Report Writing U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program Online Training Script: Welcome to U.S. Soccer’s online training for the Grade 7 Referee Course. Training for this course is specific to preparing officials for the amateur adult game. This presentation focuses on report writing. Classroom Instructor Talking Points: U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program Grade 7 Referee Course Amateur Adult Training

Responsibility Online Training Script: One of the referee’s most important responsibilities takes place away from the game and field of play. The Laws of the Game dictate that referees submit a report for each game when required by the local competition authorities. Based on the incidents being reported, supplemental reports may also need to be completed and submitted. It is important to note that while report writing is the responsibility of the referee, accurate and timely game reports are the product of a collective effort from the referee team. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Purpose Competition authorities Game information Disciplinary actions Players Team officials Any additional events from before, during and after the game Online Training Script: The purpose of report writing is simple. The referee serves as the record keeper of the match and is responsible for providing information to the local competition authorities as requested. These authorities use the reported information in a variety of ways so referees must be mindful of the accuracy and timeliness of their submissions. In particular, reports at the amateur adult level can be used to determine disciplinary sanctions so its important for referees to submit this information accurately and in a timely manner. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Elements Teams, date and venue Score Players’ names and jersey numbers Goal scorers Referee team Detailed description of incidents and events Online Training Script: Although game reports can vary, most include the same core elements. In addition to reporting standard game information, referees must be prepared to provide a detailed description of any additional events that occur before, during or after the game. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Description Offenses Defined by the Laws of the Game Incidents Require clarification from the referee Description Factual Clear Concise Online Training Script: Offenses are defined by the Laws of the Game and referees should use this specific language when reporting on the offenses covered in Law 12. Incidents, whether involving offenses or not, may require the referee to provide clarification on what took place. It is important for the referee to make sure all descriptions are based on fact. It is also important for the referee to be mindful of the audience who will be reading the report so writing in a clear and concise manner is a necessity. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Description Information Simple and succinct Incident Who did what When in the game Where on the field Language Report the exact words used Online Training Script: When writing up the description of an incident or offense, the report should be simple and succinct without omitting any of the necessary information. This includes who did what, when in the game it happened and where on the field the event took place. This information is needed for all of the players or team officials involved. The referee must note if the ball was in or out of the play at the time so the reader understands the implications this has for misconduct. It is also important for the referee to report the exact language used by the involved individuals. If needed, the referee should take notes on the occurrence before restarting play to ensure that all the relevant information is recorded accurately for reporting purposes. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Do’s and Don'ts Do Focus on the facts Be clear and concise Work with the referee team Don’t Speculate Insert opinion Make disciplinary suggestions Online Training Script: When completing reports, referees should always focus on the facts, be as clear as possible while also being concise in describing what happened, and work with the referee team to ensure the information is accurate. Speculation, inserting personal opinions, and making suggestions about disciplinary sanctions should always be avoided. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

U.S. Soccer Reports Available for download in the Downloads section of the Resource Center at ussoccer.com Referee report Supplemental referee report Report codes for cautionable and sending off offenses Online Training Script: While different competitions may use different reports, U.S. Soccer has created and provided two basic reports to assist officials at all levels. The referee report is available for submitting standard game information. The supplemental referee report is intended, as directed by the local competition authorities, for information related to the dismissal of team officials, sending-off offenses, serious injuries, game abandonment or other substantial occurrences. It can also be used for incidents involving referee assault or referee abuse. Report codes are provided to assist referees when reporting misconduct in either of the reports. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Review Question Before completing the required reports, should the referee confirm all relevant information with the other members of the referee team? Yes No Online Training Script: Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Review Question When completing the required reports, does the referee need to use language that is specific and concise? Yes No Online Training Script: Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Review Question When reporting the description of an incident or offense, what should the referee be sure to cover? Who did what When it happened in the game Where it happened on the field All of the above Online Training Script: Classroom Instructor Talking Points: