1. The Field of Play (1) U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Online Training Script:
Welcome to U.S. Soccer’s online training for the Grade 9 Referee Course.
Training for this course is specific to preparing officials for the small sided and recreational youth game.
This presentation focuses on Law 1 – The Field of Play.
U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Grade 9 Referee Course
Small Sided and Recreational Youth Training

2. Field Size Field size will vary Boundary lines Touch lines Goal lines
Determined by local rules
Boundary lines
Touch lines
Goal lines
Touch line > goal line
Touch Line
Goal Line
Online Training Script:
The size of the field is determined by the local rules of competition.
At a minimum, the field must be a rectangle in shape and have both touch lines and goal lines.
These lines are called the boundary lines.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Field size will vary based on age and “available space.” Use the field you get.
The field is identified by the boundary lines – touch lines (not sidelines) and goal lines (not endlines)
The field is rectangular and the touch lines should be longer than the goal lines.

3. Parts of the Field Optional Mark(s) Corner Flag(s) Goal Line
Touch Line
Corner Arc(s)
Penalty Area
Penalty Arc(s)
Goal Area
Center Circle
Goal(s)
Penalty Mark(s)
Center Mark
Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.
Halfway Line
Technical Area

4. Field Safety - #1 Priority
Arrive 30 minutes prior to kickoff – find the problems before the game
Home coach – responsible for fixing problems
Referee decides if the field is safe
Online Training Script:
Safety is the primary concern for referees at all levels and this begins with a proper field inspection.
All officials should arrive at least 30 minutes before kick off to do their inspection.
Any problems identified with the field should be explained to the home team’s coach and it is his or her responsibility to correct the issues.
No game can be played unless the referee decides that the field is safe for play and the referee has the final say on this matter.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

5. Goal not anchored? This is a deal breaker!!!
Goal Safety
Goal not anchored?
This is a deal breaker!!!
Online Training Script:
Weights, sandbags, and stakes are some examples of how a goal may be securely anchored to the ground.
Unanchored goals can lead to serious injures and even death, so no game can be played if the goals are not anchored and safe for play.
Goal nets are not required for play, but if used, they are required to be safe.
This means they must be securely attached to the goal frame and any holes in the netting should be repaired.
Again, the home team coach should be informed if there are any issues with the safety of the goals and it is his or her responsibility to correct them to the satisfaction of the referee.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
If the goals are not anchored, we don’t start the game. It doesn’t matter if they are small goals at a U6 game or full size goals at a U19 game – they have to be anchored. Discuss the methods of anchoring – stakes, counter weights, etc. Discuss ways to anchor goals in a pinch. Explain that referees are subject to disciplinary action if they allow a game to proceed without ensuring that the goals are anchored.

6. Corner Flags MINIMUM OF 5 FEET TALL Why? Online Training Script:
The local rules of competition may not require corner flags, but if used, they must be safe for play.
Corner flags must be at least 5 feet high so youth players do not fall onto the flagpoles and get injured.
If the field has corner flags, they cannot be removed by the players at anytime during the game.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Clicking on mouse will display pictures demonstrating the danger of being impaled by a short corner flag. This is another important safety concern. Explain what to do if flags are not safe – worst case, play without them.

7. Review Question
Who should correct any reported problems with the field of play?
Referee team
Away team coach
Home team coach
Spectators
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

8. Review Question
Must the goals be securely anchored to the ground before starting play?
Yes No
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

9. Review Question
At a minimum, how many minutes before the game should the referee team arrive?
5 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

10. Review Question
In a small sided game, what will determine the size of the field and the field markings used?
Laws of the Game
Local rules of competition
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

11. Review Question
Will the local rules of competition determine the size of the goals used?
Yes No
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

12. Review Question The corner flags must be at least how many feet high?
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points: