U.S. Soccer Referee Program -Return to Educate Recommendations Guide
Referee Precautions – COVID 19
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 to 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.
o 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
assignor:
o Have you knowingly come into contact with anyone who has, is being tested for, or
is exhibiting signs of coronavirus? (Yes or No)
o 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
o If referee answers yes to any of these questions, they should notify their assignor
and refrain from officiating the game
– Field Inspections
o Fields should still be walked
o Physical Items (nets, goals, corner flags etc.) should be inspected visually
o 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.
o 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
o 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
o Uniform/Jewelry checks should be visible checks only, maintaining 6-ft between the
referee(s) and the player(s)
– Uniform Conflicts
o Gold referee uniforms are the recommended color to avoid clashing
o If the referee has spare colors for their uniform, it is recommended you keep them
on hand to prepare for any conflicts
– Equipment
o Equipment should not be shared
o Balls should be sanitized before, during and after the game by the home team
o Please refer to the PLAY ON Recommendation Guides for more information on
equipment sanitation
– We recommend no player walkouts and handshakes prior to and at the end of the game
o Please speak with your assignor prior to the game to confirm your League’s stance
on this
– Medical Situations
o Remain 6 ft away from the injured player while determining if medical attention is
needed
o 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 the break in play
– Team benches and spectators positioning
o Team bench personnel should practice social distancing and wear masks while in
the Technical Area following local public health guidelines
o Spectators should maintain at least 10 ft distance from the touchline to allow social
distancing from the ARs
o Spectators should maintain 6 ft distance from each other and wearing PPE (face
coverings)
o Communicate with coaches to enforce spectator social distancing
– Coin Toss
o Only the owner of the coin should touch the coin
o Maintain 6 ft social distancing during 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
o 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)
