Pre-Game Responsibilities
These are the important things to do before the match begins which can help you have a great match out on the field!
Arrive 30 minutes prior to the kick-off time of your match.
Why? - This gives you time to do all your pre-game responsibilities, warm up / stretch and talk with your referee crew before the match starts
Walk the field to ensure everything in LAW 1 - The Field of Play is correct.
Corner flags in the correct spots, goal posts line up with the goal line and are anchored, spectators are far enough away from field, etc…
Introduce yourself to the coaches.
This shows them that you’re a strong professional referee before you’ve even blown your whistle
Roster Checks
Most Leagues require some type of roster for matches. Confirm everyone is one the roster that is playing or sitting on the bench.
Pre-Game talk with your crew
Talk with your crew so you know how to best assist each other during the game
Captains meeting and Coin Flip
Learn the captains names, they could be useful during the match.
A simple quarter is fine for your coin flip.
Picture 1
Picture 2
Why are pregame responsibilities important?
Look at the pictures to to left. Both are the sideline of a field. Ask yourself, if you are the referee or assistant referee running on this sideline, which sideline would you want to run on? We pick the first picture every time.
If coaches and/or spectators set up too close to the field ask them to move back before the game starts. This will keep you and the players safe.
Asking parents to move back - “Hey Everyone, I need you all to move back about 6 feet, I want to make sure I don’t run into anyone and when they players come over this way they have enough room not to get hurt. Thank you, enjoy the match today!”
Asking Coaches to move back - “Hi Coach, we’re almost ready for the game, could I get your team to move their bags and water bottles back about 6 feet. I don’t want to accidentally trip over any of them while the game is happening or any of the players to run into them while playing. Thank you, Good luck today.”