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USSF REFEREE ABUSE PROGRAM - 2025

TIMELINE

  1. -45:  HOME arrive minimum 45 minutes prior to kickoff (1 hour preferred)
  2. -30:  VISITORS arrive minimum 30 minutes prior to kickoff (1 hour preferred)
    1. *Possible team fines if match starts late due to a team arriving late or not following any of the below procedures causing match to not start on time
    2. *Forfeit if match is not started 15 minutes after kickoff time. Responsible team must pay full referee fees if this happens
    3. HOME team welcome the visiting team and guide them through the facilities and clearly indicate where they will be for the game; side of field and location.
  3. -40:  REFEREES arrive minimum 40 minutes prior to kickoff (1 hour preferred)
  4. -30:  HOME TEAM verifies field is ready to go 30 minutes prior to kickoff = Corner flags in place, nets secured, goals anchored, technical area set up.
  5. -20:  REFEREES perform field check 20 minutes prior to kickoff
  6. -15:  REFEREES collect OFFICIAL MATCH ROSTERS from both teams
  7. -12:  BOTH teams pay referee fees on field BEFORE player check-in
  8. -10:  REFEREES initiate chack-in of players
  9. -10:  HOME and VISITORS players ALL have PHOTO ID in hand ready to check-in
  10. -5:  HOME team prepares 3 match balls and delivers to referees for game
  11. -2:  REFEREES indicate match will start in 2 minutes and instruct both teams to place starters on the field.
  12. 00:  REFEREE begins that match.

If any of these timelines are not able to be met TEAM STAFF must communicate with the referees and opposing team so there is clear communication. Failure to meet above timelines resulting in match starting late could result in team fines, referee discipline/sanctiuoning, possible forfeiture.

EXPECTATIONS

  • *ALL PLAYERS must show photo on team page on website OR present photo ID (drivers license/passport - something with their full name, DOB, and photo). If they do not present then they DO NOT PLAY - no exceptions - see below for further instructions.
  • Mark off proper technical area - use cones if necessary
  • BOTH TEAMS ON SAME SIDE OF FIELD
  • NO ONE WHO IS NOT ON THE MATCH ROSTER ALLOWED IN THE TECHNICAL AREA. Only the 20 players and coaching staff. Any player who is on the roster but not playing must be with fans/spectators, they may not sit on the bench or be in the techincal area with the team and they may not be dressed in the team uniform.
  • If the field is NOT enclosed (not in a stadium) then ALL FANS / SPECTATORS ON OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE FIELD
  • If the field is in a stadium then anyone not involved as a player or coach for the game must be in the stands and not around the field at all, exceptions can be made for anyone who is filming or photographer

GAME SET-UP

  • *HOME team provides at least 3 official SWPL Xara game balls
  • *HOME team provides 4 corner flags
  • *HOME team MUST FILM/RECORD the entire match with sound.
  • *VISITING team changes kit or wears pennies in case of color conflict
  • *BOTH teams subs wear pennies while on bench
  • SUB PASSES if required - SWPL SUBSTITUTION PASS

*Failure by team to to do these will result in a team fine and possibly deduction of points.

  • *If a player does not show on the official game-day match roster you must contact our registrar to verify eligibility - email or text
    • 562-587-8661
    • registrar@swplsoccer.com
  • *If you write in a player you take the risk of forfeiting and a $75 team fine for using an illegal player

SWPL Operations Manual