Expectation of Referees

The Chico Youth Soccer League strives to provide a top-quality youth soccer program.  Referees are a critical part of that program.  Because referees are paid, the League has the following expectations of referees.  These expectations will help keep the games safe and fair, making them fun for the players and enjoyable for the coaches, parents, spectators, and referees.

1.         Attitude and Effort

A.     Strive to do your best every game.

B.        Stay focused on your job for the entire game.

C.        Be helpful and courteous to players, coaches, parents, and CYSL staff.

D.        Do not use foul or abusive language or gestures.

2.         Law Knowledge and Refereeing Mechanics (signaling, whistling, positioning, etc.)

A.        Show continuing improvement in your knowledge and application of the laws, and in your refereeing mechanics.

B.        By the end of each season, the referee should master the skills associated with the next pay grade level as outlined in the league’s publication, “CYSL Referee Grade Requirements.”  Copies of this document are available from the league and are handed out at the kickoff meeting prior to each season.

3.         Professional Appearance

A.        Wear a neat and clean uniform. 

B.        The proper uniform consists of:

1)         A yellow referee shirt.

2)         All black shorts.

3)         Black referee socks with two white strips.

4)         Predominately black shoes.  Shoes should be clean.

5)         Whistle (we recommend one without the pea, e.g., the Fox 40).

6)         Flip coin.

7)         Red and yellow cards.

8)         Digital watch with a stopwatch and/or countdown feature

9)         Pencil or pen.

C.        Shirts must be tucked in and shorts must be pulled up.

D.        No sunglasses (prescription glasses that darken in sunlight are okay).

E.         Hats may be worn but are not required.  If worn, they shall be all black with no logos or with the CYSL logo and worn with the bill facing forward.

4.         Dependability

A.        If you are signed up to referee, you are expected to be there unless you notify the league on or before the Wednesday preceding your game (the only exceptions would be in the case of illness, emergencies, etc.).

B.        Notifying the league after Wednesday that you can’t make your games may result in limiting your work as a referee for CYSL.

5.         Punctuality – Check-in at the referee table at least 15 minutes (preferably 30 minutes) prior to the start of your game.