Note: Please reference any State or County guidelines prior to returning to play. The following
are guidelines that referees should follow should their local area allow games to be held in that
area.

Personal Stations for referees

• It is recommended that the referee crew set up their belongings in an area off to the side of the game field
• Each referee’s belongings should be spaced 6-ft apart from each other
• Referees are advised not to bring any unnecessary belongings
• Referees should arrive at the field fully dressed

Before the Game:

• If you are the assignor, please be understanding if a referee declines a game due to health concerns and work with them to ensure they are not exhibiting any symptoms prior to the game.
• Be conscious when accepting game assignments and do not accept a game if you are experiencing any symptoms.
• As an independent contractor, you are not required to accept a game. It is your choice and you should take into consideration your comfort level. If you decline a game, be respectful to the assignor and notify them as soon as possible to allow time for a replacement

**If you start to exhibit symptoms after accepting a game, be in communication with
your assignor and consider if you should decline the game at that time**

 

Before leaving for the field, Referees should answer the following questions for their

Have you knowingly come into contact with anyone who has, is being tested for, or is exhibiting signs of coronavirus? (Yes or No)

Are you exhibiting any of the following symptoms? (Yes or No)

• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

 

Field Inspections

• Fields should still be walked
• Physical Items (nets, goals, corner flags, etc.) should be inspected visually
• If a goal net needs to be repaired or an object needs to be removed from the field of
• play, only one referee should complete the task.
•  If there are any issues, then one (1) person should handle it to minimize contact

 

**Tip: Referees should bring extra Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer**

 

Player Check-in

• Rosters (Consider the following alternatives)
  • If possible, discuss with your league if you can receive the match report ahead of time
  • If you cannot get the roster in advance, have the coach place the roster at  the end of the bench to minimize close contact
• Wear PPE – face coverings, nitrile or latex gloves
• Uniform/Jewelry checks should be visible checks only, maintaining 6-ft between the referee(s) and the player(s)

 

Uniform Conflicts

• If the referee has spare colors for their uniform, it is recommended you keep them on hand to prepare for any conflicts

 

Equipment

• Equipment should not be shared
• Balls should be sanitized before, during and after the game by the home team
• Please refer to the PLAY ON Recommendation Guides for more information on equipment sanitation

 

** CNRA recommends no player walkouts and or handshakes prior to and at the end of the game

• Speak with your assignor prior to the game to confirm your League’s stance on this

Medical Situations

• Remain 6 ft away from the injured player while determining if medical attention is needed
• If so, a medical professional or a coach from the player’s team should attend to the injured player
• Remind players to social distance during any breaks in play

 

Team benches and spectators positioning

• Team bench personnel should practice social distancing and wear masks while in the Technical Area following local public health guidelines
• Spectators should maintain at least 10 ft distance from the touchline to allow social distancing from the ARs
• Spectators should maintain 6 ft distance from each other and wearing PPE (face coverings)
• Communicate with coaches to enforce spectator social distancing

 

Coin Toss

• Only the owner of the coin should touch the coin
• Maintain 6 ft social distancing during the coin toss

 

Halftime:

• Home team’s coach is responsible for sanitizing the ball
• It is recommended referees use hand sanitizer during halftime and maintain 6 ft social distancing
• Referees should wear PPE (face coverings)
• Referees should keep their equipment separated and sanitize their whistles and flags

 

After the game:

• Avoid any handshakes or high fives after the game
  • This can be replaced with a wave
• When debriefing with your referee crew, find a space where everyone can be seen and heard while maintaining 6 feet of distance
• Upon arrival home, referees should immediately wash hands, bathe including washing hair, and launder/clean items used
• If working multiple games, wipe down or sanitize your equipment to the best of your ability between games
• If you need the coach’s signature, place the paper down on the end of the bench and step away to have them sign it
• Once the game is over and the referee crew has debriefed, vacate the field. Do not congregate

**Should you encounter any difficulty implementing these guidelines, please make a comment on your game report and share with the State Referee Administrator (SRA) for your State Referee Committee (SRC)**

Update: Thursday virtual Field Sessions continue through August 27, 2020 

Become a Grassroots Referee through the California North Referee Association (CNRA) and, if you are an adult, qualify for a fee rebate with Castro Valley Soccer Club (CVSC).

Castro Valley Soccer Club (CVSC) is looking for new Grassroots referees, and is offering a fee rebate for new adult Grassroots Referees who join CVSC and officiate at least three CVSC matches.

California North Referee Association (CNRA) is executing the Introductory Referee Course completely online, including a virtual field session on Thursdays, including July 16, 2020 through August 27, 2020.

An eligible Grassroots Referee must be at least 13 years old and all adults (18 and older) require a background check, which takes 5-10 days to clear. 

No classroom, all  assignment modules are online the referee candidates must complete all modules before enrolling in the virtual field session to earn their badge and be registered as a Grassroots Referee.    The modules take an estimated 7-9 hours to complete; procrastination is not recommended.  The classes are open for registration anytime, with a fee of $75. 

See https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/6/details/2045 for details.

2019 Registered Referees, time to renew your license for year 2020.  Sign-in at cnra.gameofficials.net and follow directions to renew.