Basic Referee Course

1. Basic Referee Course • Regional Referee Badge • Required for U9 and above • No Prerequisites • Requirements: • Register for course • Attend course • Sign roster + eAYSO pre-reg. • Pass tests • Signed volunteer application • Field clinic (recommended)

2. —Agenda — Basic Referee Course • *** Opening Remarks(Introductions & Housekeeping) (15 min.) *** • Module 1Safe Haven Certification (40 min.) [video][test] • Module 2 The Game of Soccer (10 min.) • Module 3 Pre-game Preparation (15 min.) [video] • Module 4 Starting the Game (10 min.) • Module 5 Stopping Play (15 min.) • Module 6 Restarting Play (120 min.) [video][field][class] • *** Lunch Served (30 min.) *** • Module 7 Fouls (45 min.) [video] • Module 8 Misconduct (15 min.) • Module 9 Offside (45 min.) (Will use The Soccer Tutor Program) • Module 10 Referee and Assistant Referee Mechanics (15 min.) • Module 11 Post Game (10 min.) [video] • *** Break (5 min. *** • Module 12 Referee Support & Review (15 min.) • *** Basic Referee Test and Review (45 min.) *** • Field Positioning Clinic (45 min.) [field]

3. 3 min. Basic Referee Course Intro

4. Why Are You Here? Top Reasons: • I need the money • My spouse signed me up • If I don’t do it my kids can’t play • Youth Referee Benefits • Community service - Yes • Earn registration fees - Yes • Earn referee points for team - Yes Whatever your reason for being here— Let’s make it an enjoyable learning experience!

5. Module 1 – Referee Safe Haven Audio Version Next Module

6. About AYSO • A volunteer run soccer organization • Over 650,000 players • Over 300,000 volunteers • About 60 paid staff • Organized into about: • 15 Sections • 50 Areas • 1000 Local Regions • Founded in 1964 in Torrance CA • National office located in Hawthorne, CA(1-800-USA-AYSO or www.soccer.org)

7. What is Safe Haven? • An AYSO program developed to help us protect: • The kids in our program, and • Ourselves • Safe Haven Includes: • Rules & Regulations • Polices & Procedures • Job Descriptions • Certification & Training • Background Checks (conducted by National) • Certification: Child-specific Safe Haven courses. • Training: Discipline-specific courses e.g. coach, referee and management training courses.

8. AYSO Philosophy • Everyone Plays • Our program goal is for kids to play soccer — so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least half of every game • Balanced Teams • Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible — because it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play. • Open Registration • Our program is open to all children between 4 and 19 years of age who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing. • Positive Coaching • Encouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment by the players and ultimately leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players. • Good Sportsmanship • We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win-at-all-costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO.

9. Volunteer Responsibilities& Legal Protections • Volunteers must submit an AYSO volunteer application form every year. • Volunteers must follow AYSO job descriptions, policies, procedures and guidelines. • Volunteers are also required to: • Complete Safe Haven Certification • Be properly trained • And, be authorized by a region to do their job • Volunteers are protected by Good Samaritan laws & the Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997

10. Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs • AYSO National Rules & Regulations prohibit the use of alcohol, tobacco & other drugs at practices and games and in the immediate vicinity of the fields. • Volunteers are role models and must act accordingly at all times. • Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 does not provide protection for criminal acts.

11. Supervision Policies • Recommended supervision ratios: • One adult per 8 or fewer children (1:8) • At least 2 adults present at all times. • At least 1 adult of the same gender. • Volunteers should never be alone with children.

12. Types of Abuse 3 Widely Recognized • Emotional • Physical • Sexual 2 Newly Recognized • Neglect – (e.g. Left at the field) • Ethical – (e.g. Encouraged to cheat)

13. Prevent False Accusations • Avoid being alone with a child. • Stay within the sight of others. • Respect their privacy and yours. • Avoid sexual jokes, comments or gestures.

14. AYSO Touching Policy • Some forms of touching are acceptable. • In response to child’s not adult’s needs. • Touch only with child’s permission • Resistance must be respected. • Touching must be brief in duration. • Avoid touching child’s private areas. • Never touch a child when out of sight. • Factors change with age and gender.

15. Blood-Borne Diseases • Possibility of contracting a blood-borne disease is minimal, however, precautions must be taken. • AYSO guidelines are clear. • Cannot play if bleeding • Wounds must be properly covered • Clothing must be disinfected • Coach is responsible for correcting the problem

16. Risk Management • Volunteers must take action to avoid risks. • Consider environmental conditions • Temperature, humidity, rain, thunder & lightning, etc. • Repair or avoid physical surroundings • Sprinkler heads, unsecured goals, objects on the field, wet field, etc. • Act to prevent injuries • Don’t wait for accidents to happen, avoid them.

17. AYSO Team Concept • The “Team” must work together to protect the kids and to provide them with a proper environment for development. • A team is only as strong as its weakest link.

18. Making a Safe Haven • Finally, if: • You learn your job well • Follow the rules & regulations • Report and follow up on problems • And, always use common sense • You will create a Safe Haven for yourself and for our children.

19. Safe Haven Confirmation • AYSO Volunteers must complete, sign and submit a Volunteer Application form only once. • All AYSO coaches and referees are required to do the following: complete Safe Haven Certification, be properly trained in their jobs and be authorized to do their job by the appropriate AYSO authority. • The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 grants immunity for volunteers from certain types of prosecution, including offenses involving alcohol, tobacco products and illegal or prescription only drugs.AYSO is based which five key philosophies. • Training is defined as the education a volunteer receives to do a specific job or task. • Certification is Safe Haven specific and confirms key competencies in a volunteer. • The recommended supervision ratio is 1:16. • AYSO recommends that at least two adults be present when children are being supervised and at least one adult be of the same gender as the children being supervised. • Psychologists, legislators and educators around the country generally recognize only the following three types of abuse: Emotional, physical and sexual.

20. Safe Haven Confirmation • AYSO volunteers should avoid situations, including transporting youngsters in a car, in which they are alone with a child other than their own. • Some forms of touching children are acceptable as long as they are respectful and appropriate. • Criticism of referee decisions is a part of sport and need not be discouraged in young players. • Players emulate the behavior of adults at sporting events and develop lasting attitudes and values based on the behavior modeled by adults in youth sports. • Physical features such as sprinkler heads, goal posts and walls may present significant hazards. • The possibility of contracting a blood-borne disease such as AIDS or hepatitis B through athletic activity is high. • The 5 basic philosophies of AYSO are Everyone Plays, Balanced Teams, Open Registration, Positive Coaching and Good Sportsmanship.

21. Conclusion This Concludes Safe Haven Certification —————— Please Complete the Safe Haven Certification Test

22. The Game of Soccer Module 2

23. “Soccer For Dummies” • Soccer is • a game played by two opposing teams, • in two halves of equal time, • with a spherical ball, • on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. • The object of the game is to get the ball • entirelyover your opponents’ goal line and • inside their goal, • without using your hands or arms. • After the kick-off, play is continuous until either: • The ball entirelyleaves the field of play, or • The referee blows the whistle. • Play is restartedfairly based on why it was stopped. • The referee’s job is to keep the game—SAFE, FAIR and FUN for everyone. …

24. History of the Game • Known as “Association Football” • Historical Roots — Kicking an “object” from one goal to another goal. • Modern Game — LOTG written in 1863 at a meeting in Fleet Street, London. • FIFA was created in Paris in 1904 and moved to Zurich in 1974. • AYSO complies with FIFA Laws.(Our special rules all fit under FIFA’s exceptions for youth soccer)

25. Spirit of the Game • Over-riding philosophy — “Spirit of Fair Play” • If ball leaves the field, the other team gets to restart.(throw-in, goal kick or corner kick) • For infringements of the Law opponents receive a free kick(direct free kick, indirect free kick or penalty kick) • In the extreme, but only if necessary, a caution or send-off. • Game should be SAFE, FAIR and FUN. • Referee has full authority to enforce the LOTG • Referee’s degree of discretion is fundamental and unique. • Authority to stop, suspend, or terminate, at his/her discretion. • Game is meant to flow continuously • Played with as little interference as possible, • Stops only if ball completely leaves the field, or • Referee blows the whistle

26. Spirit of the Game(Rules & Regs) National Rules & Regulations • “The Laws of the Game are intended to provide that games should be played withas little interference as possible, and in this view it is the duty of the referee to penalize only deliberate breaches of the Law”. • “Constant whistling for trifling and doubtful breaches produces bad feelings and loss of temper on the part of the players and spoils the pleasure of spectators”.

27. Philosophy of Refereeing • Be a friendly “aunt or uncle” not a policeman. • Maintain a fun learning environment. • Know, understand and apply the rules. — Always use common sense— • You must see an infraction to punish it. • The need to caution or send-off a young player is extremely rare and can usually be avoided.

28. Small-sided Play • Smaller fields mean more games. • More touches on the ball. • Faster skill development. • Must check local rules • Number of players • Field sizes and markings • Special rules

29. Dealing with Young Players • Positive Coaching is MandatoryPositive – Instructional – Encouraging

30. Age Specific Issues • U-6 Very simple rules — just fun • U-8 Simple rules — start learning game • U-9/10 The whole game — control parents • U-12 Skills better — parents better • U-14 Hormones kick in — control is key • U-16 Better be in shape — fouls galore • U-19 A little easier — if you can keep up

31. Review • Soccer is a game with a long & interesting history. • Underlying “Spirit of the Game” is Fairness. • AYSO is based on five key philosophies. • We want a SAFE, FAIR and FUN environment. • No Tobacco or Alcohol permitted. • “AYSO Team” must work together for the kids. • Referee should be a “Friendly Authority.” • Referee must understand and adjust to age differences.

32. Confirmation • Name the 3 elements of positive coaching (PIE)? • A coach may smoke if the players cannot see it? • If a member of the AYSO Team does not support the team who gets hurt? • The main focus of the “Spirit of the Game” is? • A young player who misbehaves must be publicly disciplined as an example?

33. Wrap-up • Each game is a learning opportunity for the players, coaches, parents and referees. Take advantage of it. …... Applause

34. Pre-game Preparation Module 3

35. 5 min. Pre-game Preparation

36. Field Issues • AYSO fields may not be perfect. • goal posts, nets, corner flags, lines, coaches’ area, • holes, water, mud, debris, sprinkler heads. • Use common sense • play the game if it’s safe. • The coaches’ area is an important aid in reducing sideline problems. • Coaches’ Area exists even if not marked • Mark one if necessary (use cones or bags)

37. Ball Issues • The referee is responsible for securing and approving a proper ball for the match • See lineup card or AYSO LOTG for correct size. • Check the number on the ball, don’t guess. • Smooth, no loose panels, most colors are okay. • Not too hard or too soft – depress ¼ inch. • Rotates evenly when tossed. • May need backup balls. • The home team is generally responsible for providing game balls, and has the right to do so. • Regional or competition policies concerning the game ball may vary.

38. Uniform & Safety Issues • Players must have the required equipment (5 items)(shirt, shorts, shinguards, socks and shoes). • All players on a team, except the goalkeeper, should have the same uniforms. • Teams and goalkeepers must be reasonably distinguishable from each other. (home must change) • Socks must be put on over the shinguards and completely cover them. • Allowed: Prescription glasses, medical alert bracelets and knee braces, unless they are clearly unsafe. • Not allowed: Jewelry, casts or splints, hats with hard bills. Nothing dangerous is allowed.

39. Referee Pre-game Checklist Arrive: ½ hour early, properly dressed, warm-up, smile, be prepared to have FUN. Bring: Uniform, badge, coin, whistle, flags, Law book, Nat’l. Rules & Regs, watch,pencil, pad, shoes. Referees: Shake hands, review responsibilities. Coaches: Shake hands, get game cards, #subs. (AYSO Team) Field: Check goal posts, nets, holes, water, mud, debris, sprinkler heads, lines, coaches’ area, corner flags. Players: Check for: safe shoes, shinguards, socks, jewelry, uniform colors, goalkeeper colors, hats, shoes tied properly, shirts tucked in. Ball: Obtain and inspect the game ball. Start: Conduct coin toss. Read this checklist before leaving for the game!

40. Confirmation • What would you do if a child says that a soft friendship bracelet cannot be removed? • What would you do if a player is wearing a cast that is wrapped in ½” closed-cell, slow-recovery foam with no hard edges showing? • Why is the coaches’ area required by AYSO? • Which is worse, a ball that is too hard, or too soft? • What are the two most important things to consider when deciding if a field is playable?

41. Wrap-up • A referee who comes to the field on time, prepared, and with a positive attitude, has a much better chance of enjoying the experience. …... Applause

42. Starting the Game Module 4

43. Coin Toss • Don’t forget to bring a coin! • Visiting team gets to make the call. • Winner chooses which end of field to start on. • Loser kicks off to start game. • At the start of the 2nd half • Teams switch ends of the field. • Team that didn’t kick off to start the game, kicks off to start the 2nd half. • Kick-off is in the same direction as the 1st half kick-off.

44. Players and Substitutes * Check local rules for team sizes and minimum playing times. • In full-sided games each team must have at least 7 and no more than 11 players*. • On the lineup card • Mark any players who are missing or unable to play, and any who later become injured. • Mark substitutes on the lineup card. • Count players on the field before the kick-off. • Notify coach if any player is playing less than the minimum playing time.* (Report if not corrected) * Check the LOTG or lineup card for small sided games.

45. The Kick-off • Ball stationary and all players in their own half. • Opposing players outside the center circle. • Ball must be kicked forward. Note: The kick-off will be covered in detail later

46. Keeping Time • Referee is the official timekeeper. • The game is played in two halves of equal time.—See times on the lineup card —Start clock when ball is in play • Time runs continuously except for substitutions and half-time.* • Referee allows substitutions approximately midway through each half. —Usually when play is already stopped. • Referee may add time lost by excessive time wasting, injuries, or unavoidable occurrences.* * Check local competition rules

47. Confirmation • Who kicks off to start the game? • Minimum number of players on a full sized team? • Can a goal be scored directly from a kick-off? • When is the clock stopped? • When is the game over?

48. Wrap-up • The best way to start a game is— On time — …... Applause

49. Stopping Play Module 5

50. Ball In/Out of Play Restarts are covered later • Lines are part of the areas they enclose. • Touch lines and goal lines are part of the field. (Boundary lines) • Ball is out of play when it wholly crosses a touch line or a goal line, on the ground or in the air. • Only D is out of play. • The ball’s position determines whether it is in or out of play, not the player’s position.