GENERAL LEAGUE INFORMATION

youth leagues

Youth League Name
Assignor Responsible
Assignor Email
Coast Soccer League
Connor Duckworth
[email protected]
Canyon Hills Recreation
Connor Duckworth
[email protected]
Brea Recreation
Connor Duckworth
​[email protected]
CSL Premier Fields
Cody Huson
[email protected]​​
Liverpool Recreation
Steve Lane
​[email protected]
ECNL or ECRL
​Cody Huson
​[email protected]
SoCal League (formerly SCDSL)
Cody Huson
​[email protected]
Cypress AYSO 154
Cody Huson
​[email protected]

adult leagues

Adult League Name
Assignor Responsible
Assignor Email
Fullerton YMCA Indoor
​Cody Huson
​[email protected]
City of Irvine
​Cody Huson
[email protected]

Best Referee Practices

  • DO NOT BE LATE
  • If you are running late or will not make your assignment call a member of your referee team.
  • If you are unable to make your assignment, check the Wait List and find a replacement.
  • IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO MAKE YOUR ASSIGNED GAME(S) contact your assignor.  
  • If you are not feeling well or have an injury notify us right away. Please do not wait till the evening before or game day.
  • ​If you have a question about a forfeit, red card, etc. - call your assignor.

What to Know Before You Go

  • Print out a copy of your schedule from Arbiter with the other referee’s contact information, just in case you need to contact one another.
  • Know the Field Directions.
  • Arrive at the field ready to go 30 minutes before your first game. If you will not make on time call a member of your referee crew.
  • Make sure you know your administrative responsibilities (Which side of the field the coaches, players and spectators are to sit on, Game Cards, ID Cards, etc.)​ ​

​League Specific Rules & Fees

  • Click on the League Rules drop down menu and select the specific League you are refereeing for the best, most up to date information. ​

Schedules, Cancellations & Forfeits

  • Games can be canceled or rescheduled.
  • It is YOUR responsibility to check the official league schedule before your game(s).
  • Referees will be reimbursed only if the game is forfeited on game day AND NOCRA is reimbursed by the league.
  • You will need to complete an Incident Report for any GAME DAY forfeits.
  • Teams do not pay the referee in the event of a forfeit.​​

Pregames & Check-in

Note: When you ARRIVE check the fields, goals, anchors and nets. If there are any problems, notify the home team coach or manager.  

Referee Pregame is important:
  • Please do not take your eye off the penalty area when the ball or an opponent is present.  
  • Injury procedure is important, make sure you know it.  
  • Know your AR responsibilities.
  • Make sure you go over the substitution procedure. ARs should acknowledge when the substitution is complete.
  • For U12 & below matches: talk about throw-ins, injuries, sideline behavior, heading, and build out line.
  • For U13 and above matches: talk about fouls, especially persistent dissent and misconduct.
  • Please do not speak to the spectators; if there are any challenges, speak to the Team Admin or Coach.

Regarding Coaches and Team Managers:
  • Introduce yourself and smile.
  • Have both coaches meet and introduce themselves.
  • Go over any administrative responsibilities (Game Card, ID Cards, etc.)
  • Go over any League Rules and substitution procedure.
  • Review the importance of player safety.
  • Acknowledge that they may not like all our calls, but to please be respectful of them so that everyone can set the right example for the players.
  • Home team - ask for three properly inflated soccer balls. Make sure they are the correct size, inflated, and are not damaged in a way that may injure the players.
  • Referee to collect fees from each team.
  • Request that spectators remain on the proper side of the field, not behind the goal lines. Unless there is a fence or structure that separates them from the field of play.
  • Ask the coach or manager to have the spectators and umbrellas a minimum of three yards off the touch line.

Player Check in and Safety Check:
  • Players must have a CalSouth ID card to participate. If they do not have a card, they CANNOT play.
  • Shin guards must be worn.
  • No bracelets, jewelry, or anything metal may be worn (know the exceptions).
  • Ensure that every player must have a unique uniform number.
  • Based on the age of the players inform them what is most important to you as the referee. Inform the players to play the whistle and the ball.  
  • Complete the Official Match Report (Official Game Report):
    • Receive 3 copies from the home team. Have the coach or manager sign the bottom, certifying that the players are all eligible.
    • Checkmark if player is present and will be participating.
    • Line out and initial if a player is not participating.
    • Max of 18 players participating, line out all that are not participating.
    • Make sure that all 3 copies are complete:
      • uniform Numbers
      • Player Names
      • CalSouth ID Numbers
      • Line out any players who are not participating
  • Call out the names, check that the ID Cards are current and that each uniform number is correct.

Pregame with Captains:
  • Coin flip, visiting team calls it. Winner chooses ball or the goal they want to defend.​

post game

  • Complete the match (game) reports:
    • Enter the score
    • Enter Player # and Goals (time)
    • Misconduct (use the correct code)
    • Not any major injury
    • Coach or Manager from each team to sign your copy
    • Return their ID Cards

NOTE: YOU ARE TO CALL THE VICE PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT OR ASSIGNOR FOR ANY VIOLENT CONDUCT; REFEREE ABUSE OR ASSAULT; COACH OR TEAM OFFICIAL SEND OFFS OR ABANDONMENT OF A MATCH.  
SHOULD NO ONE ANSWER, LEAVE A MESSAGE WITH THE GAME INFORMATION (REFEREE NAME, FIELD, AND TIME) AND BRIEFLY EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED.

REMEMBER: Be professional, have fun, drink water, and enjoy the games. And most importantly manage your sidelines politely and respectfully. Remember our round table discussions about using respectful language: "Please Coach _______," "Please," and "Thank You."