As we approach State Cup Competition, referees must be prepared just as the players. Unfortunately, the players are practicing multiple times per week getting ready to play. These are important games for not only the players, but for the coaches, parents and spectators. The question is, ARE YOU PREPARED? How to prepare. Know your assignments
Corner Kick Positioning – Opposite Side
As we have been saying all along, the referee needs to have an angle to see and in a position for the next stage of play. Not being “involved” with the players is important. Staying a good distance from where you think the ball will drop, but also in a position to see. Good referees
Referee Hotline
In an effort to provide our Referees and players with a safe environment we encourage all Referees to use the Referee Hotline and to report all incidents involving coaches or parents. Please email refereehotline@gmail.com How to use the hotline: Take a picture of the GDR and report anything that will help us to make the
Corner Kick Positioning
Corner kicks are a very important for both teams. For one, there can be as many as 22 players, yes, including the opposing GK in the penalty area which if you recall from your entry level class is 44 yards wide and 18 yards deep. With that said, it is very important that the referee
Field Positioning – The Goal Kick
Positioning, as in every situation needs to be “intelligent” and “flexible”. What we learn in our entry level class and the information in the Law book is only a guide for you to become familiar with the basic points of positioning. Remember, the game is constantly changing as you referee and we, as referees, need
Field Positioning – Offensive Third Throw-in
This illustration shows positioning in the offensive 1/3. As a recap, in the defensive third, the referee should be ahead of the thrower to anticipate and be prepared for the next level of play. In the middle third, a good position for the referee would be somewhat parallel to the thrower so the referee will
Field Positioning – Lanes Of Movement
The basic concept above makes it easy for referees to be in the proper position and have a better angle to view. It is based on a 3-piece concept. 1. Be close to play. Referees cam make better decisions if they are close to the play. Always move towards the ball without getting in the
Field Position – Thrown-ins
Let’s examine proper positioning on throw-ins in the defensive end. You can see the direction of the ball by the arrow indicated. Referees must know the “options of the players. What will they do? Although the referee will not know for sure, he/she must know what the player “can do”. In all cases, the referee
2018 Re-certification
Western PA Soccer Referees, 2018 recertification is now available on-line on Game Officials. Please complete the on-line recertification before the end of 2017. If you are a Grade 8 referee, you only need to take 1 recert course. Choose any course that does not have a lock symbol beside it. USSF no longer provides Law
Referee positioning
I have watched many games in the past months and I have seen some positioning errors on the part of referees. While referees may not be completely at fault due to misinformation from assessors, I can assure you that the advice below will help you in your decision making. Be close to play. The further