Techniques for RefereeingYounger Players

Keep the Game Safe, Fair, and Fun

Workshop Objectives

- Analyze game scenarios common to games

with younger players

- Answers are not always cut and dry

- Decision making must be within the Spirit of the Game

“Refereeing is Thinking ”

-Ken Aston

Recognize ProblemGather InformationConsider OptionsMake DecisionImplement DecisionCommunicate Decision

Decision Making

Decision MakingScenarios

You are the referee in a GU-12 match. The Red team is awarded an indirect free kick within Red’s own penalty area. Red #12 kicks the ball to a teammate standing in the penalty area who then quickly kicks the ball back to the Red goalkeeper, also in the penalty area. The goalkeeper picks up the ball and prepares to kick it up field.

Scenario #1

You are the referee in a BU-10 match early in the fall season. A Red attacking player dribbles the ball on a counter-attack and is soon past the last Blue defender with only the goalkeeper between him and the goal. As the attacker approaches the penalty area, the Blue goalkeeper comes out of the penalty area, falls on the ball, and collects it in his arms. The goalkeeper’s actions did not affect the safety of the Red attacker.

Scenario #2

Red player #12 takes a corner kick against the Blue team. He kicks the ball to a teammate who is 10 yards from the goal line. Red #12 then runs along the goal line toward the goal. From your vantage, it appears that only the Blue goalkeeper is on the goal line. The Red player with the ball passes it back to Red #12 who scores.

Scenario #3

You are the referee in a BU-10 match. A Blue defender is standing in his penalty area with his arms at his side when the ball bounces up and strikes him on the arm. Immediately the excited coach of the Red team yells in a booming voice, “Handball! We get a penalty kick!” Hearing the voice of authority, all the players stop playing.  

Scenario #4

You are the referee in a GU-10 match. A Red attacking midfielder is dribbling the ball. She sends a nice pass forward to her open right wing just as a Blue midfielder makes a late and clumsy challenge. The Blue midfielder collides with her, and then falls to the ground crying out in pain and clutching her knee. You glance forward to see the Red attacker running with the ball on a breakaway heading toward the Blue penalty area.

Scenario #5

In a BU-12 match the ball enters the Blue goal and you (as the referee) point to the center of the field indicating that a goal has been scored. As you turn to go back up field you notice that your assistant referee is standing at attention with her flag at her side, near the corner flag. It appears that she does not intend to move toward the halfway line.

Scenario #6

You are the referee in a BU-12 match. As Red #7 dribbles past the referee at midfield, Blue #12 wins the ball and sends it in the opposite direction to a Blue striker far up field. You turn quickly and check with your lead assistant referee to see if the Blue striker is offside. Since there is no signal, you relax and run toward the Red penalty area where the play is heading. (this scenario continues in the next slide)

Scenario #7

Suddenly, there is a commotion and a resulting outcry from spectators and players behind you. You turn to discover Blue #12 sprawled on the field with blood running from his nose. No opponent is near and there is no sign of any fighting going on.

Scenario #7

What influence do you think these scenario outcomes will have on your

ability to deal with difficult or complex real game situations when

refereeing younger players?

Conclusion

“Think, Consult, Decide, Announce.”

-Ken Aston

Remember…

Goal for the Referees

Support the delivery of a great AYSO experience

for the players and others.

How will this workshop help you support the goal?

Thank you