1. Upward Soccer Referee Training Meeting

2. Mission and Values of Upward
Mission: To introduce children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports.
Values:
The Expectation of God-Moments – We believe that God is at work all around us.
The Life of Integrity – We believe that how we live is more important than what we say.
The Discipline of Excellence – We believe in serving that exceeds expectations.
The Priority of Children – We believe that Every Child Is A Winner.

3. Becoming an Upward Soccer Referee
As an Upward Soccer Referee, you will have an affect on each player’s soccer experience. A positive influence to the game is your biggest role in this program.

4. Your Responsibilities as a Referee
Understand and know the sport – By knowing and understanding the sport of soccer, you will be able to call the game effectively.
Lead by example – Demonstrate a Christ-like attitude through your officiating and through the encouragement of players.
Control the game – As a referee, you represent the highest level of authority on the field. It’s important to make the necessary calls throughout the game.
Communicate with coaches players and spectators – Use vocal and non-vocal (hand signals) communication on the field
Employ proper positioning and mechanics – Moving diagonally across the field, blowing the whistle, using hand signals and keeping the game on track.

5. Communicating with Coaches
Being an effective referee means being an effective communicator. Here are a few tips about communicating with coaches:
Introduce yourself at pregame.
Clearly communicate fouls and give the proper hand signals.
Communicate to coaches at halftime about the first half.

6. Communicating with Players
The referee sets the tone for the game by gathering both teams and their coaches at midfield for a brief word of encouragement and prayer.
Communicating with players during play will help them improve their game. Often the referee can stop a foul before it happens by talking to the players at natural stoppage points during the game or while play is in motion.

7. Controlling the Game
The referee must keep the game under control. The referee’s whistle is the main factor in doing this.
When a foul has occurred, a quick sharp blast on the whistle with the appropriate hand signal will communicate that play has stopped.
Let the coach and players know the reason and consequence of the foul.
To promote proper soccer skills and understanding of the game, referees should call all fouls. Failing to do so creates confusion among players and hinders their understanding of the game.

8. Online Resource (MyUpward.org)
The referee resources on MyUpward.org will enable you to carry out your role as a successful Upward Soccer Referee. Here you will find specific information on:
What it means to be an Upward Soccer Referee
Communication
Controlling the Game
How to make a call
What to watch for
Positioning /Hand Signals/Responsibilities
Training Videos

9. Rules Unique to Upward Soccer
The special rules for Upward Soccer exist to provide a fun sports experience to every child.

10. League Specifications
Field of Play
Dimensions: The field should have a width of 60’ and a length of 100’
Field Markings: The field of play should be marked with two touch lines, two goal lines and divided into two equal sections by the midfield line and a center circle.
Goal Area: Each goal area will be a 6’ arc (semi-circle) directly in front of each goal.

11. League Specifications
Field of Play - Continued
Penalty Area: There will be no penalty area marked off.
Flag posts: Placed at each of the four corners of the field. Typically 60” high with a 13” x 13” flag, flexible pole on a spring base.
Corner Arc: Corner arcs will be a quarter circles with a radius of 3’
Goal Size: The goals are 2.5’ x 6’ (4’ x 6’ goal tipped)

12. Field of Play

13. League Specifications
The Ball
K5 – 1st Grade: Size 3
1st – 2nd Grade: Size 3
3rd – 4th Grade: Size 4
5th – 6th Grade: Size 4

14. League Specifications
Number of Players
Team Size: Eight is the maximum number of players per team.
Team Format: 4 vs 4
Additional Players: One additional player may be added to the field of play by a team that is four goals behind. The additional player may remain on the field until the score differential is two goals.

15. League Specifications
Game Duration
Game Clock: The game clock will be maintained by the referee
Periods of Play: The game will consist of two 18 minute halves with each have half being divided into three 6 minute periods for 1st – 6th grades. K5 will play two 18 minute halves being divided in six 3 minute periods.
Half-Time: Half-Time will be an 8 minute interval between the
two 18-minute halves.

16. League Specifications
Substitutions:
· Every child will play at least half of the game.
· No child will sit out more than 6 minutes at a time.
· Coaches are not open to making unfair substitutions.
· Substitutions only occur at each designated 6 minute segment or each 3 minute segment for K5 divisions and follow the predetermined substitutions for the game.

17. Game Format
Coaches should determine which team will start the game. The other team will start the second half.
Teams will switch goals at halftime (except in the K5 division).
Scores are not kept in the K5 divisions.
No division standing are maintained in any division.
Coaches are allowed to walk the sidelines to support players. Coaches are encouraged to be on the field with K5 players to help coach during games.
All coaches will adhere to the substitution rules as detailed in their coach playbook.
No yellow cards or red cards are used in Upward Soccer.
There is no extended time in Upward Soccer.

18. Rules for Upward Soccer
A kick-off begins each half and after a goal has been scored. Opposing players must remain outside the center circle or 4 yards away until the ball has been put in play.
Shooting Arc: there is no ball contact allowed within the shooting arc. If the ball comes to a stop within the arc, a goal kick is awarded to the defensive team regardless of who touched the ball last. Any part of the ball or player’s body on the line is considered in the shooting arc. Once the ball has broken the plane of the shooting arc and a defensive player touches the ball, a corner kick is awarded. If the attacking Player touches the ball inside the arc, a goal kick is awarded. The plane of the shooting arc extends upward.

19. Rules for Upward Soccer
Fouls
Fouls will result in either an indirect or direct kick. Opposing players must be 5 yards away from the ball.
Indirect Kick: A player other than the kicker must touch the ball before a goal can be scored. Indirect kicks are awarded to the opposing team if one of these fouls are committed:
Dangerous Play
Obstructing an Opponent
Delay of Game

20. Rules for Upward Soccer
Direct Kick: The kicker may score directly without another player touching the ball. Direct kicks are awarded to the opposing team if one of these fouls are committed:
Handling the ball
Kicking an opponent
Hitting an opponent
Pushing an opponent
Tripping an opponent
Holding an opponent
Any unsportsmanlike conduct
Side tackling or any contact with the ball while the player is on the ground.

21. Rules for Upward Soccer
A penalty kick is awarded for deliberate handling (interfering) of the ball that denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. The penalty kick will be taken 5 yards from the top of the shooting arc and all players should be positioned behind the player taking the penalty kick. If the kick does not result in a goal and the ball is still in the playing field, it is a live ball and play continues from the spot of the ball.
A goal is not scored if a player kicks or throws the ball into his or her own goal. A corner kick is awarded for the opposing team.

22. Rules for Upward Soccer
A goal may only be scored from a player's offensive end of the field. This prohibits a player from scoring a goal from the center circle on a kickoff or from a goal kick .
Offside is not called in Upward Soccer because of the field size.
Referees should monitor substitutions and help coaches who have questions. Review the substitution section found in this playbook.

23. Rules for Upward Soccer
Slide Tackling is not allowed in Upward Soccer. Players must stay upright and “on their feet” and may not make contact with an opposing player. This does not prevent player from sliding to stop/intercept a ball, but NO contact may be made with opposing players.
Players who commit two fouls resulting in direct kicks, excluding handballs, in the same 6-minute segment must sit out the remainder of that segment. Those players may return during their next scheduled substitution.

24. Re-starts
Kickoffs
A kick-off is taken from the center circle at the start of each half, and after a goal is scored. Kicks must go forward, toward the defending goal. The ball must touch another attacking player or defensive player before the initial kicker touches the ball again. If the kick does not go forward or if the ball is touched a second time by the initial kicker before another player touches the ball, the kickoff should be retaken.
A goal may not be scored from the kick-off, because all goals must be scored from the offensive side of the field. The kick-off is treated similar to a free kick. This means the opposing team must stay outside of the center circle (at least 4 yards away). They also must be on their own half of the field until the first touch on the ball is made, after which they may attempt to win the ball.

25. Re-starts
Out-of-bounds - The entire ball must go out-of-bounds to be out of play. If part of the ball is still touching the line, play continues uninterrupted.

26. Re-starts Corner Kicks
When the ball passes over the goal line by the defending team, the ball should be placed inside the corner arc on the side it went out-of-bounds. The defensive team must be at least 5 yards away when the kick is taken.
Goal Kicks
When the attacking team kicks the ball over the goal line or if the ball comes to a stop within the shooting arc before entering the goal, a goal kick is awarded to the defending team. The ball should be placed on the end line/goal line, 5 yard from the shooting arc on the side in which the ball went out. The defending team must be at least 10 yards away from the player taking the goal. Kindergarten and first- and second-grade divisions must retreat behind midfield until the ball is kicked.

27. Re-starts
Throw-ins
When the ball passes over the sidelines, the last team to touch it last loses possession and the opposing team takes a throw-in. The player throwing the ball back into play must throw the ball over his or her head with both hands, both feet must be touching the ground, and the player must stay behind the sideline while throwing. The defensive team must be at least two yards away from the thrower. It is recommended that the Kindergarten players place the ball on the touchline and kick it back into play.
Drop-Ball
A drop-ball will occur between two players; one from each team to restart the game after the official had to stop play for a no-penalty situation. The ball is dropped at the spot where it was last in play unless this happens in the goal arc, in which case it is dropped at the nearest point five yards outside the goal arc. The ball may only be kicked after it has touched the ground. A goal may be scored directly from a drop-ball.

28. Rules Adjustments by DivisionK5
1st-2nd Grade
3rd-4th Grade
5th-6th Grade
Keeping Score No
Yes
Ball Size 3 4
Game Segments
Two 18-minute halves (six 3-minute segments)
Two 18-minute halves divided into three 6-minute segments
Goals switched at halftime
Defense position for goal kick
Mid-field
10 yards from location of ball
10 yard from location of ball
Coach allowed on field during the game

29. Common Fouls
Pushing: Often when there are two or more players by the ball, the players begin to push each other.
Slide tackling: Players may slide to break-up or intercept a pass, but may not make contact with other players while in the process.
Playing the ball while the player is on the ground: This is more of a danger to the player on the ground because opponents will continue to kick at the ball.
Handling the ball: Many young players will reach for the ball. It may take a couple of games to break them of this habit.
Throw in: A throw in is an unusual motion for young players. They must be taught the proper procedure and have it reinforced by calling the foul.
Fouls not called can result in a game being played out of control and often result in an avoidable injury to a player.

30. Referee Positioning
Games will have only one referee. The referee needs to be in the correct position to call fouls. As the referee, you should be close to the action without interfering with play.

31. Referee Responsibilities
Lead both teams in prayer at midfield before each game
Call and briefly explains all fouls
Enforce the rules unique to Upward Soccer
Promoting character and self-esteem
Form a unified team with the coaches
Remember that you are the highest authority on the field

32. Hand Signals
Hand signals should be used when calling a foul. Using the correct hand signal will inform players, coaches and spectators of a foul. You should briefly explain the hand signal being used.
For a pushing foul, the arms should be extended forward, slightly bent, with the palms facing outward.

33. Hand Signals Indirect Free Kick
Referee raises one hand. For younger players, place the ball where the foul occurred. For older players, simply point to where the ball should be placed.

34. Hand Signals Direct Free Kick
Use your hand to point in the direction of the kick. At the beginning of the season, you will need to place the ball where the foul occurred. As the season progresses, simply point to where the ball should be placed.

35. Hand Signals Advantage
Both arms are spread out in front, signaling that play should continue. The Advantage Rule permits you to recognize a foul, not call it and allow play to continue if you feel it was in the best interest of the player who fouled.

36. Hand Signals
Throw-in
Signal stoppage of a play by blowing the whistle then pointing the arm at a 45 degree angle in the direction of the throw-in.

37. Hand Signals Corner Kick
Point toward the corner of the field where the kick is to be taken. This hand signal is similar to the direct free kick hand signal. Audibly express that a corner kick is to be taken.

38. Hand Signals
Goal Kick
Point toward the corner of the goal arc where the kick is to be taken. This hand signal is similar to the direct free kick hand signal. Audibly express that a goal kick is to be taken.

39. Upward Soccer Referee Training Meeting