Grand Valley Soccer Association

Referees

Referees are essential to GVSA.  Without Referees the players would not be able to play games.  All officials are encouraged to join the West Michigan Soccer Officials Association (WMSOA), or other local referee association.  Click here for the WMSOA website.

1) Advantage in the Penalty Area: While you can apply it in the penalty area, please remember that for the past several years it is a team concept. No longer do you just consider the fouled attacker- you also determine if any of his teammates can continue the attack. "ADVANTAGE" has an extra special meaning when you apply it in the penalty area. When you signal "advantage" you are basically stating to all the attackers have the same likelihood of scoring as if they were given a penalty kick. You know that there aren't many better scoring opportunities than a penalty kick. It is designed to generate goals. If you signal advantage and there isn't a goal scored, the attacking team will be very upset. If you signal advantage and there isn't a goal scored, if you award the pk the defending team will be upset. IN SHORT: 99% of the time, if you have a foul and you are not 1000% sure the attackers will score, AWARD THE PK. And remember, you will have about 1/10 of a second to make the determination and signal your decision.

2) Foreign Objects on the Field: Interesting. I think. Most of us will not ref in a stadium with people showering balloons on the field. However, I think little kids and dogs probably fall in that category.

3) Allowance for Time Lost: Please read this. You should understand the reasoning behind it. Keep in mind that local rules of play, when applicable, supercede this paper. For example, tournament play. Also, I RARELY hear referees in their pregame instructions, tell the AR's how they will signal the amount of time added on, and when to look for the signal. Even less often, do I hear the AR's ask what/when for added time.

Basic Requirements

All Officials in GVSA must be certified for the current Calendar Year by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) at Level 8 or higher (Level 9 officials may be used in some circumstances - see below).  Referees must wear their current year USSF patch at all games and should have their USSF Registration card with them while officiating.

In Games at the U10 and younger age levels GVSA employs a single official (Referee) who will appoint two clubs linesmen, whose sole function is to raise the flag directly up when the ball goes out of play.

In U11 and older games a three man system (Referee and two Assistant Referees) is used. 

Game Procedures

All GVSA Officials must make themselves familiar with the GVSA Game Procedures for the current season.  The most important points:

You are expected to be at the field 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of a game, unless you are finishing up a game on an adjacent field.

Each Team must give you a GVSA Game Report prior to the start of the game and present their pass cards.  The home team is expected to give you a stamped envelope for submitting the game reports to GVSA.

All Players and Coaches must be checked in prior to the start of the game.  Players registered to a team may play without a pass card, as long as they print their name and birth date and sign the back of the official GVSA game report.  GVSA will verify their eligibility when the game report is received.  Adults without pass cards cannot be with the team during the game - they must stay with the spectators.  Pass cards should be returned to the team after the check in and before play starts.

Officials will be paid by the Home team - this must be done before play starts.

At the conclusion of the game record who scored the goals, any Yellow or Red cards and the final score on both game reports.  An official from each team must sign the game reports to verify the score and cards.  After you leave the field you may wish to add comments, or attach a separate letter, prior to mailing the game reports to GVSA.  Game Reports must be mailed within 48 hours to GVSA!

Click to read rules on Padded Goals or Handling Injuries.

Payment

All GVSA officials are paid for their efforts, except Club Linesmen.  Accordingly you must dress and act professionally at all times.  Shirts must be tucked in and shoes must be predominately black.  Basketball shorts and sweats are inappropriate dress.  The pay schedule and basic game information for GVSA Referees is:

Registration with USSF

Prior to officiating in GVSA all officials should officiate a minimum of one year in a community youth league (e.g. AYSO).  While GVSA is a learning league, it is not an entry level league. All GVSA Referees must be USSF level 8 or higher.  Level 9 Referees may not be assigned games in GVSA with two exceptions: A Level 9 official may serve as an Assistant Referee in a U10 or younger game. This would normally be in an unpaid capacity, although clubs may pay them, if they wish. A Level 9 Referee may also serve as a Referee in any U12 or younger game provided he or she has a USSF mentor presnt at the game.

You must first take the Level 9 Class, then the Level 8 class.  Each is one day long. Starting in 2008 you must wait a year after taking the Level 9 class prior to taking the Level 8 class.

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