PRUMC Sports and Recreation

Referee Instructions:

The referee is in charge of the game at all times

Priority is always given to player safety

4 - 10 Year old Soccer

• Begin each game by lining up the teams around the mid-field circle.   Coaches should introduce themselves to each other. The referee will announce the team names and designate one team as the home team.  The referee will indicate visually to both teams’ players which goal they will be shooting at and defending.  A representative from the home team will provide a short prayer.

• Referees should remind younger players of the following:

1. No pushing or shoving.

2. Stop when a whistle is blown

3.  No use of hands except for throw-ins and by the goalie inside the goalie box.

• The visiting team kicks off to begin the game (two players inside the circle).  The home team will kick off to begin the second half.

• Referee should be quick to stop play when the ball goes out of bounds – so as to avoid injury outside of the field of play.
   
• Referee should have defense back up to near midfield on goal kicks.
   
• The referee will stop play upon a dead ball approximately half way through each half to allow for substitutions.   Substitutions are allowed anytime as long as all players are playing at least ½ of the game.

• Game times:

4 Year Olds:    2-12 Minute Halves

5-6 Year Olds:    2-18 Minute Halves

7-8 Year Olds:    2-20 Minute Halves
9-10 Year Olds: 2-25 Minute Halves

• Half times should last 2-3 minutes.

• At the end of the game to referee should ensure that both teams line –up and shake hands.

Click here for pre-game script