Referee Advice

Pregame

The pregame is an important part of every match to ensure that the referee crew has the same expectations for the match. The pregame is held before the match starts, which is why the referee crew should arrive at least 30 minutes before kickoff.

  • The referee team should have a pre-game conference led by the center referee.

  • The referee team should conduct pre-game inspections of the field of play (ensure goals are anchored and secured to the ground), the game ball (check pressure using a pressure gauge), and the player’s equipment (inspect players for unsafe equipment like jewelry and inspect equipment - jersey/shorts/socks/shin guards/footwear).

  • The referee team must check the rosters and check-in players and coaches.

Health & Safety

USSF has provided recommendations to all officials for health and safety while officiating. The information listed below can be found here: https://www.ussoccer.com/referee-program/resource-center (click the Refereeing button)

In the interest of health and safety, U.S. Soccer recommends that match officials practice the following skin care guidelines:

  • Wear sunscreen daily on areas of exposed skin.

  • Apply skin protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater, 15 minutes prior to being exposed to the sun.

  • At a minimum, reapply every 2 hours or more frequently if sweating extensively.

  • Take advantage of halftime to reapply.

  • Consider wearing long sleeves (or UV protective clothing) if applicable during high sun exposure
    periods.

  • Periodically (once a year) review exposed skin for any changes or growths and consult your doctor or
    dermatologist.

  • Caps may be worn so long as the cap does not endanger the safety of the official or the players.

  • The cap should be consistent with the referee uniform and not conflict with the uniform colors worn
    by either team.

  • The cap may not bear any commercial marks or logos.

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