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 blue shed
• Check day's schedule, and any announcements
• Inspect the field.
• Check nets, sidelines, corner flags, scan pitch.
• Meet with referee team.
• Discuss positioning, signaling, and questions
• Get scorecards from coaches.
• Get game ball from a coach.
• Check for assistant referee's flags.
• Equipment check/quick talk to 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.
• Goalkeepers & AR's ready?
• Check time.
• 3rd/4th: 12.5 minute quarters.
• 5th/6th: 15 minute quarters.
• 7th/8th: 35 minute halves.
• Teams positioned for kick-off.
• 6-10 yards, all players on own half.
• Whistle and point in the direction of kickoff to start the half.
• Ball played (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.
• Confirm score and 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 by email and drop off a physical card at the blue shed.