Become a Referee

All Referees are trained through Massachusetts State Referee Committee, and are certified through USSoccer Federation (USSF). MHYSA uses only Certified Referees. To become a Referee, go to www.massref.net to learn more, and to sign up for courses. You may also contact our Referee assignor, Ed Wolf, at parenttaxi@msn.com for more information.

 Attention!! Newly Certified Referees:

 If you are a newly certified USSF Referee, please contact Mr. Wolf as soon as you complete your class. This will get you on the available referee lists and provide you the latest information concerning referee news for Milford-Hopedale Youth Soccer. 

 Any questions, please contact me, Ed Wolf Parenttaxi@msn.com, as soon as possible.

 Pay Procedures

This section under construction

Appropriate Referee Uniforms Required

Correct uniform attire is required to be worn by all Referees for all In-Town and Travel games by the Referees and Assistant Referees (AR). Note that improperly attired ARs run the risk of being dismissed by the Referee. Proper uniform includes: the Gold shirt (short or long sleeved), badge, black shorts and refree socks (black with 3 white stripes or Referee logo. 

Start Times

Games should START AT ASSIGNED TIMES. Please try to keep to assigned start times for games. Late starts effect the schedule for the rest of the day. Referees control the game clock, try be aware and keep the game to within the timeslot assigned.

Field Inspections

A reminder to all referees that part of our job is to inspect the field prior to the start of EACH AND EVERY game. This can be done while players are warming up. Please pay particular attention to the nets and make sure the goals are anchored down securely. If they aren't, inform the coaches that they need to take care of this before the game can start. This is an important safety issue for all players on the field.

Player Inspections

NO JEWELRY of any kind is to allowed on any field players and substitutes. Taping of pierced ear is not allowable, the danger is still present. Medic Alert bracelets can be taped over.

CASTS - NO PLAYER WEARING A HARD CAST WILL BE ALLOWED TO PLAY. Players with braces that have exposed metal parts will also not be allowed to play. Soft padded splints and other braces may be allowed provided there is sufficient covering and padding to protect other players.

Final decision is up to the Referee.

Game Times and Ball Size

Times:

U-8 Intown games are played in 4 quarters, each quarter being 10 minutes long. After 2 quarters, a 5 minute halftime is allowed. Total time: 45 minutes.

 U-10 Intown games are played in 2 halves, each half being 20 minutes long. A 5 minute halftime is allowed. Total time: 45 minutes.

 U-10, U11, U12 Travel games are played in 2 halves, each half being 30 minutes with a 5 minute halftime.

 U-14 Travel games are played in 2 halves, each half being 35 minutes with a 5 minute halftime.

Ball:

U-10 through U-12 use a #4 Soccer ball, home team responsible for providing, inspect for condition and proper inflation.

 U-14 and above use a #5 Soccer ball, home team responsible for providing, inspect for condition and proper inflation.

Player Substitutions

Player substitutions can be made by both teams on either side's Goal Kick. Player substitutions can also be done on either side's Throw-in as long as the Throw-in team makes a substitution and players are ready. If the Throw-in team does not make a substitution, then the other team cannot. As per the Laws Of The Game, allowing a substitution is at the discretion of the Referee.

Halfway Kicks

For all small-sided games (6 v 6), the Goalkeeper cannot place the ball over halfway line of the field in the air from a Goal kicks, Throw, Punt. or Drop kicks. If the ball goes over halfway under these circumstances, play is stopped and re-started with the ball place at halfway with an Indirect Freekick for the opposing team.

Coaching Behind The Goals

This is not allowed by anyone, team coaches or parents. Noone should be standing behind the goals, teams, coaches, parents and spectators should be on the sidelines. If you notice someone behind the goal, you should gently remind them that they do not belong there. If this does not resolve the situation, stop the game (but keep the clock running) and bring it to the attention of the appropriate coach for them to resolve. You have the ability to keep stopping the game until this is resolved. Keep the game clock running as the game should run in its assigned timeslot. Coaches have been informed of this situation.