REFEREE

2

Starting The Match

• Clear practice balls from the field and position match balls. • Whistle to bring captains to centre. Shake hands. • If there are any issues to clarify with captains, do so. • Invite 'home' captain to toss, other to call. • Team winning toss has choice of ends. • Place ball on ground at end of centre stripe. • Count players per team. Look for caps or jewellery and ask for removal. Ensure players are in position: 2 to contest throw-in, either side of stripe; all others are behind 45m lines. • Check sideline and goal umpires are ready. • Check goalkeepers are ready. • Stand over the ball and start your watch. • Throw the ball in. Aim to land the ball to land on the centre stripe between the two sets of players. In the event of a mis-throw, whistle to stop play then throw in again. Enjoy your game!

3

Recognising & Dealing With Fouls

• Stay mentally involved with the play; you are not a spectator. • Adjust your positioning to get clear view of play from a distance of 10-25m. • Consider whether players: - genuinely attempt to play the ball - challenge 'off the ground' - use excessive force - act recklessly in a manner that could cause injury • Use peripheral vision to look for other fouls such as blocking, holding, etc. • Adjust whistle intensity to severity of foul. • Move in assertively to take control after whistling. • As you move in, keep your eye on the offender and think how you will deal with him/her. • Deal with any injured player(s) first. • Is verbal warning, tick or card needed for offender? • Only allow play to restart when you have dealt with all issues. Enjoy your game!

1

Basic Duties - Before The Match

• Confirm your match appointment with the Referee Coordinator by SMS or email. • Set a diary reminder diary for game day and time. • If you have your own referee kit and equipment, make sure it is clean and ready to go. • Arrive at ground at least 30 minutes before throw-in. • Introduce yourself to the duty Match Manager and deal with any issues that may affect the match. • Put out the sideline cones and kicking tees (first match of the day). • Check the nets and goalposts to make sure they are secure and not hazardous. • Check that team colours and jersey numbers are adequate. • Inspect team sheets and fill out match book. • Check match balls, whistle, watch and cards. • Brief goal and sideline umpires and allocate to positions. Enjoy your game!

4

Playing Advantage

• Consider the type of foul committed and its severity. • Do not play advantage if there is a player injured. • Quickly analyse whether the team fouled - have a clear advantage - have the opportunity to develop play • Identify the offender in case you need to come back to him/her. Identify the location of the foul. • Call “advantage!” and raise one of your arms. • Count 5 seconds. - if the advantage remains, lower your arm and allow play to continue. - if no advantage, whistle and restart with free-in from the place the foul occurred. • If the offender needs to be dealt with, do so at the next stoppage in play. • When in doubt, do not play advantage. The benefit to the game must be clear. Do not put your control of the game in jeopardy. Enjoy your game!

5

Managing Free Kicks and Penalties

• Identify the offence and make sure of its location; consult with other officials if in doubt. • Whistle, move in, take control, remain calm. • Carry out disciplinary sanctions if required. • Place the ball (or indicate kick location) and ask for it not to be moved. • Tell the attacking team to wait for your whistle. • Ensure the defending team are back the required distance: - 13m from any free-in - outside 20m line and arc for penalty kick • Reposition yourself. • For penalty kick - identify who will take the kick - make sure goalkeeper is on line - ensure goal umpire is observing goalkeeper - observe any encroachment and deal accordingly • For a 45m free, keep an eye on 'square ball' infringements. Enjoy your game!

6

Noting Fouls and Card Sanctions

• Consider & evaluate the intent and seriousness of the foul play. • push, charge GK in small rectangle, charge by player in possession - YELLOW for persistent fouls. • holding, fist around body, charge to back or front, shepherd, charge player not in possession, charge player kicking, charge not in direction of ball - TICK, then YELLOW for repeat offence. • foot block, general rough play, simulation - YELLOW • deliberate pull down, trip, deliberate late collision, aggressive remonstration with official, abusive language or gesture to any other player - BLACK • strike with hand/elbow/knee, kick opponent, dangerous play, spit, melee, abusive language to official, stamp, assault, racist/sectarian behaviour - RED • Incidents pre-game, post-game and at half-time can also be penalised. Enjoy your game!

7

After The Game

• All officials should group together if any trouble brewing. • Confirm the final score and match result. • Keep an eye on the dugouts as you leave the field. • Finish your paperwork promptly. • Be as accurate as you can in describing any incidents and use the 'language of the rules'. • If a player is being reported for any kind of verbal abuse, write down the exact words used. • If there is any challenge from teams/staff, acknowlege their concerns and invite them to submit a written report. • Feel free to socialise with players but avoid any lengthy discussions of on-field issues. Encourage all involved with the game to accept decisions already made and move on. • Put your kit away and prepare it for the next game. Congratulations, you have done a job that is essential to the integrity of the sport.

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Attributes of a Referee

• Knows the playing rules well. • Is physically and mentally fit. • Has the ability to remain calm. • Has the moral courage to take decisions which are correct, regardless of how they may affect the game outcome. • Is dedicated to creating a fun, safe playing environment for players of all abilities. • Is willing to get involved where/when you need to get involved. • Is able to work in a team of officials to effectively manage the game. • Is prepared to accept feedback and work on improving own performances. • Can keep a positive mindset while under pressure and scrutiny. • Maintains empathy with point of view of players, coaches and other participants. • Can apply rules and interpretations consistently.