Welcome to the world of refereeing. This may be your first encounter with refereeing and this may also be the first occasion in which your teenaged (or younger) son or daughter will be treated as an adult. Therefore, we sincerely hope we may gain your support in making this refereeing experience a good experience for your child.

"Congratulations on your ambition and desire to become a referee." This letter is written by a young referee to other young referees.

The spectators are beyond the 18 yard line. Should you stop the match and move them?

At no time is a referee tested more than in dealing with angry coaches or parents. The following advice is given to all referees but especially to youth referees.

Referees may not rescind a card after a match. The USSF has made it clear that to do so is a serious referee mistake.

Experienced referees seem to have everything they could possible need at a match. Here is a list of suggested items a referee should bring.

What does a "running clock" really mean?

One sock, two sock, black sock, white sock. What's wrong with that?

Finding suppliers for uniform items can be tricky. We have some suggestions for you.

Even with a couple years of experience, they still have much to learn. That learning process requires many games (50-200) in order to be exposed to all the variations of rule interpretations, as well as the different personalities of coaches, players and parents.