GAME PROCEDURES

League Rules:

PSL plays under FIFA Laws of the Game with unlimited substitution by either team at any stoppage.  For divisions below Majors, the league asks the referee to indicate whether the player left the field when cautioned. [Note: FIFA and USSF forbid this sort of league rule.  Do not insist that any player leave on a caution. Allow teams to substitute if they want to. If for some reason you wish to report that a player did not leave, you may do so, and the team may be fined by the league—but in general, always report that the player left the field.]

Pregame Procedures:

Referees should be at the field no later than 45 minutes prior to game time, unless delayed by another PSL game assignment. Field inspection and pregame conferences are expected at every game, and should be completed by 20 minutes prior to game time.  The referee should provide each team with a Referee Evaluation Form, indicating all match officials present and indicating which AR is working each touchline.

PSL requires that teams be on opposite sides of the field. The home team has the choice of sides. The home team is responsible for field setup (at most fields). If there are any problems relating to the field, leave it to the home team to resolve them.

Teams are responsible for being in uniform with a lineup game card completed by 20 minutes prior to game time.  If the teams fail to complete field setup or be ready for check-in at this time, the referee should note this fact on the game card when it is received.

Every player must have a CSAN pass.  Each player pass should have the division, team name and appropriate year on the pass.  Occasionally a new player may have a one-game paper pass stamped by CSAN to allow him to play until he gets the regular pass, in which case you should check him in with a photo ID and turn the one-game pass into the league with the other paperwork. Some organizations have more than one team entered in PSL (usually in different divisions), in such cases a limited number of players from the “sister” team are permitted.  If you have any questions, ask the team managers and note down the situation on the game card for the League to resolve. As a last resort, check a player in using a photo ID such as a Driver’s License (be certain that you know who he is) and report the problem to the League. You are certainly within your rights to deny a player that does not have a proper pass, but as a practical matter there have been legitimate problems with teams being unable to get passes in time from CSAN and/or referees leaving with a player pass in their pocket.

When checking in players, pay particular attention to ensuring that the player’s face matches the picture on the card and that the jersey number matches the name on the lineup card. Players must be in uniform to check in. Players do not always wear the same number, and it has been known for players not on the team to try to sneak in. Report any questionable activity to the League.

Late-arriving players should be checked in prior to entering the game. Each AR should carry the lineup card for the team on that touchline, and when a late-arriving player wishes to enter the match the referee should delay the restart until the AR has ensured that the player pass is correct and that the player’s name and jersey number matches the information on the lineup.

PSL follows the jewelry policy indicated in the FIFA Laws of the Game. Anything considered dangerous by the referee may not be worn.  There is no specific prohibition against braces as long as the referee considers them safe.

Kickoff should occur at the game time assigned, provided that both teams have at least 7 players present. If either team is unable to field a team of 7 players by 15 minutes after game time, the referees should abandon the game and report this to the league.  The league will determine whether the game will be replayed or declared a forfeit.

In the case of rain, unless the referees have been notified by the referee assignor that the game is cancelled, the game should be assumed to be on.  Referees must report to the field and note whether either team has sufficient players for the game. Referees are paid in full for games which are cancelled without proper notification of the referee coordinator.

Postgame Procedures:

Following the conclusion of the match, the referee team should keep both team lineup cards and keep the playing passes of any players who were sent off during the game.  The remaining player passes should be returned to the appropriate team.

The game referee is responsible for submitting a report on the game, by filling out both game forms (one from each team). Mail the forms to PO Box 50033, Palo Alto, CA  94303.  (WARNING: Some older forms have the wrong address!) 

If any player is sent off during the game, complete a PSL Send Off Report (one for each player) within 24 hours. If you complete the report on-line, save the report using the player’s name and date, and email the report to redcard@peninsulasoccerleague.org. In addition, a printed copy of the report(s), along with the player pass(es), should be included with your game reports and everything mailed to the League within 24 hours following the conclusion of the match.

Any referee issues, such as no-shows, late arrivals by referees, unusual field conditions, referee perfomance issues, excessive misbehavior by players or spectators, etc. should be reported to the referee assignor within 24 hours following the conclusion of the match.  Remember, in order to provide these players with the quality referees they deserve, we must police ourselves.