Referees

Referee Procedures & Game Information

PPSL Maryland

Referees are an essential part of PPSL Maryland competition and play a critical role in ensuring matches are fair, safe, and balanced. Without referees, games would simply be scrimmages. All coaches, players, parents, and spectators are expected to treat referees with respect at all times.

Any form of referee abuse will not be tolerated.

Player Cards & Game Day Rosters

Required at Every Match

  • All teams must present valid PPSL Maryland / USYS-issued player cards
  • Teams must bring two (2) printed Game Day Rosters (GDR)
  • No digital rosters are permitted

Game Day Roster Requirements

Each roster must include:

  • Game number and date
  • Age group
  • Team name
  • Player names and jersey numbers
  • Player photos
  • Coach signature

📌 No Game Day Roster + No Player Cards = No Game (Forfeit)

Teams must provide:

  • One copy to the referee
  • One copy to the opposing team

Player & Coach Verification

  • Referees will check:
    • Player cards (name, photo, DOB)
    • Age eligibility (birth year must match division)
  • Overage players or players without cards may not play
  • Coaches and managers must have a valid coaching pass
    • Pass must be visible on a lanyard
    • No coaching pass = no sideline access = no game

If a coach requests to see an opposing player’s card:

  • The card must be shown
  • Both head coaches must be present

Referee Match Day Procedures

Referees are instructed to follow these steps:

  1. Confirm the match with the home coach no later than 24 hours prior
  2. Arrive 15 minutes early, in uniform
    • If running late, contact the home coach
  3. Check in with both teams:
    • Game length
    • Ball size
    • Small-sided or special rules
  4. Collect:
    • Game Day Rosters
    • Player cards
  5. Inspect:
    • Player equipment
    • Coaching passes
  6. Conduct the match under FIFA Laws of the Game
  7. At game conclusion:
    • Verify final score with both coaches
    • Confirm any yellow/red cards issued

⚠️ Game fees are paid by PPSL Maryland. Teams do not pay referees directly.

Game Reports & Incident Reporting

Referees should only submit reports if there were issues, including:

  • Yellow or red cards
  • No-shows
  • Coach, parent, or spectator issues
  • Field conditions
  • Referee abuse

📧 Referee abuse incidents must be emailed immediately to:
referee@ppslsoccer.com

Reporting Requirements

  • Submit reports within 24 hours
  • Include:
    • Game number
    • Team names
    • Player full names and jersey numbers
    • Detailed incident description
  • Game results must still be entered on the official website

Laws of the Game

All matches are played under:

  • FIFA Laws of the Game
  • US Youth Soccer (USYS)
  • PPSL Maryland Small-Sided Guidelines (where applicable)

Playing Field Standards

Field Size & Markings

  • Must comply with FIFA and USYS guidelines
  • Small-sided games follow USYS recommendations
  • PPSL Maryland–provided fields are lined by the league
  • Host clubs are responsible for proper field setup when applicable

Field & Spectator Management

  • The home club is responsible for field control and safety
  • Teams must be on the same sideline
  • Spectators must be on the opposite side

Player Uniforms

  • All players must be in matching uniforms
  • Referees may remove players with improper equipment
  • If teams wear similar colors:
    • Home team must change or provide pinnies
    • No penalty for time lost due to color conflict

Heading Policy (U11 and Below)

PPSL Maryland follows US Soccer heading guidelines:

  • No intentional heading for U11 and younger
  • If a player deliberately heads the ball:
    • Indirect free kick awarded to opponent
    • Spot of the offense applies
  • Accidental contact = play continues

Match Duration & Timing

  • Games may not be shortened by more than 10 minutes
  • Matches must have two equal halves

Waiting Period

  • No official waiting period
  • By mutual agreement of both coaches and referee:
    • Up to 20 minutes maximum

Halftime

  • Maximum halftime: 5 minutes
  • Referee may shorten halftime if needed
  • Minimum halftime of 5 minutes must be granted if requested

Important Reminders

🚫 NO Match Day Card / Roster
🚫 NO Player Cards
🚫 NO Game

Printed documentation is mandatory. Rosters without player photos are not acceptable.