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Once again it’s time to review the procedures for the high school season. Please follow through on these to ensure player safety and referee enjoyment.
1. Locate the school and make sure you have the directions and your partner(s) cell phone numbers.
2. Make sure you know if the home school plays on campus or at an alternate site.
3. Be on time. On time is 15 minutes prior to scheduled kickoff. Do not steal games from fellow referees. We have plenty of referees this year so we won’t miss you when you get fired.
4. Arrive early to anticipate problems, especially if it is a new school or your first time at this school. Many schools have several fields and they are a good ten minute walk from the parking lot. Don't assume the closest field is your game. Call the school to confirm the game is still being played.
5. Have a pre-game discussion with your partner. Discuss the important points that you need to cover. Discuss positioning on corner kicks, free kicks etc. Who will - restart play in every situation. Head ref is the first ref listed. He has the watch and keeps the time. Head ref officiates on the side of the home school. He also keeps both lineups for CIF reference.
6. Do not cut game times. I’m fine with exactly 35 minutes for lower levels. Head ref makes the call. Stop clock for required stoppages.
7. Do not play any match past darkness. Darkness is when the players are in danger of injury and is also subject to 10 minutes past sundown as listed in the newspaper.
8. Inspect the field and goals for dangerous conditions. Make sure the goals are anchored. No anchor, no play. This is not a secret to the coaches and A D’s. This year we will begin suspending referees if they allow games on fields with unanchored goals.
9. Ask the home team coach to correct any unsafe conditions.
10. Get the lineups and check the teams for safe equipment. Lineups must be handed to the referee before the game. Insist on them.
11. Invite the coaches to the coin toss to discuss any important subjects.
12. Arrange for payment voucher. It should be present by halftime.
13. Please use patience with players and coaches. Remember this is a school function and these are teenagers. Do not use foul language, nicotine or alcohol. Use of alcohol at fields or before games will be grounds for termination.
14. When the match as completed, meet with your partner and exit the field together. Don't stay around for the post game handshake.
15. Misconduct/injury reports must be filed by all officials. Make sure you both/all have the proper information before leaving the field.
16. Do not get angry or make statements about your partner(s). Make every effort to get through the game without any display of anger or non-support.
17. Rain procedures: The schools will decide by noon if the game is on. Call the school after noon to ask if they are playing the game that day. Try and reach the athletic office at the school. Generally, the switchboard is unable to answer these questions. If you reach the athletic office, ask the person for their name. This will help you collect a half fee if you drive to the school. If they tell you the game is on and you arrive at the school to find it is cancelled, you are entitled to a half fee. Be polite. It's not your decision unless the field is unsafe.
18. We have a system of area coordinators. These men are to be called when a serious incident happens at your match. They must be called when you leave the field. The reasons to call are serious injury, coach disqualification and major fight. Please call the coordinator listed below based on the city where the game is played. Exception is for Spanish speakers who may need to discuss the incident in Spanish with Hector Aguilar.
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