Writing a Referee Report For Youth Games. A Quick Overview 2009 Recertification Clinics

Objective At the end of this session, the referee will know the correct way in which to file a Game Report for a Youth Match in Maryland.

What is a Referee Report? An official USSF/MSYSA document summarizing events of the game, including periods before and after the game. It is NOT a league report or “game card”. Provides information to the association/ league about incidents which may require action by the disciplinary committee.

Who May Write a Report? Referee Assistant Referees

When Do I Write a Report? During any game in which there are: Serious Injuries Abuse Termination of Match (any reason) Unusual Incidents with possible consequences (e.g., Removal/dismissal of team or match officials, fan conduct, field conditions) Assault - on or by a player, coach, parent, or referee Usually within 48 hours of the game

Who Gets a Copy of the Report? State Association (SRA/SRC) <- Automatic SYRA (Youth Games) <- Automatic League Officials <- Automatic Adjudication Committee <- Automatic You also may want to include Referee(s) Assignor Local Association President, USSF Rep Note: These latter are courtesy only, and not part of the official disciplinary adjudication

Materials: Game Log / 4th Officials Log LOTG ATR Other FIFA or USSF Materials (e.g., USSF Memoranda) Rules of Competition USSF Form and Supplemental Form Rosters (if available) Game Report Writing * If a report will be necessary, immediately after the match review pertinent facts and details with members of the officiating crew

What to include? Facts only, not opinions Enough information to enable disciplinary committee to do it’s work properly (DO NOT provide more information than necessary) If serious injury, what action was taken and by whom

Examples of What to Write: Teams Location, date & time of match Competition (league, tournament, etc.) Name, number, team of individuals involved Specific reason(s) for cautions or send offs (7+7) The verbiage should match that in the Laws of the Game, especially for fouls and misconduct

Examples of What NOT to Write: “I think…” “I believe he was going to…” “#8 had been belligerent since the beginning of the game.” “I red carded #11 for an unsporting tackle.” “The players wouldn’t listen to me.”

MSYSA Web Page

MSYSA Referee Page

MSYSA Referee Report

Where can I find help? USSF Referee Administrative Handbook Assignor SYRA SRA SDI

Summary Referee and A/Rs file reports for any serious situation during match Within 48 hours Be concise and complete –report facts, not opinions Send copy to appropriate people immediately