1. The Field of Play (1) U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Online Training Script:
Welcome to U.S. Soccer’s online training for the Grade 9 Referee Course.
Training for this course is specific to preparing officials for the small sided and recreational youth game.
This presentation focuses on Law 1 – The Field of Play.
U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program
Grade 9 Referee Course
Small Sided and Recreational Youth Training

2. Stuff you need to know about the field
#1 Priority – Safety (Referee’s decision!)
Line width – 5 inches maximum
Lines – Part of the area that they define
Field and goal sizes
Can be modified by rules of local competition
Home coach is responsible for fixing problems

3. Touch Lines Define Boundary Longer than goal lines
Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.

4. Goal Lines Define Boundary Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.

5. Penalty Areas GK Rights PK Ball in play 18 Yards 18 Yards
Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.

6. Goal Areas Restart location 6 yards from goal line
Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.

7. Penalty Arcs 10 yards Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.

8. One yard radius Corner Arcs Ball placement 10 yard
Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.

9. Corner Flags Help the referee At least 5’ tall Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.

10. Penalty Marks Ball placement 12 yards from goal line
Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.

11. Halfway Line Kickoff Offside Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.
Halfway Line
Kickoff
Offside

12. Center Circle 10 yards Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.
Center Circle
10 yards

13. Center Mark Ball Placement Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.
Center Mark
Ball Placement

14. Optional Marks 10 yards Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.

15. Technical Areas Team Officials Substitutes Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.

16. Optional Flags Mark halfway line Off the field Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.

17. The Referee Part of the field Online Training Script:
As with field size, the local rules of competition will determine what field markings are used.
Some of the most common field markings include the halfway line, the center circle, the center mark, the penalty area, the goal area and the corner arcs.
Note that not all fields will have these markings so referees must know what is required by the local rules of competition.
It is also important to know that all lines on the field are part of the area they define.
For example, the boundary lines are still part of the field of play.
This is why the entire ball must entirely cross one of these lines before being out of play.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
Each mouse click will display a part of the field. Stress that this is a “perfect” field and they won’t have perfect fields. Make do with what you have, but know that these parts of the field are provided for in the Laws of the Game. We’ll talk about what each part of the field is used for as we go through the course.

18. Goal not anchored? This is a deal breaker!!!
Goal Safety
Goal not anchored?
This is a deal breaker!!!
Online Training Script:
Weights, sandbags, and stakes are some examples of how a goal may be securely anchored to the ground.
Unanchored goals can lead to serious injures and even death, so no game can be played if the goals are not anchored and safe for play.
Goal nets are not required for play, but if used, they are required to be safe.
This means they must be securely attached to the goal frame and any holes in the netting should be repaired.
Again, the home team coach should be informed if there are any issues with the safety of the goals and it is his or her responsibility to correct them to the satisfaction of the referee.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
If the goals are not anchored, we don’t start the game. It doesn’t matter if they are small goals at a U6 game or full size goals at a U19 game – they have to be anchored. Discuss the methods of anchoring – stakes, counter weights, etc. Discuss ways to anchor goals in a pinch. Explain that referees are subject to disciplinary action if they allow a game to proceed without ensuring that the goals are anchored.

19. Goal Anchors (WNY)
No game may start or continue unless the goals are securely anchored
Referees and assistant referees violating this policy are subject to disciplinary action
Applies to ALL goals (regardless of size)
Goal must be secure to the satisfaction of the referee
Allow reasonable time for coaches to comply if necessary
Online Training Script:
Law 5 gives referees the full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game and this authority is separated into powers and duties.
Powers are the things referees have the authority to do when then think they are needed and duties are the things referees are required to do according to the Laws of the Game.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

20. Field Not Properly Marked
Not an “if” but a “when”
Do the best you can
Report it
Except the Exceptions:
Goals not anchored (don’t play)
Unsafe corner flags (remove)
Online Training Script:
The goal measures 8 feet high from the underside of the crossbar to the ground.
The width is 8 yards from the inside of the goalpost to the inside of the other goalpost.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
You will run into many fields that do not have proper markings.
Markings may be very light, incorrect, absent …
Do not cancel a game because the field markings are incorrect – do the best you can and report the problems

21. Goal Alignment Online Training Script:
If a goal is not the same width as the goal line, the goal should be positioned so the back of the posts are even with the outside of the goal line.
This will help the referee team to determine whether the entire ball has completely crossed the goal line.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
The back edge of the upright should be lined up with the outside edge of the goal line.

22. Anything above this crossbar is not part of the goal.
Goals
Anything above this crossbar is not part of the goal.
“Out of play”
Online Training Script:
The goal measures 8 feet high from the underside of the crossbar to the ground.
The width is 8 yards from the inside of the goalpost to the inside of the other goalpost.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:
If you want to, you can tell them that the goal (under the LOTG) is 8 feet tall and 8 yards wide. But they may see combination football/soccer goals, and make sure to teach that anything above the goal crossbar is not considered a part of the goal. If the ball hits above there and returns to the field, it is still out of play.

23. Field Safety - #1 Priority
Arrive 30 minutes prior to kickoff – find the problems before the game
Home coach – responsible for fixing problems
Referee decides if the field is safe
Online Training Script:
Safety is the primary concern for referees at all levels and this begins with a proper field inspection.
All officials should arrive at least 30 minutes before kick off to do their inspection.
Any problems identified with the field should be explained to the home team’s coach and it is his or her responsibility to correct the issues.
No game can be played unless the referee decides that the field is safe for play and the referee has the final say on this matter.
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

24. Review Question
Who should correct any reported problems with the field of play?
Referee team
Away team coach
Home team coach
Spectators
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

25. Review Question
Must the goals be securely anchored to the ground before starting play?
Yes No
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

26. Review Question
At a minimum, how many minutes before the game should the referee team arrive?
5 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

27. Review Question
In a small sided game, what will determine the size of the field and the field markings used?
Laws of the Game
Local rules of competition
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

28. Review Question
Will the local rules of competition determine the size of the goals used?
Yes No
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

29. Review Question The corner flags must be at least how many feet high?
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

30. Review Question
If the goals are not securely anchored to the ground, what should the referee do?
Ask the home team coach to fix the issue and start the game only when the goals are securely anchored
Start the game without the goals anchored so long as it’s not too windy
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

31. Review Question
If a foul is committed by a player on his or her own penalty area line, which of the following is correct?
The foul occurred outside of the penalty area
The foul occurred inside of the penalty area
Online Training Script:
Classroom Instructor Talking Points: