An Introduction to Refereeing with EGSA
- Posted By: Katrina Timperley
- Posted On: 1/19/2012 10:23:58 PM
- Views: this article has been viewed 226 times
Referee Uniform Kits
First impressions are important and as a referee, a professional appearance reflects your commiment to the game and inspires respect from players, coaches, spectators and your fellow referees. At the 2011 State Cup, the State Referee Committee introduced a new referee uniform style, manufactured by Inaria (www.inaria.ca). The Inaria referee uniform provides a sleek look that is similar to uniforms worn by referees overseas.
In order to promote a professional appearance by all referees statewide, all new referees will have the opportunity to purchase, at the time of registration, a complete Inaria uniform set (see below), which includes two jerseys (black and gold), shorts, and socks. The State Referee Committee offers the new style Inaria kit for $55.
New Style Inaria Referee Kit
However, you are not required by EGSA at this time to have the "new style” shirt. The "old style" USSF pin striped shirt, either short or long sleeve, is currently acceptable.
Old Style USSF Referee Kit
Specific EGSA Referee Uniform Guidelines:
- Recreational Games: Official referee shirt either new or old style (tucked in!), black shorts and black socks, and look as professional as possible.
- Competitive games: Official referee shirt either new or old style (tucked in!), official black shorts and official socks, and look as professional as possible.
Footwear: You are expected to wear athletic footwear which is primarily black in color. White footwear is NEVER permitted. Cleats, turf shoes, or running shoes are all appropriate provided they are black. However, no cleats allowed on Academy Field.
Referee Equipment
Watch: You will also need a watch to keep track of time while officiating for all age groups, for both recreational league and competitive league games. A digital wristwatch is more effective than a stopwatch.
Whistle:There are two primary types of whistles used in refereeing: pea whistles, which contain a chamber with a small cork ball (a.k.a. the pea), and pealess whistles. The State Referee Committee strongly recommends the use of pealess whistles, which make a much louder sound on the field. There are a number of ways to carry a whistle on the field. The easiest, and recommended way, is to simply carry it in your hand. Alternately, some referees may prefer to use a wrist lanyard or finger grip style whistle. (Whistles can be found at Benny's.)
Carrying a whistle around a neck lanyard should be avoided!
Pen: You should also bring a pen to every game, as you will need to fill out the necessary paperwork, and get the required signatures. 
Flags For refereeing older age groups where there are three referees per game, you will need to purchase a set of flags. If you want to be the center at one of those types of games, you will need a set of red/yellow cards.
(hopefully you will not need to use your cards!)
Referee Scheduling and Payment Procedure
Work Assignments
Current EGSA Referee Coordinator: Linda Mensinger Nunez
EGSA Referee Coordinators assigns refrees for all of EGSA’s recreational league games and for competitive league games up to U12.
EGSA recreational league assignment procedure:
1.) EGSA Referee Coordinator sends you an e-mail asking you when you are available (asking about specific dates and times for a 2-3 week period).
2.) You send the EGSA Referee Coordinator an e-mail telling detailed information of your availability (such as “until 12:00 on Saturday 9/10/11, because I have an away game at 1:00”).
3.) EGSA Referee Coordinator uses that availability information to assign referees to the games that are scheduled (If you do not respond that you are available, you do not get assignments).
4.) EGSA Referee Coordinator then sends out an e-mail message listing all of the assignments for the coming weekend usually by Monday.
5.) You look at whether you have an assignment, and send EGSA Referee Coordinator a response confirming your availability by mid-week.
6.) You will be sent a confirmation e-mail from the Ref Coordinator.
Please Note: Send an e-mail to the EGSA Referee Coordinator if your availability changes!
Payment
Recreational league games require that you turn in a "Payment Request Slip" signed by the coach for each game that you work. A single check for the season will be issued.