GUIDELINES FOR GAME ASSIGNMENT WITHIN OHIO SOUTH
4.0 Assignor Guidelines4.1 Here are recommended guidelines that an assignor should use for games under the jurisdiction of Ohio South State Referee Committee. These guidelines should help find the best fit for referees in 97% of all cases. There will always be some exceptions, but using some common sense will help apply these guidelines to them as well.
Assignors need to make themselves familiar with the list which is produced by the Ohio South State Referee Committee which lists all referees (their grade, date of birth, length of time with USSF, length of time in grade, risk management process, etc.) whom are currently registered through the committee with the National Office in Chicago. The District Referee Administrators for each district within OSSRC should have a list of all the referees along with a “comfort” level listed for each referee. It is the district’s responsibility to maintain and update this list so that it is current at all times.
4.2 Tournament Games
Tournaments are a great source of income for the clubs and, without a doubt, the referee as well. The goal is to create as safe an environment for all involved.
4.3 League Games
4.2.1 Generally referees should be at least two years older than the age group they are officiating. For those exceptional referees, this can be bypassed but should either be assessed to be sure they can handle the competition level and/or be with some seasoned veterans as assistant referees in case assistance is needed.
4.2.2 Assistant referees should not stretch their boundaries past 2 years over their age. If a younger assistant referee is being used, then the other assistant referee should be seasoned in case something happens to the referee in the middle. This also allows the referee to adjust his game as needed.
4.2.3 No person should be used for more than 3 games in a row. Everyone needs time to take a breather, get water, answer nature and just take a mental break from the game.
4.2.4 Before any referee, assistant referee, assessor or on-site assignor may take part in a youth competition; they must meet OSYSA Risk Management policy.
4.2.5 If non-Ohio South referees are used, then be sure that the referee has on file with the SRA a permission to travel. This will ensure that this person is in good standing with his/her home association and may give some clues as to their level of competency.
4.2.6 USSF badges with the current year on them should always be worn if the tournament is affiliated with USSF and at no time is the 2-man system to be used.
Please be sure that people are aware that unless full length games are used during the tournament (most likely only possible for U-12 age group), that these games are to be put on their registration form under “Other Games (Specify)” and are not to be used for upgrade criteria.
4.2.2 Assistant referees should not stretch their boundaries past 2 years over their age. If a younger assistant referee is being used, then the other assistant referee should be seasoned in case something happens to the referee in the middle. This also allows the referee to adjust his game as needed.
4.2.3 No person should be used for more than 3 games in a row. Everyone needs time to take a breather, get water, answer nature and just take a mental break from the game.
4.2.4 Before any referee, assistant referee, assessor or on-site assignor may take part in a youth competition; they must meet OSYSA Risk Management policy.
4.2.5 If non-Ohio South referees are used, then be sure that the referee has on file with the SRA a permission to travel. This will ensure that this person is in good standing with his/her home association and may give some clues as to their level of competency.
4.2.6 USSF badges with the current year on them should always be worn if the tournament is affiliated with USSF and at no time is the 2-man system to be used.
4.3.1 Generally referees should be at least two years older than the age group they are officiating. For those exceptional referees, this can be bypassed but should either be assessed to be sure they can handle the competition level and/or be with some seasoned veterans as assistant referees in case assistance is needed.
4.3.2 Assistant referees should not stretch their boundaries past 2 years over their age. If a younger assistant referee is being used, then the other assistant referee should be seasoned in case something happens to the referee in the middle. This also allows the referee to adjust his game as needed.
4.3.3 No person should be used for more than 3 games in a row. Everyone needs time to take a breather, get water, answer nature and just take a mental break from the game
4.4 The USSF/State guidelines for use of referees of the various grades are:4.3.2 Assistant referees should not stretch their boundaries past 2 years over their age. If a younger assistant referee is being used, then the other assistant referee should be seasoned in case something happens to the referee in the middle. This also allows the referee to adjust his game as needed.
4.3.3 No person should be used for more than 3 games in a row. Everyone needs time to take a breather, get water, answer nature and just take a mental break from the game
4.4.1 Grade 9 – Referee recreational youth games under-14 and younger ONLY and assistant referee on all youth games. Must do a minimum of 6 games annually
4.4.2 Grade 8 – All youth games as referee and assistant referee. Must do a minimum of 6 games annually.
4.4.3 Grade 7 – Referee all youth games and mixed leagues, assistant referee in all adult games below the top divisions (Division 1 and Premier). Must referee a minimum of 6 U-17 and above games annually.
4.4.4 Grade 6 – Referee all youth and adult games. Must referee a minimum of 6 adult games, and 6 U-17 competitive youth games annually.
4.4.5 Grade 5 – Referee all youth and adult games. Must referee a minimum of 6 adult games or higher and 6 U-17 competitive youth games annually.
4.4.6 Grade 15 – these people have “retired” from their top level of competition that they were doing. The person must qualify each year for the level of competition that they wish to participate in. At no times are they to be allowed to referee at the same level or higher than what they were stepping down from. Please refer to the list supplied by the state and district to see what level of competition these people can be used at. Must referee the same number of games as either Grade 7 or Grade 6 depending on their status.
4.5 If a referee does not complete the number of minimum games, then they may be requested to downgrade. If an assignor or DRA does not feel that they are still “competent” at the needed level, then a formal assessment should be requested. At no time should a referee be deemed not competent without being seen by a trained assessor to make that determination. If a person is just not available on the days that the games are being played, then make a note of that and report it at the end of the season to the SRA for consideration into the decision.4.4.2 Grade 8 – All youth games as referee and assistant referee. Must do a minimum of 6 games annually.
4.4.3 Grade 7 – Referee all youth games and mixed leagues, assistant referee in all adult games below the top divisions (Division 1 and Premier). Must referee a minimum of 6 U-17 and above games annually.
4.4.4 Grade 6 – Referee all youth and adult games. Must referee a minimum of 6 adult games, and 6 U-17 competitive youth games annually.
4.4.5 Grade 5 – Referee all youth and adult games. Must referee a minimum of 6 adult games or higher and 6 U-17 competitive youth games annually.
4.4.6 Grade 15 – these people have “retired” from their top level of competition that they were doing. The person must qualify each year for the level of competition that they wish to participate in. At no times are they to be allowed to referee at the same level or higher than what they were stepping down from. Please refer to the list supplied by the state and district to see what level of competition these people can be used at. Must referee the same number of games as either Grade 7 or Grade 6 depending on their status.
4.6 A referee must officiate at the next – higher level to accumulate experience to be “certified” competent at that level. Assignors must exercise care to increase the difficulty level of the game assignments in a gradual and orderly manner for the good of the official and of the players.
4.7 Referees that have requested for upgrade must send request and fees to the DDA or SDA. This request will states what level of game that they are required to do. The assessor will assign by the DDA or SDA. When making game assignments keep this in mind, get these people the game they require. All games for upgrade must be 90 minutes in length, be at the proper competitive level and be using assistant referees.
4.8 If non-Ohio South referees are used, then be sure that the referee has on file with the SRA a permission to travel. This will ensure that this person is in good standing with his/her home association and may give some clues as to their level of competency.
4.9 USSF badges with the current year on them should always be worn if the tournament is affiliated with USSF and at no time is the 2-man system to be used.
4.10 Please be sure that people are aware that unless full length games are used that these games are to be put on their registration form under “Other Games (Specify)” and are not to be used for upgrade criteria.
