Monthly Archives: March 2025

Spring 2025 Week 3

All: looks like to be a beautiful weekend to kick the ball and blow the whistle! 

Just a few reminders since some are refereeing for the first time this spring.

BE EARLY – At least 30 minutes prior to your first game. Coaches, and your crew mates, get worried and start calling me, and I am working games too. Being late to games is a reason to be moved down a level.

Some Rules Changes vs Fall for Rec

  • 7v7 games:
    • No intentional headers (IDF)
    • Free Subs at referee discretion
    • U8: no penalty kicks, no slide tackles, 1 “redo” on throw ins
  • 9v9 & 11v11Games:
    • Free substitutions with referee permission
    • Headers Allowed?   U12 – NO, U14 – YES

Save yourself some trouble and cover this pregame routine with coaches:

  • Good Pre Game is Critical & Required (TSSA)
    • Confirm Time of half and Thank the Coach for coaching
    • Sidelines: “Coach you control the Sideline. Any issue I only talk to you”
    • Substitions: “Anytime at my whistle at midway point, please”
    • Angles: “Remember coach, I have a different Angle and we play on”

Remember No Dogs on School properties. (They are not eating kid’s homework!) Don’t start the game till the dog leaves the school. 

Wear the full Referee Kit. Look good, Look professional and you will be respected more. 

Spring 2025 Week 1

Welcome to the first week of Spring!

BE EARLY – At least 30 minutes prior to your first game. Coaches, and your crew mates, get worried and start calling me and I am working games too. Being late to games is a reason to be moved down a level.

Some Rules Changes vs Fall

  • 7v7 games:
    • No intentional headers (IDF)
    • Free Subs at referee discretion
    • U8: no penalty kicks, no slide tackles, 1 “redo” on throw ins
  • 9v9 & 11v11Games
    • Free substitutions with referee permission
    • Headers Allowed?   U12 – NO, U14 – YES
  • Be Patient and Kind (not everyone knows or understands the rules)
  • Good Pre Game is Critical & Required (TSSA)
    • Confirm Time of half and Thank the Coach for coaching
    • Sidelines: “Coach you control the Sideline. Any issue I only talk to you”
    • Substitions: “Anytime at my whistle at at midway point, please”
    • Angles: “I have a different Angle and we play on”
  • Coaches can be given cautions for abusive sidelines
    • Coaches and parents can be dismissed from the field
    • Text/Send email to Rnaylor@jusa.org if someone is sent off
  • No Dogs! No Dogs!
    • School signs on fields prohibit animals on field
    • At Park fields, Dogs need to be at least 15 yards away from field
  • Have Fun! Have Fun! Have Fun!