BAYONNE YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION
: Referee Information
Annual Re-Certification
Click on the link above to access further information and registration information.
Referee recertifications for Grade 16, 15, 9, 8 and 7 will be held from November 2004 through early March 2005. Classes will be held throughout the state with more classes scheduled for those areas with higher referee populations. Based on the demographics from last years recertification, we plan to have sites within a 30 minute drive of any referee.
There are some sites listed already, more will be added shortly. However, you are urged to sign up and attend a class as soon as possible.
Last year, a number of referees waited until the end of the recertification process to register, when few classes remained. Thus they had to travel long distances to attend a class. If a class is listed reasonably close to your home, you are urged to register as soon as possible.
You will again this year be required to register for a class online. This year, you will have the option of paying online using a credit card. This is a secure site so no need to worry about your infomation being transmitted to anyone else. This year you can pay the class fee ($10) and your USSF fee ($25) in one payment. The TOTAL fee for the class and USSF registraition is $35.
If you choose not to pay online, you will need to bring a check of $35 ($10 plus $25) payable to NJREF.
The $10 class is is to cover administrative costs and any fees for using sites, most state associations charge a fee considerably higher than this. The $25 USSF fee is set by the USSF.
You will also need to bring your pre-printed USSF registration form to the class. If you did not get a form from the USSF in Chicago, please notify the referee office ASAP at njrefoffice@verizon.net. If you do not have a form with you at the class, you will still be permitted to attend and register but you will be charged an additional fee of $5 as we have to manually verify if you were registered last year (2004 year).
If you were not registered for 2003 and 2004, contact the referee office at njrefoffice@verizon.net before registering for a class.
NJSRC Recertification Committee
Click Here To Access NJ Youth Soccer Referee News
Laws of Soccer
You can view the Laws of the Game at FIFA Laws of Soccer
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USSF Uniform Clarification
1/22/02 -
As of January 1, 2002, USSF referees are required to wear the new jerseys -- either gold, black or red striped -- for all USSF sanctioned games. It is preferred that the referee team dress in the same sleeve length as well as the same color.
For clarification on the USSF uniform policy, go to the Official USSF Soccer web site and click on "Referees." Then, locate the sidebar and click on "Uniform: Q & A."
USSF Blue Referee Jersey
June 22, 2002 -
The USSF Board has approved a new blue alternate jersey that can be worn when the yellow, ...
USSF Advice to Referees
You can acess Advice to referees by clicking on Advice to Referees
USSF Referee Game Report
Handout: USSF Referee Game Report
The Referee Forum
Good forum for questions and discussions on the Laws of the game
Ask the Referee Forum
The Ten Commandments of Refereeing
The Ten Commandments of Refereeing
by Lars-Ake
This article summarizes the words of Mr. Björck, ...
Pre-Game Preparation
Pre-Game Preparation
by: Tony Staley, USSF National Assessor
This article is must reading ...
Player's jersey sleeve rule
Jersey sleeve rule suspended
Nov. 19, 2002 -
From the USSF Memorandum:
USSF has been informed by ...
Player's Equipment
Player's Equipment
USSF has received a number of inquiries recently about how officials should handle situations where players wish to wear equipment that is not included in the list of basic compulsory equipment in FIFA Laws of the Game. Referees are facing increased requests from players for permission to wear kneepads, elbowpads, headbands, soft casts, goggles, etc.
The only concrete guidance in the Laws of the Game is found in Law 4:
"A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player."
This is followed by a list of required uniform items jersey, shorts, socks, shoes, and shinguards. Obviously, this language is quite general. USSF suggests the following approach to issues involving player equipment and uniforms:
1. Look to the applicable rules of the competition authority.
Some leagues, tournaments, and soccer organizations have specific local rules covering player uniforms and what other items may or may not be worn on the field during play. Referees who accept match assignments governed by these rules are obligated to enforce them. Note, however, that local rules cannot restrict the referees fundamental duty to ensure the safety of players.
2. Inspect the equipment.
All items of player equipment and uniforms must be inspected. However, anything outside the basic compulsory items must draw the particular attention of the referee and be inspected with special regard to safety. USSF does not "pre-approve" any item of player equipment by type or brand each item must be evaluated individually.
3. Focus on the equipment itself not how it might be improperly used, or whether it actually protects the player.
Generally, the referees safety inspection should focus on whether the equipment has such dangerous characteristics as: sharp edges, hard surfaces, pointed corners, dangling straps or loops, or dangerous protrusions. The referee should determine whether the equipment, by its nature, presents a safety risk to the player wearing it or to other players. If the equipment does not present such a safety risk, the referee should permit the player to wear it.
The referee should not forbid the equipment simply because it creates a possibility that a player could use it to foul another player or otherwise violate the Laws of the Game. However, as the game progresses, an item that the referee allowed may become dangerous, depending on changes in its condition (wear and tear) or on how the player uses it. Referees must be particularly sensitive to unfair or dangerous uses of player equipment and must be prepared to order a correction of the problem whenever they become aware of it.
The referee also should not forbid the equipment because of doubts about whether it actually protects the player. There are many new types of equipment on the market that claim to protect players. A referees decision to allow a player to use equipment is not an endorsement of the equipment and does not signify that the referee believes the player will be safer while wearing the equipment.
4. Remember that the referee is the final word on whether equipment is dangerous.
Players, coaches, and others may argue that certain equipment is safe. They may contend that the equipment has been permitted in previous matches, or that the equipment actually increases the players safety. These arguments may be accompanied by manufacturers information, doctors notes, etc. However, as with all referee decisions, determining what players may wear within the framework of the Laws of the Game and applicable local rules depends on the judgment of the referee. The referee must strive to be fair, objective, and consistent but the final decision belongs to the referee.