U6/U7 Field Layout (Opens PDF)
U6&U7 Game Suggestions for Referees
You are 50% ref, 50% teacher, so you will need to TALK to the coaches and kids A LOT since a lot of the players have not played much and do not know things like when they should be taking a goal kick.
Perfect example:
Referee: “Orange team’s turn to take a goal kick right here” (point to hash mark)
Players: All of them say: “Can I do it, can I do it???”
Referee: “Yes, why don’t you take it this time…now back up everybody so you don’t get hurt by the goal kick, ok, go ahead orange, take the goal kick…”
Same thing applies to corner kicks, kickoffs, and all kick-ins.
General suggestions:
· Refs work in partners on two side by side fields
· Find and work closely with your “partner” Ref on adjacent U6 or U7 field
· If no partner shows, ask coaches to ref other game, you take “stronger” game
· If you need help, ask your “partner” or a mentor in yellow shirt if nearby
· Check in your teams at same time
· Decide who will ref “stronger” team, ask coach which is stronger team (quietly), other ref take other team
· Encourage teams to share players to make 4v4 for both games (allow coach to take care of this)
· Enforce a max of 4v4 at all times
· Start and end your 2 side-by-side games as close together as possible
· Whistle appropriately, harder for fouls, softer for out of bounds, but only if needed
· No stoppage time – do not extend beyond 6 minute quarters for ANY reason
Game Rules and overall approach to reffing U6/U7 (See Game Rules document as well)
o No coin toss, pick orange for initial kick-off, then white for 2nd half kick-off
o Continue 2nd and 4th quarters with kick-off for team last in possession prior to whistle
o You will be “teaching” so lots of verbal direction will be needed throughout the match
o Blow whistle to stop play as SOON as somebody falls if you think they are in danger of getting stepped on
o Blow whistle to stop play on out of bounds but only if they have not stopped on their own.
o Do not blow the whistle for every restart or they will become insensitive to it and not stop when you really want them to
o Have game rules sheet with you at all times and rule summary table from the Rules and Guidelines document online
o Know the arc rules
o Stick to 8 minute quarters for U6 and 10 minute quarters for U7
o Only take a few minutes between 1st and 2nd quarter, then 5 minutes between halves
AND DON"T FORGET TO SMILE AND HAVE FUN!!! IT WILL PUT EVERYONE AT EASE, INCLUDING YOU!
