Referee Week at the Creek

November 1, 2023

Hello, Referees!

Thank you all for refereeing last week. All spots were filled!

Region Playoffs will be 11/11 and 11/18.
During the Region playoffs, we will break ties with "Penalty Shootouts." We will handle these the same way as Area Playoffs and what we did last year: no extra periods; straight to Penalty Kicks; anyone on the team is eligible to kick, but the coach must decide which players are kicking (7 for U10, 9 for U12, 11 for U14); and the goalkeeper, who is participating in the Penalty Shootout, MUST be one of them.
Note that U14, with only two teams, will be a simple two-leg format. NO Penalty Shootout unless the two legs result in a tie: i.e., two ties, or each team wins one match. Kicks will then occur after the second match.

Also, please note that Teams that are invited to the Area Playoffs are REQUIRED to provide a Team Referee, who will be an Assistant Referee during the times when their team is not playing. The Format of Area Playoffs is that they alternate boys and girls matches. So, if you are a Team Referee for a Boys Team, you will be one the Referees for the Girls' matches of the same age. This is so there are enough Referees, and someone doesn't have to referee six matches in one day, as I did a few years ago. This is only for Saturday.

During the Regional Playoffs, 10U Boys will play 7v7, and they will have at least one player sitting for two quarters. Please mark these game cards very carefully, as a team could forfeit a match for having a specific player sit more than one match for two quarters. Same as in Area playoffs.

Note that the losing teams from Week 10 will play a consolation match in Week 11, so that every team will have played at least 11 matches for the season.

Note that Teams invited to the Area Playoffs must have 11 Referee Points by the end of 11/18. If that requirement is not met, then some other team with 11+ Referee Points will be invited instead.

Note that there are 20 10U Boys Teams, two Divisions of 10 teams each. Teams will play in a bracket among their Division, and the winner of the Finals and the losers of the Finals will play on Sunday 11/19. That means I need Referees for those matches.

Thanks again!
Sean

October 25, 2023

Hello, Referees!

Thank you all for refereeing last week. All spots were filled!

Pop Quiz #1: At a 12U match, Red keeper punts the ball, and it hits one of her teammates in the back, and ricochets back the keeper, who then possesses the ball in the Penalty Area. What should you do?

Slide Tackling:
We have heard complaints about players slide tackling in a dangerous and "violent" manner. While coaches have been encouraged not to teach slide tackling -- during the training, someone could get hurt -- kids will sometimes attempt to slide tackle during the matches.
The Region does NOT have an absolute ban on all slide tackles at any age. (Adult League excepted.) Note that other Regions do have this ban, but we are not they. At Area Playoffs, no special Region rules will be enforced, as there will be six Regions attending.

That said, if you see slide tackles that are careless, reckless, or using excessive force, stop play for the offense. Restart with a direct free kick or penalty kick, whichever is appropriate, for the offended team.

What do those terms mean?
Directly from the LOTG:
• Careless is when a player shows a lack of attention or consideration when making a challenge or acts without precaution. No disciplinary sanction is needed
• Reckless is when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent and must be cautioned
• Using excessive force is when a player exceeds the necessary use of force and/or endangers the safety of an opponent and must be sent off

Also, please note that a player "touching the ball" does not absolve them of all contact afterward.

Notes, again:

Please sign in to your match 30 minutes prior to the start of the match. You can sign in to all of your matches at one time, but note the field and time of the next matches.

Please be at your field at least 15 minutes before your match begins for pre-game duties and instructions.

We also need to make sure the Game Cards are correctly filled out by the Coach: Top section complete, players in numerical order with both first and last names.

And, there are post-game duties: Check the cards to make sure they match, sign them, and watch the handshake lines.

Repeating from last week, because I think it is important: I have noticed a lot of Coaches being expressive, whether in words or in actions, even this late into the season, which could be interpreted as dissent. I'm guessing they have done this all season, and that prior Referees have ignored this.
Please do not ignore this, as you validate their actions with your inaction. Spectators see what the Coach "is allowed to do," and some will join in. This is not acceptable behavior at an AYSO match. You can talk to them, ask that they stop, because this is AYSO where everyone is learning the game. Next time, it is a Yellow Card. If you are uncomfortable with confronting them, please note on the back of the card their actions which made you uncomfortable, and tell me about it at the Ref Tent.

Answer to Pop Quiz #1:
Tell me at the Referee Tent what your answer is.

Thank you, again! The players deserve a full team of Three Referees, and you're giving that to them!

Tuesday October 17 2023

Hello, Referees!

Thank you all for refereeing last week. All spots were filled before Saturday!

Pop Quiz #1: At a 12U match, Red Player #3 goes to ground, possibly injured. Coach for BLUE team enters the Field to see if he is OK. What should you do?

Pop Quiz #2: At a 12U match, Assistant Referee puts his flag up denoting Offside on the Red Team. You whistle to stop play, but you also see a Blue Defender (not the GK) way back, keeping all Red Players in an onside position. What should you do?

Notes:

Please sign in to your match 30 minutes prior to the start of the match. You can sign in to all of your matches at one time, but note the field and time of the next matches.

This is so you are at the field of your match at least 15 minutes before your match begins for pre-game duties and instructions. The Three of us are a Referee Team, and being on the same page helps with credibility for a solid three minutes of game time.

We also need to make sure the Game Cards are correctly filled out by the Coach: Top section complete, players in numerical order with both first and last names.

We also need to inspect the field, especially the first match of the day: make sure the goals are aligned, check for gopher holes, sprinkler heads, etc. Call for Field personnel (not the Ref Tent!) for these safety issues.

If there is anything else you want to convey to the Coach or the spectators, there will be plenty of time for that. I do not recommend this, though. If you say you will be watching throw-ins closely, well, now you will have to watch throw-ins closely. Or a player asks about handballs, well, you might not start the match on time if you explain all that.

I have noticed a lot of Coaches being expressive, whether in words or in actions, even this late into the season, which could be interpreted as dissent. I'm guessing they have done this all season, and that prior Referees have ignored this. Please do not ignore this, as you validate their actions with your inaction. Spectators see what the Coach "is allowed to do," and some will join in. This is not acceptable behavior at an AYSO match. You can talk to them, ask that they stop, because this is AYSO where everyone is learning the game. Next time, it is a Yellow Card.

If you have any additional questions following your match, please let us hear them at the Ref Tent! I'll probably be there, because all the spots will be filled! I am The Maytag Repairman of Referees! (Kids, ask your grandparents.)

Answer to Pop Quiz #1:
By The Book: Yellow Card presented to Coach of the Blue team for entering the Field without permission.
In Practice: As this is AYSO and some Coaches are STILL learning the Game, we should keep our Yellow Cards in our pockets and instruct Coaches (and Parents) not to enter the Field without The Referee's permission. I do write "should." It is your match, and you have knowledge of what has happened prior to this incident. You might have already warned this coach not to come on the field. You might have notified both coaches in a pre-game discussion not to enter the field. You might really want to fill out the paperwork.
Note that all additional Regional or AYSO National or USSF Rules that override The Laws of The Game (Build-Out Line, punting, substitutions, etc.) have been published. Allowing anyone to enter the field of play whenever they want is NOT one of those Rules.

Answer to Pop Quiz #2:
Please remember that we have brand new Assistant Referees, and sometimes they are not lined up with the second-to-last defender. Also, I did this once at All-Star Playoffs, in that I had two attackers but the one in an Offside Position did not receive the pass but the one Onside did, and I really wanted to use my flag to show off my mad skills.
So, what do you do when you blow the whistle to stop play when there has been no offense (like stopping play for an injury, dog on field, etc.)? You should confer with your Assistant Referee to make sure there was a mistake, and if so, you would perform a Dropped Ball to the team who last touched the ball.

Hey, Assistant Referees! Please line up with the second-to-last Defender, or the Ball, or the Half Line / Build-Out Line, whichever is closest to the Goal Line at all times during the match! You can watch the match as long as you are in the proper position! We discussed this at training! If you don't, you might make the wrong call! If you don't, you might NOT make a call that you should!

Thank you, again! The players deserve a full team of Three Referees, and you're giving that to them!

Tuesday 9/26/2023

	Hello, Referees!
	Thank you all for refereeing last week.
	This is the fourth Week at The Creek for 2023.
	Several notes from last weekend:
1.	Coaches have have been told to fill in the Game Cards properly: The top is filled in with the Division (7, 8, 10, 12, 14), the TEAM NUMBER on the top line, team colors, Coaches' names FIRST and LAST, and every player on the team, IN NUMERICAL ORDER, first and last names. Please make sure to check this during team inspection and make sure it is complete before starting the match. If the card is not filled out as I've noted above have the coach complete it. Coaches should NOT fill in their substitutions before the match, because that is just inviting a disaster!
2.	As Referees, you need to fill in your parts: the bottom, with the date, time, and field. This helps me match up cards.
3.	As Referees, please make sure the cards' scores match before signing. I ask, because I am entering scores into a file that determines the standings, which get loaded to the website.
4.	Make sure the home team has supplied a Field Monitor and that you know where they are during your match, in case they are needed to call an EMT or a Board Member.
5.	Coaches have been told not to come on the field without the Referee's permission.
6.	Coaches have been told that if they do come on to the field to tend to a player, that player must leave the field of play and can come back only with the Referees permission (goalkeepers excepted). Coach may also choose to substitute that player for the remainder if that "quarter."
7.	Coaches have been told that if they come on to the field, they should simply take the player off the field, serious injury notwithstanding, as the clock is running during this time. If you get the idea that a coach is stalling simply because they are winning, feel free to stop the clock.
8.	Coaches have been told that Referees will not stop matches for every fallen player. The Referee may continue to let play progress, and delay the restart at the first stoppage. For head injuries and obvious severe injuries, play needs to be stopped.
9.	Most of these "injuries" are temporary. They might sting a little, and a player might cry a little. Ask them, "Do you think you can play or do you want a little time on the Touch/Side line?" Anything you see that needs more attention -- bleeding, swelling, concussion symptoms, can not/ will not walk -- have the coach come on and take them off the field.
10.	Coaches have been told when an individual in a White, Red, or Green Polo-shirt with the AYSO9 patch approaches them to ask that they follow the Region's Rules and the Laws of The Game (LOTG), they should heed that individual's advice, as they know the Region's Rules and the LOTG.
11.	Practical advice: Wait until you know which team touched it last if you will restart with a Dropped Ball (Law 8, page 82). Contested Dropped Balls are not allowed, and Referee instructions to players on what to do with their Dropped Ball ("kick it to the other team") are not allowed, neither since 2019. So, please, before you stop play with the intention of restarting with a Dropped Ball, determine who last touched the ball.

	Thanks!

Monday 9/18/2023


	Hello, Referees!
	Thank you all for refereeing last week. We needed ZERO Club Linesmen, and the next goal is to have all Rating 4 spots (AR's for U10 and U12) filled, so we can open up Stand-By spots, and I can have referees standing by in the hopes that a Referee gets injured or doesn't show up.
	This is the third Week at The Creek for 2023. I write the important stuff here instead of making long e-mails.
	Pop Quiz #1: In a 10U match, the restart is an Indirect Free Kick. Red Player #10 kicks the ball toward the goal. The Blue Keeper touches it but fails, and the ball goes into the goal. What is the call and the restart?
	Pop Quiz #2: In a 10U match, the restart is an Indirect Free Kick. Red Player #10 kicks the ball toward the goal. The Blue Keeper attempts a save but fails to touch the ball, and the ball goes into the goal. What is the call and the restart?

	Several notes from last weekend:
1.	If you give a yellow or red card ("booking") to a player or a coach (NOT spectators!), you will have to fill out a Misconduct Form, which we have available at the Referee Tent. Sometime before the end of the day. If it is your first, we will help you. You should note the time during the match, Player # or Coach name, and what happened that resulted in your booking. You will need the game cards for information. And, if you eject a spectator, you will have to fill out a misconduct report, as we need to know details, so we can correct their behavior or make them sign up to referee.
2.	If you did not book anyone, but you feel that the action could intensify in later weeks, please write it on the Game Cards, so we can follow up on poor playing or behavior. Thank you.
3.	Please note and watch for and call if you see the various Direct Kick Offenses: careless (or worse) kicking (or attempt), tripping (or attempt), striking (or attempt), charging, and jumping; deliberate handling; holding. Note that the word "accidental" is not in the LOTG. Please review the Laws of The Game in case you think you know it all (that is why I review the laws!). I believe that good refereeing includes being vocal about non-whistles. Players stop playing when they think they did something wrong. If you don't think so, tell them. "Play on," "no foul," or something like that. And if you have coaches or spectators who like to call out offenses, your voice should be the one the players listen to, and I often instruct the players to listen to me and my whistle. Remember, players and others are learning the game, and we can be teachers.
4.	A note about handling (now "hand ball"): you are the judge of deliberateness, but I think at younger ages, the kids can shield themselves as an immediate (not planned) reaction to safety. They are not EPL players who get paid to get hit in the chest, stomach, groin, and head by a hard-kicked ball, and who will STILL get paid if they cannot play. That said, players should not be stretching their arms out or up and touching the ball. (Keepers obviously excluded; I should not have to type this.)
5.	Remind yourself of the various situations when a goalkeeper may not touch the ball with their hands. For deliberate kicks to the keeper, again, you determine deliberateness, and voice your opinion. Your voice implies, "I saw it, and I think it was no offense." Often at U10, the players don't know where their keeper is.
6.	For U8 and U10 matches: NO PUNTING OR DROP-KICKS! The restart, for U10, is an Indirect Free Kick to opposing team at the spot of the foul; if it happens in the Goal Area, at edge of the goal area parallel to the Goal Line. The restart, for U8, is, for the first offense, a dropped ball to the keeper and remind them, and the coaches, not to do it again; for the second offense, restart is an indirect free kick to opposing team at the spot of the foul; if it happens in the Goal Area, at edge of the goal area parallel to the Goal Line. Because, they are learning, but they must absorb this knowledge!
7.	For U10: please be pro-active in getting the opposing players behind the Build-out Line for Goal Kicks and Goalkeeper Possession. The opposing players should be actively walking toward the Build-Out Line, and once there they should not breach the line until the ball is kicked and moves (Goal Kick) or is released from the hands (Goalkeeper Possession). Quick goal kicks or releases become fair game. For offenses during Goal Kicks, retake the Goal Kick. For offenses during Goalkeeper Possession, Indirect Free Kick at the Build-Out Line where the player crossed. They need to learn and know this, because an Referee at Area Play-offs in December will enforce it.
8.	I asked Coaches at the Coaches Meeting, "When is the best time to ask Referees about their calls"? And most knew that he answer was "Never." Use your own judgment regarding listening to mild-mannered complaints from people you already know, but the rule above should hold, and they should know it.

	Thanks!

	Answer to the Pop Quiz #1: It is a goal for Red, because the indirect Free Kick touched another player before going in the goal -- yes, the goalkeeper is a player -- and the restart is a kickoff for Blue.
	Answer to the Pop Quiz #2: It is no goal for Red, because on an Indirect Free Kick, the kicked ball must touch another player before going into the Goal, and it did not; the ball passed the goal line but was not a goal, last touched by Red, so the restart is a Goal Kick for Blue.

Monday 9/11/2023

	Hello, Referees!
	Thank you all for refereeing last week. We only needed a few Club Linesmen, and I hope we can get full coverage, maybe the Standby Spots get opened.
	POP QUIZ! Goalkeeper possesses the ball in the Penalty Area, but drops it. It rolls outside the Penalty Area, picks it up with his hands. What is the Restart? A. Indirect Free Kick for the opponent, because keeper cannot repossess the ball after dropping it. B. Penalty Kick for the opponent, because handball offense in the Penalty Area. C. Direct Kick for the opponent, because handball offense outside the Penalty Area. D. No restart, play continues, because keeper can pick up the ball with their hands. E. It was not deliberate, so play on.

One quick note: I do not believe that at 10U and above we should be giving second chances. It is the Center's interpretation regarding deliberate or not on handling. Outstretched arms or movements toward the ball should be considered deliberate, while a player trying to prevent injury to themselves -- AND the ONLY option is to shield themselves with their hands/arms -- should not be considered deliberate. I note those capitalized words, because if there is time for a player to get out of the way of an oncoming ball, then they should get out of the way instead of shielding themselves. In U7U8, yes, give them one more chance, teaching them that what they did was against the LOTG, teach them the Law, and give them a second chance at a throw-in or give a drop ball for second handling for the goalkeeper. I am entering the scores into the Spreadsheet for the Standings, so:
1.	10U+ Centers, please keep a match report, in case I have to ask you questions.
2.	7U8U referees and ALL Assistant Referees: please fill out the Game Cards properly, both during and after the match. Top half and players' numbers and names are filled out by the coach.
3.	Refer to this webpage: https://www.ayso9.org/Default.aspx?tabid=949922
4.	Again, for goalkeepers: use a "G"
5.	Again, for players NOT playing: Use an "X". For player on the Field, except the GK, LEAVE BLANK!
6.	I wouldn't mind so much, but I'm the one filling in the scores on the file, for the standings.
7.	SCORES: they go in the two columns next to the name, NOT in the "Quarters" Section! Not at the bottom!
8.	Halftime score needs to be entered. Ahead team NUMBER noted.
9.	Full-time scores need to be entered. Winning team NUMBER and losing Team NUMBER noted. NOT TEAM NAME OR MASCOT OR COLOR! Team Number should be in the upper right hand corner, entered by the Coach.
10.	Please sign the cards on the back, signifying that you believe all of the information is correct.
11.	If there were any issues with players, coaches or spectators, please note them in "Additional Comments" or "Conduct of" section.
12.	Any yellow or red cards, or other ejections: Centers please fill out a Misconduct Report at the Ref Tent. Note the time of match that the action was taken along with the coach name, player number, spectator name, and a detailed reason why action was taken.

OK, Pop Answer: C. (Page 100 of The LOTG.)
Keeper may not play a ball deliberately with their hands (picking up the ball is considered deliberate) outside the Penalty Area, same as any other player.
If this had happened inside the Penalty Area, the result would be an Indirect Free Kick, because it is the Goalkeeper handling it after relinquishing possession (and note that there are several other instances in which a Keeper may not handle the ball ).
Any other player on the defending team guilty of deliberately handling the ball would result in a Penalty Kick (though NOT in U7U8).

Thank you again! See you Saturday!
Sean

Monday 9/4/2023

	Hello, Referees!
	Thank you for volunteering for another great year of AYSO Region 9 Soccer!
	This is the first Week at The Creek for 2023. I write the important stuff here instead of making long e-mails
	Pop Quiz! Yes, right off the bat.
	After a Corner Kick by Blue Player #22, Blue Player #10 kicks the ball into the goal, but on its way, Blue Player #5, who was in an Offside Position at the time of #10's kick, jumps over the ball, not touching it, and not interfering with play or the opponent's goalkeeper.
	What is the Call, and what is the Restart?
	(Yes, going to start with a Difficult one from last Weekend's EPL!)

Just a couple of reminders:
1.	Please come to the Referee Tent 30 minutes (or earlier) before your scheduled match time, to sign in to your match(es). Allow time for parking and walking across the field.
2.	For new refs: the Referee Tent is across the fields from the Snack Shack.
3.	Show up at your specific field 15 minutes before the scheduled match time. Your match will start off well with a non-rushed, pre-game Referee Team Discussion and player and field inspections.
4.	We have changed Field Numbers to Field Letters and rearranged some Field Groups. We should have plenty of maps available, and a map is on the website.
5.	Remind coaches and spectators that the Home Team sits on the North or West sides of the fields. The Home Team does not get to choose their side, and "the first team to arrive" does not get to choose their side. Please enforce this, as Field Monitors might ask for assistance on the Home side, and the EMTs will assume that it is the North or West side.
6.	For situations that cannot be resolved with kind but firm words:
	a) Pick up the ball;
	b) Go to the Field Monitor;
	c) Ask for a Board Member. DO NOT ASK FOR HELP FROMTHE REF TENT! (Call the Ref tent when you are short a Ref or want some referee advice or mentoring help.)
	d) Do not restart until the situation is resolved. Please do NOT abandon the Match! Let the Board Members who show up resolve it.
7.	Do NOT book coaches for not being able to control their touchline, unless it is an adamant (not reluctant) refusal to do so. Remember that some coaches are new to this, and might not have those special social skills to resolve these incidents. So, my belief is this: your asking the coach to resolve it is equivalent to a "yellow card" of the spectator. Further disturbances of that spectator equate to a removal ("red card") of the spectator. Again, do not show red cards to spectators. Get the name from the coach. Lastly, this is rare at Region 9, but the uptick in incivility at large has me concerned.
8.	Please note any concerns with the players, coaches, or spectators that you decided not to deal with (or did, actually) on the Game Card! This is a time for all to learn how to behave before Week 2, but if we (The Board) are not told, the concerns might escalate.
9.	Please do not refer to the AYSO Substitution break as a "Water Break." The AYSO Substitution break is not a time for Referees to commiserate with each other. AR's: ask the coach for subs, do NOT wait for their coaching to be done, because no coaching is supposed to occur during this break. Get the subs + GK#, get them back on the field, restart the match. 30 seconds is ideal, and 3 minutes is awful.
10.	Please make sure that the Game Cards are returned, preferably together, urgently with the same score and winning team. Tell me if there are comments that I need to read, so that some teaching and learning can be done.

	Answer to the Pop Quiz: The goal stands, restart is a kickoff for the opponents. The actual occurrence in EPL required VAR, but in AYSO, the Referee Team should discuss all the facts before restarting the match:
	a) Was the player in an Offside Position?
	b) Did the player interfere with play by getting in the way of the keeper or the keeper's line of sight?
	Notice that "interfering with a player's thoughts and feelings" is not part of the Laws.
	And Note that The Referees' being in the optimal positions will help resolve the questions.

Thursday 11/10/2022

Thanks to all who signed up and showed up to referee on Week 9. We had, again, full teams of referees for every match, even with several additional matches, plus matches on Sunday! Nothing for me to do, except to update the 12U Tournament Brackets.

This is the last weekend upcoming, and I hope all of you have had such a good time volunteering as Referees that you'll volunteer again next year! I think the kids deserve full teams of referees at the Competitive Division Level. I don't think we used one Club Linesman (a parent from a team whose only duty is to flag when the ball goes off the pitch) all season!

If there is anything that I could do to prevent you from quitting for next year, please let me know. I am always looking for improvement, and more staff members.

A quick note: all of those online courses and referee training? You've done them! That was a lot of your time! You won't have to do them again (unless things get updated or the laws get changed).

All you would have to do next year is to register as a volunteer (we all do this), and if you plan to be a team referee, choose the Division of your child (and if not a team referee, sign up under a "U19" Division, otherwise you could be placed as a team's referee!), and click the box to update your risk status/background check (we all do this). No more fingerprinting! (We all did this, too.)

Can I sell it any better? (Probably.) How about: register as a referee for a Division and your child will not be on the wait list after teams are chosen. And, you already have the awesome uniform!

If you are a first-year referee and actually liked it, that's OK, too. Your secret is safe with me.

Also, if anyone has ideas on how to recruit referees from families teams at the first team meeting, I'd love to hear them. I mean, was it that difficult this season to referee?

I know several of our Team Referees are also the Team Coach or Team manager. You shouldn't have to step up when you're already volunteering so much. That is why I'm asking for tips.

If you are a first-year referee: were you a bit apprehensive to raise that hand? Did your apprehensions manifest into reality? I get it. There is a certain fear factor to overcome.

Is it that much more time? All I'm asking is to referee a different match from your kid's, and you were going to be at the fields anyway.

Restrictions: we, the Region, cannot pay referees. So, please do not suggest that.

Last year, I sent out a survey to referees to see what we can improve on. I will do that again, soon.

Pop Quiz:

1. Where should the Referee Team be during Kicks from The Penalty mark?

I'll just answer now.

Center Referee is to the left of the kicker, watching for unsporting run-ups to the ball, and with one Assistant Referee in sight.

One Assistant Referee is on the goal line, watching both the goalkeeper for encroachment and for whether the ball crosses fully over the goal line and into the goal or not, signaling all this.

Other Assistant Referee is with the players in the Center Circle, keeping notes of who will not kick, and who has kicked so far for each team.

2. Where should the non-participating Goalkeeper be?

Non-participating goalkeeper is behind the Assistant Referee on the goal line, outside the Penalty Area.

Page 182 of the LOTG has a nice graphic of the placements, without and with Additional Assistant Referees (which we do not have). Don't have a LOTG open at all times looking to learn something new everyday, as I do? That's OK. Pick up a hard copy at the Ref Tent (like me), or download the app (not like me), or download the document to a PC (like me).

For information regarding flag use that I believe we taught Referees during training, please read pages 187-191.

12U Double-Elimination Tournament: Kicks From The Penalty Mark (KFPM)

All Referees should review Pages 87-90 of the IFAB Laws of The Game (LOTG).

Centers: I will have KFPM forms at the Ref Tent. Please take one before you go to your match.

Centers: As you might have Assistant Referees who have never participated in KFPM, please go over what you want from them. One is on the goal line, the other is keeping track of the players in the center, and you are marking goals/misses.

The taking of kicks from the penalty mark will be conducted according to the IFAB Laws of the game, with the following exceptions:

A. The number of players determines the number of eligible kickers.
So, there will be NINE eligible kickers from each team.

B. As there are no extra overtime periods, each Coach may specify the players to be eligible for the shootout without regard to who was on the field at the end of regulation time. If, due to injury or send-offs, one team has fewer players than the other team eligible to participate, the opposing team must reduce its numbers, so it has the same number of players. The Coach shall inform the Referee of the name and number of each player EXCLUDED from participation in the shootout.

If you have questions about the procedure that is about to happen on your field, please walkie-talkie the Ref Tent.

Thank you, again, for volunteering!

Sean

Monday 10/31/2022

Thanks to all who signed up and showed up to referee on Week 8. We had, again, full teams of referees for every match, though I did take one spot for myself.

Pop Quiz:

You (the Referee) stop play for an injury, and restart with a dropped ball. The player first touching the ball after the drop dribbles the ball toward the opposing goal and scores without any other player touching the ball.

What is the restart?

A. Dropped ball again.

B. Indirect Kick to opposing team, because the player touched the ball again before some other player touched it.

C. Goal Kick, as the ball crossed the Goal Line last touched by an attacking team player and was not a goal.

D. Kickoff for opposing team, because a goal was scored.

Answer below.

12U Double-Elimination Tournament: Kicks From The Penalty Mark (KFPM)

All Referees should review Pages 87-90 of the IFAB Laws of The Game (LOTG).

Centers: I will have KFPM forms at the Ref Tent. Please take one before you go to your match.

The taking of kicks from the penalty mark will be conducted according to the IFAB Laws of the game, with the following exceptions:

A. The number of players determines the number of eligible kickers.
So, there will be NINE eligible kickers from each team.

Pop Answer:

The restart is C: Goal Kick. A player receiving a dropped ball may dribble, but cannot score without the ball touching another player. So, not a goal. Since the ball crossed the Goal Line, last touched by an Attacker, and was not a goal, the restart is a Goal Kick. IFAB, Law 8, Section 2, Page 82.

Thank you, again, for volunteering!

Sean

Tuesday 10/25/2022

Thanks to all who signed up and showed up to referee on Week 7. We had, again, full teams of referees for every match, though I did take two spots for myself and took two tumbles, got hit with the ball twice, and still had a lot of fun.

Pop Quiz:

Goalkeeper in 12U punts the ball, straight up in the air, then catches it in the Penalty Area. What is the restart? (Answer below.)

(Submitted by Michael Gregory.)

12U Double-Elimination Tournament

I explained all the gory details last week, but the important note is that there are twice as many 12U matches over the last two weekends than prior weeks, with six on Sunday 11/6 (also an Extra match that Sunday), and that means we need more referees to fill them.

One issue about this is, of course, that you 12U team referees don't yet know when your team will be playing.

My advice for 12U Team Refs is to wait until you know at least the time of the first match and potential times of the second match.

Seeding will be based on standings, which, in the case of ties, the first tiebreaker is Referee Points. I do not know when seedings will be finalized. As soon as we can following this weekend's matches is all I can promise.

Oh, and if your team gets eliminated early, please do not take that to mean your torture/fun as a referee is done. Please consider refereeing some more, for the kids in your town.

Every team will play in the tournament, but the winner of the tournament must also have the minimum number of referee points and Volunteer hours in order earn trophies and to be invited to the Area Playoffs. See? Volunteering pays off!

Field Monitors

Make sure the Home Team supplies a Field Monitor BEFORE THE MATCH. Make it a part of your Pre-Game inspection routine, so the Home Team has time to get the walkie-talkie and beautiful fluorescent vest. We've all lapsed at one time or another, yes, even me!

And ask the Field Monitor to stay around the same spot, so you can find them when you need them for a player who needs an EMT. Because safety.

I also want to note that this is, in my opinion, one of the best policies we have in Region 9. If you ever have the privilege of refereeing or watching Area Playoffs or Tournaments or even visiting other Regions, you might not find the Field Monitor, who is wandering among several fields, for an injured player. And are there even EMTs on site with ice or a splint or cardiac arrest equipment or what-have-you?

Regarding coach/parent location:

Home team is on the North or West touchline.

NO, the first team to arrive does not get to choose

NO, the home team doesn't get to choose.

Yes, we are still getting teams arriving and setting up on the wrong sides ("the sun!!"), and that is why I keep typing this note.

If you arrive and everyone is already on the wrong side, and you don't want to waste time moving everyone (I wouldn't, making 50 people angry just to make that RRA happy), please note it on the game cards that teams were on the wrong side.

"Why Sean?" you might ask. The main reason is that when we have Board Members observing matches, they don't know which team is which, but they do know which touchline the team has set up on, and that is often the only information we have when reporting issues. And imagine what happens when the wrong coach gets a phone call midweek.

Board Members are also checking to see if the home team side has a Field Monitor, so they naturally check the North or West sides.

Page 18 of the Coaches Manual states that no parent is allowed behind the goal lines to cheer or coach. Stop the game if you must to make the parent move to their touchline.

Page 18 of the Coaches Manual states that parents/spectators need to be 2 yards off the touch line (though between some fields is pretty tight), and Page 36 states that spectators need to be between the tops of the Penalty Areas.

It's all right there, in the Book, for all to see, for coaches to remind spectators where they should be. This has been there for as long as I've been refereeing, which is a long time. This is how it is at nearly every tournament and Area/Section playoffs.

Now, I request that you nicely speak (smile!) to the spectators to have them move. This should be done before the match begins, as you should check the field for hazards such as children or long legs or soccer balls or water bottles too close to the touchline. Do note that the main part of the complaints has been the demeanor of the referee when telling spectators to move. (The other part is that no one has asked them to move in the prior weeks.) So, don't be a pit bull or a chihuahua barking orders. Be a Labrador: all smiles and licking everyone you see, taking precautions for COVID, of course.

Regarding game cards:

I am repeating this part. Still fun, but still getting some "needs improvement" cards (not at the "come see me after class" or "take this note home to your parents" level, though).

We are still missing plenty of U7 and U8 cards. Referees (or coaches): please return them together to the ref tent. While I know we dissemble the ref tent after the 1PM matches start, the 2PM game cards can still be turned in to the Info Booth, next to the Snack Shack. And I have found some of those, and recorded their scores.

ALL: Please fill out the date, time, field number. The top should also be filled out, with the team number and Division (age and gender) by the Coach. If not, ask for the information and fill it out yourself. This allows the two cards to be matched together in case they are not turned in together.

ALL: please note who is OUT of any particular quarter with an "X", NOT an "O" nor a "-",
DO NOT record which players are on the field. MARK ONLY THOSE WHO ARE NOT PLAYING THAT QUARTER!

ALL: please note which player is goalkeeper for the quarter with a "G". NOT A "K"! Looks too much like an "X".

ALL: Please use hash marks for scores, IN THE COLUMNS FOR SCORES, not in the substitution areas!

CENTERS: please review cards for scores, goalkeepers, and players out, and (if necessary) teach the assistants for the following week (but don't make a mess of the current card), before you sign them.

U7/U8: please note the scores at half time and full time, and who was ahead or won and who at the end lost. It helps when trying to match up cards.

If you have questions, please ask us at the Ref Tent! I mean, this is the fourth time I've requested this. (Is it possible that referees are not reading this??)

Regarding Referee Points: AYSO Region 9

Referee Points through 10/23/2022 are on the website, under "Coaches".

You can check your team referee points there. You can also double-check your team's ref points by clicking "Display the Referee Schedule" in the "Referee Scheduling Information" Menu under the "Referee" Menu, filtering using the box at the top, and counting them yourself. If you see anything unusual -- wrong team number for your name, etc. -- please contact me.

Referees do not get credit for signing up and refereeing U7 and U8 matches. I remove those matches before counting the ref points.

Min 10 referee points to qualify for Area Playoffs and Trophies. 15 points max. We no longer add referee points to the standings points. HOWEVER:

NOTE: Referee Points are the FIRST TIEBREAKER at the Division level.

Pop Answer:

The offense is: The goalkeeper illegally handled the ball after releasing it and before another player touched it, and inside the Penalty Area. Restart is an Indirect Kick for the opposing team at the spot where the goalkeeper illegally handled the ball; unless this spot is inside the Goal Area, in which case the ball is spotted on the Goal Area's boundary parallel to the Goal Line and closest to the spot of the offense.

Thank you, again, for volunteering!

Sean

Monday 10/17/2022

Thanks to all who signed up and showed up to referee on Week 6. We had, again, full teams of referees for every match, though I did take a Center Referee spot for myself.

Regarding Goalkeeper Limited Playing Time: Region 9 Rule

Please remind CORE coaches that if they keep the same player as Goalkeeper longer than our AYSO Region 9 rules allow, they will likely get a phone call, and their match might be forfeited. HOWEVER, that is the extent of our interaction with the Coach as an AYSO Team (parents, coaches, referees) Region 9 advisor disclosing that they are breaking rules and there might be consequences.

8U: One Quarter.

10U: Two Quarters.

12U: Three Quarters.

Extra and 14U teams have no limits.

These rules are found in the Coaches Manual, which is found on the Region 9 Website.

Regarding Coach Behavior: IFAB Laws of The Game (LOTG)

All Centers (and Assistants, since you are assisting): Please read pages 106-108 of the LOTG regarding unacceptable coach behavior at ALL Levels of Soccer, resulting in warnings, yellow cards, and red cards.

The Coach Administrator has been notified that I am notifying you.

Again, I ask Referees to intercede, because when coaches "learn" behavior by our letting it slide, it usually escalates for the next Referee. If the team advances to Area playoffs, there might be a REAL learning session from a Referee from some other Region who expects the best behavior and nothing less. And, that gives those people the idea that Region 9 lets their coaches and spectators do whatever they want, ignoring The LOTG.

Also, when coaches/spectators do something you don't find acceptable, but not enough for a card, PLEASE FILL IN THE BACK OF THE CARD REGARDING COACH AND/OR SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR! We don't know if we're not told.

Do note: yellow/red cards do result in your filling out a Misconduct Report, so please be sure to complete one at the Ref Tent. We can help! Be sure to note the time of the incident and the score for the Misconduct Report, and be as factual, exact, and through as possible.

I'd like to consider these issues a learning experience for the coaches. So they will know how to behave in the future.

These laws are found in The Laws Of The Game, and there is a link to it on the Region 9 Website. I also have printed copies at the Ref Tent, should you want one. There is also an app, if that is your preference.

Regarding coach/parent location:

Home team is on the North or West touchline. That way, you know where the Field Monitor is at all times. It also helps us identify teams with behavioral issues via the game cards (unless you write issues on the cards, of course).

NO, the first team to arrive does not get to choose

NO, the home team doesn't get to choose.

Page 18 of the Coaches Manual states that no parent is allowed behind the goal lines to cheer or coach. Stop the game if you must to make the parent move to their touchline.

Page 18 of the Coaches Manual states that parents/spectators need to be 2 yards off the touch line. There is no need for them (or their wayward children) to be any closer. This is a safety issue if anyone has a problem with it.

Regarding game cards:

I had the privilege of recording scores again from the game cards to a spreadsheet this weekend. Still fun!

ALL: Please fill out the date, time, field number. The top should also be filled out, with the team number, and Division (age and gender) by the Coach. This allows the two cards to be matched together in case they are not at first.

ALL: please note who is OUT of any particular quarter with an "X", not an "O" nor a "-" nor note which players are on the field. MARK ONLY THOSE WHO ARE NOT PLAYING THAT QUARTER!

ALL: please note which player is goalkeeper for the quarter with a "G". NOT A "K"! Looks too much like an "X".

CENTERS: please review cards for scores, goalkeepers, and players out, and (if necessary) teach the assistants for the following week (but don't make a mess of the current card).

ALL: Please use hash marks for scores.

U7/U8: please note the scores at half time and full time, and who was ahead or won.

U7/U8: please note who scores in the two columns (1st half and 2nd half) to the right of the player name.

If you have questions, please ask us at the Ref Tent! I mean, this is the third time I've requested this. (Is it possible that referees are not reading this??)

Regarding Referee Points: AYSO Region 9

Referee Points through 10/16/2022 are on the website, under "Coaches".

Note that the Google sheet on the website caps the Ref Points at "Week Number Plus 5", weekly.

Min 10 referee points to qualify for Area Playoffs and Trophies. 15 points max. We no longer add referee points to the standings points. HOWEVER:

NOTE: Referee Points are the FIRST TIEBREAKER at the Division level.

Regarding Region Playoffs and Area Playoffs: AYSO Region 9

The 12U Divisions will be having Region 9 Double-Elimination Playoffs for the final two weeks. That means twice as much fun for referees, as it means almost twice as many matches to referee! Fun!

There will be matches at 2PM on Saturday 11/5/2022.

There will be several matches on Sunday 11/6/2022.

On Saturday 11/12/2022, there will be matches at 2PM, and there might be matches at 5PM!

Winners (assuming Volunteer ref points and hours have been completed) are expected to be invited to the Area playoffs.

Area 10E is allowing The Region to invite THREE 10U teams each of our Boys and Girls. Problem is that we have two divisions.

The Region is allowing the top teams from each Division to go (assuming Volunteer ref points and hours been completed), and the two second-place teams (again, assuming Volunteering completed) will meet in a one-match play-off on Sunday November 13.

To me, that means two more teams of referees.

For 14U, the two teams in each Division will play one more time, and the points result total (NOT the aggregate score, and excluding other Area play) will determine who will go to Playoffs, again, assuming Volunteering is completed.

Thank you, again, for volunteering!

Sean

Monday 10/10/2022

Thanks to all who signed up and showed up to referee on Week 5. We had, again, full teams of referees for every match, though I did take an Assistant Referee spot for myself..

Special Thank You

I want to thank: Dan R, Gregory S, David H, John M, Barry W, Steve P, Kathryn M, Sarah C, Mark E, Ian M, and John C for filling in all the blank spaces. The players deserve to have three referees at each 10U+ match, though it would help a lot if every team had a volunteer a referee to register, take safety courses, and take the Regional Referee Badge course(s). Who knows, maybe they will accidentally like doing it. But, some (11 teams, specifically) will never know.

Regarding IFAB Laws of The Game (LOTG) and AYSO Rules:

In case anyone has been told differently: a player who is substituted due to injury DURING playing time (not at the substitution break or half-time) may NOT be substituted back in until the next scheduled substitution break. This has been AYSO policy since I started 20 years ago, found in the AYSO Reference Book, which is found on the home page of this website, in the "Important Documents" area. And we referees are to enforce this.

Remember last year (if you were around) when I asked what the restart is when a goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball outside of the penalty area and in the field of play? Well, I'll ask again: what is the restart? (Hint: answer is the same as last year and every year before that; scroll way down, to 11/11/2021).

Regarding game cards:

I had the privilege of recording scores from the game cards to a spreadsheet this weekend. Fun! We are stapling the cards together at the Ref tent, so they are easier to do this job. We are stamping a star only on Extra Matches and 14U game cards, as these competitions are run by Area or Section(s).

We are still missing plenty of U7 and U8 cards. Referees (or coaches): please return them together to the ref tent.

ALL: Please fill out the date, time, field number. The top should also be filled out, with the team number, and Division (age and gender) by the Coach. This allows the two cards to be matched together in case they are not at first.

ALL: please note who is OUT of any particular quarter with an "X", AND which player is goalkeeper for the quarter with a "G". CENTERS: please correct assistants for the following week (but don't make a mess of the current card).

U7/U8: please note the scores at half time and full time, and who was ahead or won.

U7/U8: please note who scores in the two columns (1st half and 2nd half) to the right of the player name.

If you have questions, please ask us at the Ref Tent!

Thank you, again, for volunteering!

Sean

Wednesday 9/28/2022

Thanks to all who signed up and showed up to referee on Week 3. We had, again, full teams of referees for every match, though I did take an Assistant Referee Spot for myself and one on Sunday for Extra.

A couple of observations to note:

New law states that "The Referee Shall toss the coin…" That means the kids don't get to do it anymore.

Assistant Referees: please be persistent in getting substitutions at the Substitution Break. By that, I mean going straight to the coach and asking (nicely) for subs. This is not a break to coach the team, even though many will, so don't spend any time waiting for "the right time" to interrupt.
When you are finished noting the subs (with an "X") AND the goalkeeper (with a "G") on the Game Card, return to where you should be on the touchline (second-to-last defender, ball or halfway/build-out line), eyes on the Referee so they know you are ready to restart. Of course, hotter days will be an exception for a slightly longer sub break for water, with the Referee's approval.

Referees: please push coaches, players, and A.R.'s for the Substitution Break to be as short as possible, so the players can play more. Do not yourself get water (unless absolutely necessary, of course), as it lengthens the sub break.

ALL: Please return the game cards! We were missing one or both of EIGHT Game cards last week! They go in the black box, along with misconduct reports.

Referees of Section 1 EXTRA matches: regardless of what you've heard in the past, BOTH Teams' coaches are required to report the results of the match. BOTH coaches will take pictures of the game cards. For the Home games, Brian will keep the paper copies, as well as any misconduct reports, and get them to Adam.

Don't believe me, well, check Page 9 of this:

https://ayso1ref.com/lib1/pdf/2022_Section_1_EXTRA_Guidelines.2022-07-31.pdf

AND, they are supposed to sign the cards!

Thank you, again, for volunteering!

Thursday 9/22/2022

Thanks to all who signed up and showed up to referee on Week 2. We had, again, full teams of referees for every match!

A couple of observations to note:

I see too many instances of coaches roaming the whole touchline. Maybe they don't know to keep to their technical area because they have not read the Coaches Manual or were not explicitly told by Region 9.

I saw the son of a coach walk around to the other touchline to provide coaching instruction! Now, this is all sorts of wrong to it. I do not think the son was a coach (seemed a bit young), and walking around to the other side is clearly not allowed.

There was an incident where a spectator was recording the match on his phone from behind the goal line, and cheering/instructing players.

So, I asked the Coach Administrator to tell the coaches the following:

1. Stay in their Technical Area, which is the width of the Center Circle (NOT THE BUILD-OUT LINE!) AND a yard off the touchline. (Page 36 of the Coaches Manual.)

2. Prevent coaching by spectators. If it cannot be handled, ask a Board Member to help for the next week. (Page 36 of the Coaches Manual.)

3. Keep spectators on their own touchline between the edges of the Penalty Areas. (Page 36 of the Coaches Manual.)

4. Keep spectators and coaches physically OFF the touchline, so they do not affect play AND so they do not block the view of the Assistant Referee. (Page 36 of the Coaches Manual.)

5. If spectators want to record the action or retrieve off-field balls from behind the goal, NO CHEERING.

6. When a Referee Staff member or Board member asks during a match to do any of these things, they should comply, and they should not respond that “The Referee hasn’t said anything so it must be OK.”

Again, The HOME Team is the North (closest to Janss) or West (closest to Freeway) Sides of the fields. NO, the first people to arrive don't get to choose. NO, the home team doesn't get to choose. This also applies to Extra Matches and 14U Area Matches.

Thank you again!

Monday 9/12/2022

Thanks to all who signed up and showed up to referee this past weekend! All of the 10+ and Extra matches' Referee Spots were filled, thanks to several multi-gamers like Chuck H, Michael W, Paul J, John C, and David H! And I had to turn away a young lad who wanted to do more.

Already this coming week, we are better off today (Monday) than last Wednesday! But I'll get to that with the Wednesday e-mail. Maybe we will open up Stand-by spots this week.

So, a couple of reminders:

Please plan to show up to Sign In to your game at the ref tent 30 minutes ahead of the game time. AND, to show up at your field 15 minutes prior to game time, preferably together as a full team of referees. We have a lot of Pre-game activities that are critical for a well-refereed match.

We have some newer referees, and we might not go over this thoroughly enough in the Training class: please mark the players on the game cards who are out (NOT in!) with an "X", and who the keeper is playing with a "G", return to the touchline, get eye contact with the Referee, and await the restart. During the Substitution (NOT WATER!) break, please do not commiserate with the referee at this time, unless it is seriously important. Wait until halftime or the end of the match to discuss matters. The clock does not stop for these substitution breaks, so let's help finish them as quickly as possible, so the players can play.
The long version is here:
https://www.ayso9.org/Default.aspx?tabid=949922

Brian S will also be passing along the poorly-pre-written game cards (first name only, out of numerical order, substitutions already filled (NO!), etc.) to the Coach Administrator. Coaches need to fill these out in advance. There's a whole six days until the next match.

Also, we use Anglosphere "tally marks" (wiki it!) for goals. There is a column for 1st half goals and a column for 2nd half goals. REFEREES: Please check the cards before you sign them for consistency of scores! Yes, someone (Brian) is looking at them and keeping track!

Regarding sunglasses: I know some of our Referees are adamantly opposed to the wearing of them by Assistants (and Centers). I get it. It's hard to make actual eye contact. So, if an Assistant (or Center) is wearing sunglasses, they will have to communicate harder (nods or shakes of heads, hand gestures, etc.) to get their opinions and feelings across. Even if it might mean dropping the sunglasses down and getting actual eye contact. At higher levels with more serious Referees, yeah, they will seriously frown down upon on sunglasses use. But I'm more in the "mildly frown" camp and probably a foot into the "meh" camp. It's AYSO, we are all volunteers, and I think we can live with sunglasses use. Save the seriously frowning for Area and Section Playoffs and higher-level assessments, please.

The HOME Team is the North (closest to Janss) or West (closest to Freeway) Sides of the fields. If you arrive early enough, you can make them switch. One main reason: The EMTs know this rule. When someone says "the home side" they will go to the North or West side. Also, it is easier for Board Members to see that there are Field Monitors by checking the North or West sides for them. Oh, and make sure there is a Field Monitor, and that you know where they are (and it's best that they do not roam).

Sorry for not getting the water cart out for you folks during halftime. First week coordinating issues.

Thank you again!

Sean

Wednesday 11/17/2021

Last week was another full week of Referees! We should be thankful that in our Region each match is expected to have a full contingent of three referees. I know of only one instance all year where we employed Club Linesmen. I hear sad stories of other Regions, and I wish they had what we have.

So, last week I started the pop quiz. As fun (or pedantic) as it was, I was notified that last week a referee AGAIN restarted with an indirect free kick for a deliberate handball by a goalkeeper outside the Penalty Area. So, wondering if this idea works... or should I simply be a snark and ask the question again??

Nah. New pop quiz, two questions.
a) Involving Offside: If a player kicks the ball "backward" (away from the goal line instead of toward it) can Offside ever be called?
b) A Non-Goalkeeper Player deliberately stops the ball from going in the goal with their hand. Is it a goal?

OK, this is the final weekend of the regular season. We have All-Star teams forming and some coaches you know might ask you to volunteer for tournaments. Consider helping out.

Next year, I plan to have a Center Referee session in Early October. We don't train referees to be centers in our pre-season sessions, because there is simply too much to learn in one shot.
We had a good amount of new referees asking to be Centers, and that's awesome (Elise, Denver, Greg and Corey come to mind). In order not to repeat ourselves (over and over…) with each new center, we can have one session to go over all the pre-game, game, and post-game duties. It makes getting two points for your team a whole lot easier.

Quick note: when you are a team referee watching your team's match, PLEASE:

1. Do not wear your uniform top. You could be a distraction to the center if they see double on the touchline. You also become the touchline's "Fact-Checker" for all questions about the referee team's decisions. "That's up to the opinion of the referee, not me," seems a decent response.

2. Do not loudly question the decisions from the touchline. Yes, you might know the proper restart, or know all there is about Offside, but in the same manner that you don't want people loudly questioning YOUR refereeing for which you are also volunteering your time, please stay positive, or quiet.

Answer to the pop quiz:
a) Well, it IS possible but extremely rare: a teammate, in an offside position when the ball was touched, would, after the ball is played, go back toward the ball (away from the goal) and play the ball or get involved in the play.
Recall the THREE requirements for Offside Position, which, recall again, IS NOT AN OFFENSE:
Ahead of the ball, AND ahead of the second-to-last opponent, AND ahead of the halfline/build-out line.
If there is no teammate in an offside position when the ball is touched, there can be no offside. Personally, I like to keep track of players in offside position by counting with the fingers of my non-flag hand. You'd be amazed at how often the count changes!

Also, there can be no offside offense on restarts after a ball goes off the pitch: throw-in, goal kick, and corner kick, BUT ONLY ON THE INITIAL RESTART. After the restart or second touch, yes, there can be offside.

b) If a non-goalkeeper player deliberately stops a ball from going into a goal with his hand, it is NOT considered a goal. A goal occurs only when the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, AND no other offense by the attacking team has occurred. Since that didn't happen, it is not a goal.
Now, certainly SOME offense has occurred. How do we proceed with this at the different levels of AYSO?

U7U8: restart is an indirect kick at the spot of the foul, or if in the goal area, on the closest boundary of the goal area off the goal line. And, explain nicely that the player shouldn't do that, with a smile to convey that it's not the end of the world.

U10+: Be sure it was deliberate and not a natural position, as stated in the Laws of The Game. If in the Penalty Area: Penalty Kick. If outside the Penalty Area: Direct Free Kick at the spot of the offense.

Additionally:

U10: Explain nicely that the player shouldn't do that, with a smile to convey that it's not the end of the world. No, we will not caution (yellow) or eject (red) that player in Core. Extra Program? If I were the referee, I would need to decide if that player knew what they were doing, knew it was wrong, and did it anyway.

U12: Explain nicely that the player shouldn't do that, with a smile to convey that it's not the end of the world. Caution or eject that player? If I were the referee, I would need to decide if that player knew what they were doing, knew it was wrong, and did it anyway.

U14: No more Mr Nice Guy here. Caution or eject (for DOGSO) that player, according to The Laws of The Game.

Thank you again for reading. It has been a great season, thanks to all of our volunteers!!

Thursday 11/11/2021

Thanks to all who signed up and showed up to referee this past weekend! I refereed only one match, so I consider that a success!

So, fun new game here, we have a pop quiz: For AYSO 10U+ matches, what is the restart when a goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball outside the penalty area? The answer should not surprise you!

Also, for all referees, both centers and AR's: please bring watches to time the halves.

And, politely correct anyone who thinks you should be timing to the quarterly substitution break. I've heard stories of coaches wondering "why the quarter is still going."
Somewhere around half of the half, stop play for substitutions. I prefer they be substitutions only, though that falls on coaches', referees', parents', and players' deaf ears. Exception in the IFAB laws of the game do allow for breaks due to weather, but the weather has been great the past few weeks.
During substitution breaks, A.R.s please mark your players who are out (with an "X") and the keeper who is in (with a "G"), return to the touchline, and await the restart. Please do not commiserate with the referee at this time. Wait until halftime or the end of the match to discuss matters. The clock does not stop for these substitution breaks, so let's help make them as quick as possible.

Answer to the pop quiz:
Outside one's own penalty area, the restart for ALL direct kick offenses is a direct kick.
Deliberately handling the ball outside one's own penalty area by all players is a direct kick offense.

Inside one's own penalty area: the restarts differ when it is the defense's keeper -- I count five such instances when a keeper may not handle the ball in the Penalty Area (can you?), which results in an indirect free kick -- versus the defense's non-keeper, which results in a penalty kick.
Please also note that the penalty area includes the lined boundary. Consult your A.R. in such cases, to make sure the call your team makes is as correct as it could be.

Thank you again!

Wednesday 11/03/2021

Thanks to all who signed up and showed up to referee this past weekend!

A couple of thoughts and reminders:

All-Star and Extra Program coaches would like a list of referees who want to volunteer for their teams. I plan to send them all of our Level 6 and higher referees. If you are a Level 6 or higher referee and DO NOT want to be contacted, please e-mail me.

Area League Playoffs and Area All-Star Playoffs are just around the corner, in December and January respectively. If you'd like to volunteer for these, and Steve Cooper doesn't have your name from prior years' tourneys, please e-mail me and I'll forward your info. He's always looking for experienced and high-quality referees. Who knows, maybe you'll be among the select few who earn a free weekend vacation in Bakersfield for the Section Championships!

Oh, a reminder: please stop play for the injured when you find it necessary. Your level of necessity might vary based on the level of play.

Personally, I'll stop play when there is a lull (goalkeeper possession, for example) or I'll delay the restart of play.

Of course, the exceptions to this are head injuries and suspected heart incidences. Please stop the match immediately if you believe there might be a head injury or a heart incident.

Thank you again!

Wednesday 10/20/2021

Thanks to all who signed up and showed up to referee this past weekend! I only refereed one game, so that's good.

A couple of thoughts and reminders:

1. Please arrive 30 minutes ahead of your match, and sign in at the Ref Tent. This is mainly for my sanity, and I like my sanity.

2. Please arrive 15 minutes ahead of your match at your Field. There are a lot of procedures required pre-game, most of which are for the safety of the players: inspecting players, fields, nets, getting a Field Monitor, pregame instructions to A.R.'s, etc. You know how bad the parking lot gets. Please plan ahead.

3. If there are delays in the previous match, please try to start your match on time. Teams are not allotted any amount of practice on the field prior to a match. If the previous match is running long, inspect your match's players while that match is still playing. Even the Coin Flip and getting the soccer balls from the home team can be done prior to the end of the previous match.

4. Home teams are to place themselves on the North or West side of the field, and the Away team on the opposite side.
Home team does not get to choose.
First team to arrive does not get to choose.
Please remind coaches of this if they are not complying.
This includes Section 1 Extra, Section 10 Extra, and 14U Area Matches!

5. Please do not, as a Referee or Assistant Referee, retrieve the soccer balls for the players. Conserve your energy. (You can stop one with your foot or hand if you don't have to move too far.)

6. Remember that there is no race to be first with a call of a foul or out of bounds. Wait for the ball to go out of bounds before moving your arm. If necessary, make eye contact with your refereeing teammate and agree before making a call.

7. Do not let spectators coach or cheer behind the goals. It can be distracting to the players. This has happened a few times, and we don't want it to become a habit. If they are back there only taking pictures/video or retrieving balls, that's fine. Otherwise, coaches are in their technical areas (width of the Center Circle), and cheering spectators are between the "18's."

8. Referees of Adult League Matches:
We've heard some concerns about "obvious" fouls not being called and concerns of the safety of the players.
Please consider calling the game with an eye on safety and fairness.

Thanks again!

10/13/2021

Thanks to all who signed up and showed up to referee this past weekend!

Just a few observations and notes from the past weekend:

1. Please wear your black shorts and black socks, and affix your patch to the velcro. Do note that your appearance is the first thing coaches and spectators see, and their first impression might stick with them.

2. Referees as spectators: please take off, or cover, your referee jersey. An extra yellow shirt on the touchline can be confusing for the center referee. AND, any questions from others that you answer regarding specific decisions by the Referee can be held against them (or you).
Sample acceptable responses to questions: "They are experienced, so they know better than I"; "They can only call what they see"; "I'm just here to watch my {fill in relation} playing soccer"; "I don't know." Etc.

3. I have had a few newer (and returning) referees wanting to try being the (Center) Referee for matches, but would like some pointers.

I have added an "Advice for Referees" page on the website:

https://www.ayso9.org/Default.aspx?tabid=962072

This contains a lot of info, taken from a usyouthsoccer web page, but I believe it to be sage advice to anyone starting out. If any of our more experienced referees think there should be some editing, please let me know!

I am looking for more Level 4 Referees who would like to try the Center. Please read the advice above, and ask at the ref tent!

4. For any referees just getting back into refereeing after being idle for three or more years, there were a lot of changes to the Laws of The Game in 2019:

Coin Toss

Goal Kicks and other Kicks inside the Penalty Area

Dropped Balls

Ball Touching the Referee

Cards to Team Officials

Attackers Near a Wall

Handball

Penalty Kick: Keeper Position

Please review those Law Changes if you hadn't refereed for a few years. I have posted a summary of them under "Law Changes" on the web site:

https://www.ayso9.org/Default.aspx?tabid=962073

10/6/2021

Good news for me is that I got to referee three matches last Saturday!

Bad news for me is that I HAD to referee three matches last Saturday.

Referee Team: please make sure that the Game Cards are returned to the Referee Tent. We are still missing game cards. Check your bags and pockets! I know it happens, because I've done it myself!

Also, if the game is an Extra match or a 14U match, these have to be forwarded on to Section or Area Administrators, respectively. Please let us know so we can keep them separated. (note to self: bring two paper clips...)

I see there are six Core Teams with 0 referee points. Anyone can see this, as it is available in the "Standings" page on the Region 9 website.

This week, we have only three Extra Matches and three 14U matches. Good news, as these matches, when there are a lot, increase the number of Experienced Referees needed.

It also means that, assuming equal numbers of home games, that other weekends will be heavy on Extra matches.

On 10/23 and 11/6, Region 9 will host EIGHT and SEVEN Extra Matches, respectively, and TWO and TWO 14U matches, respectively.

Please, Experienced Referees, please, be available on those days! I know that the AYSO United teams have been informed of this, so thank you in advance United Refs (and thank you, Steve Brown)!

And, any newer referees at Level 4 who want to move up in Level ranking to be able to sign up as AR's for Extra Matches or 14U matches, please e-mail me, and I'll have a member of our mentoring team observe you. to provide feedback for you and for me.

09/13/2021
Hey, all. Thanks to all who signed up online and worked their games! And thanks to those who walked up and volunteered, and to those who stepped to do one more match.

We had a good week for refereeing: all spots were filled, though we did not have enough sign-ups to open the stand-by spots.
Stand-by spots are opened up ONLY WHEN ALL Level 4 (10U and 12U AR) spots are filled.
We had another 20 new referees take the Regional (10U and up) Badge On-Field Course on Saturday. So I expect those spots to be filled and the Stand-By spots to be opened and filled.

I've had some comments that I need to relay to you:

1. DO NOT START THE MATCH UNTIL THE FIELD MONITOR IS AT THE FIELD WITH A WALKIE-TALKIE IN HAND AND HAS SIGNED THE HOME TEAM CARD! I'm yelling in caps, because it is important, for the players' (and your own) safety.

2. 10U and above Center Referees: please make sure that the two game cards match in scores before signing them. Make sure that the Assistant Referees, who might be new at this, fill out the cards correctly. We had two cards from a game not match each other. AND, make sure the cards get back to the ref tent. We're missing one card.

3. U7 and U8 Referees: make sure the coaches fill out their cards correctly. They should match before you sign them and turn them in.

As usual, if anyone wants an observer to watch their first (or second) match ever, please ask us at the tent.
And, if anyone wants to step up to be The (center) Referee at a match or take on more challenging assignments at a higher Schedule Level, I welcome it (nothing at the Ref Tent makes me happier), but I want some expert eyes to observe and/or monitor before I can allow your referee level to be changed on our Self-Scheduling System.

2020:

This is Sean Donohoe, Referee Administrator, and this is a new feature regarding updates and other observations that we would like to share with our referees.

Thank you everyone for signing up online, signing in to your matches at the ref tent, and refereeing the matches!
And thank you everyone for a great year!

We would like to find ways to improve our referees. If you have some ideas, please let us hear them! For the most part, refereeing more matches is the best way to improve one's ability, as is reviewing your performance afterward with other referees. That is one feature of the Referee Tent, and I hope you utilize the resources (other referees) there.

I would also like to hear from you if your experiences as a referee -- training, signing up, the matches, the staff -- were less fun than you hoped for.

Email me at [email protected] with any of your thoughts on improving the referee experience at Region 9.

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