PCSL Referees:

PCSL provides free training, uniforms, and other necessary equipment for any interested person.  New referees are required to complete a training class to attain a referee certification before being able to referee.   We only ask that you be willing to learn and committed to your assignments.  The age requirement to become a qualified referee is 12.  Each referee that is trained or provides documentation of equivalent training is asked to fill out an "Availability Form."  Based on the submitted "Availability Form" and prior to each session, qualified referees are assigned by the league.

Completed Fall 2010 Referee Availability Forms must be completed and returned to the PCSL Soccer office by August 27th, 2010.  You can email your completed form to pcslsoccer@versizon.net or mail your completed availability form to:

Availability forms available in two formats for your convenience.

• Microsoft Word Format
• PDF Format

POINTS OF EMPHASIS FOR PCSL REFEREES:

• Remember - player safety is your most important concern.  Watch for dangerous situations that could develop and be prepared to stop them by blowing your whistle.  A common example is where a player is on the ground next to the ball with opposing players near.  If such a player is unable to get up quickly (or attempts to continue playing the ball while on the ground), it's very likely that he or she will be kicked.  Blow the whistle before it happens and make a "dangerous play" call against the player on the ground.

• PCSL does not permit players to wear any casts or splints.  No exceptions - it does not matter if they wrap or pad the cast or splint.  It is a potential danger to both the player and others on the field.

• Player fun and enjoyment is also important to PCSL.  You can assist in this by helping the players understand the calls you make.  You have the opportunity to teach younger players what they're doing wrong - almost like a second coach on the field. Whether it's a bad throw-in or a push in the back, take advantage of those valuable teaching moments to help players better understand the laws of the game.

• Please arrive at your assigned field at least 15 minutes before scheduled game time.  This will allow you to perform your pre-game inspections of the teams (remember to look for baseball or softball shoes with toe cleats) and start the game on time.

• Dress the part of a referee.  Wear your black AYSO referee shirt, black shorts and black socks pulled up.

• Please remember to treat the coaches with respect. We encourage you to use the pre-game time to introduce yourself to both coaches.   You should also use the yellow laminated cards mentioned above to go over the game format with each coach and ensure that everyone knows how the game will be played.

• For U9 games and above, each coach needs to provide a linesperson.  The linesperson needs to be a teenager or parent.  Younger children (usually brothers or sisters of the players) are not OK as you need someone you can rely on to tell you when the entire ball goes across the entire touchline.

• When you make a call, have confidence and blow a good, strong whistle so that the players and coaches hear you. Also, remember that you do not need to blow the whistle every time the ball is obviously out of play.

• Call the obvious fouls.  It sounds simple, but sometimes, for whatever reason, we referees will not make what is a simple call on a foul.  This results in a loss of trust and confidence from the players, coaches and fans.  But on the other hand, don't be pressured into making a foul call on a play you see and decide no foul was committed just because the fans or a coach yells for the call.

• If you have any problems with the fans that you need help with, go to the coaches.  They are responsible for their parents and fans.

• If you have any problems with coaches that you need help with, please stop the game and find the field supervisor.  He or she will usually be the one riding around the complex in the cart.

• Be sure to complete a match report for each game.  This is how you will get paid.  You keep the yellow copy and turn the white copy in at one of the mail boxes at the complex.  Mailboxes are located in the middle and south end of the complex parking lot.

• Lastly, if for whatever reason you are unable to work your assigned games, please advise the PCSL office as early as possible by email or phone so that a replacement can be found.

Good luck this season and please let the league office know if you have any questions or need any assistance.

Updated 07/16/10 @ 18:30