Eclipse

Knowing the difference between the Direct Free Kick (DFK or "major") and Indirect Free Kick (IFK or "minor") fouls is critical for all referees because the type of foul dictates what the restart is.  Obviously, only direct free kicks are awarded only for DFK or "major" fouls, everything else is an indirect free kick (IFK).  The only exception is a penalty kick is awarded if there is a DFK or "major" foul committed by a defender in his or her penalty area.

There are 10 DFK fouls:

1.  Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent

2. Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent

3. Jumping at an opponent

4. Charging (running into) an opponent unfairly (only shoulder to shoulder contact is fair)

5. Striking an opponent

6. Pushing an opponent

7. Making contact with an opponent before touching the ball when tackling (tackling in soccer is an attempt to steal the ball away from someone)

8. Holding an opponent

9. Spitting at an opponent

10. Handling the ball with your arm or hand

While it may be hard to memorize these, here's an easy way to recognize a DFK foul -- with the exception of handling, all the other major fouls are something one player does phyically to an opponent (kicks, trips, jumps, charges, stikes, pushes, gets them before the ball on a tackle, holds or spits at).

So all you need to do is memorize that handling is the only major foul not involving contact with an opponent.  So when you see a handling violation or a foul involving illegal bodily contact with an opponent, it's going to be a DFK foul (or a penalty kick if done by a defender in his or her penalty area).

Everything else is restarted with an IFK -- offside, the goalie picking the ball up after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a teammate, second touches on free kicks and throw-ins, dangerous plays (dangerous plays means the action was dangerous, but no contact was made.  For example a high kick near the face of an opponent is penalized with an IFK because the player didn't actually make contact with the other player's face -- if he would have, it would be called as the major foul of kicking), etc.

Every league (CYSL, Butte United, High School, College, Adult, etc.) has their own modifications to FIFA laws to suit the needs of their league.  These local rules are referred to as "Local Rules of Competition".  These changes account for players age (ball size, field size, match duration, etc.), skill level (being able to slide tackle "safely", etc.), and other considerations.

Referees who accept assignments in any league are expected to know and enforce that league's local rules of competition. 

The attached handout is a summary of CYSL Local Rules of Competition.  I recommend you print a copy (if you don't have the one you received in the referee class) and put it with your referee gear that you bring to the fields.  That way you can reference it quickly if you need to.

When I refereed, I used to make a quick review of it before my first game every Saturday.  Some referees have even been known to carry a folded copy in their pocket to have available during the game!  -- Wes

Chico Youth Soccer League is looking for youth and adults who want to become referees. Referees must be at least 14 years old to apply, attend the USSF Entry Level referee class, pay the $75 USSF license fee and purchase the required uniform and accessories.  

The referee training class consists of 3 3-hour classroom sessions and passing an on-line test.  Attendance at all 3 classroom sessions is required.   The next training class will be held on Tuesday and Thursday, January 15 and 17 from 6-9pm and Saturday, January 19 from 9-Noon.

Referees are paid $10.50 per game and can choose the dates and times they want to work (subject to game availability)

Referees must purchase the uniform and accessories.  We make available a group order for most items for which we get a significant discount (figure $45).  They must also have predominately black shoes and a digital watch with a stopwatch and/or countdown feature. 

For more information, or to reserve a place in the next class, contact Wes Hocking at 680-4052 (cell), or via email at weshocking@gmail.com.

Chico Youth Soccer Leagues is looking for youth and adults who want to become referees. A entry level class will be offered before each season (at the end of January in the spring and at the end of August in the fall). Referees must be at least 14 years old, attend a 12 hour referee class, and purchase the required uniform and accessories.  A referee information form can be downloaded (Word document) by clicking on the blue handout form below. For more information, contact Wes Hocking at 680-4052 (cell) or at 895-8187 (home) or via email at whocking@sbcglobal.net.

A Special Thank you to Players, Parents, Coaches, Referees, Field Supervisors, Community Sponsors and the CYSL Board members for making the Spring 2008 Soccer Season a huge Success! Your hard work was greatly appreciated!