REferee FREQUENTLY Asked Questions
Why are referees not including in the Phase I AND PHASE II Grassroots Soccer Recommendation GuideS?
During Phase I and Phase II, only small group training with a maximum of nine players and one coach is recommended. In those training sessions, referees are not required personnel. In order to limit the amount of participants and encourage social distancing, using officials or referees at those sessions is not recommended.
What can I do as a referee during Phase I AND PHASE II?
Events and courses that U.S. Soccer directly plans, manages, or organizes are postponed through June 30th. Before July 1, State Referee Committees may schedule and conduct their own referee courses and training, so long as it is permitted by state and local guidelines. A “Return to Educate” recommendation guide will be distributed to the referee community at that time to help shape what those courses should look like going forward.
What rules and regulations are U.S. Soccer mandating in the return to play process?
Will there be any testing complete prior to returning to play?
Typically we will share shirts with our referee crew if there is a jersey conflict, how should we handle this?
How should the ref crew huddle and team check-in take place to maintain social distancing?
Do I need to stay away from all players by six feet during the game? What if this comprises me from being in the correct position?
Am I allowed to blow my whistle?
Do I need to wear any PPE?
Wearing PPE is not required, U.S. Soccer will not prohibit the wearing of PPE during play. During Phase I we do recommend coaches/staff/referees/athletes wear PPE. We recommend all PPE be disposed or thoroughly cleaned after each training session and/or be either new or clean for each training session.
Face coverings should be breathable and can consist of cotton or wick type material and follow CDC guidelines. During match play, a face covering is not mandatory so as to not restrict play. If a referee wishes to wear a face covering it should not impede their vision or impose any risk to self or others. During pregame or huddles and non-physical activity moments outside of the match face coverings should be worn.
Will the assistant referees be close to parents or spectators on the side of the field?
Should I maintain social distance in order to issue a yellow or red card?
What are best practices to sanitize any cooldown equipment (foam rollers, etc.)?
Is it safe to attend referee classroom sessions or educational opportunities?
What should I do I believe I’ve been exposed to or am showing symptoms of COVID-19?
If you believe you have been exposed, begin self-quarantine for 14 days. Communicate with your referee group and anyone who you have been in close contact with to inform them as well.
If you begin showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and begin self-quarantine measures. Call your primary care physician to follow up with them regarding your symptoms and availability of testing. Follow their guidance on treating your symptoms and when you should seek more advanced medical care.
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include: cough, sinus congestion, headache, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever of >100.4, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting.Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include: cough, sinus congestion, headache, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever of >100.4, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting.