REFEREE MECHANICS

Central Oregon Soccer Officials Association Meeting Presentation

September 19, 2012Mehdi Salari

Excerpts from the 2008 USSF Guide to Procedures

www.lompocayso.org/Referee%20Guide.pdf

GENERAL MECHANICS• USSF outline to standardize officiating techniques, signals and

mechanics.

• Tested and used at youth, adult, professional & international

competition.

• While every Official will have their own style of conduct, the goal is

to keep individual styles within a recognizable and common

boundary.

• An Official’s style should not interfere with the flow of the game,

result in unclear communication, or cause undue attention to the

Officials.

• Best way to learn Referee Mechanics … is to watch more

experienced Officials working a game. You can’t learn everything in

a book or from a presentation.

GENERAL MECHANICS --- WHISTLE• It is neither required nor expected that the whistle be used for all

stoppages and restarts of play.o A whistle demands attention and should be blown when such

attention is needed. Uncontested stoppages (as when a ball clearly leaves the field) should not be whistled — a voice and/or hand signal by the referee or a flag by the assistant referee will normally be sufficient.

o Referees should also be alert to the need for variations in the length, force, and tone of their use of a whistle to indicate different types of stoppages or different degrees of concern for the event that has just occurred.

• In the diagonal system of control, referees should take every opportunity of less activity on the field to make eye contact with each of the AR and confirm game status.

GENERAL MECHANICS --- HAND SIGNALS

• All referee hand signals are given with the arm straight at the indicated angle or direction, with the fingers fully extended.

• AR flag signals follow the same pattern with the flag held as an extension of the arm.

• Referees should be aware that various hand or arm gestures and facial expressions can have unintended, negative meanings in matches. Care should be taken therefore in the use of such gestures or expressions.

• Because of time constraints, we are not be able to cover the procedures & mechanics of 4th Officials; or the variations in the dual system.

PRIOR TO THE GAME• Arrival at the Field

o Should ideally be there a minimum of 30 min. prior to kick off• Inspections & Instructions

o Field: Markings, Safety, Conditionso Game Ballso Greet & introduce yourself to Coaches o Rosters o Player Equipment (inspect at walk around)o Talk with Ball Handlers or Clock Operators (if indicated)o Coin Toss and Sportsmanship talk with Captainso The crew can work together to handle these tasks

• 15-Minutes Before Kick-offo Referee resolves issues of questionable equipment, uniform, …

• Prior to Kick-offo Referee & AR enter field togethero AR Flags furledo Shake hands at midfield o AR: Final inspection of netso AR: Assume position with 2nd to last defendero AR: Count players and unfurl flag if ready to starto Referee: Makes eye contact with each AR before starting game

KICK-OFF REFEREE AR

Stand so you’re trailing the play at the start and have AR in site

In position with 2nd to last defender

Start your clock a few seconds before starting whistleBlow whistle to start game

GAME MECHANICS

DURINGPLAY

General Positioning

REFEREE AR

Position flexible In line w/ 2nd last defender or the ball, whichever is closer to the goal

Able to observe active play and lead AR

Flag held straight down and visible to Referee

Remain close to play without interfering

Side-to-side movement, square to the field; unless speed is neededBefore signaling, stops, faces field & makes eye contact with Referee

GAME MECHANICS

GOALKEEPER

POSSESSION OR PUNT

REFEREE AR

Be where the ball is anticipated to drop (Landing Zone)

Verifies GK handles the ball inside the penalty area

Estimates drop point by watching player behavior (does not look up to spot the ball in the air)

Follows the ball up field to cover offside (can move up earlier if things obvious)

GAME MECHANICS

THROW-INReferee’s

Side of the Field

REFEREE AR

Signals stoppage of play (whistle only if indicated)

If ball passes out of play & immediately returns to the field, signals with a vertical flag in the hand indicating the direction of the restart, then drops flag when acknowledged

Points 45 degrees to indicate direction

Does not signal, unless the Referee makes eye contact and or requests at pre-game

Indicates correct location for restart

Variable position, can be on the field or off the field depending on position on field

GAME MECHANICS

THROW-INAR’s Side

of the Field

REFEREE AR

Whistles to stop play only if necessary

Signals with flag 45 degrees upward in direction of throw-in

Points direction only if correction or confirmation of AR’s signal is needed … but should indicate deflection or reason for over-rule

If the ball passes out of bound and immediately back into field, signals with a vertical flag until acknowledged by Referee, then flags the direction

Indicates correct location for restart Drops flag when it is clear that restart is established

Variable position, can be on the field or off the field depending on position on field

If the Referee does not notice, maintains signal in accordance to pre-game Moves to 2nd to last defender

Supervises throw-in elements per pre-game

GAME MECHANICS

OFFSIDE REFEREE AR

Acknowledge AR’s signal by stopping play (whistle) or by waving down the flag

Raises flag vertically

If offside is called, give indirect signal during restart

If Referee misses the flag, stays with flag raised until the defense gains clear possession of the ball

Holds the indirect FK signal until ball is touched by another player or another stoppage

After making eye contact, indicated location of the offside by dropping the flag at the appropriate angle (far, middle, near side)

Intervenes quickly and decisively to prevent and deal with players from either team who seek to engage an AR in debate regarding an offside decision

GAME MECHANICS

GOAL KICK REFEREE AR

Signals stoppage of play (whistle only if necessary) if ball crosses Referee’s side of goal line

Points flag horizontally toward goal area if ball crosses AR side of the goal line, or if the Referee makes eye contact to ask for help

Points to the goal area If the ball passes out of play and immediately back into play … vertical flag until acknowledged … then point

Takes position down the field near where the ball is likely to be played (Landing Zone)

Moves to top of goal area to check for proper ball placement

Estimates drop point by observingplayer behavior (does not look upto spot the ball in the air)

Moves to top of penalty area to verify attackers not encroaching and ball clearing the penalty area

If the Keeper taking the GK, moves to position to judge offside

GAME MECHANICS

CORNER KICK

(Referee’s Side of Field)

REFEREE AR

Signals stoppage (whistle only if necessary)

Signals if Referee makes eye contact, or per pre-game meeting

Points 45 degrees upward toward the correct corner flag

Moves to the near corner and takes position on goal line behind the flag

Ensures that the ball is properly placed within the corner arc

If the ball passes out of play and immediately returns to the field, signals with a vertical flag until acknowledged by the referee, then points flag 45 degrees downward toward the near corner

Enforces the required distance if needed

Steps upfield from goal line to avoid pointing the flag off the field

GAME MECHANICS

CORNER KICK (AR’s

Side of Field)

REFEREE AR

Signals stoppage of play (whistle only if necessary)

Raises the flag vertically to get thereferee’s attention in cases where the ball left the field and quickly returned

Points 45 degrees upward toward thecorrect corner

Points the flag 45 degrees downward in the direction of thenear corner

Enforces the required distance if AR needing help

Steps upfield from goal line to avoid pointing the flag off the fieldEnsures that the ball is properly placedTakes a position even with the goalline, out of the way of playersAssists with enforcing the requireddistance based on pre-gameConferenceFollowing the kick, recovers the offside position as quickly as possible

GAME MECHANICS

GOAL REFEREE LEADAR

Checks visually with AR Checks visually with RefereePoints upfield to the center circle

Runs a short distance up touch line toward halfway line if goal is good

Backpedals toward center circle and keeps players in sight

Keeps moving to avoid confrontation if approached

Prevents unnecessary or prolonged celebrations

Observes player behavior and actions

Intervenes quickly in situations where players or coaches confront AR

Takes up position for a kick-off

Records goal when in position for kick-off

Records the goal after Trail AR has recorded it

Makes eye contact with both AR before signaling for the kick-off

TRAILAR

Records the goal while the Referee & Lead AR are returning to their positionsObserves players while Referee & Lead AR are making notes

GAME MECHANICS

GOAL (Ball

comes back into field of play)

REFEREE AR

Looks to the AR for assistance

Raises the flag verticallyto get the referee’s attentionWhen the referee stops play, puts flag straight down, runs a short distance up the touch line toward the halfway lineFollows the remainingmechanics for a goal

GAME MECHANICS

APPARENT GOAL (To be

Disallowed)

REFEREE AR

Checks visually with the AR Stands in placeDecides on action after considering information from the AR

Signals the referee according to thesituations listed below:

Signals the correct restart and assumes proper position for restart

• If the scorer was offside at the moment the ball was passed to him or her, signals offside

Intervenes quickly to prevent attempts by players or others to confront an AR

• If there was a foul by an attacker, stands at attention with the flag held straight down at the side

Might be a good idea to confer quickly with AR, while keeping all the players on the field in line of sight

• If a player other than the scorer was in an offside position and, in the opinion of the AR, was interfering with play or with an opponent, stands at attention with the flag held straight down at the side

• Assumes the proper position for the restart indicated by the Referee

GAME MECHANICS

FOULS(Observed

by Referee)REFEREE AR

Stops the game with a whistle Responds to eye contact by the Referee requesting help regarding location of the foul either by:• Standing with the flag held clearly downward at

the side (to indicate that the foul occurred outside the penalty area), or ...

• By holding the flag straight downward in front of waist (to indicate that the foul was committed by the defense inside its penalty area)

Moves to the spot of the foul if necessary to prevent possible retaliation or misconduct

Per pre-game conference, assists in enforcing the required distance

Makes eye contact with the lead AR if needed for help with determining if a defender inside the penalty area committed the infringement

For free kicks within scoring distance, takes position requested by referee in pre-game conference (to cover offside or as goal judge)

Indicates the direction of the FK

Ensures that the ball is properly placed

Allows a quick FK, without the necessity of a separate signal, except where this is prevented or interfered with by an opponent’s failure to respect the required distancePrevents the restart from occurring if a card must be shown for MisconductIn cases where the restart is interfered with, clearly indicates that a separate signal is now required for the restart and then deals with the interferenceIf the kick is indirect, gives the appropriate hand signal for the restart and holds the hand signal until the ball has been touched or played by another player or goes out of play

GAME MECHANICS

FOULS(Not seen by Referee, but seen by LEAD

AR)

REFEREE LEADAR

Acknowledges the AR’s signal by stopping play, callingadvantage, or waving down the signal to indicate that play should continue

Determines that the infringement was not or could not be seen by the Referee and that, per the pre-game conference, the Referee would likely have stopped play for the foul if it had been seen

If play is stopped for the foul, indicates the direction and type of the FK and ensures that the FK is taken properly

Signals with the flag raised vertically in the hand appropriate for the restart direction and, upon making eye contact with the referee, gives the flag a slight wave

Confers with AR, if necessary, to confirm the nature of the foul, the possibility of a prior infringement, or additional misconduct (keeps field in view while moving to touch line and while conferring)

If the referee stops play, signals with the flag held 45 degrees upward in the direction of the restart if the foul was committed by any player outside of the penalty area or by an attacker inside the penalty area. May hold off hand up against body to signal Indirect FK.Indicates the location of the restart if necessaryIf the referee does not see the signal, continues to hold the flag straight upward in accordance with the pregame ConferencePer pre-game conference, assists in enforcing the minimum distanceFor FKs within scoring distance, takes position requested by referee in pre-game conference (to cover offside or as goal judge)Trail AR: If the referee does not see the lead AR’s signal, the trail AR mirrors the flag signal and, upon making eye contact with the Referee, directs his attention to the lead AR

GAME MECHANICS

FOULS(Not seen by Referee, but

seen by TRAIL AR)

REFEREE TRAILAR

Stops the game with a whistle Determines that the infringement was not or could not be seen by the Referee and that, per the pre-game conference, the Referee would likely have stopped play for the infringement if it had been seen

Confers with the trail AR, if necessary, to determine nature of the occurrence; while moving to confer, referee keeps field in view

Signals with the flag raised vertically in the hand appropriate for the restart direction and, upon making eye contact with the referee, gives the flag a slight wave

Deals with the incident as appropriate If the referee stops play, signals with the flag held 45 degrees upward in the direction of the restart if the foul was committed by any player outside of the penalty area or by an attacker inside the penalty area (off hand up again

Indicates the location and direction of the restart

If the referee does not see the signal, continues to hold the flag straight upward in accordance with the pregame Conference

Signals for the restart and ensures that the free kick is taken properly

For FKs within scoring distance, takes position requested by referee in pre-game conference (to cover offside or as goal judge)Per pre-game conference, assists in enforcing the minimum distanceLead AR: If the referee does not see the lead AR’s signal, the trail AR mirrors the flag signal and, upon making eye contact with the Referee, directs his attention to the Trail AR

GAME MECHANICS

PLAY ONAdvantage

AppliedREFEREE AR

Declares distinctly “Play on!” or“Advantage!” and moves both hands forward in a sweepingmotion at waist level

In the case of fouls or misconduct not seen by the Referee, determines whether the Referee would not have applied advantage and stopped play for the offense if it had been seen (keeps flag down and does not use the verbal/hand signal for advantage)

Avoids an advantage signal when an incident has been observed which is judged not to be a foul (or a trifling or doubtful foul)

Brings the Referee’s attention at the next stoppage or other convenient time any serious offenses on which the referee should act in some way but for which the AR did not signal at the time the offense occurred

GAME MECHANICS

PENALTY KICK REFEREE LEAD

ARWhistles to stop play Waits for the Referee to begin

supervising the restart and then moves quickly to the intersection of the goal line and the penalty area line to prepare for the duties assigned bythe Referee in the pre-game Conference

Points clearly to the penalty mark and, unless needed elsewhere for game control purposes, moves to the edge of the penalty area near the goal line to avoid confrontation and dissent

If a goal is scored, keeps players under observation and follows the normal goal procedure

Deals with players who may attempt to protest or dispute the decision

If play continues, quickly resumes the position to judge offside (cutting the corner of the field if necessary) and keeps play in view

Supervises the placement of the ball

Identifies the kicker TRAILAR

Moves to a position in line with the top of the goal area to supervise the PK, far enough from the penalty mark to see all the players

Moves up the touch line to near the midfield line and monitors player activities out of the view of the Referee

When the ball and all the players are properly in position, signals for the kick to be taken

If a goal is not scored, quickly takes a position appropriate for the next phase of play

If a goal is scored, backpedals quickly up field keeping the area in front of the goal and other players under observationIf a goal is not scored, quickly takes a position appropriate for restart or next play of the ball

GAME MECHANICS

PENALTY KICK

Indicated by AR

REFEREE AR

Whistles to stop play Determines that the direct FK foul by a defender inside the penalty area was not seen by the referee and that, per the pre-game conference, the Referee would likely have stopped play for the foul if it hadbeen seen

Points clearly to the penalty mark

Signals with a flag straight up

Follows the normal procedures for a PK

Upon making eye contact with thereferee, gives the flag a slight wave

Quickly intervenes to prevent and control player attempts to confront the AR regarding the decision

If referee stops game, AR begins walking toward the corner flag

Takes the appropriate position either for the PK if confirmed by the Referee or for the next phase of play if the referee orders a different restart

GAME MECHANICS

Injuries REFEREE AR

Makes quick assessment of seriousness

Closest to injury, assists with determination of seriousness

Returns to position if not serious Closest to injury, provides information to Referee regarding related player actions (cause of injury, fouls, misconduct,retaliation, etc.)

Gives teams opportunity to stop play by sending ball off the field (sportsmanship)

Closest to team areas, prevents entry into the field of persons not beckoned by Referee and calms others remaining off the field

Stops play if injury is serious and notes location of ball for restartSignals for team official, trainer or other medical assistance to enter the fieldConfers with ARs, if necessary, to determine events leading to injuryStays out of the area where the injured player is being attended toMonitors time lost

Encourages timely restarts consistent with the safety of the injured player

GAME MECHANICS

MISCONDUCT

Play Stopped

Immediately

REFEREE AR

Quickly identifies and begins moving toward offending player and beckons player to approach

Prevent others on or off the field from interfering with the referee’s procedures

Attempts to draw offending player away from teammates and opponents

Record any pertinent information to assist with subsequent reporting of the misconduct

Discourages others from approaching, interfering, or participating

Monitor the departure from the fieldof a player sent off

Stops a reasonable distance away from offending player and begins recording necessary informationStates clearly and concisely that the player is being cautioned or sent from the field and displays the appropriate card by holding it straight overheadIf the player is being sent off, delays the restart of play until the player has left the field entirelyIn situations where the event or conduct being penalized includes the potential for retaliation or further misconduct, immediately moves to the location of the misconduct and displays the appropriate card before recording any information

GAME MECHANICS

MISCONDUCT

Play NOT Stopped

Immediately

REFEREE AR

Gives the advantage signal (verbal and arms swept upward to waist) and, if possible, identifies the player who has committed misconduct

Takes note of the player identified by the Referee and, if necessary or requested by the Referee, provides additional information regarding the misconduct at the next stoppage of play

At the next stoppage, whether caused by the ball leaving the field or by the decision of the referee:• Directs the attacking team to wait

for a signal before the restart, returns to the player who committed misconduct and follows the appropriate procedure

Or

• Allows the restart to occur quickly without displaying the yellow card for a caution if the misconduct was committed by a player on the team which does not have possession on the restart and if, in the opinion of the referee, the attacking team would benefit from the quick restart

GAME MECHANICS

SUBSTITUTIONS REFEREE AR

Looks to AR1 & midfield at every Dead Ball or substitution opportunity

Gives the substitution signal and holds it until eye contact is made with the Referee

Indicates that the restart will be delayed for the substitution and cannot occur except by the Referee’s signal (whistle only if necessary)

Other AR mirrors the signal if the Referee is not looking in the necessary direction,directs the Referee’s attention to the opposite side of the field when eye contact is made

When the player has left the field, beckons on the substitute

When acknowledged by the Referee, lowers the flag

Adds time as appropriate for excessive delay in performing the substitution

Moves to the halfway line to supervise, based on the pre-game conference

Does not permit the substitution if the substitute is not prepared to enter the field or if the team in possession on the restart is prepared to restartquickly

Ensures that the substitute does not enter the field until the player being replaced has left the field (can discuss this at pre-game conference)

Checks equipment, uniform, and credentials if the substitute was not present at the start of the matchAssists the Referee in determining when the substitution is complete based on the pre-game conference

GAME MECHANICS

TIMING REFEREE AR

Makes eye contact with AR for indication

Indicates time within the last 5minutes with appropriate number of fingers pointing downward against the background of the shorts

Confirms the AR’s signal and/or indicates additional time if near the end of the half

Displays closed fist on the shorts if time has expired

If the Referee might have difficulty seeing a signal against the shorts, signals instead against the jersey across the chest

GAME MECHANICS

END OF GAME or

HALFREFEREE AR

Signals with the whistle (two bursts for half, and three bursts for the end of game)

May secure the game ball if closer to it than the Referee, and gather balls behind the nets at halftime.

Points up field to the center circle

Join the Referee on the field

Secures the game ball at halftime. Can leave the balls at the end of game.

Flags are furled

Supervises the departure of the teams from the field

GAME MECHANICS

REFEREE AND ARKeep players and team officials under observation at all timesLeave the field as a team, preferably with Site Administrator escorting you to your car or locker roomConfer as a team regarding reportable events occurring during the match, clarify and confirm the accuracy of all reportable facts (e.g., goals scored, identity of players shown cards, other unusual incidents, etc.), and assist in the timely preparation and submission of all necessary reports

Mehdi’s 2-cents:Try and referee with a smile.

• Enjoy yourself, the players & most importantly the game.

• Do not take yourself more seriously than the level of game you are calling.

Take your time and allow things to process in your mind or see if an advantage develops.

• Very rarely do you have to make an instantaneous signal, whistle or call.

Work as a team and utilize everybody on the crew.

• Do not try and call a game entirely on your own.

• Check in with your crew at every dead ball.

Expect to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes.

• Making a mistake, or blowing a call does not make you a bad Referee … repeating the same mistakes over and over does.

Thanks for your attention.

The End

2010 5-A Boys State Semi-Final MatchMike Cleavenger (4th), Pat Evoy (AR1), Steve Kurzer (R) and Mehdi Salari (AR2)