The last weekend could be emotional for players and coaches and some are fighting for a better standing. Make sure you manage the game well. It starts with a good pre game with coaches:
1) Thank the coaches.

2) Confirm the time length of the half 

3) Remind them they have control of the sidelines. Do not talk to the parents

4) Confirm free subs

5) Tell them you may have a different angle and may see the play differently and play on! 

Don’t be a “center circle” ref and make sure if you are the center, run the field. Kids, coaches and parents will appreciate your energy and your close up viewpoint. You want to be neither too close nor too far from the action: 10-12 yards is a good rule of thumb. 

If you are the AR, run along the touchline, between the halfway line and the goal line, keeping level with the 2nd-to-last-defender or the ball, whichever is closer to the goal line. Keep up!

NO DOGS! NO DOGS! NO DOGS!  Don’t start a game with dogs on the sideline. 

Have fun, Have fun, Have fun!

All: Surprise! Surprise! We have a hot Saturday in May. 
Make sure you ask the coaches if they need a water break. Keep an eye on players and your ref crew. Read below. 
Keep it simple: See a foul, Call the foul! I never get an email from a parent or coach saying a ref called too many fouls! 

With the heat coming in for the weekend (lucky us), we want to publish the guidelines that we use to determine play status. We are planning to play tomorrow; the heat index at the hottest point of the day will be 91-92.

Recommendations:

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate the day before the game.
• Take extra water breaks within quarters or halves. Coaches and referees should discuss and agree before the game.
• Teams can agree to play shorter games.
• Water should always be available at regular intervals, and athletes can call for water or a sub at any time.
• Bring extra ice and towels for cooling.
• Monitor all players for signs of heat-related illness.
• Once a game starts, it will be at the discretion of the Ref to cancel a match due to safety concerns.

Super Thanks for being a JUSA Ref!

At this point in the season, it is time to Keep it simple and go back to basics. 

1) Introduce yourself to both coaches. Thank them for coaching.

2) Don’t be a center ref. Run with the play. 

3) Stay close to the ball and position yourself to see fouls.

4) Call a handful more fouls in the game vs a handful less.

5) Be a professional and dress the part. Wear the full referee kit head to toe! 

6) Don’t start a game with Dogs near the field. No Dogs! No Dogs!