• Follow the instructions in HAYSA_Referee Setup & Enrollment Procedures
• Each August, HAYSA announces referee opportunities via email and Facebook
• Attend the mandatory referee meeting to learn the ins and outs of officiating

• Any player U12 (Grade 7) or older can begin learning to referee
• If you're 14 or older, you're eligible to become a patched referee
• Click here to learn more about becoming a patched referee

• Let your assignor know your availability and any conflicts
• This includes playing on a team or having family members involved

• Game fees vary by assignment
• Your assignor will provide details on rates and payment methods

• Visit www.massref.net for certification info
• Questions? Contact the Referee Coordinator

📚 Know the Laws

• Study the Laws of the Game and USSF-approved mechanics
• Understand local Rules of Competition, including:
  • Game length
  • Ball size
  • Number of players
  • Substitution rules
  • Penalty kick rules
  • Free kick types
  • Offside rules
  • Game report procedures
  • Uniform requirements
• New referees won’t get everything right — learning comes with experience

👔 Dress & Act Professionally

• Respect starts with presentation
• Show up ready, engaged, and looking the part

🗣️ Take Charge (Respectfully)

• Leadership ≠ yelling. Be confident, not overbearing
• Greet coaches with a handshake and eye contact
• Give clear, simple instructions to players
• Start games on time

👕 Uniform & Apparel

• USSF-approved gold referee jersey (short sleeve recommended)
• Black referee shorts
• Black socks (pulled up to the knees)
• Alternate jersey colors can be added later
• For in-town rec games, one jersey is sufficient

🎒 Referee Bag Essentials

• ⏱️ Two watches (stopwatch functions)
• ✏️ Pens/pencils & notebook
• 🟥🟨 Red and yellow cards
• 🪙 Tossing coin
• 📯 Whistles (always carry a backup)
• 🚩 Assistant referee flags
• 🧤 Cold weather gear (seasonal)
• 👟 Street shoes & dry socks
• 🛍️ Large plastic bag (for rain protection)
• 🌞 Sunscreen
• 🍫 Snacks (energy bars for long days)
• 🗂️ Rubber bands/baggies for organizing player/coach cards (travel refs)
• 🧃 Water

Inspect the Field

• Remove rocks, twigs, and debris; fill any holes or depressions
• Ensure nets are securely fastened and pulled back from the goal area
• Goal posts must be anchored (sandbags at rear are acceptable)
• Corner flags must be safe and at least 5 ft high
• Field must be properly lined
• Home team is responsible for resolving field issues
• Note any field concerns in the game report

Check In the Players

• Start with the team that’s most ready (home team first is common but not required)
• Ensure all jewelry is removed — earrings must be taken out (tape is not sufficient)
• Medical IDs must be taped to chest or wrist with info visible
• All players must wear shin guards with socks pulled over them
• Shirts must be tucked in

• Pay close attention during the pre-game conference; ask questions if unclear
• Understand substitution procedures and offside signal timing
• Hold the flag in the hand closest to the referee (usually left hand)
• Switch flag hands below the waist when changing direction
• Maintain eye contact with the referee when not actively signaling
• Stay even with the second-to-last defender for offside calls
• Follow the ball to the goal line to confirm goals
• Side-step to stay square to the field; sprint only when necessary
• Run to the corner flag when signaling goal kicks or corner kicks
• Point the flag in the direction of the throw-in (not straight up)
• Help players take throw-ins from the correct spot — be proactive

• Conduct a pre-game with your ARs; clarify expectations for throw-ins, free kicks, etc.
• Review offside and league-specific Rules of Competition
• Stay close to the play — avoid lingering near the center circle
• Train yourself to lift your vision beyond the ball to see the full area of play
• Be intentional with your positioning — know why you’re where you are
• Maintain eye contact with ARs during dead ball situations
• Use clear hand signals with a straight arm
• Blow sharp, confident whistles — let your whistle “talk” for you
• Use louder whistles for serious fouls; vary intensity based on situation
• Be decisive — hesitation invites challenges from players and coaches
• Run the diagonal system of control (typically left diagonal)
• At halftime and post-game, review:
  • Cards issued
  • Scores
  • Incidents
  • League-specific reporting requirements

• Set ground rules early:
  • Show coaches where they should be seated
  • Clarify who will give instructions and who will request substitutions
• Don’t let coaches intimidate you
• Be confident in your knowledge of the Laws and Rules of Competition
• Stay calm — speak quietly and respectfully to de-escalate yelling
• Don’t take yelling personally — it happens to all referees
• If comments become personal or abusive:
  • Approach calmly and inform the coach their conduct is unsporting
  • If it continues, ask them to leave
  • If they refuse, warn that the game will end
  • Allow 30–60 seconds for compliance, then end the game if needed
  • File a detailed report with the league

• Make your presence known from the start — stand tall, smile confidently
• Introduce yourself, check rosters, inspect the game ball, check in players
• Don’t tell players how you’ll call the game — it can backfire
• Blow the whistle confidently and use clear signals
• If a player is disruptive:
  • Issue a caution at a stoppage and explain the behavior is unacceptable
  • If it continues, warn the player and notify the coach
  • Allow 30–60 seconds for correction
  • If unresolved, issue a second caution and then a red card
• Speak calmly and firmly — never yell or use foul language
• Let players vent briefly before calling dissent — you may learn something useful
• Set boundaries early and consistently

• Remain calm — don’t argue with spectators
• Report misbehavior in a misconduct report to the league
• Ask the coach to speak with the offending spectators
• If behavior continues:
  • Ask the coach to have the spectator leave
  • If they refuse, warn that the game will end
  • Allow 30–60 seconds for resolution
  • End the game if necessary and file a complete report

• Keep learning and improving with every game
• Experience builds confidence — the more games you do, the better you’ll feel
• Review the Laws of the Game and referee guidance after tough calls
• Talk to experienced referees or email them with questions
• Watch skilled referees and observe how they handle tough situations
• Ask experienced referees to watch and critique your performance
• Run lines for experienced referees to learn game protocols
• Once ready, request experienced ARs when you’re in the center
• Advance slowly to tougher matches — challenge yourself when ready
• Attend seminars, workshops, and clinics
• Watch games at all levels to deepen your understanding of the sport