So, you want to referee for Westfield Youth Soccer? 1. Learn the rules. If you’ve played or coached soccer, you have a good start. You will need to get a Federation rule book, which costs $7, as well as a free pamphlet describing rules that apply only to our league. If, after reviewing this overview, you are interested in becoming a referee, send an email with your name, phone number, and your email address to info @ wysoccer.com [no spaces] 2. Pass a written exam. All new officials must pass a written exam based on the rule book and pamphlet. The test is roughly 80 questions (mostly true and false) and also covers referee signals, which you need to accurately describe. The test can seem lengthy, but the key to success is reviewing the rule book thoroughly to learn and understand the rules. People with only a basic understanding of the game – including some who have never played or coached – have passed the test and become referees for several years. Read the material and test yourself with the practice “situations” in the book, and you will be well-prepared. The test will be given in the summer, depending on the interest and everyone's schedules. You will be given plenty of notice to study the rules.   3. Get your schedule on the Internet. All scheduling is done via a web site, where you can indicate the dates/times you are not available to work, and where the game assignments are posted. You MUST have a valid email address and access to the Internet to view your schedule and accept your assignments. Details follow after you pass the test.  2010 Rules WYSA uses National Federation of State High School Association rules with the following WYSA amendments. PRACTICES 1. It is WYSA policy that pre-season practice sessions be limited to three (3) per week with a maximum of two (2) hours per session. During the season, practice sessions are limited to two (2) per week, Monday through Friday with a maximum of two (2) hours per session. Saturday and Sunday are for games only. A session is defined as any practice, game or meeting. 9-10 LEAGUES 1. 9-10 boys and girls - throw-ins: For the first two (2) weeks of the season, the thrower is allowed one (1) repeat of the throw-in if he/she commits an infraction. (This will end after the 2nd Sunday of the season.) 2. In All Divisions - coaches and teams must stay in their own designated coach's box. This will allow the coach the freedom to move up and down the 20 yard box without spectators hindering his/her movement. Parents occupy opposite sides of the field or outside the coach's box area. 3. In the 9-10 boys and girls league, a hand ball in the penalty area that is not intentional shall be ruled an indirect kick, if “play on” is not called and a whistle is blown. Both referees will confer to decide if a penalty shot or an indirect kick will be awarded to the offensive team. An indirect kick will be awarded from that spot if behind the penalty kick line at the spot of the foul. If the foul occurred in front of the penalty line, it will be taken directly back from the spot of the foul and even with the penalty mark (not on the penalty mark). Both referees will announce the final decision. 4. A penalty will be explained by the referee especially in the 9-10 leagues. The referee will clearly state the infraction to the player committing it. Referees will try to be sure the player making the infraction understands the call. Remember, this is still an instructional league on the 9-10 level. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. Slide tackling is banned in all leagues. The attempt to slide tackle will also be punished with an indirect free kick. If contact with a player results, then a direct kick will be awarded. 2. All players are required to wear shin pads. Referees are to check all players for shin pads as well as proper soccer shoes, baseball type rubber spikes are allowed (no metal spikes). Players are not allowed to wear jewelry, yarn, rope, metal or plastic bracelets or barrettes. All earrings including earrings for pierced ears must be removed. Earrings cannot be taped. Facial decorations are not allowed. (paint, stickers) Mouth guards are optional. 3. In all divisions, players must play a minimum of one half of each and every game they are eligible to play in. If a player does not play the minimum, the first infraction will result in disciplinary action to be determined by the Board. A coach must try to divide the player’s time evenly between lines. Any exception must be brought up to the Division Coordinator and/or the opposing coach prior to each game. All players in Boys and Girls 9-10 and 11-12 divisions must play for one quarter each, on at least two (2) lines in every game. A line is defined as: A. Fullback/goalie B. Halfback C. Forward 4. Teams switch ends of the field at the end of each quarter or at half time. Substitutions by both teams can be made at the end of any quarter/half or whenever the ball goes out over the end lines. Other substitutions can be made according to the NFHS rulebook. 5. A player who is to be cautioned will be given a yellow card. That player must leave the game at that point and cannot re-enter until the next substitution can be made. The coach can replace this player at the time of the infraction. The team does not play short handed. A player receiving a red card during a game must be removed and cannot re-enter that game. The team now plays with one less player (short handed) from that point on for the remainder of the game. This action will be reported by the referee to the referee coordinator who will in turn notify the league coordinator and President. Also he/she cannot play in the next game in that league. Failure to leave the field will result in the game being forfeited. When three (3) yellow cards are given to a player for his /her infraction s in that league in one season, he/she will be suspended for (1) game. If that player gets another card of either color (yellow/red) he/she will be suspended for the remainder of the season. If any of these situations occur on the last game of the season, the penalty will carry over to the next season. 6. A coach who receives a yellow card is given a warning by the referee. A coach who receives a red card by a referee must leave the playing field immediately. He/she is also suspended from coaching the next scheduled game in that league. Failure to leave the field will result in the game being forfeited. When three (3) yellow cards are given to a coach/asst. coach for his/her infractions in that league in one season, he/she will be suspended for (1) game. If that coach/asst. coach gets another card of either color (yellow/red) he/she will be suspended for the remainder of the season. If any of these situations occur on the last game of the season, the penalty will carry over to the next season. 7. All games in all leagues will be stopped as soon as possible in accordance with the rules of the game when an injury occurs. A coach can come on the field and attend to the injured player when called by the referee. The player must be removed at that point. The player may return at the next legal substitution. This also applies for a team playing with less than eleven players. PLEASE REPORT ANY INJURY THAT REQUIRES MEDICAL ATTENTION TO YOUR COORDINATOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. 8. Players must wear complete team uniforms, which consist of shirts, black shorts and socks. Socks must cover the entire shin pad and be visible with all players on the same team wearing the same colored socks. When needed, sweat pants of any color are allowed. Face paint is not allowed. Any extenuating circumstances must be brought to the attention of the coordinator. TIMES FOR EACH LEAGUE The time will be kept on the field by the referee. The clock will be stopped as stated in the rulebook. 9-10 B & G - 10-minute quarters with a one (1) minute rest between quarters, and a three (3) minute rest at half time. 11-12 B & G - 12-minute quarters with a one (1) minute rest between quarters, and a three (3) minute rest at half time. 13-16 B & G - 25 minute halves (Running Time) and a five (5) minute rest at half time PLAYOFF FORMAT If a playoff game ends in a tie at the end of regulation the following procedure will be used. 1) Overtime – first team to score wins. One (1) 10 minute period for 9-10 and 11-12 Two (2) 10 minute periods for 13-16 2) If no one scores, we go to penalty kicks. Penalty kick procedure according to the Federation Rule Book. a) Head referee designates a goal at which all kicks from the penalty mark are taken. b) Each coach selects five players, including the goalkeeper, on or off the field (except those who have been disqualified) to take the kicks. Goalkeepers may be changed prior to each kick. c) A coin toss decides the order of kicks – team winning the toss chooses whether they want to go first or second. d) Teams alternate kicks. There is no follow up on the kicks. The ball remains alive until its momentum is spent, it goes out of bounds, or is retouched by the kicker. After five kicks, the team scoring the most goals wins. e) If the score remains tied after five kicks, each coach selects five different players than the first five. (If there are less than 10 players available, all players are to be used before a player can be chosen to kick twice.) This is now a sudden-victory situation; if one team scores and the other does not, the game ends with no more kicks taken. f) The penalty kick “sudden victory” procedure continues until there is a winner. 7 - 8 YEAR OLD RULES 2010 Game Rules 10 Minute quarters. Substitutions: On your throw-in, if team with ball subs, both teams may sub, after a goal, on any corner or goal kick, any injury. Throw-ins: Two (2) all season Penalties: will be called and explained Free Kicks: All Kicks are indirect kicks. Offsides: NONE Clock Stops: After goals and for injuries. Goal Kicks: Should be taken at the top of the 12 yds. Box with the defense back 10 yds. Penalty Area Boxes: Anyone can enter this area and play the ball. Goal Area Boxes: Offense cannot enter this area to play the ball. Indirect kick from the top of the Penalty Area (12 yd. Box) for infraction. Defense can enter the Goal Area to clear a ball but cannot position themselves there except for the goalie. Indirect kick from the top of the penalty box for infraction. PLAYERS MUST REMOVE ALL JEWLERY SUCH AS EARRINGS, STUDS. Practices: Preseason – Two (2) per week. In season

So, you want to referee for Westfield Youth Soccer?

1.Learn the rules.

If you’ve played or coached soccer, you have a good start. You will need to get a Federation rule book, which costs $7, as well as a free pamphlet describing rules that apply only to our league. If, after reviewing this overview, you are interested in becoming a referee, send an email with your name, phone number, and your email address to info @ wysoccer.com [no spaces]

2.Pass a written exam.

All new officials must pass a written exam based on the rule book and pamphlet. The test is roughly 80 questions (mostly true and false) and also covers referee signals, which you need to accurately describe.

The test can seem lengthy, but the key to success is reviewing the rule book thoroughly to learn and understand the rules. People with only a basic understanding of the game – including some who have never played or coached – have passed the test and become referees for several years. Read the material and test yourself with the practice “situations” in the book, and you will be well-prepared.

The test will be given in the summer, depending on the interest and everyone's schedules. You will be given plenty of notice to study the rules.

3. Get your schedule on the Internet.

All scheduling is done via a web site, where you can indicate the dates/times you are not available to work, and where the game assignments are posted. You MUST have a valid email address and access to the Internet to view your schedule and accept your assignments. Details follow after you pass the test.

2010 Rules

WYSA uses National Federation of State High School Association rules with the following WYSA amendments.

PRACTICES

1. It is WYSA policy that pre-season practice sessions be limited to three (3) per week with a maximum of two (2) hours per session. During the season, practice sessions are limited to two (2) per week, Monday through Friday with a maximum of two (2) hours per session. Saturday and Sunday are for games only. A session is defined as any practice, game or meeting.

9-10 LEAGUES

1. 9-10 boys and girls - throw-ins: For the first two (2) weeks of the season, the thrower is allowed one (1) repeat of the throw-in if he/she commits an infraction. (This will end after the 2nd Sunday of the season.)

2. In All Divisions - coaches and teams must stay in their own designated coach's box. This will allow the coach the freedom to move up and down the 20 yard box without spectators hindering his/her movement. Parents occupy opposite sides of the field or outside the coach's box area.

3. In the 9-10 boys and girls league, a hand ball in the penalty area that is not intentional shall be ruled an indirect kick, if “play on” is not called and a whistle is blown. Both referees will confer to decide if a penalty shot or an indirect kick will be awarded to the offensive team. An indirect kick will be awarded from that spot if behind the penalty kick line at the spot of the foul. If the foul occurred in front of the penalty line, it will be taken directly back from the spot of the foul and even with the penalty mark (not on the penalty mark). Both referees will announce the final decision.

4. A penalty will be explained by the referee especially in the 9-10 leagues. The referee will clearly state the infraction to the player committing it. Referees will try to be sure the player making the infraction understands the call. Remember, this is still an instructional league on the 9-10 level.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Slide tackling is banned in all leagues. The attempt to slide tackle will also be punished with an indirect free kick. If contact with a player results, then a direct kick will be awarded.

2. All players are required to wear shin pads. Referees are to check all players for shin pads as well as proper soccer shoes, baseball type rubber spikes are allowed (no metal spikes). Players are not allowed to wear jewelry, yarn, rope, metal or plastic bracelets or barrettes. All earrings including earrings for pierced ears must be removed. Earrings cannot be taped. Facial decorations are not allowed. (paint, stickers) Mouth guards are optional.

3. In all divisions, players must play a minimum of one half of each and every game they are eligible to play in. If a player does not play the minimum, the first infraction will result in disciplinary action to be determined by the Board.

A coach must try to divide the player’s time evenly between lines. Any exception must be brought up to the Division Coordinator and/or the opposing coach prior to each game.

All players in Boys and Girls 9-10 and 11-12 divisions must play for one quarter each, on at least two (2) lines in every game. A line is defined as:

A. Fullback/goalie

B. Halfback

C. Forward

4. Teams switch ends of the field at the end of each quarter or at half time. Substitutions by both teams can be made at the end of any quarter/half or whenever the ball goes out over the end lines. Other substitutions can be made according to the NFHS rulebook.

5. A player who is to be cautioned will be given a yellow card. That player must leave the game at that point and cannot re-enter until the next substitution can be made. The coach can replace this player at the time of the infraction. The team does not play short handed. A player receiving a red card during a game must be removed and cannot re-enter that game. The team now plays with one less player (short handed) from that point on for the remainder of the game. This action will be reported by the referee to the referee coordinator who will in turn notify the league coordinator and President. Also he/she cannot play in the next game in that league. Failure to leave the field will result in the game being forfeited. When three (3) yellow cards are given to a player for his /her infraction s in that league in one season, he/she will be suspended for (1) game. If that player gets another card of either color (yellow/red) he/she will be suspended for the remainder of the season. If any of these situations occur on the last game of the season, the penalty will carry over to the next season.

6. A coach who receives a yellow card is given a warning by the referee. A coach who receives a red card by a referee must leave the playing field immediately. He/she is also suspended from coaching the next scheduled game in that league. Failure to leave the field will result in the game being forfeited. When three (3) yellow cards are given to a coach/asst. coach for his/her infractions in that league in one season, he/she will be suspended for (1) game. If that coach/asst. coach gets another card of either color (yellow/red) he/she will be suspended for the remainder of the season. If any of these situations occur on the last game of the season, the penalty will carry over to the next season.

7. All games in all leagues will be stopped as soon as possible in accordance with the rules of the game when an injury occurs. A coach can come on the field and attend to the injured player when called by the referee. The player must be removed at that point. The player may return at the next legal substitution. This also applies for a team playing with less than eleven players. PLEASE REPORT ANY INJURY THAT REQUIRES MEDICAL ATTENTION TO YOUR COORDINATOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

8. Players must wear complete team uniforms, which consist of shirts, black shorts and socks. Socks must cover the entire shin pad and be visible with all players on the same team wearing the same colored socks. When needed, sweat pants of any color are allowed. Face paint is not allowed. Any extenuating circumstances must be brought to the attention of the coordinator.

TIMES FOR EACH LEAGUE

The time will be kept on the field by the referee. The clock will be stopped as stated in the rulebook.

9-10 B & G - 10-minute quarters with a one (1) minute rest between quarters, and a three (3) minute rest at half time.

11-12 B & G - 12-minute quarters with a one (1) minute rest between quarters, and a three (3) minute rest at half time.

13-16 B & G - 25 minute halves (Running Time) and a five (5) minute rest at half time

PLAYOFF FORMAT

If a playoff game ends in a tie at the end of regulation the following procedure will be used.

1)Overtime – first team to score wins.

One (1) 10 minute period for 9-10 and 11-12

Two (2) 10 minute periods for 13-16

2)If no one scores, we go to penalty kicks.

Penalty kick procedure according to the Federation Rule Book.

a)Head referee designates a goal at which all kicks from the penalty mark are taken.

b) Each coach selects five players, including the goalkeeper, on or off the field (except those who have been disqualified) to take the kicks. Goalkeepers may be changed prior to each kick.

c) A coin toss decides the order of kicks – team winning the toss chooses whether they want to go first or second.

d) Teams alternate kicks. There is no follow up on the kicks. The ball remains alive until its momentum is spent, it goes out of bounds, or is retouched by the kicker. After five kicks, the team scoring the most goals wins.

e)If the score remains tied after five kicks, each coach selects five different players than the first five. (If there are less than 10 players available, all players are to be used before a player can be chosen to kick twice.) This is now a sudden-victory situation; if one team scores and the other does not, the game ends with no more kicks taken.

f) The penalty kick “sudden victory” procedure continues until there is a winner.

7 - 8 YEAR OLD RULES

2010

Game Rules

10 Minute quarters.

Substitutions: On your throw-in, if team with ball subs, both teams may sub, after a goal, on any corner or goal kick, any injury.

Throw-ins: Two (2) all season

Penalties: will be called and explained

Free Kicks: All Kicks are indirect kicks.

Offsides: NONE

Clock Stops: After goals and for injuries.

Goal Kicks: Should be taken at the top of the 12 yds. Box with the defense back 10 yds.

Penalty Area Boxes: Anyone can enter this area and play the ball.

Goal Area Boxes: Offense cannot enter this area to play the ball. Indirect kick from the top of the Penalty Area (12 yd. Box) for infraction.

Defense can enter the Goal Area to clear a ball but cannot position themselves there except for the goalie. Indirect kick from the top of the penalty box for infraction.

PLAYERS MUST REMOVE ALL JEWLERY SUCH AS EARRINGS, STUDS.

Practices: Preseason – Two (2) per week.

In season – One (1) per week.