SUBURBAN FRIENDSHIP LEAGUE Guide to Referees SFL Guide to Referees 1 of 11 October 20, 2014
SFL Guide to Referees Contents SFL MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LAWS Law 3 The Number of Players 3 SFL Play-Down Rule Substitution Opportunities 4 Law 4 The Players Equipment 4 Law 7 The Duration of the Game 5 PLAYER INJURIES 5 COACH OR SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS 5 REFEREE GAME REPORTS 5 OTHER 6 TEAM ROSTER REQUIREMENTS 6 SFL Roster Modifications Uniform Numbers 7 Special Information On The SFL Team Roster 8 How to Conduct Roster Challenges 10 SFL Guide to Referees 2 of 11 October 20, 2014
SFL MODIFICATIONS TO FIFA LAWS All games will be played in accordance with FIFA Laws of the Game as modified by the USSF for youth play and as clarified in these instructions. Nothing in these rules preludes individual clubs from imposing more stringent rules on their own teams. Law 3 The Number of Players SFL Play-Down Rule 1. When one team fields less than the maximum number of players, the opposing team may not play with more than two players over the number fielded by the other team. The table below shows the maximum number of players one team is allowed to use when another team fields less than the maximum number allowed. Age Group Players for Team A Max Players Allowed for Team B U14 U19 B&G 7 9 U14 U19 B&G 8 10 U14 U19 B&G 9 or 10 11 2. The above play-down rules also apply when players from the team with the lesser number of players leave a game due to injury or illness. In these circumstances, the opposing team should not continue play with more than two players over the number that the other team has on the field of play. 3. Red carded players on the short sided team do not cause the team with more players to be required to play down. For example if Team A has 11 players and Team B has 9 players and Team B receives a red card, Team A is not required to play down to 10 players. 4. Coaches are required to reduce the number of players on the field once a team has scored 5 goals more than their opponent. The team is required to reduce the number of players on the field for each additional goal until the minimum number of players has been reached. In the examples below Team B is winning by the goal differential identified. Goal Differential Players for Team A Max Players Allowed for Team B +5 11 10 +6 11 9 +7 11 8 +8 11 7 +9 11 7 Should the goal differential be reduced after player(s) have been removed from the field, then the team with the higher score may add a player back on the field with consent of the referee. SFL Guide to Referees 3 of 11 October 20, 2014
5. In the event that a team is losing by six goals or more the coach of the losing team can ask the referee to terminate the game regardless of the time remaining to be played, and the players for both teams will leave the field The implementation of the rule is solely at the discretion of the losing team coach (not the referee). The score reports submitted for the game should also include a statement that the game was terminated early at the request of the losing coach. Substitution Opportunities Substitutions are unlimited and may be made with the consent of the referee, at the following times: 1. Prior to a throw-in when the ball is in possession of the team substituting. The opposing team may substitute as well if the team in possession is making a substitution. 2. Goal kick by either team. 3. After a goal by either team and prior to the succeeding kick-off. 4. During the half-time interval. 5. After an injury (the injured player may be replaced and the opposing team may also substitute one player). 6. When a coach requests to substitute a player who has just been cautioned (yellow card). Law 4 The Players Equipment Shin-guards are mandatory and each player must wear FIFA acceptable sport shoes or sneakers. Metal cleats shall not be worn. No jewelry shall be worn on any exposed part of the body, with the exception of medical alert bracelets which shall be taped down. Casts on arms must be covered in a cushioning material in order to prevent injury to other players. The decision as to whether a cast is not dangerous or used in a dangerous manner solely belongs to the referee. Teams must have matching colored jerseys with a unique number assigned to each player. The only exception is for cases when the SFL has provided approval for a club to assign players to two teams and that results in duplicate numbers on one of the teams. In that case a duplicate number may be ignored, or tape can be used on the back of the jersey to create a unique number. If a color clash between two teams exists, it is the responsibility of the home team to change colors by using an alternate colored jersey. Alternate jerseys are not required to have numbers. SFL Guide to Referees 4 of 11 October 20, 2014
Law 7 The Duration of the Game Game times for the respective age groups are shown in the table below. Age Group Regular Season Tournament Games U14 B&G 35 Min Halves 35 Min Halves U16 U19 B&G 40 Min Halves 35 Min Halves PLAYER INJURIES Player injuries that result in concussions have been receiving increased attention lately. While the SFL has received few reports of severe injury during SFL games, we should ensure that we are doing what we can to minimize the risk of injury to the players in our league. Referees can assist by making player safety a point of emphasis during the season. Injuries are more severe when one or both players are permitted to go up and head the ball at an angle rather than straight up. Tackles with cleats up, or from behind and through an opponent's legs increase the likelihood of injury. Be prepared to stop play quickly if a player appears to be injured. COACH OR SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS In recent seasons the SFL has received an increasing number of reports of coaches and parents who behave poorly at games. They become foul mouthed and verbally abusive toward officials and opposing team players and parents. Several have threatened physical violence. Referees should vigorously enforce the existing rules by ejecting anyone displaying this type of behavior and reporting them after the game. If a coach or spectator refuses to leave the field, then the game must be suspended until the offender complies and leaves the field. Complete details of the incident must be included in the game report as soon as possible after the game (include the names of the offenders if possible). In egregious cases, referring the case to VYSA for adjudication is recommended. REFEREE GAME REPORTS Referees should promptly submit a complete game report to their assignor whenever they have games that involve ejections of players or non-players. While most red cards will result in a single game suspension for a player, violent conduct ejections that involve fighting will result in a 2-game suspension. Therefore, it is important to provide sufficient details in the game report so that the SFL can adequately determine if the conduct involves fighting (note: the SFL has a broad definition of what constitutes fighting). Similarly, coaches who are ejected from games will be suspended for the two subsequent games, so referees should be sure to issue at least one warning before ejecting a coach unless the behavior is so extreme that an immediate ejection is warranted. SFL Guide to Referees 5 of 11 October 20, 2014
Other 1. Slide tackling is permitted unless otherwise stated; however, the referee will have the final decision as to whether the tackle was properly executed. Coaches are directed to instruct their players on proper technique and the potential of injury to other players and themselves when improperly done. 2. Under 14, Under 16, and Under 19 girls are allowed to place their arms across their chest for protection. The referee has the final decision as to whether the action was legally executed. 3. A team must be ready to play the game within 15 minutes of the scheduled game time. If a team is not ready to play, then the opposing team has the right to request a forfeit or have the game rescheduled. If a forfeit is accepted because a team is not ready to play, then the teams should leave the field. In other words, the teams should not use the game as a scrimmage. TEAM ROSTER REQUIREMENTS Exchanging rosters with the opposing team Coaches are required to provide a paper copy of the SFL Team Roster that was generated by the SFL to the opposing team before the start of every game. If a team is unable to provide a paper copy of their approved roster the team is assessed a forfeit. If a forfeit is accepted because of a roster problem, then the teams should leave the field. Notes: Only the SFL generated form may be used. In addition, the referee may also request a copy of each team's SFL Team Roster. a. If an SFL Team Roster is not provided by one or both teams and both teams agree to play, then neither team can request a forfeit because a roster was not available nor can either team request a roster challenge. b. The referee may also request a copy of each team s SFL Team Roster. (1) Unless paragraph (a) above is applicable, then If either team does not have a proper SFL Team Roster available when requested by the referee, the referee may declare a forfeit with the team not having a proper SFL Team Roster being assessed the forfeit. If both teams do not have proper SFL Team Rosters, then both teams will be assessed a forfeit. If a forfeit is awarded by the referee because an SFL Team Roster was not provided, then the teams should leave the field. If the only approved copy was provided to the opposing team, work with the opposing team for the copy. SFL Team Roster Modifications Modifications to the names, birth dates, and SFL provided comments may not be made to the SFL Team Roster by either the SFL Guide to Referees 6 of 11 October 20, 2014
coach or the club. For example, names may not be added, birth dates may not be added or changed, and SFL comments relating to a player or team may not be changed or deleted. As discussed below, some modifications to uniform numbers are allowed. Uniform Numbers The SFL expects the club and the coach to take the necessary steps to provide accurate uniform numbers on the Master Player Roster and that the uniform numbers worn by the players agree with the SFL Team roster unless a color clash between two teams exists. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the home team to change colors by using an alternate colored jersey. Required numbers are waived in such cases. However, if the alternate jersey has numbers, the coach shall put those numbers in the Actual Number column of the SFL Team Roster without limitation. Uniform Number Changes Week 1 The SFL recognizes that it may be difficult for the club to provide the SFL accurate uniform numbers at the start of the season for a variety of reasons. Accordingly, the coach is allowed to provide the correct uniform number for each player on the roster in the Actual Number column of the roster, i.e., the coach may make an unlimited number of changes to the uniform numbers. Uniform Number Changes Subsequent Weeks It is the coach's responsibility to make sure that the uniforms worn by the player are consistent with the SFL Team Roster. It is also recognized that sometimes a player may show up at the game with a uniform that does not contain the assigned uniform number. It such cases, the coach is allowed to make up to three (3) changes in the Actual Number column of the SFL Team Roster. If a coach needs to make more than three (3) changes to the uniform numbers on the roster, then the opposing coach must agree to allow them. The coaches have the following options if more than three (3) changes are needed. 1. The coach with the uniform number problem may decide to not play any of the players whose numbers do not agree with the SFL Team Roster. In such cases, the players with the incorrect numbers should clearly leave the field or take other actions, such as removing their jersey, so that there is no confusion on the players allowed to play. 2. The coach with the uniform number problem may decide to only submit the allowed three (3) uniform number changes. In such cases, the remaining players with the incorrect numbers should clearly leave the field or take other actions, such as removing their jersey, so that there is no confusion on the players allowed to play. 3. The opposing coach may declare the game a forfeit if the players whose numbers do agree with the SFL Team Roster (after allowing for the 3 changes) are insufficient to field a team 7 players for teams playing 11 v 11 and 5 for teams playing 8 v 8. SFL Guide to Referees 7 of 11 October 20, 2014
4. The opposing coach may agree to allow more than three (3) uniform number changes. For example, the opposing coach may allow the coach with the uniform number problem to change up to 5 uniform numbers in the Actual Number column of the SFL Team Roster. If such approval is given, then the opposing coach cannot request a forfeit because of the uniform numbers. In such cases, the remaining players with the incorrect numbers should clearly leave the field or take other actions, such as removing their jersey, so that there is no confusion on the players allowed to play. Uniform Number Changes Tournament No changes allowed. Tournament Roster Checks Forfeits due to missing rosters are mandatory for tournament games. During the tournament, roster checks are required before every game. However, a coach may request that the referee conduct a roster check to ascertain the eligibility of any players that arrive AFTER the game has started. This check should be made at half time and must be made before the second half starts unless the player arrives after the second half begins. Special Information On The SFL Team Roster Some SFL Team Rosters may allow the team to combine players using players on another roster and/or contain comments relating the specific players. 1. Combining Teams A club that has too many players for one team but not enough for two teams may be allowed by the SFL to form two teams and mix players to ensure an adequate number are available for a game. This is commonly referred to as combining teams. When approved, the team is allowed to add players from one team to the other team only to the extent that the normal players assigned to that team are insufficient to field a 14 player team when that team normally plays 11 v 11 and 11 players when the team normally plays 8 v 8. The SFL Team Roster will show (1) when a team is authorized to "combine teams", (2) the team rosters that are authorized to be combined, e.g., Team 1 and Team 5 Under 14 Girls, and any limitations or other comments. The coach combining teams must (1) provide copies of the SFL Team Rosters for both of the teams being combined to the opposing coach during the roster exchange process and (2) notify the opposing coach and the officials before the game which players will play and which players are being added from the other team. These rosters must clearly show the players being added to Team A's team that have come from Team B. Should more than the specified number of total players from both teams being combined show up at the field e.g., 15 players for a team that normally plays 11 v 11, the players not being used should clearly leave the field or take other actions, such as removing their jersey, SFL Guide to Referees 8 of 11 October 20, 2014
so that there is no confusion on the players allowed to play. It is recognized that when teams are combined, duplicate uniform numbers may result. It is the responsibility of the coach that is combining teams to resolve the duplicate numbers. The coach shall either (1) provide the player being added from the other team with a uniform number that does not conflict with the team numbers on the primary team, (2) affix a piece of tape to the player being added uniform so that the number is unique, or (3) take any other action that is acceptable to both coaches. This new number should be shown in the Actual Number column of the appropriate SFL Team Roster. Regardless of the approach taken, the coach combining teams should ensure that the opposing coach understands how the issue of duplicate numbers is being addressed. 2. Player Comments The SFL Team Roster may contain comments relating to one or more players on the roster. Depending on the comment, the player may not be able to play even if they are shown on the roster. This may include whether the player has been given a waiver to play in a certain age group and whether the player is allowed to play on the team until an identified problem is resolved. The following is a discussion of the items that may be shown on the SFL Team Roster in the Comments column. Invalid Birth Date Players with invalid birth dates are not allowed to play. The code IBDMNP (Invalid Birth Date May Not Play) is used to identify these players. Reasons for invalid birth dates include improper date formats and players whose birth date makes them too old or way too young to play in the SFL. Waiver Needed Some players are shown as needing a waiver to play on the assigned team based on age and whether the necessary waiver has been received. Three codes are used for this condition AWGPMP (Age Waiver Granted Player May Play), MWGPMP (Medical Waiver Granted Player May Play), and WRPMNP (Waiver Required Player May Not Play). Player Name Error Some player names appear to have formatting problems or have missing information. The code NError (Name Error) is used to show the names that need to be reviewed and the necessary corrections made. The normal reasons that names show up in this category are (1) only one name is provided and (2) a space is omitted between the first and last name, e.g., Smith,John rather than Smith, John, JohnSmith rather than John Smith. Players showing up with this condition are allowed to play. SFL Guide to Referees 9 of 11 October 20, 2014
Duplicate Players Some players may be shown more than once on the same team or have been identified as potentially playing for more than one team. The following codes apply to these players DPSTMP (Duplicate Player Same Team May Play) and DPPMNP (Duplicate Player Player May Not Play). Duplicate players on the same team (DPSTMP) do not need to be corrected before the player is allowed to play. Players coded as DPPMNP are not allowed to play. Uniform Errors Some players have uniform number issues. Two codes are used for this column DUNMBC (Duplicate Uniform Number Must Be Corrected) and No Number. When the duplicate uniform number is known (DUNMBC) it also is shown. Regardless of the code, the player must be assigned a unique number for that team before they are allowed to play. See the discussion elsewhere in this document on uniform number issues. ROSTER CHALLENGES In the event that a roster discrepancy cannot be satisfactorily resolved by the coaches prior to a game, a coach may request that the referee conduct a roster challenge to ascertain the eligibility of any players in question. The coach must state which players he would like the referee to check. The coach may also dispute a player that arrives AFTER the game has started or when that coach has a valid reason to question a player already on the field. However, this challenge should be made at half time and must be made before the second half starts unless the player arrives after the second half begins. When a roster challenge is conducted, the following outcomes are possible: 1. The referee can abandon the match if either coach is unable to provide a copy of his/her team roster to the referee. If the game is abandoned, both teams must leave the field and may not use the field for a scrimmage game. 2. The referee can declare one or more players as ineligible and the game will be played with those players excluded. The referee shall provide a complete report. 3. The referee will determine that all players are eligible and the game will be played with no players excluded. Unless otherwise directed by an SFL official, the game will not be abandoned for cases in which both coaches have rosters but discrepancies are noted. The game will be played in its entirety and the SFL will make a decision later on whether a forfeit or other penalty will be assessed. SFL players are not issued player identification cards as travel players are, so a roster challenge is conducted in the following manner: SFL Guide to Referees 10 of 11 October 20, 2014
1. Each coach shall provide a copy of his/her SFL Team Roster. 2. Each player being challenged will be required to write or state his/her name, birth date and uniform number. If any information provided does not match what is shown on the team roster, the player is considered ineligible to play in that game unless the other coach waives that requirement or an SFL official directs otherwise. a. A coach may not tell a player how to answer the questions (e.g., the coach may not tell the player the birth date that should be provided). Any instructions provided by the coach to the team concerning how the process works should be made in the presence of the official conducting the review. b. The uniform number on the Team Roster must agree with the number shown on the player s uniform unless the opposing coach has agreed to waive the requirement for consistent uniform numbers. As discussed above, the coach is allowed to make up to 3 uniform number changes in the Game Day Number column of the SFL Team Roster so the uniform numbers are expected to be in total agreement at the time a roster challenge is conducted. c. If a coach is found guilty of using players not on the Team Roster provided to the official, then (1) the SFL Club Representative will be notified with a recommendation of censure and (2) the game will be forfeited by the offending team if any portion of a game has been played. A report on the results of the roster challenge must be submitted by the referee through their assignor for review by the SFL. The report shall include: (1) team making the challenge (2) game reference number (3) game date (4) result of the challenge (5) the details associated with any discrepancies. If no discrepancies were noted, then this should also be reported. SFL Guide to Referees 11 of 11 October 20, 2014