The U7-U9 Soccer Match
For Volunteer Referees, Coaches
and Parents
presented by Brian Rohrback
U7 – U9 Referee Coordinator
This presentation was created by Phil Mangum, Referee Director LWYSA
1
• Today we will cover the Laws of the Game in roughly the
order they are discussed in the FIFA handbook.
• These rules are modified to coordinate with the age of
the participants.
• Where practical, we go through the basic rules first, and
deal with fouls and the “exceptions” at the end.
• This presentation is available as an online tutorial and is
summarized in a booklet.
• Our theme for you as a referee supporting youth soccer
is simple:
Keep it Safe!
Keep it Fair!
Keep it Moving!
Keep it Fun!
2
What Do You Need?
In order to play a soccer match, you need a few items…
•
•
•
•
A field
A ball
Players
A referee
3
The Field
• The diagram below is the standard layout for a
U7-U9 soccer field (“pitch”).
4
The Field
• The lines on the side of the field are called touchlines in
soccer. If a ball leaves the field by passing all the way over a
touchline, it is out of play.
Touchlines
Approximate Field Length: U7 – 35 yards, U8 – 40 yards, U9 – 45 yards
5
The Field
• The lines at either end of the field are called goal lines. If a ball
leaves the field over one of these lines, it is out of play. If it
leaves the field between the goalposts, then a goal is scored.
Goal
Lines
Goal
Lines
Approximate Field Width: U7 & U8 – 25 yards, U9 – 30 yards
6
The Field
• The zone at each end of the field is called a penalty area. The
term “penalty” does not apply to U7-U9 play. Its purpose is to
indicate the area on the field in which a goalkeeper may use
their hands.
Penalty Area
The line for the penalty area is exactly 6 yards from the goal line.
7
The Field
• The small boxes in front of each goal are called the goal area.
The purpose of the box is to indicate where a ball may be
placed during the taking of a “goal kick”.
Goal Area
The goal areas are exactly 2 x 6 yards (U7, U8) or 4 x 11 yards (U9)
8
The Field
• The line down the middle of the field is called the halfway line.
In U7-U9 play, its only purpose is to help position players on a
kick-off.
Halfway Line
9
The Field
• In U7-U9 play, each coach brings a pair of flags to mark the
goals at both ends of the field. The posts should be 6 feet apart
for U7-U8 play and 8 feet apart for U9 play.
Goals
U7, U8 6 feet apart
U9 8 feet apart
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The Field
It is a good idea to know the
approximate dimensions and
parts of the field. Early in the
season, some fields may not
have all the markings. Late in
the season, markings may not
be visible.
U7
U8
U9
Length (yards)
35
40
45
Width (yards)
25
25
30
Goal size (feet)
6
6
8
Goal Area (yards)
2x6
2x6
4x11
Penalty Area (yards)
6x25
6x25
6x30
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The Ball
U7, U8
U9
Size 3
Size 4
• Balls should be safe, meaning that no panels are
peeling off or no other sharp surface that may cause
injury is present.
• Ball should be properly inflated. They should be firm,
but not rock hard.
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Out of Play
A ball is out of play when it leaves the field, in the air or on the
ground. The ENTIRE ball must be completely outside the
line for a ball to be out of play.
Note:
The position of the player
does not matter. Only the
position of the ball matters
when determining out of play.
A player MAY go out of the
field in an effort to play the
ball.
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The Players
Total number of players on field
(including goalkeeper, if used)
Is one of the players a
goalkeeper?
U7
3
U8
4
U9
5
No
Yes
Yes
You must be able to tell the teams apart. (Different
colored jerseys)
The players must be able to easily see who is a
goalkeeper. (Use a penne or a different colored shirt.)
The players must have safe equipment.
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The Players
Player equipment consists of “the 5 S’s”.
1. Shirt
2. Shoes
3. Shorts
4. Socks
5. Shinguards
All 5 of these items are mandatory.
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The Players
SHIRT
Players must wear a shirt of some type. Players on the
same team should all be wearing a shirt of the same
color (except for the goalkeeper).
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The Players
SHOES
The laws of the game and Washington State require a
player to have “appropriate footwear”.
It is NOT mandatory that the shoes have cleats, though
that is recommended.
While FIFA and Washington State rules do not FORBID
shoes with metal or toe cleats, shoes with these
attributes may be deemed by the referee to be
inappropriate. Avoid equipping your player with such
shoes.
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The Players
SHORTS
Yes, the laws of the games DO specify shorts. Most
associations aren’t too worried if a player at U7-U9
chooses to wear long warm-up type pants on cold
days.
Be aware that, while most associations do not strictly
enforce the requirement that shorts be worn, if your
team plays in tournaments, the rule MAY be more
strictly enforced. Always have shorts with you!
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The Players
SOCKS
Socks must be worn.
• They must be worn OUTSIDE the shinguards. (No
folding down over the top).
• They must completely cover the shinguard.
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The Players
SHINGUARDS
Shinguards are MANDATORY and they must be worn
beneath the socks.
A referee or coach may not waive this requirement. A
player must not be permitted to play, under any
circumstances, if they are not wearing shinguards.
The shinguards must also be of an appropriate material
(NO magazines stuffed down the socks) and must
provide a degree of protection.
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Items NOT Permitted
Players may not wear anything that
may pose a risk to any participant.
Jewelry may NOT be worn. Necklaces,
rings, bracelets, earrings must be
removed. If the item cannot be
removed, the player cannot play.
Taping newly pierced ears is NOT
acceptable.
(Exception: Medical alert jewelry, or jewelry that
cannot be removed for religious reasons,
provided the referee determines it does not
pose a risk.)
LWYSA: NO casts, splints or orthotics
21
The Players
Other Equipment Notes
A player MAY wear their prescription glasses. Players
may NOT wear sunglasses merely as protection from
the sun.
The goalkeeper MAY wear a hat provided the hat is of a
soft material. No other player may wear a hat.
Players MAY wear extra clothing to protect themselves
from the cold or if required by religious beliefs,
provided it does not pose a danger to other players.
WSYSA rules say that the extra clothing must be worn
UNDER the uniform. Exercise flexibility and common
sense.
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The Referee
The Role of the U7-U9 Referee
The last item we need is the referee. For U7-U9 play, the
referee is there to keep things safe and to keep the
game flowing.
At this level, players, parents, and even many of the new
volunteer coaches, are not aware of the rules of play.
The referee is NOT a coach. Tactical instruction must
come from the coach, not the referee. If a player is
confused about what to do next after the referee has
stopped play, the ref can provide a very brief
explanation so play can move on.
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The Referee
The Role of the U7-U9 Referee
The referee is NOT a disciplinarian. If something goes
wrong, the ref blows their whistle and allows the coach
to deal with things. (This normally isn’t a problem in
U7-U9 matches.)
The referee IS a volunteer trying to help a group of kids
have fun. If all participants remember that, the
experience will be a positive one for all.
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The Referee
Equipment:
A whistle on a wrist
lanyard is key
For U7-U9
recreational play..
No ref wallet
Something to keep
time: a digital wrist
watch
No fancy
uniform
Footwear for
jogging.
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Part II – Starting The Match
On game day, you arrive at the field. What do you do?
1. Meet the opponents
2. Prepare the field
3. Prepare the players
4. Determine who kicks off
PLAY!
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Meet the Opponents
For U7-U9 matches, each team should provide a volunteer
referee for ½ of the match. Before the match, coaches and
referees should talk and decide who will officiate each half.
If there is a jersey color conflict, get the home teams to
change if possible, or wear a penne.
It is often a good idea to review any rules that you may have
questions about.
•Verify that you will allow substitutions on any stoppage
of play.
•Verify the length of the match and the start time.
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Check the Field
You will need to put the flags for the goal
into the field. You may need to add a
couple of wuz markers to indicate the
penalty area.
Remove any debris, large
rocks, or branches that may
cause injury to a player.
Have parents move chairs, coolers, etc.
back from the touchline. Remember,
players MAY take a couple steps out of
the field to try and play a ball. If chairs
are too close to the touchlines, players
will run into them and may be injured.
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Prepare the Players
The first half referee should ask for Captains to
join them in the middle of the field for the coin
toss ceremony.
Have the players introduce themselves and
shake hands. Identify one player to call the coin
toss (it doesn’t really matter who) and flip a coin.
The LOSER of the toss takes the kickoff. The
WINNER gets to chooses side of the field.
Get the game ball (properly inflated,
usually from the home team).
A couple of minutes before the correct start time, announce
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that it is time to take the field.
Start The Match
When the players have taken their position on the field, you
should do the following:
1. Make note of who is kicking off and which side the players
are on. In the second half, players switch ends and the
other team kicks off.
2. Make note of when the half will end.
3. Make certain that the substitutes, coaches, brothers,
sisters, etc. are off the field.
4. Start your stopwatch and blow the whistle to begin.
The match will begin with a kick-off, but first...
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Part III - Normal Flow of Play
The game of soccer is actually quite simple.
Two teams of players meet on a field and compete with each
other to try and get a ball into their opponents goal. They
may use any part of their body except for their hands or
arms.
Soccer is intended to be played with a minimum of stoppage.
Therefore, play goes, without interruption, until the ball
goes out of play or until play is stopped by the referee.
There are no time outs in soccer.
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Let’s Play
So, you are now ready to play. You are the referee. You blow
your whistle so that the kickoff may be taken.
BUT … what are the rules for a Kickoff?
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Kick-Offs
Typical kick-off for U7 match
• The ball is placed in the
center of the field.
• Members of the kicking team
may be anywhere on their
half of the field.
• Members of the non-kicking
team must be on their half of
the field and at least 6 yards
from the ball.
• When the ball is kicked, it
must move forward. If it
doesn’t, the kick is retaken.
• If the person taking the kick
touches the ball again before
another player touches the
ball, then the kick is retaken.
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Throw-in
Let’s assume the kickoff has been properly taken. Red and blue
are competing for the ball, but now, Red kicks the ball hard and
it travels out of play over one of the touchlines.
If a ball goes “out of play” by passing over a touchline, then the match is
restarted with a throw-in taken by the opponents of the player who last
touched the ball.
34
Referee Signals – Throw-in
The referee indicates that a throw-in
is to be taken by pointing up, at a
45 degree angle, in the direction of
play. For U7-U9 play, it is
recommended that the referee
announce “Throw-in. Blue, its
your throw-in, over there.” Then
indicate the point at which the
throw-in should be taken.
Note: Unlike many sports, the referee does
NOT blow the whistle every time the ball is out
of play. It is blown only when necessary for
example, when a foul is called or when players
keep playing after the referee has determined
the ball is out of play.
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Throw-In Procedure
• The throw-in is taken at the point where the
ball left the field (within a yard or so)
• The player must face the field while throwing.
• Some part of both feet must be on the ground
when the ball is released, either on the
touchline or outside of the field.
• The player must use both hands when
throwing
• The throw must begin behind the head and be
delivered over the head.
• If the person taking the throw cannot touch
the ball again before another player touches
the ball.
• If the player throws the ball into the goal
(without touching another player), the goal
does not count.
36
Improper Throw-in
If the throw-in is not taken in accordance with the rules
described on the previous screen, the referee should:
U7-U8 Explain to the player what they did incorrectly,
U9
then permit the player to try again. The SAME
player is entitled to repeat the throw as many
times as needed to do it correctly.
Same as U7-U8, except that only 1 “retry” is
permitted before the ball is awarded to the other
team.
U10+ If the throw-in is not properly taken, the ball is
awarded to the other team. There are no
“retries”.
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Goal Kick
Red is now attacking the Blue goal. A red player takes a shot and
misses. The ball goes out of play over the goal line.
If a ball goes out of play by passing over a goal line, then the match is
restarted with a goal kick if the last player to touch the ball was a member of
the attacking team.
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Referee Signals – Goal Kick
The referee indicates that a
“goal kick” is to be taken
by pointing towards the
goal area. For U7-U9
play, it is recommended
that the referee announce
“Goal kick. Blue, its
your kick, put the ball
there.” Then indicate
where the ball should be
placed.
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Goal Kicks
• The ball may be placed anywhere within
the goal area.
• Members of the kicking team may be
anywhere on the field. The ball may be
kicked by ANY player.
• Members of the non-kicking team
must be outside the penalty area AND at
least 6 yards from the ball.
• Once the ball is kicked NEITHER team
may touch the ball until it leaves the
penalty area. The non-kicking team
must remain outside the penalty area
until the ball is outside the penalty area.
• If any player kicks the ball before it
leaves the penalty area or the ball
doesn’t make it outside the penalty area
– the kick is retaken.
• If the person taking the kick touches the
ball again before another player touches
the ball, then the kick is retaken.
40
Corner Kick
Red is now attacking the Blue goal. A Blue defender successfully
wins the ball and kicks it out of play over the goal line.
If a ball goes out of play by passing over a goal line, then the match is
restarted with a corner kick if the last player to touch the ball was a member
of the defending team.
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Referee Signals – Corner Kick
The referee indicates that a
corner kick is to be taken by
pointing their arm up at a 45
degree angle towards the
corner where the kick will be
taken. For U7-U9 play, it is
recommended that the referee
announce “Corner kick. Red,
its your kick, put the ball
there.” Then indicate where
the ball should be placed.
42
Corner Kicks
• The ball must be placed within 1
yd of the corner on the side of the
field it went out.
• Members of the kicking team may
be anywhere on the field.
• Members of the non-kicking team
must be at least 6 yards from the
ball.
• Once the ball is kicked, it is in
play.
• If the person taking the kick
touches the ball again but before
another player touches the ball,
then the referee will explain to the
kicker that this is not permitted
and the kick shall be retaken. 43
Scoring a Goal
A goal is scored when all of the following happen…
1. The ball travels COMPLETELY over a goal line.
2. It is between the goal posts
3. It is beneath the crossbar (or lower than the
top of the flags)
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The Goalkeeper
Each team in U8, U9 play MUST have one person designated as the goalkeeper.
1. A goalkeeper must wear a distinctive shirt or
a penne so everybody knows who they are.
2. A goalkeeper MAY go anywhere on the field.
3. A goalkeeper may use their hands and arms
if they are within their own penalty area.
4. If the goalkeeper is holding the ball, they
must put it back in play in a reasonable
amount of time (up to 6 seconds)
45
The Goalkeeper
5. If the goalkeeper puts the ball down, they
may not use their hands to touch the ball
again until somebody else has touched it.
6. If a teammate of the goalkeeper deliberately
kicks the ball to them, they may not use their
hands.
7. If a teammate throws the ball to them (from a
throw-in) they may not use their hands.
8. A U8 Goalkeeper may not punt the ball. A U9
goalkeeper may punt the ball.
46
Ending the Half – Or Match
A soccer match is played in two equal halves of duration:
U7
U8
U9
20 min
25 min
25 min
The clock is always running, even in the event of injury. However, a
referee should add time to a half to make up for time lost to injury or other
unusual delays.
The referee traditionally ends the half by blowing two long whistles and
announcing “half-time”, while pointing at the center of the field. At the
conclusion of the match, the referee traditionally ends the match by
blowing three long whistles and pointing at the center of the field.
Players are entitled to 5 minutes for a half-time interval.
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Substitutions
Either team may ask the referee for permission to substitute during any
stoppage of play, but only AFTER the referee has given permission for
them to enter. The coach must ASK the referee if they can substitute
a player, usually by loudly yelling “Sub Ref”. The following are
considered a stoppage of play:
1. A goal kick, corner kick, throw-in, or kick off
2. Any direct or indirect free kick
3. A dropped ball
4. During any stoppage in which a coach enters
the field to tend to an injured player,
Referees should be sensitive to the fact that coaches want to give players
adequate play time and listen for the coaches so that substitutions can take
place.
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Part IV
As indicated earlier, the sport of soccer is to be played
with as few interruptions as possible. However, soccer is
a competition with rules, and when one of those rules is
violated, the referee must intervene.
In soccer, play is stopped for only two reasons.
1. If the ball is kicked out of play
2. If the referee chooses to blow their whistle
and stop play
In our previous sections, we focused on what happens
when the ball is kicked out of play. This section of the
education focuses on reasons the referee may choose
to stop play.
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When does the Ref Stop Play?
For a U7-U9 match, the referee should blow their whistle to stop
play whenever:
1. An injury has occurred
2. A foul or other misconduct has occurred
3. The ball went out of play and the players continued to play
Unlike some other sports, the soccer referee need not
blow their whistle when a ball goes out of play (over a line)
and it is obvious to all that the ball is out.
The whistle should be reserved for those situations in which
the referee must get the player’s attention, such as those
described above.
Also, except for cases in which the referee clearly states
that the match will start only after blowing their whistle (for
example, the kick-off), there is no whistle required before
any restart.
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Free Kicks
If the referee stops play while the ball is still on the field, the most
common restart for U7-U9 play will be an indirect free kick. By “indirect”
we mean that somebody other than the kicker of the ball must touch the
ball before a goal can be scored. The kicker may not kick the ball directly
into the goal. For all indirect free kicks the requirements are:
1. The ball must be placed where the
referee indicates. It cannot be moving
when it is kicked.
2. All opponents of the kicker must be at
least six yards from the ball. The ball is
“in play” as soon as it is touched by a
kicker and moves…any amount. At
that point, anybody can run up to the
ball and kick it.
6 yards
3. The kicker may not touch the ball again
before it is touched by another player.
4. For any infringement, the kick is
retaken (U7-U9 rule)
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Dropped Ball
The other method of restarting play is a dropped ball. Many referees
are not fond of this restart because of the risk of injury. When a
dropped ball occurs, the referee takes the ball in hand and simply drops
it on the field at the point the ball was when they stopped play. While it
is NOT a requirement that a player from both teams be there, it is a
common practice to allow one player from each to be there.
1. Neither player may kick the ball
until the ball hits the ground. If a
player does touch the ball before
it hits the ground, the ball is
dropped again.
2. The ball is in play as soon as it is
touches the ground. At that point,
anybody can run up to the ball
and kick it.
52
In the Event of Injury
Minor injuries are fairly common in U7-U9 play. Players are hit in the
face or other places with the ball, they trip, they jam their fingers, etc.
When an injury is detected, the referee should stop play and allow a
coach to come on to the field to tend the player. While it is not a
requirement to sub the injured player, it is encouraged.
For a U7-U9 match, the referee should must always be sensitive to the
needs of young players. They should not hesitate to stop play and
allow a player to be comforted by a coach or parent.
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Restart after Injury
After the player has been tended to, the referee must restart the match.
If the ball had gone out of play (over a line), then the restart will be a
goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in, just as if the injury had not happened.
However, if the referee stopped play while the ball was still in play, the
restart will be either a dropped ball or an indirect free kick.
•If one team had clear possession of the ball at the time the
referee stopped the match, the match will restart with an
indirect free kick for the team having possession.
•If neither team had clear possession of the ball, then the
match will restart with dropped ball.
54
Fouls
There are some things that a player is not permitted to do,
in order to keep the game safe and fair.
The “rule of thumb” for a volunteer
U7-U9 referee is quite simple. If
something doesn’t seem safe or it
doesn’t seem fair, its probably a foul.
By the same token, the role of the
referee is not to punish every little
contact that occurs between players.
Soccer IS a contact sport.
55
Fouls
When a foul is determined to have occurred, the referee will
stop play by blowing their whistle. An indirect free kick will
be given to the team that got fouled.
When a referee awards an
indirect free kick, they blow
their whistle, then signal the
fact that the kick is indirect by
holding their hand in the air
until the ball is touched by a
player other than the kicker.
56
Fouls
Fouls are subjective. The role of the referee is to use their best
judgment to determine if a foul has occurred that requires some action.
In U7-U9 play, if the referee determines that a foul has occurred, an
indirect free kick is given to the opponent at the point of the infraction.
A referee should offer the players a very quick, no more than 1
sentence, explanation of why the foul was called; we are instructing
players.
Keep it Safe!
Keep it Fair!
Keep it Moving!
Keep it Fun!
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What is a Foul?
If a player commits any of six offenses in a
manner considered by the referee to be
careless, reckless, or using excessive force:
When you see careless or reckless play, blow your
whistle BEFORE somebody gets hurt.
58
Fouls
Kicks or attempts
to kick an
opponent
Trips or
attempts to
trip an
opponent
Jumps at
an
opponent
59
Fouls
Strikes or
attempts to
strike an
opponent
(hitting
them)
Charges an
opponent
(bangs into
them)
Pushes
an
opponent
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Fouls
If a player commits any of the following offenses it is also
considered a foul:
•Tackles an opponent to gain possession of the
ball, making contact with the opponent before
touching the ball (in other words, you can’t go
through your opponent to get the ball.
•Holds an opponent
•Spits at an opponent (the coach should
immediately replace this player and counsel
them)
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The Dreaded “Handball”
Many spectators are under the mistaken impression that
every time a hand and a ball come in contact in soccer, a
foul has occurred. That is NOT the case.
Common situations that are NOT fouls:
•The ball travels quickly at a player who
“instinctively” puts hands up as
protection.
•The player wasn’t facing the play and
didn’t know it was coming when the ball
hit a hand.
•A swarm of players is kicking at the ball
when it deflects off an arm (it is not
swatted at by the player).
The key word is deliberate.
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Goalkeeper Infractions
We encourage referees of U7-U9 players to instruct the goalkeeper
when they see any of these infractions, rather than “punish” them.
However, if the goalkeeper continues to do these things, an indirect free
kick can be awarded to their opponent.
1. If the goalkeeper is holding the ball, they must put it back in
play in a reasonable amount of time (up to 6 seconds)
2. If the goalkeeper puts the ball down, they may not use their
hands to touch the ball again until somebody else has
touched it.
3. If a teammate of the goalkeeper deliberately kicks the ball to
them, they may not use their hands.
4. If a teammate throws the ball to them (from a throw-in) they
may not use their hands.
5. A U8 Goalkeeper may not punt the ball.
63
Goalkeeper Safety
Goalkeepers are in a very vulnerable position so we have
special rules to protect these young players. No person
may make contact with a goalkeeper that is inside their
penalty area when they have possession of the ball “in any
way and to any degree whatsoever.” This means they may
not be contacted while they are bobbling the ball or have
even a single finger touching it. Under no circumstances
should a player be rewarded with a goal if they have
contacted the goalkeeper to win the ball.”
This rule may appear simple, but can actually be a challenge when
a goalkeeper is very aggressive. The rule is intended to protect
the goalkeeper from an overzealous attacker. However, the
attacker should not be penalized if it was the goalkeeper that
actually initiated the contact.
64
Other Infractions
The following are other examples of things that a referee may consider
unfair or unsafe and may sanction with an indirect free kick.
1. Impeding the progress of an opponent (deliberately getting in
their way to block them or slow them down when you are not
playing/shielding the ball)
2. Preventing somebody from putting the ball back in play –
such as getting the way of the goalkeeper or a player taking a
throw-in.
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Other Infractions
The following are other examples of things that a referee may consider
unfair or unsafe and may sanction with an indirect free kick.
3. Doing anything that may be considered dangerous. Examples
include kicking high into the face of an opponent, ducking
down low to head a ball (thus risking your own face)
4. Within Washington, slide tackles (sliding, like a baseball slide
to win or keep the ball from an opponent) are not permitted at
these ages.
66
Offside / Cherry-Picking
Many people may be familiar with a soccer law known as
offside. This law is not enforced in LWYSA U7-U9
matches, primarily because we want young players to focus
on developing their skills.
However, a referee sees a player linger behind the defense,
they should politely ask the coach to have the player come
back and play with their team, preferably before the ball is
kicked to the player.
If a player is a couple of steps beyond the defense as a
result of active play, don’t worry about it.
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Fouls – Wrap-up
As a volunteer referee for U7-U9, remember your basic
responsibility:
Keep it Safe!
Keep it Fair!
Keep it Moving!
Keep it Fun!
You need not remember every detail of what constitutes a foul. If the
players are doing something you consider unsafe, blow the whistle, let
the players know what you consider unsafe, and give a free kick to the
opponents.
There is likely a rule that covers the situation, even if you can’t recall it
that second.
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Does it Count?
1. If you kick the ball into your own goal, it DOES count as
a goal for your opponent.
2. For U8 and U9, if a team kicks the ball straight into the
goal on a kick-off or on a corner kick, the goal DOES
count. They do have a goalkeeper!
3. The goal does NOT count if somebody does a throw-in
and it goes right in
4. The goal does NOT count if you kick it into your own
goal on a goal kick.
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Advantage
As your players grow older, you may hear this
term a lot. Basically, this means that if your
team will gain an advantage by the referee
NOT calling a foul, then the referee should not
call it.
One example: If your son or daughter is
tripped, but the ball goes straight to the feet of
a teammate that can easily score, the referee
would normally NOT call that foul.
Unless an advantage is HUGE and obvious to
everybody, at U7-U9 play, most fouls should
be called, as teaching players what constitutes
a foul is every bit as important as goals being
scored.
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Trifling and Doubtful Breaches
The referee must work to find that balance between keeping
the game “safe and fair” and keeping the game “moving and
fun”. It is not necessary for a referee to blow their whistle for
every little technical infraction that occurs.
•If a foot comes up an inch off the ground on a throw-in, but
the player really gained no advantage, you can probably let
that go.
•You MUST call situations in which there is rough or
reckless play,
•You MUST call situations in which the players learning the
rules will be helped by your judicious use of the whistle.
But take care that the players don’t end up spending the entire
match listening to your whistle instead of playing.
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Closing Remarks
Check out http://referees.lwysa.org.
Look under Information, then FAQ, as a starting point.
This material should remove some of the mystery of the
game and get coaches, parents, and volunteer referees off
to a good start.
Keep it Safe!
Keep it Fair!
Keep it Moving!
Keep it Fun!
Brian Rohrback, Referee Coordinator U7-U9
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