Soccer referee

1st grade

Law 1 – The Field of Play

• The field is rectangular

• Long sides = touchlines

• Short sides = goal lines

• The field is split into two halves by the halfway line

• A center mark is in the middle

• Goals must be checked for safety before the game

Law 2 – The Ball

• Grade 1 uses a Size 3 soccer ball

• Referee checks:

  • Proper inflation

  • Ball safety

If the Ball Breaks During Play

The referee must:

1. Stop play

2. Replace the ball

3. Restart with a free kick for the team that had possession

Law 3 – The Players

Team Sizes

Games are:

• 3v3 or

• 4v4

Coaches decide based on attendance.

Key Definitions

• Player = currently in the game

• Substitute = not currently playing

• Opponent = player on other team

• Team Official = coaches

Substitution

• Allowed during stoppages

• Referee should make sure substitutions happen safely

Law 4 – Player Equipment

Players must wear:

• Shirt/jersey

• Shin guards

• Socks

• Shoes

Dangerous Items NOT Allowed

• Jewelry

• Watches

• Anything unsafe

Referee Responsibility

Check players before kickoff.

Law 5 – The Referee

The referee:

• Enforces the laws

• Keeps game safe, fair, and fun

• Stops unsafe play

• Keeps track of time

• Signals restarts

Referee Powers

The referee can:

• Stop play

• Restart play

• Explain rules to young players

• Use judgment/common sense

Law 6 – Other Match Officials

Usually there are no assistant referees in Grade 1 games.

The center referee handles:

• Sidelines

• Goals

• Fouls

• Timekeeping

Law 7 – Duration of the Match

Game lengths depend on league rules and age group.

Referee responsibilities:

• Start the game on time

• Keep accurate time

• Stop time for injuries if needed

Law 8 – Start and Restart of Play

Kickoff

Used:

• To start each half

• After goals

Ball In Play

The ball is in play once it is kicked and moves clearly.

Law 9 – Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is OUT when:

• Entire ball crosses touchline

• Entire ball crosses goal line

• Referee stops play

Otherwise, the ball is IN play.

Law 10 – Determining the Outcome

• A goal counts when the whole ball crosses the goal line between the posts

• Team with more goals wins

Law 11 – Offside

Grade 1 Rule

No offside

Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct

Common fouls:

• Kicking

• Tripping

• Pushing

• Handball

Important

At young ages:

• Teach players

• Explain calls calmly

• Focus on safety

Law 13 – Free Kicks

Most restarts for fouls are free kicks (FKs).

Opponents should stand back before kick is taken.

Law 14 – Penalty Kick

Usually not used in Grade 1 small-sided games unless league rules allow it.

Law 15 – Throw-In

May be modified for young players.

Referees often:

• Help players learn

• Allow retakes

Law 16 – Goal Kick

Awarded when attackers touch the ball last before it crosses the goal line.

Law 17 – Corner Kick

Awarded when defenders touch the ball last before it crosses the goal line.

Opponents must stay away until ball is kicked.

“Law 18” – Common Sense

The guide emphasizes:

• SAFE

• FAIR

• FUN

Young players are learning, so referees should:

• Be patient

• Use clear signals

• Explain decisions

• Encourage sportsmanship

Quick Referee Signals to Remember

Signal	Meaning
Whistle + point forward	Free kick
Point to center	Goal scored
Arm up	Start/restart play
Point to corner	Corner kick
Point to goal area	Goal kick
Hands stop motion	Play stopped