SCSOA Points of Emphasis

• Field Conditions

• The field of play shall be rectangular, 100 to 120 yards long and 55 to 80 yards wide.

• Minimum dimensions are recommended.

• High Schools 110 yards by 65 yards.

• The referee team is responsible for the inspection of the field before a game begins to ensure that it is in a safe and playable condition.

– Inspect field 30 minutes before game time. Bring all safety hazards (such as baseball bases, large holes, etc.) to the attention of the coach, athletic director or site administrator, so that the game can start on time.

– Inspect markings. (On all fields shared with other sports, boundary lines shall be marked with a distinctive color).

– Inspect all dimensions of the field. (goal area, penalty area).

– Check for a two foot penalty kick line or a penalty spot 9 inches in diameter. Check for a penalty arc and proper corner arc’s at each end of the playing field.

– Inspect, correct and remove any hazards that are on the field of play, ie; puddles, broken glass, stones, or other debris.

– Inspect and securely anchor goal posts to the ground. The game will not be played if the goals are not anchored to the ground, via stakes, sand bags, weights, and or fixed posts.

- Inspect corner flags and anchor if possible. If corner flags are not tall

enough, 5’ minimum, remove for safety reasons.

- Inspect officials, team areas, and spectators area.

Conclusion:

Up until the moment the game begins, it is the responsibility of the host institution or game management to judge whether or not the condition of the field, the elements and other conditions affecting the safety of the field of play allowing for a safe game to begin. Once the game begins, and until it ends, the determination of whether or not a game may be safely continued shall be made by the referee.

CAUTIONABLE OFFENCES

1. The following actions are examples only and are not a complete list1. The following actions are examples only and are not a complete list

• Player is guilty of unsporting behaviorPlayer is guilty of unsporting behavior

• Commits a direct free kick foul in a reckless manner (for Commits a direct free kick foul in a reckless manner (for example, charging, pushing, tripping)example, charging, pushing, tripping)

• Commits a direct free kick foul in a reckless manner while Commits a direct free kick foul in a reckless manner while tackling for the ball tackling for the ball from any direction. from any direction.

• Commits a tactical foul designed to interfere with or impede an Commits a tactical foul designed to interfere with or impede an opposing team’s attacking play (e.g., pushing an opponent, opposing team’s attacking play (e.g., pushing an opponent, blatantly holding an opponent or an opponent's uniform, blatantly holding an opponent or an opponent's uniform, handling the ball deliberately). handling the ball deliberately).

• Handles the ball deliberately to score a goal.Handles the ball deliberately to score a goal.

• Commits an act which, in the opinion of the referee, shows a lack of Commits an act which, in the opinion of the referee, shows a lack of respect for the game (e.g., aggressive attitude, inflammatory respect for the game (e.g., aggressive attitude, inflammatory behavior.behavior.

• Fakes an injury or exaggerates the seriousness of an injury.Fakes an injury or exaggerates the seriousness of an injury.

• Fakes a foul (simlates) or exaggerates the severity of a foul.Fakes a foul (simlates) or exaggerates the severity of a foul.

• Interferes with or prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball Interferes with or prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from the hands into play.from the hands into play.

• Verbally distracts an opponent during play or at a restart.Verbally distracts an opponent during play or at a restart.

• Unfairly distracts or impedes an opponent performing a throw-in.Unfairly distracts or impedes an opponent performing a throw-in.

• Changes jerseys with the goalkeeper during play or without the Changes jerseys with the goalkeeper during play or without the referee's permission (both players must be cautioned).referee's permission (both players must be cautioned).

• Engages in trickery to circumvent the goalkeeper's limitation on Engages in trickery to circumvent the goalkeeper's limitation on handling the ball.handling the ball.

• Makes unauthorized marks on the field

• Removes the jersey or covers the face with a mask or similar device after scoring a goal.

• Uses an artificial aid to unfairly assist play (for example, leaning on the shoulders of a teammate, using an article of clothing to avoid direct contact with the ball, moving or removing a corner flag on a corner kick or hanging on a crossbar).

• Uses tobacco or tobacco products in any form in the area of the field

• Shows dissent by word or action

• Verbally or through action disputes or shows contempt for an official’s decision

• If playing as a goalkeeper, leaves the penalty area (not beckoned by the referee) to engage an official in debate regarding a decision

• Persistently infringes the Laws of the Game (PI)

• Repeatedly fouls or participates in a pattern of fouls directed at an opponent

• Violates Rule 12 again, having previously been warned.

• If playing as goalkeeper, wastes time, having previously been warned or penalized for this behavior

• Delays the restart of play

• Kicks or throws the ball away or holds the ball to prevent a free kick restart by an opponent

• Kicks or throws the ball away or holds the ball to prevent a throw-in or corner kick by an opponent

• Fails to restart play after being instructed to do so by the referee or hinders the restart of play

• Excessively celebrates a goal

• Fails to return to the field upon conclusion of the midgame break, fails to perform a kick-off when signaled to do so by the referee, or fails to be in a correct position for a kick-off

• Provokes a confrontation by deliberately touching the ball after the referee has stopped play

• Fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, free kick or throw-in

• Does not retire at least ten yards away from an opponent’s free kick

• Does not retire at least ten yards away from an opponent’s corner kick

• Does not retire at least two yards away from an opponent's throw-in

• Enters or re-enters the field of play without the referee’s permission

• After having previously been instructed to leave the field to correct equipment

• After having previously been given permission by the referee to leave the field due to an injury

• After having previously been instructed to leave the field due to bleeding or blood on the uniform

• Deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee’s permission

• To place an opponent in an apparent offside position

• Other than through the normal course of play

• A substitute or substituted player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following three offenses:

• Is guilty of unsporting behavior

• Shows dissent by word or action

• Delays the restart of play

Yellow/Red Card Offenses

A player/players shall be disqualified (yellow and red card) and the number ofplayers on the field shall not be reduced for:

Any delayed, excessive or prolonged act or acts by which a player/playersattempts to focus attention upon himself/herself and/or prohibits a timely restart of the game.

Any subsequent caution.

Red Card OffensesA player, substitute or substituted player is sent off and shown the red card for committing any of the following seven offenses:

• Is guilty of serious foul play• Is guilty of violent conduct• Spits at an opponent or any other person

• Taunting -use of word or act to incite or degrade an opposing player, coach, referee, or other individual

• Denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to the goalkeeper within his or her own penalty area)

• Denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offense punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick

• uses offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures

• A substitute or substituted player who commits any violent act should be sent off and shown the red card for Violent Conduct.

• Clock Management

– In High School Soccer we have two equal halves of 40 minutes for Varsity contests and 35 minutes each for Junior

Varsity contests. (Rule 7 Section 1 Article 2)

– The periods may be shortened if the decision is made before the game or before the second half begins. (Rule 7 Section 1 Article 2)

- The game is official after one complete half has been played. (Rule 7 Section 1 Article 3)

– The halftime interval is ten minutes unless a different time is mutually agreed upon by both coaches (Rule 7 Section 2 Article 1)

– The interval between the second half and the first overtime period is 5 minutes.

– The clock is stopped for the following:

• Penalty kick• Caution• Disqualification• Goal scored• Injuries• Any time the referees deems is necessary to stop the

clock.

• Conclusion:

– What we as referees must remember is that we are here to officiate a game that is both safe and fair to both teams.

– In fairness, the game is to be played with two equal length halves and of which we have guidelines.

– So what do we do with a coach, for instance, who’s team is leading and he/she asks to substitute at every legal opportunity.

– Can he or she do this? Yes. Can he/she waste time in different ways while asking for these substitutions? Yes.

– Is this fair to the other team? No. What then is our duty in this case? We can choose not to allow the substitution request if the substitute(s) are not ready. We can stop the clock and caution a coach and/or player who has earned one during this time wasting tactic.

– We can simply stop the clock. Using any one of these will restore fairness to the contest.

– Remember also, that verbal communication should be used as a pre-game preventative measure to prevent the above scenario.

– Let your partner know also, verbal communication can be used at the onset of what you feel is a time wasting tactic.

– Simply tell the coach what’s on your mind. If he or she continues to waste time despite your warning stop the contest and caution the offender.

• Conclusion

– In all cases, a properly run clock at any level allows the referees to establish the norm for the players and coaches in all Units responsibilities.

– Consistency in this one area will go a long way to garner some respect for our efforts.

SCSOA

READING THE GAME FOR READING THE GAME FOR CONTROLCONTROL

TOPIC

Understand “Reading the Game” for better control and

flow of the game.

Must Know Elements - What

1. Reading the Game

Interpret all the information to balance flow and control.

“Reading the game” is a compilation of information.

Game factors from which the referee should gather information.

Develop ideas about how each factor contributes to the referee’s understanding of the game.

2. Positioning Options

Know the recommended positioning on set plays such as kick off, goal kick, throw-in, corner kick, and penalty kick.

Benefits and liabilities of recommended and alternate positions.

Understand that circumstances dictate the best positioning for each restart.

Must Know Elements - What

3. Dealing with ejections

Recognize misconduct for which a player must be ejected.

Know how to handle the player. Understand how to administer

the ejection.

Must Know Elements - What

4. The decision making process

Players may push the limits of the Rules. They will force referee decisions

concerning “doubtful” and “trifling” and “deliberate” breaches of the Laws.

Know when the letter and spirit of the Rules is being stretched by players.

Must Know Elements - What

Reading the Game

• The referee’s ability to read the game will determine the relative balance between flow and control.

• Understand the significance of compiling information to form a complete story of the match.

• By reading the match correctly, the referee can achieve the correct position to maintain control while allowing the game to flow.

Reading the GameReading the GameA Referee can not succeed at reading the

game without:

– Stamina– A sense of team work– A sense of order– A sense of discipline– A certain level of tactical reality

The point is:

If you understand and know what your are doing, the results will be better.

Reading the GameReading the Game

To be successful at reading the game, the referee needs to be aware and develop the skill to recognize:

– Coaches tactics– Players tactics– Styles of play– Systems of play– Changes in the game

Understanding Tactics Understanding Tactics

• A decision by a coach• An individual action: Approximately one-

fifth of the 161 goals scored during the 2002 WC were the product of individual actions.

• A counter-attack: Approximately 20% of goals scored from open play during 2002 WC came as the result of counter-attack.

• A set play: Set pieces accounted for around 30% of all the goals scored in 2002 WC, with the biggest return coming from corners.

• A mistake

Recognizing Playing Recognizing Playing TacticsTactics

1. Styles of Play2. Systems of Play3. Possession VS Regaining4. Marking Tactics5. Passing Tactics6. Off-the-Ball Tactics7. When Ball Not In Play

Recognizing Playing Recognizing Playing TacticsTactics

8. Corner Kicks9. Throw-Ins10. Tactical Fouls11. Time: Substitutions, Injuries12. Offside13. Playing with Goalkeeper

STYLES OF PLAY

ENGLISH STYLE• Fast • Emphasis on dominating midfield• Strong tackling to gain possession• Long passing, physical contact• Referee mobility essential

THE ENGLISH STYLE

STYLES OF PLAY

CONTINENTAL STYLE• "TOTAL FOOTBALL," team

movement• Mass attack, midfield build-up• Offside traps, many overlaps,

back attack

THE GERMAN STYLE

STYLES OF PLAY

LATIN STYLES• Short passing• Possession play• Slow build-up; quick, sharp

attack• Changes of pace• Close inter-passing

THE ITALIAN STYLE

THE BELGIAN STYLE

THE FRENCH STYLE

THE PORTUGUESE STYLE

THE BRAZILIAN STYLE

SUMMARY• TACTICS• STYLES• SYSTEMS

In addition to• PLAYERS• COACHES• FANS (11th player)

Time Management-Wasting

Examples of “Time Wasting”

Moving the ball from one side of the goal area to another in taking a goal kick.

Switching a thrower prior to taking a Throw-In.

Argumentative behavior by players and/or coaches

Blasting the ball out of play over the touchline or goal line.

Standing over the ball on a free kick

Excessive substitutions

Player equipment adjustment

Taking a long time to set up for a free kick

Home team not providing “ball handlers” or they had “disappeared”

Time Wasting What can the referee do?

Moving the ball from one side of the goal area to another in taking a goal kick.

Stop your watch and warn the player moving the ball, caution if previously warned

“unsporting conduct – unnecessary delay”

Switching a thrower prior to taking a Throw-In.

Stop your watch and warn the player taking the throw-in, caution if previously warned

“unsporting conduct – unnecessary delay”

Argumentative behavior by players and/or coaches

Stop your watch and caution the player and/or coach for dissent

Blasting the ball out of play over the touchline or goal line.

Stop your watch and warn the player, caution if previously warned

“unsporting conduct – unnecessary delay”

Standing over the ball on a free kick

Stop your watch and caution for “unsporting conduct – unnecessary delay”

Excessive substitutions

Stop your watch and warn the coach of the offending team. (Rule 3, Section 6 Art. 1)

Caution if repeated “unsporting conduct – unnecessary delay”

Player equipment adjustment

Stop your watch and send the player off the field to adjust their equipment

Taking a long time to set up for a free kick

Stop your watch and caution for “unsporting conduct – unnecessary delay”

Home team not providing “ball holders” or they had disappeared” (Rule 6 Section 1)

Prior to the game starting ask the Home team to provide “ball holders’, visiting team may provide

During the game, stop your watch and have the home team replace the “disappeared” ball holders

Report the incident to your unit!

RESTARTS

In most cases under NFHS rules, the reason for a restart and the actual execution of the restart are identical to the application of

rules under USSF and NISOA guidelines.

However, there are some points of emphasis and a few differences regarding restarts that need the attention of all referees working

high school games.

Whistling for a restart

A second whistle is required to restart play for the taking of a penalty kick, after a substitution is made, after a caution or

disqualification, after an injury, and after play has been stopped for encroachment.

Drop ball restarts

Following a temporary suspension of play for an injury or unusual situation in which no team has clear possession of the ball.

When the ball becomes deflated (rare).

When simultaneous fouls of the same degree occur by opponents (rare)

The ball should be dropped at the place where the ball was when play was suspended.

The ball shall touch the ground before it is played, and two opposing players must be present when the ball is dropped (no provision on how

close together these players must be).

Indirect free kick restarts

Following a temporary suspension of play for an injury or unusual situation, if one team is clearly in possession of the ball, the game

shall be restarted with an indirect free kick by the team in possession of the ball at the point where the ball was when play was suspended.

Unusual situations might include an extra ball entering the field of play, dogs or small children entering the field of play, lightening

strikes near the field, and inadvertent referee whistles.

If the game is stopped for misconduct of a player and no other restart takes precedence (awarded at point of infraction).

If the is game is stopped for misconduct by a person in the team and coaching area (awarded at point where the ball was when play was

stopped).

Unusual restartsWhen the ball is caused to go out-of-bounds by two opponents

simultaneously (rare), under SCSOA policy, the correct restart is not a drop ball but rather a throw-in to one of the teams (make a firm decision,

if in doubt give the ball to the defensive team).

Some fields have football goalposts with crossbars that hang over the field of play; if a ball deflects off these goalposts or crossbars, play

should be stopped and the correct restart is a goal kick or corner kick depending on which team last played the ball (discuss this with the

coaches and captains at the pre-game conference).

Fields may have problems such as overhanging tree branches. Restarts are goal kicks, corner kicks, and drop balls if necessary.

During the taking of a penalty kick, if there is an infringement by the attacking team, and the ball is deflected out-of-bounds by the goalkeeper, the correct restart is a corner kick (not an IFK as is the case under USSF and NISOA rules); if the ball rebounds into play, then the restart is an IFK

to the defensive team.No restart by the attacking team should ever take place within the goal

area; the ball shall be placed on that part of the goal-area line which runs parallel to the goal line nearest the location where the ball was when play

was stopped.

Unusual Situations

Situation: During a pre-game field inspection, the referee observes that the goalposts have two 48-inch, commercially manufactured

pads, one above the other on each upright post. Ruling: The referee considers the padding to be safe and allows

the game to proceed Per Rule 1.4.1 Situation C

Situation: During play, a goal gets moved back off the goal line (away from the field), and the entire ball passes beyond the goal line, but does not pass beyond the goal post and under the cross

bar because the goal is not in its proper position.Ruling: the goal shall be assumed to be in the proper position

and the goal awarded.Per Rule 1.4.1 Situation D

Situation: An hour before the start of a big rivalry game, a rain storm floods more than half the field. The athletic director informs the referee the game must be played due to the end of season standings and the monies spent to promote the game. The referee insists that the field is too dangerous for the players and ask the AD that game not be played.

The AD directs the referee to start the game, which he does. Ruling: After 5 seconds from starting the game, the referee blows

his whistle to end the game for the safety of the players.Per Rule 1.7

Situation: Player A2 and B3 hit heads while attempting to head the ball and both are injured. In the opinion of the referee, player A2 was

unconscious for a short period of time.Ruling: Per the referee player A2 may not return without a

physician’s written authorization.Per Rule 3.3.2 Situation F

Situation: During field inspection the referee notices team A is in white, team B is in black, keeper for team A dressed in a green shirt,

keeper for team B is in gold shirt and referees are dressed in gold shirts.

Ruling: Keeper for team B was requested to change shirts so as not to match either team or the referees.

Per SCSOA Guidelines Rule 5

Situation: Player substitute A12 reports to the scorer as the kickoff takes place. Eight minutes elapse before the first opportunity for a

substitution occurs. The referee beckons on A12 on to the field, but the coach decides to withdrawn the substitution.

Ruling: Player A12 must enter the game once beckoned on by the referee.

Per Rule 3.4.1 Situation

Situation: A4’s shot misses wide right and crosses the goal line and the referee indicates a goal kick for the restart.

Ruling: the goal kick may be taken anywhere in the goal area, but once the ball is placed it cannot be moved from one spot to

another.Per Rule 16.1.3 Situation

Consistency –

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, consistency is:

Agreement or harmony of parts or features to one another or a whole:  specifically: ability to be asserted together without contradiction b: harmony of conduct

or practice with profession <followed her own advice with consistency>

Using the definition in terms relevant to High School soccer, officials needs to be consistent amongst each other, consistent amongst their calls anywhere on the field,

and consistency in regards to enforcement of the rules of NFHS.

Officials need to understand that coaches try to read the game based upon the way the officials are calling the game. In order to read the game, officials need to be consistent in

their calls.

Ex.: call the fouls throughout the whole field of play, inside the penalty area and mid-field; uniformly enforce the rules of the game.

As consistency is not present in the rules of the games, it needs to be applied to every rule of the game and rules of the competition.

Working in a two-man system, the officials need to be consistent with each other. if the two officials can be consistent with each other, the game will run smoother and

everyone will be at an advantage.

Communications

WHO’S GOT ‘IT’

WHY

WHAT ARE COMPONENTS…

FACTOR ANALYSIS

REFEREE TYPES

HOW DO YOU GET ‘IT’

WALKING THE WALK

BODY LANGUAGE

PHYSICAL APPEARANCEPHYSICAL APPEARANCE

POSTUREPOSTURE

GESTURES AND FACIAL EXPRESSIONSGESTURES AND FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

BODY LANGUAGE COMMUNICATES TO

PLAYERSBENCHESCOACHESFANSMEDIA

PLAYER MANAGEMENT

WHISTLE TECHNIQUE

CARD TECHNIQUE

BUT SO MUCH MORE

What type isThis?

And this?

PERCEPTION IS REALITY

HOW YOU LOOKWHAT “THEY” SEEWHAT DOES THAT COMMUNICATE

ACTIVE LISTENING SHOW CONCERN FOR PLAYERS

DOMINANT PERCEPTUAL SIGNALS

VISUAL CUESBODY LANGUAGEPHYSICAL TECHNIQUEBODY STYLES

RELATING TO PLAYERS

REMOVE THREATCREATE TRUSTSHOW RESPECTBE PREPAREDBE AVAILABLE

PERSONAL PRESENTATION

DEMEANORBUSINESSLIKEFRIENDLYAPPROACHABLEENTHUSIASTIC

REACTION UNDER PRESSURECOURAGEOUSSENSE OF HUMORREASONABLEATTITUDE

PHYSICAL PRESENTATION

UNIFORM/EQUIPMENTGROOMINGFITNESSHUSTLEPUNCTUALITY

PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNICATION

CONTROL WITHOUT CONFRONTATIONDIFFUSE PROBLEMS

DIFFUSE PROBLEMS

LETTER AND SPIRIT

ADHERENCE VS GUIDANCEBEND NOT BREAKLEARN COMMON SENSEMAKE COMMON SENSE… MORE COMMON

ADVANTAGE

USE ABUSEDELAYED CAUTION

NON VERBAL

GESTURES NEGATIVEPOSITIVE

FACIAL EXPRESSIONSSIGNALSDOWN TIMEPERSONALITY

FACIAL EXPRESSIONSNEUTRALCONCERNSMILE + AND -CONTROL

NO NONOD

PERSONALITY OF REFEREE

AVOID ABSOLUTES

I’VE HEARD ENOUGHNOT ONE MORE WORDNEXT … AND YOUR GONEETC

VERBAL BASICS

HELP ME OUT "help me" works better than "help us"LET’S US "we/us" instead of "you".I’LL DO SAME AT THE OTHER ENDYOU’LL GET SAMEcan you work with me on the shirt, pleaseWE'RE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM

Points of Emphasis For Repeated Issues

• Proper Uniforms (One team in yellow and both referees in yellow uniforms.!)

• Referee no shows and No calls

• Referee cuts halves short because he needs to leave early..!!

• Referee passing his game assignment to other referees with no FCSOA assignor’s concurrence creating huge liabilities.

• Submitting Misconduct / Disqualification reports within 24 hrs.