RSRA Home 
CSL board 
Fred. board  
KG board 
Indoor board 
Spotsy board 
SASA board 
VHSL board 
Assignors 
Arbiter info
Training 
Info Desk 
Forms 

 
Standards for Officials updated 9/9/09

  • Know the rules and their interpretations and be thoroughly trained to administer them. Understand the "spirit" of the rules.

  • Abide by all league regulations in a professional manner.

  • Must resist every temptation and outside pressure to use one's position as an official to benefit one's self. Under all circumstances, officials must avoid promoting the special interest of any person or group of persons other than the athletes we serve.

  • Must constantly uphold the honor and dignity of the advocation in all personal conduct and relations with the athletes, coaches, and the public, to be a worthy example to the athletes under their jurisdiction.

  • Carries a responsibility to act in a manner becoming a professional person. The conduct of any official influences the attitude of the public toward the in general as well as toward the official in particular.

  • Maintain good physical condition so you can keep up with the action.

  • Honor all commitments and accepted game assignments.

  • Report for duty will in advance of game time, in a rested condition and with an alert mind.

  • Shall not use tobacco like products on or in the vicinity of the playing field.

  • Always remember the game is for the players. Player safety and fair play come first.

  • Be positive and enthusiastic at the introduction before the game.

  • Be a good listener.

  • Maintain self control under all conditions.

  • Explain the rules when needed.

  • Stay calm when confronted with emotional reactions from players, coaches and parents.

  • "Out nice" them: Always be courteous with your replies.

  • Don't threaten or give ultimatums.

  • Be ready to admit a mistake and correct it for the betterment of the contest.

  • Don't be a tempo changer.

  • Support good sportsmanship with kind words to players, coaches and parents of both teams when deserved.

  • Respect other referees and their decisions, and do not publicly criticize another official.

  • Conduct the games as to enlist the cooperation of players, coaches and spectators in the interest of good sportsmanship.

  • Make clear all interpretations and rulings during the progress of a game, yet conduct the game in an unobtrusive manner.

  • Be impartial and fair, yet firm in all decisions. A good official does not attempt to compensate later for an unpopular decision.

  • Refrain from commenting upon or discussing a team, play of game situation with those not immediately involved.

  • Avoid conflicts of interest. Decisions based on personal bias are dishonest and unacceptable.

  • When a game is played under the auspices of an organization which permits protests to be filed, officials shall report the protest to the organization along with all related conditions at the time of the protested play, provided the protest is brought to the attention of an official by the offended team at the time of the play and before the next play, or before the officials leave the field if the play in question is the last play of the game. The senior official shall then inform the coach of the opposing team and the official scorekeeper (if one is available).

  • Have the responsibility to enforce the rules in a consistent manner. Officials are not authorized to create new rules on the field, nor are they authorized to choose which rules they will or will not enforce. An Official's efforts to move the game along smoothly are recommended, but actions that rush the game toward completion beyond what the rules allow are inappropriate.

  • Make final decision on points not covered by the rules.

  • Penalize unsportsmanlike conduct by any player, coach, substitute, team attendant or follower as the last recourse of action.



    Contents © 2010, Rappahannock Soccer Referee Association
    RSRA web editor

    Web Site Design and Hosting: Rappahannock Web Development