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NBYSA Referee Info

NBYSA Referee Info

Here are some helpful tips and advice for you as a referee. They have been gathered from experienced referees – who all started their careers as referees just like you and learned many of these lessons the "hard way." The advice found here will get you off to the best possible start.

Remember to have fun!

How To Get Game Assignments

How does a new referee get game assignments?

  • Contact out Referee Assignor for info and games.
  • When accepting more than one assignment in a day, make sure you allow enough time to travel to the next game.
  • Make sure you let your assignor know what your game schedule looks like if you are playing and if you have any conflicts of interest with other teams, such as family members playing on or coaching teams in the same league.
  • Game fees: The game fees paid to referees will be explained by our Assignor during your initial contact.

Know The Laws

Success begins by being prepared

  • Read and know the Laws of the Game and work to learn the correct interpretations.
  • Know the generally accepted mechanics approved by the USSF and found in the Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees and 4th Officials. You should have received this booklet in your entry levelcourse.
  • Know the local Rules of Competition.
    • Length of halves
    • Size of ball
    • Number of players
    • Substitutions
    • Penalty kicks or no penalty kicks
    • Direct free kicks allowed or only indirect free kicks
    • Offside, no offside
    • What you do with the game report
    • Uniform requirements

Dress And Act Professional

  • If you expect to command respect (one element of game control) on the field, then you must look and act like a professional.
  • Approach the game in a way that shows you are looking forward to being there and being a part of the game.
  • Dress for success - wear the proper USSF uniform with your referee jersey tucked in and your socks pulled up.

Take Charge

Take Charge:

  • Taking charge does not mean yelling and acting like a dictator (which is abuse of power).
  • Greet each coach with a firm handshake, a smile and look each coach in the eyes.
  • Blow your whistle loud
  • Issue firm, but simple instructions to the players so they know you are capable of managing the game..
  • Start the game on time.

What You Need To Do

What You Need to Do
 

  • You should arrive at the field at least 30 minutes prior to the game.
  • If you don't drive, make sure you have made arrangements for someone to pick you up to take you home.
  • Bring change for emergency telephone calls or a cell phone, as well as the telephone number of your assignor and club contact.

Create A RefPay Account

NBYSA uses the RefPay system to pay all referees. You must have a RefPay account to receive payment for the games you ref.

RefPay provides proven solutions for organizations that pay sports officials and other independent contractors throughout the United States.

Referee Resources

NBYSA Field Conditions

Get the latest field conditions and rain out info

RefPay

RefPay - All referees must have a RefPay account to get paid

ArbiterSports

Referee Assignor game assigning utility

South Texas Soccer Referees

Referee clinics, news, forms and resources for referees

US Youth Soccer

USYS Referee Information

STYSA Rules of the Game

STYSA Rules and Laws of the Game

FIFA Laws of the Game

FIFA Rules and Laws of the Game