CMSA is committed to retaining our valued Referees by providing them with expanded opportunities and roles for referees in soccer in Calgary. Starting Indoor 2024/25 we will have two (2) person referee crews on all boardless games from U10-U19. With this change, it is important to flush out the details of this new role. They will assist the [Centre] Referee in controlling the match in accordance with the [IFAB Laws of the Game or Modified Laws of The Game] but the final decision will always be taken by the [Centre] Referee (IFAB, 2023, p. 70).

 

Prerequisites of the 2^nd Official

1. Knowledge of the Modified Laws of The Game

2. Knowledge of IFAB Laws of The Game

3. Knowledge of the CMSA game sheets

4. Completed Entry Level Course or Mini-Ref Course (Up to U10 for Mini-Ref)

Key Notes:

• The 2nd official will be available to Referee the game in the event the Referee assigned to the game is not able due to no show, injury, etc.

• The 2nd official will not use a flag.

  • To alert the Referee, they must indicate using a clear indirect free kick signal (Arm above head). Once eye contact is made the 2nd official will call Referee over to discuss or point to what the referee needs attention to. Ie people behind the goal net, articles on the pitch, etc.
• The 2nd official will not use a whistle.
• The 2nd official will be positioned between both benches at all centers except the Calgary Soccer Center or any facility with boards.  
• The Referee position will be outside the box by touch lines so that they can be seen clearly by the center Official and administer distance, substitutions, etc.

Before The Game

• Be prepared to officiate in the event of a no-show or injury to the assigned Centre Referee.
• The 2^nd Official will complete all the administrative duties for both teams:
  • Game sheets.
  • Player check-in (jewelry, equipment, uniform, inflate game balls if needed, etc.).
• Pre-game conversation with the Centre Referee.
• The Centre Referee delivers the pre-game talk with coaches and Field Marshals.

 

During the Game

• Keep a duplicate record of the match with the Centre Referee:
  • Goals scored
  • Sanctions given.
• Inform the Centre Referee of any irresponsible behaviour by any Technical Area occupant.
• Supervision of the substitution procedure (equipment check for substitutes before entering the pitch).
• Manages field surroundings.
  • Substitutes, parents, and technical staff are off the playing surface and a safe distance from the sidelines.
  • Anyone not on the game sheet is not present in the technical area and ideally on the opposite side of the field. When bleachers are present behind the goals, anyone not on the game sheet can sit there. If no bleachers are present behind the goals, anyone not on the game sheet is to be on the opposite side of the field.
  • Alert the Centre Referee on any issues that could present a safety issue for players or interfere with the game being played.
• Ensure an alternate game ball is available.
• Assist in interpreting the IFAB Laws of The Game or Modified Laws of The Game.
• The re-entry of a player following a signal/approval from the Centre Referee. Example: Injured player returning to the field of play.
• Inform the Centre Referee on the ball in and out of play by informing or mirroring the Centre Referee’s signals.
• Assist the Centre Referee on events or incidents that have occurred in the game.
• Alert the Centre Referee when misconduct or any other incident has occurred out of the view of the Centre Referee at the next stoppage of play Alberta Soccer, 2024, p. 18).
• Alert the Centre Referee when offences have been committed whenever the 2^nd Official has a better view than the Centre Referee (this includes, in certain circumstances, offences committed in the penalty area) (Alberta Soccer, 2024, p. 18).
• Document any incidents or things to be aware of in the second half to discuss with the Center Referee at halftime.
• Support the Centre Referee in ensuring opponents are the proper distance for Dribble-In restarts along the length of the Technical Areas.
• Do not call any fouls or infractions. The 2^nd Official will NOT use their whistle.

 

After the Game

· The 2^nd Official completes the game sheet, takes a picture and sends it to gamesheets@calgaryminorsoccer.com.

· Transition into Centre Referee role for the next game if applicable.

 

References

1. IFAB (2023). Laws of the Game 23/24. Law 6, pg. 70.

2. Alberta Soccer (2024). The Rules of Indoor Soccer. Law 6, pg. 18.