for Mentors: things to work on with referees doing U6, U8, etc. games

Encourage the referees to blow the whistle loud enough for the players to stop playing.

Please review with the referees prior to each match:

  1. Pretty much all restarts will require a whistle to stop play, watch the videos below and you will see why.
  2. On goal kicks, IFKs and kick-ins, if the player obviously kicks the ball a second time before another player touches the ball, blow the whistle and have them take the kick over. Let them know politely that the ball must touch another player before they are allowed to kick it. (Inform the U6 coaches prior to the match). On U8 and above, give each team one retake, then call for any further infractions.
  3. Watch for slide tackles that are careless. Referee to blow their whistle and call a foul. Remember safety is our middle names on these games.
  4. Respect the distance on all restarts. Referees should require the opposing team to move the required distance (U6 is 6 yards, U8-U12 is 8 yards).
  5. Throw-ins for U8: If throw-in is done incorrectly have them retake. Have them retake the throw-in with guidance on the law.  Throw-ins for U10 and olders, give each team one retake then call the infraction.​

watch the videos below for common scenarios

BLOW YOUR WHISTLE

Notice at the start of this video a player falls down and the referee blows his whistle. 
Notice the players do not stop. The players will continue to play until they hear the whistle, so make it loud enough for them to hear.
For me the player was not fouled and in no danger, so unless you want to stop the game a lot, let this go.

PLAYERS FALL DOWN

The players will fall down a lot at this age level.  If there is not a safety concern let them play. In the beginning of play if a player falls, but they are not in danger of being injured, there is no safety concern, so let them continue to play.

CALL THE FOUL

The blue player pushes another player. Blow the whistle for the foul and nicely remind the players that pushing is not permitted. Restart is an indirect free kick for the other team.

Coaches and parents will come on the field from time to time. Be polite and request they remain outside the field of play.

WHISTLE LOUD!

Players at this level will continue to play until they hear the whistle. So make it loud enough for them to hear. Then tell them it is a goal kick and move the opposing team players the required distance for the restart.

WHISTLE = CAUTION

Scenario: Several players fall, the ball is in between the legs of one play, cleats are in the air. This is a safety concern, so blow your whistle and restart with an Indirect Free Kick (Hand raised straight up).  

If it is close to a goal, give it to the team defending that goal.

PLAYER INJURY

If you suspect a player is injured, blow your whistle and ask the coach onto the field if they are not already there.

Indications include crying, tears, anger, or remaining on the ground and not getting up quickly.

As referees, our number one responsibility is the safety of the players.