Referees,

As each new season is about to start, we, the CASRA Board of Directors, wish to remind you of the CASRA Code of Conduct. 

CASRA officials are expected to demonstrate excellence in conduct and ability at each match in which they participate or observe. This covers the time from arrival until departure from the field. In preparation for officiating, you must devote time, thought, and study to the Laws of the Game and mechanics of refereeing.  As a CASRA official, you are expected to follow this Code of Conduct.

As part of the Code of Conduct, each referee is required to fulfill match reporting requirements in a timely manner.   Your assignor is your main point of contact for accepting, reporting and notifying of any changes or incidents in the match.   

Assignments

· Accept or reject assignments upon receipt. If you are unable to work a match that you have previously accepted, personally contact your CASRA Assignor immediately – and no later than 72 hours before the match time, except in cases of critical illness or acute emergency. If with-in 72 hours or less you MUST contact your Assignor via PHONE CALL as well as text and e-mail.

· Officiate the game as assigned to you. Do not switch assignments at the field unless necessary. Report any switch or no show by another official to your CASRA Assignor immediately after the match.

· Failure to show, or to notify the CASRA Assignor, may result in a fine equal to the game fee,

· Officials who cancel one assignment in order to work another may be fined by the Rules & Discipline Committee the higher game fee, except in the case of State Cup or ODP or other USSF mandated assignments.

Match

· Report to the field ready to officiate at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the match. You must arrive early enough to conduct pre-game activities (field check, check player passes/rosters, pre-game conference, etc.).

· Wear the proper uniform at all times: a USSF-approved Yellow, Green, Red, Blue, or Black shirt (short or long sleeves depending on weather); black shorts; approved black socks; black shoes (may have white manufacturer's logo); and the proper badge for the match (current year USSF patch for league, tournament, State Cup and other USSF-sanctioned games; MPSSAA patch for public high school games; CASRA patch for private high school and other games not USSF-sanctioned, e.g., some rec leagues). Black baseball type hats are allowed to be worn, but may only have the USSF approved logo or be completely Black.

· In severe weather, you may wear a black jacket with the proper badge (or a clear rain jacket).

· All officials working a match are expected to wear the same style uniform.

· As a center referee, you must have available the alternate USSF-approved uniforms to avoid color conflicts with the teams.

· First year Referees may have only one uniform, however after their first year are expected to secure alternate uniform Jersey colors. 

· You should also make certain to have with you the appropriate tools of the trade: whistles, cards, watches, pump and pressure gauge.

Conduct at the Field Before, During and After the Game

· Refrain from using tobacco products during assignments or while in uniform.

· Refrain from using alcohol or drugs at any time during an assignment. Failure to comply may result in immediate suspension and review/action by the Rules & Discipline Committee, which may levy a fine and/or recommend other disciplinary action.

· Refrain from drinking alcohol while in uniform anywhere

· Refrain from using foul or abusive language during a match - no matter what the provocation.

Reporting on Games

ALL CASRA GAMES REQUIRE THE CENTER REFEREE (OR REFEREE #1 IN FUTSAL OR TWO-MAN SYSTEM) TO FILL OUT THE GAME REPORT IN ARBITER. 

In addition, many of our leagues require the league game card to be mailed or electronically submitted.  Mail the official game card or submit it electronically, no later than one business day after the game, if you are the center referee (or referee #1 in a dual official match). All officials should sign the official game card, if provided. Failure to sign or send the card to the proper person may result in the loss of the game fee in accordance with CASRA's contracts.

Call your CASRA Assignor the day of the game, or submit an electronic red card report, to report sending off players or coaches, cautioning a coach, serious injuries, spectator problems or any other serious incident (especially against officials). You also must report the player's or coach's name, team, number, and offense within 24 hours of the game to the proper league or person (League Administrator)(BBSL, EDP, NCSL etc.) and the State on the USSF report form. Failure to follow these procedures may result in a fine by the Rules & Discipline Committee.

General

· You should consider the spirit of the law in cases where doubts or questions about interpretation of these guidelines exist.

· You should always strive to do your best on the field and to improve your skills.

· You should act and think like professionals. Behavior and conduct influence public opinion about officials and the officiating profession.

UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION

CODE OF ETHICS FOR REFEREES

§ That I shall always maintain the utmost respect for the game of soccer.

§ That I will conduct myself honorably at all times and maintain the dignity of my position.

§ That I shall always honor a contractual obligation.

§ That I will endeavour to attend local meetings and clinics so as best to know the Laws of the Game and their proper interpretations.

§ That I will always strive to achieve maximum teamwork with my fellow referees.

§ That I shall be loyal to my fellow referees, and never knowingly promote criticism of them.

§ That I shall be in good physical condition so as to be in the right place at the right time.

§ That I will control the players effectively by being courteous and considerate without sacrificing firmness.

§ That I shall do my utmost to assist my fellow officials to better themselves and their work.

§ That I shall not make statements about any game except to clarify an interpretation of the Laws of the Game.

§ That I consider it a privilege to be a part of the United States Soccer Federation and I will strive to make my actions reflect credit upon that organization and its affiliates.

Looking forward to working with all of you for a successful spring season.

CASRA Board of Directors