1. February/March 2016 Evendale Recreation Center 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

2.  Topics & Laws to be covered: ◦ What Is Needed to Play:  Laws I, II, III, and IV ◦ How to Play The Game  Laws VII, VIII, IX, X, XV, XVI, XVII ◦ Short Knowledge Quiz at the end of each topic.

3. EXERCISE Refereeing a soccer game is good exercise. You can be outside and run around, enjoy exciting games, and make a few dollars. It can keep you in shape for your own sports, help you lose weight, or just have some fun. THE KIDS The game needs referees. Referees are there to make sure the game is fair, fun, and safe. You are doing a service to the community and to the players, coaches, and fans. Just remember, people have been playing the beautiful game for a long time and some of the best games ever played were in backyards, parks, or backstreets without a single fan, coach or referee. Just players who wanted to play and just enjoy kicking the ball around. You are not bigger than the game.

4. CHALLENGE Life is full of challenges and being a referee is a perfect way to learn how to meet them head-on and know that you can handle them. Soccer is an emotional game. Players get excited. Fans get excited. Coaches get excited. Learning how to cope with their emotions while keeping yours in check will serve you well throughout your life. Other challenges are pushing yourself to learn more, run longer and faster, and work better with your partners. As the referee, you are in charge and your decision is final. However, that does not mean you are not responsible for your actions and that you are all- powerful. A referee who officiates because of the power usually does not last long. Players, coaches, fans, and fellow officials sense this power hunger and soon want to avoid you.

5. MONEY There are not too many things that a young person can do that pays as well as being a soccer referee. You can work a few hours and make some pretty good money. As you improve and work higher level games, the money improves. The hourly rate is higher than working at a fast- food restaurant and you can work outside. Don't kid yourself though. You won't get rich and the season does not go year- round. There will some weekends where you want to do other things. The money is good but it's not worth it all by itself. You need to look for more than just money to enjoy being a referee.

6.  KNOWLEDGE Knowledge is a great thing. The more you know, the more you can do and see. With a complete knowledge of the Laws of the Game, you are better referee, a better player, a better coach, and a better fan. This training package and the clinic to follow is the beginning of this journey to learn more about the game and the Laws. You must never stop learning.

7.  FRIENDSHIP Becoming a SAY Soccer official is a great way to meet friends that have similar interests. Working with different referees help you understand about how different people can be so much like you and that you have as much to learn from them as they have to learn from you. Some of the people you will meet will become your friends for the rest of your life. Take the time to get to know them and understand them.

9. The field of play should be rectangular.  Passers (U8): ◦ 80 x 60 yards (max) 60 x 40 yards (min)  Wings (U10) : ◦ 90 x 60 yards (max) 80 x 50 yards (min)  Strikers(U12): ◦ 100 x 60 yards (max) 90 x 60 yards (min)

10.  Kickers (U14): ◦ 110 x 65 yards (max) 100 x 60 yards (min)  Minors (U16) : ◦ 110 x 70 yards (max) 100 x 60 yards (min)  Seniors(U19): ◦ 110 x 70 yards (max) 100 x 60 yards (min)

12. WINGS PLAYING FIELD (SHORT-SIDED) 10

13. PASSERS PLAYING FIELD (SHORT-SIDED) 10

14. General  The field of play shall be marked with distinctive lines, not more than 5 inches in width.  Marking must be of some material that is not injurious to eyes or skin.

15. Field  A flag on a post at least five (5) feet high and at least one (1) inch in diameter having a non- pointed top shall be placed at each corner of the field.  Similar flags may be used to mark the middle of the field, but must be at least one yard outside of the touch lines

16. Corner Flags  A flag on a post at least five (5) feet high and at least one (1) inch in diameter having a non- pointed top shall be placed at each corner of the field.  Similar flags may be used to mark the middle of the field, but must be at least one yard outside of the touch lines

18. The Halfway-Line and Center Circle  A halfway-line shall be marked joining the midpoint of each touch line.  From the midpoint of the halfway-line, a circle shall be marked with an appropriate radius: ◦ Passers (U8) - six (6) yards ◦ Wings (U10) - eight (8) yards ◦ Strikers (U12) thru Seniors (U19) - ten (10) yards

20.  The ball shall be spherical.  The table below describes what size ball is used for which age group.  The ball will not be changed during the game without the approval of the referee(s).

21.  Passers (U8) – Size 3  Wings (U10) – Size 4  Strikers (U12) – Size 4  Kickers (U14) and up – Size 5

22. If the ball bursts or becomes defective during the course of a match:  the match is stopped;  Find a suitable replacement ball;  the match is restarted in accordance with Law VIII-7.

24.  IS THE BALL SPHERICAL? ◦ A common practice to determine if the ball is spherical or has been misshapen by abuse or neglect is to spin the ball in the air two or three times and look at the spin of the ball. If the ball seems to wobble in the air, it may be misshapen and the referee should consider a different ball for the match.

25.  SUITABLE MATERIAL? ◦ The referee can normally determine if the material is suitable by inspecting the ball for loose panels, cuts or gashes that may injure a player or result in a defective ball in the course of play. ◦ Stitched leather or synthetic covering balls are best suited for competitive matches. ◦ Some balls are made with a soft cushioned material that may gather moisture in poor weather conditions. ◦ The referee will have to consider the level of play, age of the player, and weather conditions when considering the suitability of the ball and materials of its construction.

26.  THE BALL ◦ Law II does not require balls to be of a particular color or material. The referee may replace the original ball with one of a different color if this makes the ball more visible. ◦ The game ball should be supplied by the home team, with several other suitable balls in reserve. When more than one game ball is provided for a match, the referee must inspect all balls to be used to ensure they meet the requirements of Law II.

27.  PROPER PRESSURE? ◦ There are numerous tricks used by referees to determine if the ball is properly inflated. Some referees squeeze the ball and look for a slight dimple, while others bounce the ball and look for an expected rebound height. The easiest and most accurate way is to carry a small pressure gauge and simply check the ball during your inspection.

28.  OVERINFLATION ◦ Given the emphasis on concussions and head injuries in general, do not use a ball that is too hard or overinflated. ◦ Typically, less skilled players want a soft ball, while the more aggressive and stronger players want a hard ball. The best answer is to assure that the ball is inflated within the proper pressure range using a pressure gauge.

30.  Full-sided games (11v11) will be played by two teams consisting of: ◦ Not more than eleven (11) players, and ◦ Not fewer than seven (7) players ◦ One of whom shall be the Goalkeeper.

31.  SHORT-SIDED: Short-sided games will be played by two teams each using the following criteria: ◦ 7v7 games:  Not more than seven (7) players, and  Not fewer than five (5) players,  with or without a Goalkeeper depending on local league rules. (NOTE: All SAY Areas/Districts in Greater Cincinnati require a Goalkeeper)

32. ◦ 8v8 games  Not more than eight (8) players, and  Not fewer than five (5) players,  with or without a Goalkeeper depending on local league rules. (NOTE: All SAY Areas/Districts in Greater Cincinnati require a Goalkeeper)

33. ◦ 9v9 games  Not more than nine (9) players, and  Not fewer than six (6) players,  with or without a Goalkeeper depending on local league rules. (NOTE: All SAY Areas/Districts in Greater Cincinnati require a Goalkeeper) ◦ 10v10 games  Not more than ten (10) players, and  Not fewer than six (6) players,  one of whom shall be the Goalkeeper

34.  Short-sided Passers (U8) games may be either 7v7 or 8v8  Short-sided Wings (U10) games may be either 7v7, 8v8, or 9v9  Short-sided Strikers (U12) and older, games may be either 8v8, 9v9, or 10v10

35. A PLAYER is a team member who has been given permission by the referee to enter the field of play. All others are SUBSTITUTES.  SUBSTITUTIONS: The following substitutes may only be made with the permission of the referee: ◦ Both teams may substitute any number of players.  On a goal kick  After a goal  during an extended time out (as for an injury)  between periods  When the referee stops the game to issue a caution or a send-off. ◦ The team in possession of the ball on a throw-in may substitute any number of players. If the team in possession chooses to substitute, the opposing team may also substitute any number of players. ◦ A substitute becomes a player when they are acknowledged by the referee.

36.  INFRINGEMENTS/SANCTIONS ◦ Any substitute entering the field of play without the permission of the referee, or any substitute who interferes with play whether by upon entering or leaving the field of play shall be subject to punishment for illegal substitution. ◦ If the infraction is noted while the ball is in play, the referee shall stop play. Play is to be restarted with an Indirect Free Kick against the offending team at the location where the ball was when play was stopped. ◦ Whether or not the ball is in play, the substitute(s) shall be cautioned.

37.  CHANGING THE GOALKEEPER ◦ The referee must be notified specifically before the Goalkeeper is changed (except when change is made between periods).  IMPROPER CHANGING THE GOALKEEPER ◦ Any player on the field changing places with the goalkeeper without the permission of the referee while the ball is in play, shall be subject to punishment for improper change. ◦ Play is not stopped. ◦ At the next stoppage of play, both players will be cautioned.

38.  PLAYERS SENT OFF (EJECTED) ◦ A player ejected after the game starts may not be replaced.

39.  LATE ENTERING PLAYER ◦ If a player is not able to enter or re-enter the field at the time for play to begin, due to late arrival or unreadiness of equipment or uniform, he may subsequently enter the field at a stoppage. The player may enter the field from any point on the boundary line, but only after the referee has inspected his equipment.

40.  Too Many Players on the Field … ◦ If, while the game is in progress, the referee finds that a team has more than the allowed number of players, she must stop play AND remove and caution the extra player from that team (which should be the substitute)  If there is no clear possession at the moment of the stoppage, restart with a dropped ball at the place where the ball was when play was stopped (subject to the special circumstances described in Law VIII).  If the ball is in the clear possession of one of the teams at the time play is stopped, the restart is an indirect free kick for the team who had possession at the stoppage.

41.  Too Many Players on the Field … (cont.) ◦ If a goal is scored by the team that had more than the allowed number of players and the referee discovers this before play is restarted, the goal is not valid and the restart is a goal kick. ◦ If the referee does not discover the extra player until after the kick-off, the goal remains valid and may not be taken away. The referee must report the incident to the proper authority.

42.  PREVENTING DELAY DURING SUBSTITUTION ◦ DO NOT ALLOW unnecessary delays due to the substitution process. Examples:  request for a substitution that occurs just as a player starts to put the ball back in play. This often (incorrectly) results in the restart being called back and retaken.  substitute player is not prepared to take the field when the request to substitute is made. ◦ In each case, the referee should order play to be restarted despite the request and inform the coach that the substitution can be made at the next opportunity.

43.  LEAVING THE FIELD WITHOUT PERMISSION The referee may caution a player who leaves the field without waiting for the permission of the referee.  LEAVING THE FIELD IN THE COURSE OF PLAY If a player accidentally passes over one of the boundary lines of the field of play or if a player in possession of or contesting for the ball passes over the touch line or the goal line without the ball to beat an opponent, he is not considered to have left the field of play without the permission of the referee. This player does not need the referee's permission to return to the field.

44.  A n opponent may exploit a situation in which the goalkeeper has temporarily left the field in the course of play by quickly and correctly taking a throw-in or a corner kick. Even though the goalkeeper may still be returning to the field, a goal scored under these circumstances is valid. No offense has been committed.

45.  APPLYING DISCIPLINE TO SUBSTITUTES ◦ The referee's authority extends to all substitutes, whether called upon to play or not. While it is not possible for a substitute to commit or be penalized for a foul, substitutes can be shown the appropriate card and cautioned or sent off for misconduct. (See Law V for dealing with coaches and other team personnel.)

46.  RESTARTING PLAY FOR INFRINGEMENTS OF LAW III ◦ If the game is stopped to deal with infringements of Law III, play is restarted with an indirect free kick taken by a player of the opposing team from the place where the ball was when play was stopped (subject to the special circumstances of Law VIII).

48.  Inspection ◦ Prior to any game the referee shall inspect the player's equipment and prevent any player whose equipment does not conform to the requirements of this Law from playing until such time as it does comply.  Safety ◦ A player shall not wear anything which is dangerous to another player or himself or herself.

49.  Basic Equipment: ◦ The basic compulsory equipment of a player shall consist of:  A shirt  Shorts  Socks  Shin-guards  Shoes

50.  Uniforms : ◦ All players on a team must wear shirts of the same color; ◦ The goalkeeper must wear a color different than that of both teams and the referee; ◦ It is the responsibility of the home team to change to a different color if the two teams normally wear the same color ◦ Numbers on shirts are required, and must be different for each player. However, when a team must wear alternate shirts, because of a color conflict, such shirts need not be numbered. ◦ For an unresolved color conflict, the referee may permit the game to proceed.

51.  Shin-guards ◦ are covered entirely by the socks ◦ are made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar substances) ◦ provide a reasonable degree of protection  Footwear ◦ Shoes shall be made by well-known manufacturers and designated as soccer footwear are legal, as are gym shoes. ◦ Shoes shall be properly tied (or otherwise appropriately fashioned) sweatshirts, sweat pants

52.  Personal Equipment ◦ Illegal equipment: The following shall be considered examples of illegal equipment, and shall not be worn by any player.  Shin-guards with exposed sharp edges  jewelry or watches  face or spectacle guards  helmets of hard material  any type of cast or splint (other than so-called inflated "air" casts or splints), even though covered with soft padding

53. ◦ Illegal equipment (cont):  knee brace(s) - unless wrapped and covered with soft padding and approved by the referee  cleats with sharp edges  foreign objects in the mouth (such as gum or ice), other than internal orthodontic devices NOTE: The foregoing examples are not intended to be all-inclusive. The referee may determine other equipment to be illegal or dangerous. However, the items listed in 7-A are to be considered illegal equipment (except as noted) at all times. Use of these items shall not be permitted at any time, even by agreement between the coaches and the referee.

54.  Legal Equipment: The following are examples of legal equipment, and as such may (except as noted) be worn by any player: - soft head wear such as knit cap - goalkeepers may wear gloves - a soft-billed cap or a properly fitted and fastened safety helmet, made of foam or other soft material - hearing aids - eyeglasses, with or without strap - contact lenses - soft gloves - warm-up suit, hooded

55.  Punishment ◦ For any infringement of this Law, the player shall be instructed by the referee to immediately:  Adjust his (or her) equipment or  Obtain missing equipment, or  Leave the field of play to do so, if correction on the field is deemed to be impractical ◦ A player who has been instructed to leave the field of play shall not return without first reporting to the referee, who shall determine that the player's equipment is in order. The player shall only re-enter the game at a moment when the ball has ceased to be in play and only with the referee's permission.

56.  Punishment ◦ If necessary, a player can be cautioned for unsporting behavior due to the use of illegal equipment or not wearing the proper equipment. ◦ This is especially warranted if a prior instruction has been issued (i.e. pre-game instruction to remove earrings, bracelets, etc.).

57.  WEARING UNIFORMS It is implicit in the Law that each side wear a distinctively colored jersey, that shorts and socks be uniform for each team, and that the uniforms be distinguishable from the uniforms worn by the other team. The referee shall ensure that each player wears his uniform and equipment properly. Players' jerseys must remain tucked inside their shorts, socks must remain pulled up and each player must wear shin-guards under the socks. Slide pants or similar undergarments must be the same main color as the shorts.

58.  SAFETY The referee must inspect the players and their equipment to ensure that there is nothing dangerous to any player. Players may not wear anything that the referee considers dangerous to the player or to their teammates or opponents.  JEWELRY All items of jewelry are normally considered dangerous; however, referees should consider carefully any item of clothing or jewelry that is clearly religious or medical in nature and permit it to be worn if it is not dangerous and not likely to provide the player with an unfair advantage.

59.  GOALKEEPER UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT Goalkeepers traditionally wear items of clothing besides those prescribed under Law IV. They must wear a jersey color distinct from the players of both teams. Goalkeepers also may wear soft hats or caps, gloves, pants with special hip or thigh pads, jerseys with pads along the elbows and arms, and separate pads for knees or elbows, as long as these items of clothing do not present a danger to any players, are of a color distinct from the uniforms of the players of either team and are, in the opinion of the referee, clearly related to the goalkeeper's function. The referee should prevent any player other than the goalkeeper from wearing an item of clothing or equipment that is permitted to the goalkeeper under these criteria. If two goalkeepers' shirts are the same color and neither has another shirt to change into, the referee shall allow the match to proceed.

60.  FOOTWEAR Shoes are a required item of player equipment. If a player, due to a collision with an opponent or other cause, loses a shoe and immediately scores a goal, the goal would be valid. The player lost his shoe by accident and did not intentionally play without a shoe. It is within the referee's discretion to allow such a player to continue playing for a short while until he can recover his shoe and put it back on.