As referees, we tend to assume nothing will happen on the simplest of plays. While I am not condemning the referee for his original position, I do have an issue with his slow reaction. Also, we as referees from the very beginning, have been taught what is a foul, what is misconduct, sharp mechanics etc.
Violent Play
We talk about “non-soccer” plays that do not belong in the game of soccer. Elbows to the head, challenges that endanger the safety of a player, such as over the ball tackles, spitting, headbutting, etc. In the 2 clips below, you will see similar types of violent behavior. In both cases, the action by the
Dangerous Challenges
One of the first things referees should be looking at when there are challenges on the ground are the feet of the player challenging. There are some indications that should raise awareness in these types of challenges. DISTANCE where the challenging player comes. Is that player coming from a longer distance or is the distance
Injuries
Soccer is a contact sport and injuries are part of the game. The growing concern in soccer, among other sports, are concussions. Referees need to be more aware of the symptoms of concussions and take more of a concerned role in recognizing them. Some symptoms listed here are what we, as referees, may see when
Apply to Regional Tournaments

Western Pennsylvania Referees is making selections for the below Regional Tournaments. If you would like to be considered for inclusion in the Western Pennsylvania delegation please complete the Google Form linked below. Selections will be based on experience, performance, and off field behavior. Events: OPD Tournament June 7-9 Kirkwood Soccer Complex, DE President Cup June
Teamwork
Teamwork is critical for a successful game in soccer. Referees and Assistant referees (4th official if allowed), must work together. This begins with a thorough pregame among the crew. This can take up to an hour but a good ’30 minutes can cover a very good pregame. For more info, click here. Once the game
Law 11 – OFFSIDE
Historically, Law 11, Offside has always been a controversial decision by Assistant Referees. The Law has also changed over the course of many years, as well as the interpretations, from even is on, daylight between attacker and defender, parts of the body, deliberate, deflected etc. But the Law is clear, to many, the easiest Law
WPA State Referee Advanced Clinic – Feb 16 & 17
Referees, Assignors, Mentors and Club Administrators, the State Referee Committee of Western Pennsylvania is sponsoring an Advanced Clinic and Referee Workshop. Please see below for many more details! When: February 16th 9am-4pm Advanced Clinics February 17th 9am-2pm Referee Workshop Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh Green Tree
Re-certification Reminder

Game officials is open for your 2019 referee recertification. If you have already completed your recertification and supplied any necessary updated clearances, please let me know so that we can determine why your certification is incomplete. To recertify, please log into your Game Officials account. Go to COURSES > REFEREE COURSES > 2019 Grade *