Referee Game Day Checklist

BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE

• Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes early
• Allow time for parking and coffee
• Bring uniform, watch, whistle, coin, red & yellow cards, pen or pencil

BEFORE THE GAME

• Stop at the shed
• Check day’s schedule, next week’s schedule, announcements
• Inspect Field
• Check nets, sidelines, corner flags, scan pitch
• Meet with Referee Team
• Discuss positioning, signaling, and questions
• Scorecards from coaches
• Game ball
• Referee Flags
• Equipment check/quick talk for each team
• Look for shin guards (required), jewelry (none), casts (none), dangerous cleats
• Discuss expectations and encourage fair play
• Meet captains for coin toss & introductions (winning call chooses direction, other kicks-off)

START OF THE GAME

• Count players on field
• AR’s and Goalkeepers ready?
• Check watch
• U8: 20 minute halves
• U10: 25 minute halves
• U12: 30 minute halves
• U14: 35 minute halves
• Teams positioned for kick-off
• 10 yards, all players on own half
• Whistle and point in the direction of kickoff to start the half
• Ball played forward (even the slightest tap will do)

HALF-TIME

• 5 minutes
• Referee Team meets to review and check-in
• Notify teams at 4 minutes that start will be in 1 minute

END OF GAME

• Referee Team meets at center then moves to sideline and review game
• Sign scorecards. Note situations requiring follow-up
• Overly rough play, ref no-show, field maintenance required, sideline problems.
• Assure that teams respectfully congratulate each other
• Turn scorecards in at shed (white box on side of shed)