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Arrive Early
There is a considerable amount of work that must be done before the start
of a match. The referee team needs to arrive at least 30 minutes prior
to kickoff. Laugh, share a joke, ask about family and friends, then
get to work.
Determine who is working which side of the field and what jerseys will be
worn. Stretch out, take a jog, get ready for business. While
some referees prefer to store their bags between the team benches, it is
better if you keep your gear along one goal line away from the parents and
the teams.
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Check the Ball
Secure at least one game ball for the competition.
Check each ball for pressure, outside covering, size, and shape. It
is often a good idea to let the goalkeepers get a feel for the game ball
prior to kickoff.
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Field Inspection
While each referee chooses different styles for their review of the
field, the following is a complete and comprehensive: Walk to one team
bench, secure your fees, introduce the referee team to the coach and
repeat the same procedure at the other team bench. While making an
outer loop along the perimeter of the field, check markings. Check goal posts, cross bars and nets as you come to
them. Watch players warm up to help determine key players and to
assist you in reading the game. Continue to make an inner loop so you
cover the complete field.
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Meet the Captains
To determine which end of the field the teams will attack, the referee
must conduct a coin toss with the team captain from each squad. The
captain winning the toss chooses which end to attack and the other team
kicks off.
Introduce the referee team to both team captains, and as a gesture toward
sportsmanship, ask the captains to introduce themselves to each other and
shake hands. Traditionally, the visiting captain calls the toss.
Referees differ as to whether they allow the home team to actually toss the
coin, or, if they do the toss, whether to catch the coin in the air or let
it fall to the ground. In case more than one player represents the
team, make sure you identify who will call the toss. Record the
results of the coin toss.
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Pre-Game Instructions
It is critical that the two referees talk prior to the
game to decide who is going to keep official time, who is going to keep
the book (score, cards, etc.), which referee is going to blow the whistle
for a kick-off, what do you expect when the ball is in your end versus
when it is in my end, and many other things. This should be done
early and every game no matter how many times you have worked with the
referee.
Start the Match
When you pre-game work is done, the referees walk out together to the
center of the field. The referees shake hands and the Lead Referee
sprints to their position. The Trail Referee waits for the kicking
team to come to the center and hands the ball to the players that will
perform the kick-off. He then sprints to his position, checks and
makes sure his partner is ready, and blows the whistle to start play.
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