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Beauregard United Soccer Association

Referee's Corner

BUSA uses United States Soccer Federation (USSF) certified referees and club referees for officiating recreational soccer matches.  Referees will be compensated based on type of game assigned, not their individual referee certification.  To officiate matches a referee has to be either a current USSF or BUSA Club referee for that calendar year and attend at least 1 pre-season BUSA referee meeting. You must be at least 12 years old to become a referee. 

 

USSF Referee

If you would like to become a USSF certified referee you must attend one of the physical referee courses (Grade 8) listed on the LSA website (below). 

http://www.playlouisianasoccer.org/referees/general_information/

The cost for the training and annual recertification is $50 and often there is a $30 fee for the training venue.  These fees are not reimbursed by BUSA. 

USSF certification allows you to be placed on the statewide referee list and allows you to officiate games anywhere in the state and at youth tournaments.  This is done by “referee assignors” who have access to local/regional current referee lists.

If you wish to re-certify as a USSF referee you need to complete the online course also listed on the website listed above. If your certification has expired and you would like to transition to a club referee you must attend the club referee re-certification training at BUSA for that year; outlined below.

 

Club Referees

BUSA club referees are trained using the same instruction material as official USSF referee training, however, the classroom training will be conducted online and then supplemented by an in-person training session at our fields (usually 3-4 hours). Club referees will not be registered with the state referee association and will not be able to officiate games outside of BUSA. 


Club Referees must complete the online training, the in-person training, and attend 1 of the preseason referee meetings to be assigned matches. There is no fee to become a club referee.


If you wish to sign up for the BUSA Club Referee Program, you can do so by following the instructions below..
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Recertification for Club referees must be completed every year to officiate matches for the following year.  To recertify a referee must complete at least the 5 following modules in the online training portal; Concussions, Law 5, Law 11, Law 12, Law 13. (link above).  Once complete, e-mail the 5 completion certificates (can be condensed on a single file) to BUSA.   

 

Pre-season Referee Meeting

All referees must attend at least one of these meeting before each season; we usually have two per season.  It lasts approximately 1 hour and is designed to allow you to meet the BUSA scheduler, learn any new updates to the LOTG, and discuss the specific BUSA and age modified rules.  This also allows an opportunity for newer referee to meet the more experienced ones.  This meeting will serve as the initial scheduling conference so if you have specific days you know you are going to be out of town or unavailable please be prepared to give those dates with the scheduler.

 

Referee Assignment Procedures: 

Referees will be assigned matches by the BUSA scheduler.  Good communication is necessary between the referees and the scheduler to determine availability, personal confidence level, and acknowledgment of assignments. The decision for “who refs which game(s)” is not made using a concrete formula; it is extremely subjective due to the numerous variables involved in these decisions. Some of the variables are: officiating competence, experience, personal confidence, time conflicts, other referee ability, punctuality, travel requirements, age, individual professionalism, and known recalcitrance in players or coaches.  Just because a referee is older or more experienced doesn’t mean he/she will get “better” assignments. The key to receiving your preferred assignments is to officiate games well, be on time, be in the correct uniform, be willing to learn and improve, work well with other referees, acknowledge your assignments promptly, and to talk with the scheduler routinely so he/she understands your preferences and knows your availability.  BUSA will try to accommodate your preferences as much as possible, but realize it is not always possible.

 

Referee Duties and responsibilities:

  • Purchase a uniform (yellow ref Jersey, black shorts, black socks, whistle, cards, and a watch)

  • Arrive for game assignment no less than 15 minutes before published game start. Refs not at the game within 10 minutes of the start time may lose their assignment.

  • Fair and courteous treatment of all participants and spectators

  • Communicate with the BUSA scheduler routinely and identify unavailability dates   

BUSA HOUSE RULES


U-6

- 4 versus 4, no goal keepers (can play down to 2 v 2). Ball size 3, no score is kept
- 4-8 minute quarters.  All healthy, capable players must play at least 50% of the game.
- Substitution done at quarters but will be allowed during play to tend to player needs, tie shoes, crying etc. Substitutions can occur during play but coach needs to notify the referee.  Teams will not switch sides of the field at halftime.

- Throw in done by referee rolling ball back onto field.

- 1 coach per team will be on the field to help direct play.

- No heading the ball is allowed in U6; coaches need to discourage heading in practice and games.  Referees will verbally correct the players if heading is attempted. 

- No Goalies or defense players acting as a goalie.  Players can be in defensive half but not playing deep defense as a goalie would. (Intent is for high scoring games and maximum player involvement). If a player uses hands intentionally to prevent the ball from going into the goal it shall be considered a goal.

- Fouls are not differentiated (direct-indirect, major-minor).  Referee will make every attempt to correct behavior and let play continue if possible (verbal warnings).  Aggressive fouls (pushing, tripping, shirt pulling that goes beyond verbal warning) will result in IDFK (outside arc) and explained to the players.  If a player continues highly aggressive play towards another player he/she can be given a “time-out” by the ref for 2-3 minutes as needed (sit on the bench). Team does not have to play short-handed.  Coaches need to help this with their teams; a coach should identify the problem and implement a player time-out before a referee has to.

- Sliding. Players are not allowed to intentionally slide on the ground for any reason. A free kick can be issued to opposing team (with referee verbal explanation).  Unintentional sliding occurs often at this age and is not a violation; referee judgement call. 

- Half court press from endlines.  Endline restart is always a goal kick from anywhere in the goal arc.  Opposing players must retreat back to their defending half of the field until the ball is played. “Dribble in” or kick are allowed for goal kick re-start.

- Mercy rule.  If a team is winning by 5 or more goals the winning coach should discreetly initiate measures to result in a more even outcome. He/she must promote good sportsmanship and prevent taunting or teasing.  Possible measures can be playing with less players on the field, allowing the opposing team to add a player (must inform referee first), create a “passing contest” within the team, sending his/her most dominant player to play on other team (must flip jersey) or enforcing a longer stand off for restarts for players.  The Mercy rule is not optional; coaches must try to attain “close” results as much as possible.

- Safety.  Any dangerous play must be stopped; typically high kicking and playing on the ground. Restarts can be referee roll-in or IDFK; no drop balls at U6.  Referees and coaches must encourage players to get up quickly if/when they fall on the ground.

 

- Referees will “even out” lopsided games using their best judgment.  They may roll the ball to less aggressive players or in favor of a team that is less dominant. 


 

 

 

U-8
 - 6 v 6 or 5 v 5, no goal keepers (can play to 3v3) Ball size 4,  4-10 Minute quarters.

- Teams will not switch sides of the field at halftime.

- Substitution done at quarters or upon coach request during injury or other stoppage (a coach can, and should, “bench” a player for a couple minutes if he/she is displaying unsportsmanlike conduct or playing over aggressively toward other players)

- No Goalies or defense players acting as a goalie.  Players can be in defensive half but not in or near the goal arc when the ball is not in the area; halfway between midline and the goal arc is a reasonable area for a deep defender.  If a player blocks the ball while playing in a typical goalie's position (inside the arc waiting to block the ball) or uses hands intentionally to prevent the ball from going into the goal it shall be considered a goal.

- No heading is allowed in U8; coaches need to discourage heading in practice and games. Referees will verbally correct the players if heading is attempted and stop the play if an advantage is gained by the heading player/ player’s team (i.e breakaway or goal). 

-Throw in done by players but referees will not call infraction unless egregious (1 handed, jumping or underhand) to keep play flowing; Infraction will be a re-do.

- Start of game, halves and after each goal scored is a kick-off. 5 yard stand off on restarts

- Goal kicks taken from goal arc. During a goal kick opposing players must retreat back to their defending half of the field until the ball is played Corner kicks taken from corner arc.

- Fouls are not differentiated (direct-indirect). IDFK is the result of any foul unless it is intentional to prevent a goal in which case a goal is awarded.  Referee will attempt to correct behavior and let play continue if possible (verbal warnings).  Aggressive fouls (pushing, tripping, shirt pulling that go beyond verbal warning or pose a safety risk) will result in IDFK (outside the arc) and explained to the player.  If a player continues highly aggressive play towards another player he/she can be given a short time-out (sit on the bench)” by the referee (or coach). Team does not have to play short-handed. 

- No card violations will be issued to U8 players however game ejections can be issued if extreme but team will not play shorthanded like a red card.

- Sliding. Players are not allowed to intentionally slide on the ground for any reason. A free kick can be issued. Unintentional sliding occurs often at this age and is not a violation.  Aggressive sliding into an opponent can result is a time-out if warranted. 

- Mercy rule.  If a team is winning by 5 or more goals the winning coach should discreetly initiate measures to result in a more even outcome. He/she must promote good sportsmanship and prevent taunting or teasing.  Possible measures can be playing with less players on the field, allowing the opposing team to add a player (must inform referee first), create a “passing contest” within the team, sending his/her most dominant player to play on other team (must flip jersey) or enforcing a longer stand off for restarts for players.  The Mercy rule is not optional; coaches must try to attain “close” results as much as possible.

- Safety.  Any dangerous play must be stopped; typically high kicking and playing on the ground. Restarts can be referee roll-in or IDFK; no drop balls at U8.  Referees and coaches must encourage players to get up quickly if/when they fall on the ground.

 

-Referees are instructed to “even out” lopsided games using their best judgment.  This may be asking a coach to give a dominating player a water break or to implement a half court press rule on goal kicks. 


U-10
-7 versus 7 (6 field players + 1 goalkeeper), can play down to 4 v 4, Ball Size number 4

- Teams will switch field sides at halftime
- 4- 12 minute quarters (quarter break is maximum 2 minutes) 1st and 3d quarters will be called during stoppage of play and restarted where it left off (throw-in, goal kick etc.)
Substitution during quarters; stoppage of play substitution allowed by exception.

- No heading is allowed in U10; coaches need to discourage heading in practice and games. Referees will verbally correct the players if heading is attempted and stop the play if an advantage is gained by the heading player/ player’s team (i.e breakaway or goal).

- Throw in done by player; if incorrect the opposing team gains possession for throw in.

- Offside rules in effect; referees should try to explain the rule to players called for offsides if possible. 

- 8 yard stand off from ball during restarts; Penalty Kicks in accordance with FIFA.

- Fouls are consistent with laws of the game however physical fouls (pushing, arm shielding, jumping into, obstruction or charging) will be called as fouls with less physical contact than high school or higher levels.

- Corner kicks and goal kicks according to FIFA; however headed balls by an offensive player during a corner kick will result in a goal kick.

- Yellow and Red cards can be issued to players, coaches and spectators.  (cards issued to coaches or spectators are used to prevent verbal interaction and diffuse a situation.  Coaches or spectators issued a red card must leave the field area but may remain in the parking lot to retrieve their child after the game) Games will not be forfeited as a result of poor adult behavior. 

- Unsportsmanlike behavior will be called aggressively. Arguing with referee, intentionally stalling, not granting restart standoff or taunting opponents can be immediate yellow cards. Spitting, swearing, or other egregious action warrant issuance of a red card.

- Sliding. Players are not allowed to intentionally slide into or in front of a player for any reason (slide tackle). Slide tackling will be assessed as tripping and treated as a direct free kick violation.  Sliding to kick a ball in the open (away from other players) is not a violation; goalie sliding is not a violation unless it is intended to harm an opponent.    Aggressive sliding into an opponent should result in a yellow card. 

- Mercy rule.  If a team is winning by 5 or more goals the winning coach should discreetly initiate measures to result in a more even outcome. He/she must promote good sportsmanship and prevent taunting or teasing.  Possible measures can be playing with less players on the field, allowing the opposing team to add a player (must inform referee first), create a “passing contest” within the team, sending his/her most dominant player to play on other team (must flip jersey) or enforcing a longer stand off for restarts for players.  The Mercy rule is not optional; coaches must try to attain “close” results as much as possible.

- Safety.  Any dangerous play must be stopped; typically high kicking and playing on the ground. Restarts should be IDFK; no drop balls in U10.  Referees and coaches must encourage players to get up quickly if/when they fall on the ground.

 


 

U-13
- 8 v 8 or 9 v 9 (7/8 field players + 1 goalkeeper) Ball size:  5
- 2-25 Minute halves (quarters may be requested by coaches or directed by BUSA during high temperatures)  Substitution during stoppage of play.  Informal stoppage time can be implemented by referee if intentional stalling or time wasting is exhibited.

- Throw in done by player

- Offside rules in effect.

- Limited Heading is allowed in U13; coaches need to teach proper heading during practice for no more than 15 minutes per week and discourage heading long balls (goal kicks, goalie punts); chest trapping is preferred.   Referees will verbally correct the players if heading is attempted from goal kicks or high punts and possibly stop the play if an advantage is gained by the heading player/ player’s team (i.e breakaway or goal). This will be very subjective; If one players heeds warning from the official and a 2d player takes advantage and plays the ball with his/her head it can be considered a dangerous play in which IDFK is awarded.  Heading corner kicks to score is allowed.

- Fouls are consistent with laws of the game however physical fouls (pushing, arm shielding, jumping into, obstruction or charging) will be called as fouls with considered less physical contact than high school or higher levels.

- Corner kicks and goal kicks according to FIFA.

- Yellow and Red cards can be issued to players, coaches and spectators.  (cards issued to coaches or spectators are used to prevent verbal interaction and diffuse a situation.  Coaches or spectators issued a red card must leave the field area but may remain in the parking lot to retrieve their child after the game) Games will not be forfeited as a result of poor adult behavior. 

- Unsportsmanlike behavior will be called aggressively. Arguing with referee, intentionally stalling, not granting restart standoff or taunting opponents can be immediate yellow cards. Spitting, swearing, or other egregious action warrant issuance of a red card.

- Sliding. Players are not allowed to intentionally slide into or in front of a player for any reason (slide tackle). Slide tackling will be assessed as tripping and treated as a direct free kick violation.  Sliding to kick a ball in the open (away from other players) is not a violation; goalie sliding is not a violation unless it is intended to harm an opponent.    Aggressive sliding into an opponent should result in a yellow card. 

- Mercy rule.  If a team is winning by 5 or more goals the winning coach should discreetly initiate measures to result in a more even outcome. He/she must promote good sportsmanship and prevent taunting or teasing.  Possible measures can be playing with less players on the field, allowing the opposing team to add a player (must inform referee first), create a “passing contest” within the team, sending his/her most dominant player to play on other team (must flip jersey) or enforcing a longer stand off for restarts for players.  The Mercy rule is not optional; coaches must try to attain “close” results as much as possible.

- Safety.  Any dangerous play must be stopped; typically high kicking and playing on the ground. Restarts should be IDFK or drop ball.  Referees and coaches must encourage players to get up quickly if/when they fall on the ground

 

U-16/18
- Developmental small sided pick-up format.

- Player numbers and GK are determined based on number of participants. Ideally 5v5, 6v6 or 7v7.  Size 5 ball on a U10 field using light t-shirts and pinnies.

- If no GK is used, the BUSA adult can implement creative rules to promote positive play.  (i.e. goals only count from within Penalty area)
- U16 will have an 80 minute window to complete.  Numerous short games (10-12min) will be played; either a BUSA adult or referee can modify game length to attain equal rotation.

- Possession calls (throw in, goal/corner kicks) are made by the players using the honor system; players should use honor system for off-sides as well however honor system calls are not applicable to the opposing team (i.e. a defender cannot claim a forward was offsides). 

- Fouls and off-sides violations will be called by the referee based on FIFA LOTG however no slide tackling is allowed.

- All players should play the entire game if possible. If teams are not equal in number a single sub can be used and all players must rotate in/out fairly or the supervising adult can allow a higher numbered team.

- Sportsmanship and clean play is paramount.  Referees in U16/18 have the latitude to assess 2 minute penalties in lieu of or in addition to a yellow card.  If a Red card is issued that player cannot play any games the remainder of that day regardless of how many games remain.