U5 GIRLS REFEREE GUIDELINES

(The following information was handed out to all families at the beginning of the soccer season):

At the beginning of the game:

1. Inspect the players: uniforms okay, nails cut short, everyone healthy and ready to play - most importantly NO JEWELRY (earrings, necklace, watch, etc.)
2. Have the coaches send in 2 players for the coin toss to decide who kicks off.
3. Remember that each quarter is 8 minutes long. There is a 2 minute water break between quarters and a 5 minute half-time break. The game shouldn't exceed 45 minutes and everything is a running clock.

During the game, these are the most common calls:

1. Out of Bounds - when the ball goes outside the line. Just note which player kicked it out and the opposing team throws the ball back in.
2. Throw in - during a throw in, the ball must be held with 2 hands thrown over the head with both feet touching the ground.
3. Kick-off (a.k.a. Restart) = Done anytime the ball goes into the goal regardless of who kicks the ball in.
4. Goal Kick - When the ball is kicked out of bounds behind the goal by the offensive, they can set up for a kick in front of the goal.
5. Corner Throw In - When the ball is kicked out of bounds near the goal by the defending team.
6. Hands or Hand Ball - self explanatory - called when any player touches the ball with their hands.
7. Pushing - self explanatory - called when player pushes another player with unnecessary force.
8. Calling Half & Game - 2 long whistles indicates half, 3 long whistles is game over.
9. Goal Box (or circle) - Once the ball rolls into the goal box, it's a dead ball. It is only "in-play" if it continues to roll into the goal. If a player kicks the ball from inside the box it is still considered a dead ball and becomes a Goal Kick.
10. If you aren't refereeing, don't forget to water your referee. It's hot out there and the kids aren't the only one's getting dehydrated. Be sure to offer the referee some water during halftime.

As a referee, you are also watching the team as a whole as they play namely the supporters on the side lines and the coach in addition to the players. These factors are what you are using to determine the sportsmanship points for the team. These points are logged on the back of the game cards given to you by each coach. Once the cards are done, the referee turns them into the main tent. Only the refee can mark the back of the card, if the coach has put their own scores or comments, mark through the scores and put your own. Leave comments but notate who made them.