League Information and links

BEST REFEREE PRACTICES

  • DO NOT BE LATE
  • If you are running late or will not make your assignment call a member of your referee team.
  • If you are unable to make your assignment, check the Wait List and find a replacement.
  • IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO MAKE YOUR ASSIGNED GAME(S) contact your assignor.  
  • If you are not feeling well or have an injury notify us right away. Please do not wait till the evening before or game day.
  • ​If you have a question about a forfeit, red card, etc. – call your assignor.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Print out a copy of your schedule from Arbiter with the other referee’s contact information, just in case you need to contact one another.
  • Know the field directions.
  • Arrive at the field ready to go 30 minutes before your first game. If you will not make on time call a member of your referee crew.
  • Make sure you know your administrative responsibilities (Which side of the field the coaches, players and spectators are to sit on, Game Cards, ID Cards, etc.)​ ​

​LEAGUE SPECIFIC RULES & FEES

  • Click on the League Rules drop down menu and select the specific League you are refereeing for the best, most up to date information. ​

SCHEDULES, CANCELLATIONS & FORFEITS

Games can be canceled or rescheduled. It is YOUR responsibility to check the official league schedule before your game(s). Referees will be reimbursed only if the game is forfeited on game day AND BCSRA is reimbursed by the league. You will need to complete an Incident Report for any GAME DAY forfeits. Teams do not pay the referee in the event of a forfeit.

PREGAMES & CHECK-IN

Note: When you ARRIVE check the fields, goals, anchors and nets. If there are any problems, notify the home team coach or manager.  

Referee Pregame is important:

  • Please do not take your eye off the penalty area when the ball or an opponent is present.  
  • Injury procedure is important, make sure you know it.  
  • Know your AR responsibilities.
  • Make sure you go over the substitution procedure. ARs should acknowledge when the substitution is complete.
  • For U12 & below matches: talk about throw-ins, injuries, sideline behavior, heading, and build out line.
  • For U13 and above matches: talk about fouls, especially persistent dissent and misconduct.
  • Please do not speak to the spectators; if there are any challenges, speak to the Team Admin or Coach.

Regarding Coaches and Team Managers:

  • Introduce yourself and smile.
  • Have both coaches meet and introduce themselves.
  • Go over any administrative responsibilities (Game Card, ID Cards, etc.)
  • Go over any League Rules and substitution procedure.
  • Review the importance of player safety.
  • Acknowledge that they may not like all our calls, but to please be respectful of them so that everyone can set the right example for the players.
  • Home team – ask for three properly inflated soccer balls. Make sure they are the correct size, inflated, and are not damaged in a way that may injure the players.
  • Referee to collect fees from each team.
  • Request that spectators remain on the proper side of the field, not behind the goal lines. Unless there is a fence or structure that separates them from the field of play.
  • Ask the coach or manager to have the spectators and umbrellas a minimum of three yards off the touch line.

Player Check in and Safety Check:

  • Players must have a CalSouth ID card to participate. If they do not have a card, they CANNOT play.
  • Shin guards must be worn.
  • No bracelets, jewelry, or anything metal may be worn (know the exceptions).
  • Ensure that every player must have a unique uniform number.
  • Based on the age of the players inform them what is most important to you as the referee. Inform the players to play the whistle and the ball.  
  • Complete the Official Match Report (Official Game Report):
    • Receive 3 copies from the home team. Have the coach or manager sign the bottom, certifying that the players are all eligible.
    • Checkmark if player is present and will be participating.
    • Line out and initial if a player is not participating.
    • Max of 18 players participating, line out all that are not participating.
    • Make sure that all 3 copies are complete:
      • uniform Numbers
      • Player Names
      • CalSouth ID Numbers
      • Line out any players who are not participating
  • Call out the names, check that the ID Cards are current and that each uniform number is correct.

Pregame with Captains:

  • Coin flip, visiting team calls it. Winner chooses ball or the goal they want to defend.​

POST GAME

  • Complete the match (game) reports:
    • Enter the score
    • Enter Player # and Goals (time)
    • Misconduct (use the correct code)
    • Not any major injury
    • Coach or Manager from each team to sign your copy
    • Return their ID Cards

NOTE: YOU ARE TO CALL THE VICE PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT OR ASSIGNOR FOR ANY VIOLENT CONDUCT; REFEREE ABUSE OR ASSAULT; COACH OR TEAM OFFICIAL SEND OFFS OR ABANDONMENT OF A MATCH.  
SHOULD NO ONE ANSWER, LEAVE A MESSAGE WITH THE GAME INFORMATION (REFEREE NAME, FIELD, AND TIME) AND BRIEFLY EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED.

REMEMBER: Be professional, have fun, drink water, and enjoy the games. And most importantly manage your sidelines politely and respectfully. Remember our round table discussions about using respectful language: “Please Coach _______,” “Please,” and “Thank You.”