officiated using two whistles. In this situation it would then be acceptable for the two referees to officiate the game using two whistles. A. True B. False

Responsibilities-Professionalism- It is the DUTY of each Referee & AR to dress properly

MANDATORY STANDARD EQUIPMENT MANDATORY STANDARD EQUIPMENT (All Game Officials) Shirts - All Game Officials Must Wear Same Color Gold Short Sleeve – Basic Standard Shorts - All Black (No White Stripes or White Trim) Socks - Black (3 Styles Acceptable) Black w/ 3 White Stripes - Standard Shoes - Predominantly Black (White Trim Only) USSF Referee Badge (Current Year) Slide 13 Proper Uniforms

Slide 14 STANDARD REQUIREMENTS STANDARD REQUIREMENTS (All Game Officials) Shirts – Must Be Tucked In Sleeve Length Should Match (Not Mandatory) Pinstripes Need Not Match Socks – Must Be Worn at Knee Length Styles Need Not Match Visible Undergarments - Should Be Black (Navy Blue) Proper Uniforms

ACCEPTABLE APPAREL ACCEPTABLE APPAREL Eyeglasses Wristwatch – Black Wristband Hat (or Visor) with Bill – Solid Black Only Referee’s Shirt – In youth play it is acceptable for the Referee to wear a shirt of an alternate color than the ARs when (and only when) one of the teams is wearing gold or yellow shirts and one or both ARs do not have an alternate color shirt. In such a situation both ARs must wear gold shirts. Slide 15 Proper Uniforms

Slide 16 Proper Uniforms UNACCEPTABLE APPAREL Jewelry No Earrings, Necklaces, Rings, etc. (Wedding Rings, ok) No Visible Piercings Headwear No Hats or Headwear with Logos No Colored Hats or Headwear No Hats Worn Backwards Socks Socks Not Pulled Up To Just Below the Knee No Ankle Socks

ACCEPTABLE WEATHER-RELATED APPAREL ACCEPTABLE WEATHER-RELATED APPAREL Black Hats or Soft Black Caps Individual Referee’s Choice Headwear Need Not Match Exposed Undergarments Black (or Navy Blue) Other Colors Unacceptable Matching Shirt Color Is Also Unacceptable Uniform Shirts Must Be Worn Over Weather Gear Shirts Still Must Be Tucked In Trousers or Sweatpants Must Be Black (or Navy Blue) in Color Need Not Be Worn By All Officials White Stripes Acceptable – But Not Preferred Sunglasses Only Worn For Protection and When Conditions So Warrant Slide 17 Proper Uniforms