Coach / Parent referee guidelines

These guidelines are for parents refereeing very young soccer players in the 5U/8U range, typically 4v4 or 5v5. It’s important that games finish before the next game’s time slot, so reduce the length of the halves and breaks if needed.

Change directions (switch ends) at half. It helps to have the kids point to the goal they are trying to score in at the start of each half and quarter.

Don't keep track of or comment on the score. Goals are good, regardless of how many.

If the ref notices poor sportsmanship, trash talking, or other poor behavior, please remind the player that we respect the opposite team; without them, they don’t have a game! If it continues, let the coach know so the coach can talk to the player. Remember, the coaches can’t hear or see everything from the sidelines. (This happens most often after a goal)

On the opening kickoffs and after a goal, the ball starts at midfield. The starting team (the one that was scored on) lines up with the ball at the center line. The other team lines up no closer than the white circle painted on the field. Once the ball is kicked, everyone plays.

The ref must stop play whenever the ball goes out. This can be done with a loud voice or a whistle. Give the ball to the team that did not kick the ball out. Place the ball on the sideline where it went out. Choose a player to kick it in for their team. Have everyone else back up at least 5 big steps away from the ball. Tell the child to kick the ball into play. Try to alternate which player kicks the ball in for their team.

If the attacking team kicks it out over the goal line, the defending team will kick it in from the top of the goal square (like a goal kick). The ref should back up the other team well away from the ball, to the halfway line, to prevent an immediate turnover/goal. See build-out line rules

If the defending team kicks it out over the goal line, the attacking team will kick it in from the corner

Subs are allowed on each stoppage of play. You don’t need to ask the ref, but make sure they hold the restart until all the player changes are finished for each team. Coaches are encouraged to make adjustments to keep games as competitive as possible. Although not the preferred approach, adjusting the number of players on the field is one option they can apply.

The ref should stop play if there is deliberate hand contact with the ball. Let the team that didn't handle the ball kick it from the spot. Have everyone else back up 5 steps. The ref should comment (“Oops, No Hands in Soccer”) on accidental hand contact with the ball, but let them play.

The ref should stop play if the kids are on the ground, or if they feel there is too much rough play. Talk to the players and give the least offending team the ball at that spot. Again, have everyone else back up 5 steps. It is important for refs to quickly and clearly tell the players what is happening when there is a stoppage (out of bounds, or a goal in particular). Remind any younger refs to be loud enough to get the players' attention. If you’re not sure who kicked it out, just guess and get the game going. It isn’t the World Cup!

Finally, the main thing is simply for the players to be safe and have fun.