From: New Ref AYSO 43 [mailto:newref@ayso43.org]
Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2003 7:01 AM
To: Randolph E Harr
Cc: Chuck Yort; Ray Cooper; Mark Kent
Subject: Special instructions for U8 Officials / Matches
U8 / U10 Referees: The below applies to you if you if doing a U8 game.
Also, if you indicated an interest in doing a U8 game, you will be assigned this weekend even if you have not taken training yet. A reminder that the last U8/U10 referee training is on Sunday, 7 Sep, starting at Noon, in the Los Altos Library program room.
Randy Harr, U8/U10 Referee Coordinator
-----Original Message-----
From: Chuck Yort - AYSO [mailto:coaches@yortfamily.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2003 12:11 AM
Cc: 'Donna Vieraitis'; 'Claire Rigodanzo'; 'Vicki Yort'; 'Randy Harr'; 'Ray Cooper'
Subject: Game Cards - Special instructions
Hello U8 Coaches,
I hope by now that all of you are aware of the new game system that we will be using for U8 this year. As a reminder, we will be dividing the field into two halves. We ask that you divide your roster into two “balanced” teams. When you meet with your opposing team coach, please decide how you will play each other. Ideally, with 12 on each team, you will play 6v6 on each half field. If one team is short players or wants to allow more rest for his players, please agree on a lower number on each field. The minimum on each field should be 4v4. About half way through each half (about a quarter), we will allow you to run a quick substitution (if anyone is sitting out) or to switch the goalies. At the half, the visiting team will switch their half teams around so that the different half teams are playing each other. Please swap players if it helps balance the numbers.
Since we will have a referee on each half of the field recording the events on that field, please PRINT OUT TWO FULL GAME CARDS. The referees will enter the combined data into the webyouthsoccer as if there was one game. We want to record playing time, scoring and turnout [NOT STANDINGS].
For more details on the specific rule changes for U8, please check out the recently updated Regional Guidelines – 2003 on our website: http://www.ayso43.org/Coaches/AYSO_43_Guidelines_2001.htm
Thanks,
Chuck, Regional Coach Administrator, AYSO - Region 43 , coaches@yortfamily.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional advice for Referees:
As normal, just mark who is sitting out on the card for each period (quarter). Do not mark who you think may be absent as they may be playing on the other field! Absent players should be told to you by the coach or you will simply figure that out when entering the game card. Mark who scores goals in which half, who plays goal-keeper, etc. Each ref on each mini-field can perform a coin toss to determine direction of play to start and who kicks-off initially. Don't forget to mark this down so you know how to start the second half!
Make sure the teams switch quickly at the half-time and take their break within the ten minute half allotted. We have a little more time around U8 matches but it can quickly get used if you are not diligent. Remember, you as the ref are the one responsible for timings and helping keep the field use on schedule!
Also, remember Soccer (FIFA and AYSO) generally allow no spectators, coaches or people at the end of field off the goal lines -- only along the touch line and nearer the center of the field (technically, within 10 yards of the halfway line). You can also keep everybody out of the area between the mini-fields (the touch lines are parallel to each other) and definitely at the end of the goal lines. This will assist with the two referees coordinating and managing the game. Gently remind people of this. You can allow someone to quietly photograph off the goal line as long as they do not disturb the play or players. No coaching from off the goal line or on the touch line near the goal line. To make it fair for the teams, you need to enforce this equally! If there is only one coach and he needs to watch both games, only then should you allow the teams and coach (no spectators) to stand between the mini-fields. But for safety of the players, try and keep that area clear. Remember, a player can still play the ball while off the field and runs to save the ball from going out tend to cause the player to need that space along the touch line.
At the end of the match, one of the two referees should collect both cards and then enter the information in as if it were a single game (merge the information). Remember we do not keep standings. If the kids and the parents insist on knowing "who won" (especially since they likely did not watch both mini-half's), just let them know "they all did -- it was as great game!"
(U10 Referees: U8 matches are a great way to be introduced to center refereeing a game if you are not yet confident or experienced. We are always in need of refs in U8 and U10 but actually need twice as many U8's as normal this year due to the two mini-matches on adjacent fields. So make sure to add U8 games to your preferences if you are willing to help out with a game or two.)
As always, send an email if you have any questions.
Randy Harr
U8/U10 Referee Coordinator
newref@ayso43.org