Referee's Whistle

General Info

NOTE: Slide Tackling has been banned in all developmental games.

Lightning Information - click here

(Remember the REFEREE calls any games at the field)

 
My name is Franco Marinelli and I am the Head Referee for Cumberland United-Unis Soccer. I have been a Referee with the CUSC for over 9 years now and also performed the duties of CUSC Referee Assessor for many years prior to becoming Head Referee in 2007.

Applications and Interviews for 2010 have now been CLOSED

2010 Registration for CUSC Soccer Referees - So you want to be a Soccer Referee?

With the Canadian Soccer Association raising the minimum age of Entry Level Referees to 14 years of age, effective in 2009, a gap was created for the hundreds of 12 and 13 year old Ontario Soccer Association referees. For this reason, the OSA Referee Department developed for 2009 a Mini Soccer Referee Course for 12 and 13 year olds.
It is intended that the same formula will be used for 2010 and for those of you who want to be Mini Referees you will be required to take this one day course. (You must turn 12 by March 31, 2010 to be eligible to take this course which normally takes 1 day to complete.)
For returning MINI referees (those who were MINI referees last year and will not be 14 years of age by March 31, 2010) will also be required to take the one day MINI referee course again.
IF you were a MINI referee in 2009 and will turn 14 years of age before March 31, 2010, you will be required to take the CSA Entry Level Referee course. 2009 marked the Province-wide launch of the CSA Entry Level Referee Course. This course was designed by the Canadian Soccer Association with the aim of providing a more uniform approach in teaching the Laws of the Game, leading to a greater degree of uniformity in the understanding and application of the Laws. Participants are required to pre-register for the course and complete a pre-course workbook, in-class workbook, and pass an examination at the conclusion of the course. Those who pass the written examination will be certified as CSA District Referees (if over the age of 16) or Youth Referees (if under the age of 16).  You must turn14 by March 31, 2010 to take this course which normally takes 2 days to complete.)

We especially need MATURE Adults to become Referees, so please sign up as soon as possible.  Please note that priority is given to members of the CUSC as the Club pays for the course and for returning referees subsidizes license fees (max of $25.00) if you referee at least 8 games each year.  If you want to be a new referee this year, please visit the "REFEREE" table at regular Soccer registration to be held on Feb. 6, 2010  or if you will not be able to register in person send an email to: headreferee@cumberlandsoccer.com   
You will be required to go through a personal interview.

New Referee Classification
The Canadian Soccer Association under the their new regulations and control of Match Officials have created a new Classification system for referees in Canada. As of January 1st 2009 all Ontario referees were effected by this new classification system and were graded accordingly.
In January 2009 a letter was sent by the Ontario Soccer Association to each referee registered in
2008 outlining their old classification (under the old system), their new classification (under the new system) as well as details on how to register as a referee fro the ensuing year.

Referee Registration 2010 - for returning referees:
The registration year will be from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.
Registration instructions have yet to be posted on the OSA website.
Assuming that fees will not increase the renewal registration for referees should be along the following lines.

Please look for additional e-mails on the subject in the near future

 Referee Job Descriptions and Responsibilities
 
Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which she/he has been appointed.
Responsibilities:
-Conduct yourself in a professional manner, including showing up 20 minutes in advance of the game in full uniform (shirt tucked in, no hat or sunglasses, and all necessary equipment to officiate the game);
-Ensure that the playing field is safe for play and does not have any dangerous materials on it (i.e. large rocks, pieces of glass);
-Satisfy all the requirements of the Cumberland United Soccer Club, including the completion and submission of all administrative or disciplinary forms to CUSC and to the OCSL if required;
-Ensure that you officiate all assigned matches or make arrangements to have another equally qualified referee to officiate;
-Make sure that corner flags/pylons are placed properly (for Micro soccer, ensure that the goal crease is properly marked);
-Ensure that all players are wearing shin-guards and do not have any jewellery that could be dangerous;
-Introduce yourself to the Coaches; for house league games, get each team to supply a linesman;
-Do the coin toss with the captains. Winner chooses the end to defend and the loser kicks off;
-Start the game on time and add on injury time if required;
-Have the coaches sign the game sheet at the end of the game;
-Complete and submit any disciplinary reports to the Referee-in-Chief within 48 hours or the OCSL (for Cobra games)
-Submit game sheets with schedule to Referee Assignor at the end of the month.

Referee Certification and Clinics
 
Referee certifications will be following the new system started January 2009 as per the table above.
Those referees who already have their Youth District certification, and who will be16 years or older this year, will not be required to write any exam.  While they will be automatically considered to be District Referees under the new classification, there is still a grading system within the new classes. In order to attain maximum internal levels, referees must be evaluated and recommended by the Referee-in-Chief and must know the Laws of the Game.
Referee Uniform and Equipment List
 
All referees are expected to dress in conformity to OSA requirements. Currently, the OSA requires referees to have the following uniform:
-Shirt: Black shirt with white collar and white trim on the sleeves*;
-Shorts: Black shorts with no white trim. Shorts should be not be baggy or otherwise below the knee;
-Socks: Black with three white stripes at the top;
-Shoes: Black in colour with no flashy trim and in good condition.
In addition, referees are not permitted to wear hats, sunglasses (unless prescription), or bandanas.
Referees equipment should be kept in a kit or a sport bag and should include the following items:
-Whistles (preferably a Fox40 or other pea-less whistle);
-Watch with a stop-time function (have a second cheap one in case the first malfunctions);
-Pencil and a pen (pencil for passport, pen for the game sheet);
-Red and Yellow card;
-Small game pad to keep track of developments on the field;
-Alternate jersey (in case one team wears a predominantly black jersey);
-Assistant Referee flags.
* Shirts of different colours may be worn provided that the colour is different than either team and the goaltender. Assistant Referees should wear black shirts.
Note: The ERSL mandates all Referees assigned to their games have a Black Shirt and a Yellow Shirt. All Officials should be dressed in matching shirts, and therefore it is important to take both shirts to the field at all times.

Laws of the Game
 
The laws of the game are provided by FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association). They are described in the booklet  Laws of the Game 2009 - 2010  which will be handed out to all new OSA Entry Level course attendants, or mailed to all existing District Referees who register. You will note that each year there are several Law changes, and in Canada we always use the Law Books from the year before. Therefore in 2010 we use the 2009-2010 Law Books.
These laws are the rules of all matches unless otherwise stated.

Approved 2010 MAXIMUM Fee Schedule ADULTS

Please NOTE
-Stand by fee for the CUSC is $20 or higher if game officiated for both House and Cobra games.
-If you received game assignment via "LeagueGM Referee Assignment System" you will be paid by the CUSC, and I can help if there are problems. All assignments via the ERSL system " REF CENTER", will be paid for by the ERSL.
-If you have any questions regarding pay or assignments of the ERSL system "REF CENTER", you must contact them directly as I have nothing to do with their system. Remember for questions to call my cell phone at 613-762-2371 - not my home phone or send me an email at headreferee@cumberlandsoccer.com

 
Under 5 and Under 6 Micro House League Rules to be used during end of season Soccer Days where Referees assigned.  (No referees assigned during normal season.)
1.      Use a #2 ball. Make sure the ball is the correct size and properly inflated.
2.      4 players (no goalkeeper).
3.      No coaches allowed on the field.
4.      2 X 20 minute halves (half-time break is 5 min.)
5.      Playing Time: Each player should be guaranteed equal playing time where possible unless requested by the player or his/her parent.
6.      Player Equipment: All players must wear shin pads. Soccer cleats are permitted. Full uniforms must be worn with shirts tucked in. Absolutely No jewellery of any type, watches, hats, head bands, sweat bands, arm elastics or any dangerous items may be worn during the game. (EXCEPTIONS-Medic Alert Bracelet only)
7.      There is no offside rule in the Micro division.
8.      All substitutions are to be made on the fly without stoppage. (Players must be off the field before new player comes on the field.)
9.      Goals for U5 & U6 will be mini portable goals call Pug Nets.
10.    No Goalies (Keepers) or Goaltending allowed 
11.   When the ball passes over the touch line (side line) it shall be kicked back into play where it went out.
12.  When the ball passes over the goal line (end line) it shall be kicked back into play where it went out.
13.  Goals: If the ball passes over the goal line and into the net, it shall be considered a goal.
14.  On ALL starts and restarts, all opponents must be 6 yards away from the ball until it is in play.
15.  Game Cancellations: Games will be cancelled for the following reasons: Severe weather conditions (i.e. lightning, extreme heat, etc.)  The decision whether a game will proceed is the responsibility of the Referee and will be made at the field.  Games will not be cancelled in advance of the game.  If severe weather occurs during the game, Referees have the discretion to delay a game up to 15 minutes to see if the weather will clear. If it does not, the Referee will stop the game and report the stoppage to the Referee-in-chief. Matches will not be rescheduled. Game Abandonment If the Referee feels that he/she has lost control of the game (i.e. Coaches refusing to listen to the Referee, players fighting, spectator's criticism, etc.) and cannot return the game to friendly play, then the Referee shall inform the coaches that the game is being abandoned. The Referee shall report the incidents leading to the abandonment to the Referee-in-chief.
16.  Please note that all Free Kicks are "direct" and from where the event occurred. Opponents must be 6 yards away from the ball when kicked.
Micro Field Set-Up
- each team sets up half of the field
- place tall cones along the side touch line
- use a low-profile cone to mark centre (optional)
TYPICAL MICRO FIELD SETUP:

Under 7 Micro House League Rules
1.      U-7 use a #3 ball. 
2.      4 players (no goalkeeper or goaltending).
3.      No coaches allowed on the field
4.      Warm up and skill demonstration prior to the game.
5.      Game time starts at 7:00 pm - 2 X 20 minute halves (half-time break is 5 min.)
6.      Referees can increase the break time as required if the weather or special circumstances warrant.
7.      Playing Time: Each player should be guaranteed equal playing time where possible unless requested by the player or his/her parent.
8.      Player Equipment: All players must wear shin pads. Soccer cleats are permitted. Full uniforms must be worn with shirts tucked in. Absolutely No jewellery of any type, watches, hats, head bands, sweat bands, arm elastics or any dangerous items may be worn during the game. (EXCEPTIONS-Medic Alert Bracelet only)
9.      There is no offside rule in the Micro division.
10.  All substitutions are to be made on the fly without stoppage. (Players must be off the field before new player comes on the field.)
11.  Goals for U7 will be mini portable goals call Pug Nets.
12.  No Goalkeeper or Goaltending allowed
13.  When the ball passes over the touch line (side line) it shall be kicked back into play where it went out.
14.  When the ball passes over the goal line (end line) it shall be kicked back into play where it went out.
15.  Goals: If the ball passes over the goal line and into the net, it shall be considered a goal, provided that this was done legally (i.e. not a hand ball, or an illegal tackle).
16.  On ALL starts and restarts, all opponents must be 6 yards away from the ball until it is in play.
17.  Game Cancellations: Games will be cancelled for the following reasons: Severe weather conditions (i.e. lightning, extreme heat, etc.)  The decision whether a game will proceed is the responsibility of the Referee and will be made at the field.  Games will not be cancelled in advance of the game.  If severe weather occurs during the game, Referees have the discretion to delay a game up to 15 minutes to see if the weather will clear. If it does not, the Referee will stop the game and report the stoppage to the Referee-in-chief. Matches will not be rescheduled. Game Abandonment If the Referee feels that he/she has lost control of the game (i.e. Coaches refusing to listen to the Referee, players fighting, spectator's criticism, etc.) and cannot return the game to friendly play, then the Referee shall inform the coaches that the game is being abandoned. The Referee shall report the incidents leading to the abandonment to the Referee-in-chief.
18.  Only a Coach is allowed to discuss matters with the Referee. These discussions may occur at half time or after the game. No one will be allowed to delay the game or enter the field of play to protest or contest a call.
19.  Please note that all Free Kicks are "direct" and from where the event occurred. Opponents must be 6 yards away from the ball when kicked.

Micro Field Set-Up
- each team sets up half of the field
- place tall cones along the side touch line
-  use a low-profile cone to mark centre (optional)
TYPICAL MICRO FIELD SETUP:

 
Mini House League Rules

1. U-8 and U-9 use a #4 ball. Make sure the ball is the correct size and properly inflated.
2. Minimum of 5 players, maximum of 7 (including the goalkeeper). From July 1 to the 3rd Monday in August, if the teams have an unequal number of players, the team with the most players shall play with a one player advantage until both teams are at full size.
3. Only registered players are allowed to play in their proper age group only.
4. Game times starts at 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm - 2 X 25 minute half with a 5 minute break at half-time.
5. Referees can increase beak times or add breaks if the weather or special circumstances warrant.
6. Playing Time: Each player should be guaranteed equal playing time unless requested by the player or his/her parent.
7. Player Equipment: All players must wear shin pads. Soccer cleats are permitted for players. Full uniforms must be worn with shirts tucked in. Absolutely No jewellery of any type, watches, hats (except Keeper-must be soft rimmed), head bands, sweat bands, arm elastics or any dangerous items may be worn during the game. (EXCEPTIONS-Medic Alert Bracelet only)
8. There is no offside rule in this division.
9. Substitutions are allowed at any stoppage in play with the Referee's permission.
10. No coaches are allowed on the field of play. No parents or Coaching Staff is allowed behind the goal line.
11. When the ball passes over the touch line (side line) it shall be "Thrown-In" back into play where it went out.
12. Free Kicks: Opponents must be 6 yards from the ball until it is in play and all Free Kicks are direct.
13. Goalkeepers: Goalkeepers may put the ball into play from within the goal area by place kicking, drop kicking or throwing the ball. The 6 second rule is in force. The goalkeeper cannot handle the ball outside the goal area. Goal kicks can be taken from anywhere inside the goal area.
14. Game Cancellations: Games will be cancelled for the following reasons: Severe weather conditions (i.e. lightning, extreme heat, etc.) You may be contacted by the Referee Assignor or the Referee-in-Chief by 5 pm on game day if the weather is a safety concern. If you have not been contacted, the game will proceed. If a team does not show up, then that team will be deemed to have forfeited the game. If severe weather occurs during the game, Referees have the discretion to delay a game up to 15 minutes to see if the weather will clear. If it does not, the Referee will stop the game and report the stoppage to the Referee-in-chief. The Referee does not determine the winner nor do they determine if a match is to be rescheduled. Game Abandonment If the Referee feels that he/she has lost control of the game (i.e. Coaches refusing to listen to the Referee, players fighting, spectator's criticism, etc.) and cannot return the game to friendly play, then the Referee shall inform the coaches that the game is being abandoned. The Referee shall report the incidents leading to the abandonment to the Referee-in-chief. If a game is abandoned by the Referee for reasons of weather, visibility, or field conditions before the completion of 1/2 of the normal playing time for that division, it shall be considered incomplete. Games abandoned in the final half of normal playing time will be considered complete.
15. Only a Coach is allowed to discuss matters with the Referee. These discussions may occur at half time or after the game. No one will be allowed to delay the game or enter the field of play to protest or contest a call.

Novice House League Rules

1. U-10 and U-11 use a #4 ball. Make sure the ball is the correct size and properly inflated.
2. Minimum of 5 players, maximum of 7 (including the goalkeeper). From July 1st to the 3rd Monday in August, if the teams have an unequal number of players, the team with the most players shall play with a one player advantage until both teams are at full size. Only registered players are allowed to play.
3. Game Time:
4. U-10: 2 X 25 minute halves with a 5 minute half-time break.
5. U-11: 2 X 30 minute halves with a 5 minute break at half-time.
6. Referees can increase break time or add breaks if the weather or special circumstances warrant.
7. Playing Time: Each player should be guaranteed equal playing time unless requested by the player or his/her parent.
8. Player Equipment: All players must wear shin pads. Soccer cleats are permitted. Full uniforms must be worn with shirts tucked in. Absolutely No jewellery of any type, watches, hats (except Keeper-must be soft rimmed), head bands, sweat bands, arm elastics or any dangerous items may be worn during the game. (EXCEPTIONS-Medic Alert Bracelet only)
9. The offside rule is in full effect at U11 only.
10. Substitutions: Goals, Goal Kicks, Attacking Team Corner Kicks and Attacking Team Throw-ins (if they choose the option) or injuries.
11. Coaches on Field: No one other than the players and the Referee are allowed on the playing field. In the case of an injury, the Referee shall call the coach onto the field to attend to the injury
12. All other Laws of the Game shall be enforced.
13. Game Cancellations: Games will be cancelled for the following reasons: Severe weather conditions (i.e. lightning, extreme heat, etc.) You may be contacted by the Referee Assignor or the Referee-in-Chief by 5 pm on game day if the weather is a safety concern. If you have not been contacted, the game will proceed. If a team does not show up, then that team will be deemed to have forfeited the game. If severe weather occurs during the game, Referees have the discretion to delay a game up to 15 minutes to see if the weather will clear. If it does not, the Referee will stop the game and report the stoppage to the Referee-in-chief. The Referee does not determine the winner nor do they determine if a match is to be rescheduled. Game Abandonment If the Referee feels that he/she has lost control of the game (i.e. Coaches refusing to listen to the Referee, players fighting, spectator's criticism, etc.) and cannot return the game to friendly play, then the Referee shall inform the coaches that the game is being abandoned. The Referee shall report the incidents leading to the abandonment to the Referee-in-chief. If a game is abandoned by the Referee for reasons of weather, visibility, or field conditions before the completion of 1/2 of the normal playing time for that division, it shall be considered incomplete. Games abandoned in the final half of normal playing time will be considered complete.
14. Only a Coach is allowed to discuss matters with the Referee. These discussions may occur at half time or after the game. No one will be allowed to delay the game or enter the field of play to protest or contest a call.
15. All Free Kicks at U10 are DIRECT outside the penalty area and at U11 regular FIFA rules apply.
16. Penalty shots are still taken if applicable.  (Remember the offence must be punishable by a Direct free kick in the penalty area for this to apply.)

SENIOR Youth House League Rules

1. U-12 and U-13 use a # 4 ball. U-14 to U-18 uses a # 5 ball. Be sure the ball is the correct size and properly inflated.
2. Minimum of 7 players, maximum of 11 (including the goalkeeper).
3. From July 1 to the 3rd Monday in August, if the teams have an unequal number of players, the team with the most players shall play with a one player advantage until both teams are at full size. Only registered players are allowed to play.
4. Game Time:   Game time starts at 6:30 pm. U-12 & U-13 2 X 35 minutes halves with a 5 minute half-time.    U-14 & U-15 2 X 40 minutes halves with a 5 minute half-time. U-16 & up 2 X 45 minutes halves with a 5 minute half-time.
5. Referees can reduce the game time by 15 minutes if the weather or special circumstances warrant.
6. Playing Time: Each player should be guaranteed equal playing time unless requested by the player or his/her parent.
7. Player Equipment: All players must wear shin pads. Soccer cleats are permitted. Full uniforms must be worn with shirts tucked in. Absolutely No jewellery of any type, watches, hats (except Keeper-must be soft rimmed), head bands, sweat bands, arm elastics or any dangerous items may be worn during the game. (EXCEPTIONS-Medic Alert Bracelet only)
8. The Goalkeeper must wear a jersey of a different colour than that of the two teams and Referee. Soccer Cleats are recommended but cleats for other sports (baseball) cannot be worn.
9. The offside rule is in full effect.
10. Substitutions: U12-U19 - Sub on any goal, any Goal Kick, their own Corner Kick, their own Throw-in, or the injured player only. ( If a team chooses to sub when allowed, then the other team can sub also.)
11. All other Laws of the Game shall be enforced.
12. Game Cancellations: Games will be cancelled for the following reasons: Severe weather conditions (i.e. lightning, extreme heat, etc.) You may be contacted by the Referee Assignor or the Referee-in-Chief by 5 pm on game day if the weather is a safety concern. If you have not been contacted, the game will proceed. If a team does not show up, then that team will be deemed to have forfeited the game. If severe weather occurs during the game, Referees have the discretion to delay a game up to 15 minutes to see if the weather will clear. If it does not, the Referee will stop the game and report the stoppage to the Referee-in-chief. The Referee does not determine the winner nor do they determine if a match is to be rescheduled. Game Abandonment: If the Referee feels that he/she has lost control of the game (i.e. Coaches refusing to listen to the Referee, players fighting, spectator's criticism, etc.) and cannot return the game to friendly play, then the Referee shall inform the coaches that the game is being abandoned. The Referee shall report the incidents leading to the abandonment to the Referee-in-chief. If a game is abandoned by the Referee for reasons of weather, visibility, or field conditions before the completion of 1/2 of the normal playing time for that division, it shall be considered incomplete. Games abandoned in the final half of normal playing time will be considered complete.
13. Only a Coach is allowed to discuss matters with the Referee. These discussions may occur at half time or after the game. No one will be allowed to delay the game or enter the field of play to protest or contest a call.