Referee's Whistle

Referee RatesU5 RulesU6/U7 RulesU8/U9 RulesU10/U11 RulesU13-U18 Rules
 
General Info
 
General Info Introduction First I would like to introduce myself: My name is Franco Marinelli and I was the Head Referee for 2007. I have been a Referee with the CUSC for 7 years now and also performed the duties of CUSC Referee Assessor for the three of these. At the conclusion of the CUSC Annual General Meeting held January 10, 2008 the membership approved the Board's decision to amend the constitution and essentially removed the Head Referee Position as a Board Position. I fully supported this amendment and the new Board of Directors will be posting the Head Referee job as a paid position shortly. In the meantime, I will continue to perform the duties in the capacity as Acting Head Referee until such time as a suitable candidate has been chosen by the selection committee.
 
To all Referees working (or would like to work for the CUSC.) CUSC would like continue to maintain the high profile of our referees in the club and the various other leagues. CUSC has an excellent reputation and I am sure we can continue to improve it over time. In order to maintain certain standards within the CUSC, the following courses or certifications will be in effect for 2008/2009. This year all existing Class 4 Referees must write and pass an exam to be exempt from some training sessions. If an existing Class 4 Referee fails the test, they must attend all training sessions (Dates and location TBA) All referees must attend an orientation session where the new changes to the Law of the game will be discussed and procedures for getting assignments and being paid will be covered. All referees must be certified and registered with the OSA. (NO exceptions). The club will pay for all level 4 registrations ($25.00) and also pay ($25.00) toward Level 3 and Level 2 registrations for all Referees who register and Referee games for CUSC. All referees must wear a complete uniform at all games (Referee Shirt, Black Shorts, and Referee Socks). (A complete uniform with linesmen flags, referee cards and a high quality whistle are available from the Club at only $40.00 to new Referees only)
 
Referee Registration 2008 - for people who refereed before: The registration year will be from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009. The renewal registration for referees will again be available on line this year. Please visit the OSA website at www.soccer.on.ca  and follow the instructions carefully. (Late Fees apply after April 1st/2008.) License registration fees for 2008 have been posted by the OSA and are as follows: C4: Born after March 31, 1992 $25.00 C4: Born on or before March 31, 1992 $40.00 C3: $80.00 Please remember to register before April 1st 2008 or you will be charged the $15.00 late fee. CUSC will again this year continue to contribute $25 (maximum) towards your licensing fee if you referee for us a minimum number of games and fulfill certain other conditions which will be communicated to you at an upcoming meeting. The CUSC will not pay late charges. New referees Individuals who are 13 years of age or older ( by April 01/08 - no exceptions ) are welcome to take the initial training course to become a referee, that is, the Class 4 Entry -Level Course. This 2 full days of training combines classroom instruction with on-field practical skills training and is designed to prepare individuals for the role of being the referee- (the person responsible for the smooth operation of the match). Once certified as a referee, individuals gain experience, attend further education and training sessions and then can receive opportunities to officiate games played at the higher levels. (Class 4 courses will be taking place sometime in Late April Early May.2008. Exact dates will be posted once we have registered these with the OSA.
 
If you want to be a new referee this year, please visit the "REFEREE" table during regular Soccer registration to be held on Feb. 2 and Feb. 9 at the Sir Wilfred Laurier High School during the hours of 10:00 a, to 3:00 PM While we try to hire on a First Come/First Served basis to qualified applicants, you will also be required to go through an interview process at the time of your registration. Priority is given to existing CUSC players and I only expect to hire about 50 new Referees this year. Last year we had over 100 applicants for 40 positions, so do not be late. .If you cannot attend one of the 2 dates above you can email me at headreferee@cumberlandsoccer.com explaining the circumstances and due consideration will be given. Basic Course Fee of $50.00 is refundable only after 8 assignments have been completed during the 2008 Summer Season. The only other cost would be the Referee Kit, which contains complete uniform (Referee Shirt, Shorts, and Socks) with linesmen flags, referee cards and a high quality whistle are available for CUSC members only at $40.00 tax included.
 
Franco Marinelli - Acting Head Referee 2008 Cumberland United-Unis Soccer Club
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 certification follows a graduated system whereby referees undergo a series of courses and levels of certification. All referees start at Class 4 which permits them to Referee recreational leagues (house leagues) and be assistant referees for competitive matches. Class 3 Referees can referee competitive matches up to youth. Class 2 Referees can referee Senior (adult) competitive and some provincial matches. Level I Referees do semi-professional and professional matches, while National and FIFA Referees do national and international matches.

The Ontario Soccer Association requires that all referees must have, as a minimum, certification as a Class 4 Referee. CUSC will be hosting 2 of Class 4 clinics in April or May 2007. The dates for these clinics are not yet known and will be posted on this site once they are confirmed by the OSA.

Those referees who already have Level IV certification, and who are 16 years or older this year, may apply to write the Level III examination. This examination is normally written in November/December and is followed by a five hour clinic on the finer points of refereeing. To qualify, referees must be recommended by the Referee-in-Chief and must know the Laws of the Game. Further information will be posted on this site later this year.

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 2007  which will be handed out to all new Class 4 Referees, or mailed to all existing Class 3 and above Referees who register. You can also use this link to take you to the FIFA site with the Laws of the Game. 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 2008 we use the 2007 Law Books.

These laws are the rules of all matches unless otherwise stated.

Approved 2008 MAXIMUM Fee Schedule YOUTH

Age Group Official House League Prem/Div1 Regional
U5 to U7 Referee $12 - -
  A/Referee - - -
U8 to U9 Referee $15 $25 -
  A/Referee - - -
U10 to U11 Referee $20 $25 $30
  A/Referee - - -
U13 House Referee $25 - -
  A/Referee $15 - -
U12 to U14 Rep Referee - $35 $45
  A/Referee - $20 $35
U15 House Referee $30 -- -
  A/Referee $15 - -
U15 to U16 Rep Referee - $42 $47
  A/Referee - $25 $27
U17- U18 Rep Referee - $47 $52
  A/Referee - $27 $30
U18 House Referee $40 - -
  A/Referee $20 - -

Approved 2008 MAXIMUM Fee Schedule ADULTS

Age Group Official Max Rate
OCSL Premier, and ERSL U21Men and Women Referee $60
  A/Referee $35
OCSL Men Div1, Div2, OT1, U21, U23, NCISL Div 1, OCSL Women Premier, Referee $55
  A/Referee $32
All other Adult Divisions Referee $50
  A/Referee $27
CUSC Adult House League Referee $45
  A/Referee $25

 

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
Micro House U5 League Rules:
 

Under 5 Micro House League Rules

1.      Use a #3 ball. Make sure the ball is the correct size and properly inflated.

2.      3 players (no goalkeeper).

3.      No coaches allowed on the field.

4.      Game time starts after the training sessions at approximately 7:10 pm - 2 X 10 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 will be mini portable goals call Pug Nets.

10.  A 6 yard semi-circle goal area shall be established in front of each net. 

·         Defending players are not permitted inside the goal area unless they are in possession of the ball.  Defenders may dribble through the goal area but cannot defend from within the goal area.

·         Attacking players are not permitted to score from inside the goal area but may dribble through the goal area. 

·         Infractions to the above rules shall result in a stoppage in play.  The restart shall be a corner kick if the player was a defender or a kick-in from the point where the goal line meets the semi-circle goal area if the player was an attacker.

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 low-profile cones to create a "crease" 6 yards wide by 3 yards where no players can enter

- use a low-profile cone to mark centre

TYPICAL MICRO FIELD SETUP:

 

Under 6 and 7 Micro House League Rules

1.      U-6 and U-7 use a #3 ball. 

2.      4 players (no goalkeeper).

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 15 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 U6 and U7 will be mini portable goals call Pug Nets.

12.  A 6 yard semi-circle goal area shall be established in front of each net. 

·         Defending players are not permitted inside the goal area unless they are in possession of the ball.  Defenders may dribble through the goal area but cannot defend from within the goal area.

·         Attacking players are not permitted to score from inside the goal area but may dribble through the goal area. 

·         Infractions to the above rules shall result in a stoppage in play.  The restart shall be a corner kick if the player was a defender or a kick-in from the point where the goal line meets the semi-circle goal area if the player was an attacker.

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 low-profile cones to create a "crease" 6 yards wide by 3 yards where no players can enter

- use a low-profile cone to mark centre

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 jewelry 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 and INDIRECT at U11.
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. ( It 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.