Referee/FAQ/RefereeProcedures

FAQ: Referee Procedures

Who is responsible for the players’ Player Registration Forms?

It is the Coach’s responsibility to have the Player Registration Forms at all practices, and games. Referees are not required, nor recommended, to ask Coaches to prove that they have Player Registration Forms in their possession at games. Refereesshould not require Coachesto produce the forms at matches as this would, in effect, put the Referee in the position of assuming a responsibility that properly belongs to the Coach.

Are Referees required to see a “Participation Release Form” before allowing a player to participate in games following a known serious injury or sickness which required professional medical attention?

No, this is not the Referee’s responsibility.

What is the recommended way to deal with player violence?

Many possible scenarios of violence exist. The Referee must assess each situation, and determine appropriate action considering personal safety, player safety, and game control. The Laws of the Game do not require anyone to place themselves in peril, and AYSO Referees should not subject themselves to undue personal risk. However, violence needs to be stopped if it erupts, and Referees need to assist in controlling it when it can be done without unduly risking personal safety. Recommended procedures for Referees:

• Move quickly to the location of the problem.
• Blow the whistle loudly in the vicinity of the fracas to distract the “combatants”.
• Assess the risk to the Referees’ personal safety by further intervention, and do not attempt to intervene if it is unsafe. Referees are not required to put their safety at risk.
• Consider intervention only if possible without undue personal risk. A Referee who intervenes during player violence must:
  • Remain in a “passive role.”
  • Refrain from physically touching any players or other persons involved.
  • Endeavor to form a barrier between “combatants”.
  • Urge the Coaching staff to assist.
  • Endeavor to contain the fracas.
  • Be aware of the reactions of other players, and discourage them from joining the fracas.
  • Provide a detailed report of the facts of the incident in the game report for reference.

Addressing violent conduct is everyone’s job. Regional, Area, and Section staff should be proactive in taking steps to address the issue with programs such as Safe Haven, and Kids Zone. Prompt disciplinary responses are encouraged if violence occurs during matches.