Westchester Soccer Referee Organization News Feed

New Referee Course Questions

2009-01-16T10:33:00.000-05:00

Recertification Requirements

2009-01-15T08:59:00.001-05:00

Goal Kicks

2009-01-14T10:14:00.002-05:00

General Comments and Qustions

2009-01-14T10:12:00.001-05:00

Corner Kicks

2009-01-14T10:11:00.002-05:00

Throw Ins

2009-01-14T10:11:00.001-05:00

Free Kicks

2009-01-14T10:10:00.000-05:00

Restarting Play

2009-01-14T10:09:00.000-05:00

Competition Specific Rulings

2009-01-14T10:06:00.004-05:00

Certain competitions have different rulings. Post your questions and comments about how a drop ball is dealt with in the WYSL and how that differs from other competitions, for example.

Fouls and Misconduct

2009-01-14T10:06:00.001-05:00

Restarts

2009-01-14T10:04:00.001-05:00

The Referee and Assistant Referees

2009-01-14T10:03:00.000-05:00

The Players

2009-01-14T10:02:00.001-05:00

The Field of Play

2009-01-14T10:01:00.001-05:00

The Ball

2009-01-14T09:57:00.002-05:00

Offside

2009-01-14T09:53:00.007-05:00

One of the key elements of making the correct offside call is the position of the attacker at the moment the balled is played to that player.

For more information on making the correct offside call see this link: http://www.fifa.com/flash/lotg/football/en/flash/start.html

Referee's Appearance - more than the uniform!

2009-01-13T12:34:00.000-05:00

When people talk about the appearance of the soccer referee it is often understood as what his/her uniform looks like. While uniform is an important component of the referee's appearance it is only one aspect of appearance that the referee should be concerned with.

Appearance of the referee goes a long way to "sell" the referee to the game participants, coaches and spectators. A referee who is improperly uniformed, unshaven, unkempt, lethargic in his manner may not be satisfactory to players and coaches at certain levels of play. As a result the referee's ability to "sell" him or her self is reduced to some degree. Every lacking element of appearance erodes the officials ability to "sell" themselves. In the heat of the game when it is requiring significant effort to "sell" your calls, why should you let elements of your appearance (which you have full control over) get in your way?

Appearance in the context of this discussion includes all aspects of your game. Here are some to consider:

- on time arrival at the game
- uniform is properly matched and finished (tucked in shirt, socks up, if cold proper under clothing and gloves)
- good field inspection
- firm, approachable demeanor
- proper pregame inspection of the line up and players, coin toss, assigning lines persons if applicable)
- proper kickoff, restart, signals, etc.
- keeping up with the play
- excellent knowledge and understanding of the rules
- good foul recognition
- taking control of the game to promote a safe and positive environment for the players (get coaches involved to keep spectators in control, have the courage to call fouls if you see them).

So, when you prepare to leave your house to do your next game make sure you dress like the professional you (we) are! Check these links out for further information on dress, positioning, singals and lots more and................. feel free to post your comments to the blog!

Referee Guide to Procedures
http://images.ussoccer.com/Documents/cms/ussf/2008-09%20GTP.pdf

Referee Administrative Handbook
http://images.ussoccer.com/Documents/cms/ussf/2008-09%20RAH.pdf