Game Day
Game Day Procedures
Below are a few of the game day procedures you should incorporate into
your routine each time you go to referee a game.
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Plan to arrive at your field no later than 30 min before kickoff. Call your fellow crew members if they are not there 20 min before kickoff. Have both your MSRA Referee ID and JLA badge handy, in case the team manager or coach asks for them.
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The Coach/Manager are the ONLY ones allowed to ask to see your MSRA Referee ID. And they may only ask BEFORE the game, not after. They are NOT allowed to take a photo of you or your ID.
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If this happens, you are to contact your assignor IMMEDIATELY or NO LATER than immediately after the game. We will not tolerate ANY form of referee abuse or harassment.
Pregame
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Before you even step onto the field it is suggested you do your homework. Below are a few steps to build a pregame routine.
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Pregame check list and speech ready?
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Who are you working with? Have you worked with the match game referees before? If not then familiarize yourself...
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Where is the game?
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What are the laws or rules for this particular game?
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Who are the teams playing? Is there a rivalry?
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What are the tactics of the two teams? Style of play?
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Will you be using technology (ie coms or buzzing flags)? If so familiarize yourself with how they work and are working properly before the game.
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Are you working on certain referee skills? Ask the other referees for advice and/or feedback on your techniques...
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Is everybody in crew on same page? Do all have all their gear and uniforms?
Field Check
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Walk the Field: We suggest a nice walk around the field to check for pot holes, sprinkler heads, or anything that might pose a danger to the players.
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Goal Posts: Are the goal posts securely anchored to the ground?
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Goal Nets: Are there any holes in the nets and are they attached to the goal posts securely?
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Lines Marked: Is the field properly lined and marked?
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Corner Flags: Are there corner flags?
Who are you working with?
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Getting to know who you are working with is essential in preparation for communicating during the game.
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REFEREE CREW: You should know the names of the crew you are working with so you can communicate with them properly.
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TRAINER or MEDICAL PHYSICIAN: Who is the trainer at the field or where are they located? Just in case of an injury or emergency this is important to know!
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TEAM COACHES: Who are the coaches of both teams?
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FIELD MARSHALL: Who is the field marshall at the site or nearby to turn game reports in or just in case a ball goes missing?
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CLOCK OPERATOR: If using a scoreboard with a clock it is necessary to know who to contact to fix or start/stop the clock.
Half time debrief
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What went wrong in 1st half?
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What went right in 1st half?
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What needs to be changed in approach for 2nd half?
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Are you going to call it tighter 2nd half?
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Any other tips or suggestions from other crew members?
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Are the details from 1st half written down right and double checked with other crew members?
Post game debrief
FHSAA will not have you report anything unless there is a red card or serious injury. If this occurs in your game, fill out the necessary forms.
All game reports are due within 24 hours of the game.
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Field Conditions: Any and all field conditions which don't follow the rules must be included in match report (ie no corner flags).
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RED CARDS: Ejections & Red cards must be reported/submitted on the SAME DAY!! An AT6 report is needed for ANY and ALL red cards. Ask your assignor if you have any questions.
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INJURIES: An A6 Misc report is needed for ANY and ALL serious injuries (ie concussion, broken bone, etc...). It must be reported on the match report! Ask your assignor if you have any questions.
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​State Tournament Fourth Official Duties
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Click here to read NFHS Fourth Official Duties
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Forms for reporting
AT6 Unsportsmanlike Conduct Form (Red Card)
https://form.jotform.com/FHSAASurveys/at6---uc​
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AT6 Miscellaneous Incident Report Form
