Kalama Soccer Club
Referee Guide
Our referee program, age-by-age rules, signals, and how to support the officials who make our games happen
Kalama Soccer Club and CYSA have worked hard to build a strong, homegrown referee program. Almost all of our officials are kids from right here in Kalama — trained, mentored, and developed within the club. Here's how it works.
Kalama hosts a Micro-Referee Clinic every season to train young officials. Kids as young as age 10 can begin refereeing — and they grow with the program until age 13, when they can pursue full USSF Grassroots certification and begin earning pay for games.
- Eligible to start as a micro-referee after completing the clinic. Can ref divisions they are at least 2 years older than.
- Each season's clinic covers CYSA age-group rules, hand signals, positioning, and common situations. Experienced refs mentor newer ones on game days.
- Referees must be at least 2 years older than the age group they are officiating as center referee. ARs (assistant referees) can cover a wider range of ages. Exceptions at the discretion of the assignor when coverage is needed.
- Eligible to pursue USSF Grassroots certification — online course plus field clinic through WASRC. Once certified, eligible for assigned games and pay.
Almost all of our referees are youth — many of them your players' teammates and neighbors. They are learning and growing just like the kids on the field. Please treat them accordingly.
We also host certified referee games at Kalama — U10 and above frequently have USSF Grassroots certified officials, and we have more certified refs coming out of our program than ever before. Whether you're watching a micro-ref learn the ropes or a certified official run a full game, the expectation for sideline conduct is the same.
No referee for your game? If no official is available, the home team provides a referee for the first half and the away team for the second half. This is in the CYSA rules — be prepared and handle it graciously.
Want your kid to become a micro-ref? Watch for clinic announcements each season or email Amy at
[email protected]. Kids who grow up refereeing understand the game at a deeper level — it makes them better players too.
CYSA has specific rules for each age group. This is the same chart our micro-referee clinic uses. When coaches accept a youth referee, they agree to accept that referee's decisions and enforce good sportsmanship from their sideline.
| Rule |
U6/U7 |
U8 |
U9/U10 |
| Players on field | 4v4 | 5v5 | 7v7 |
| Ball size | Size 3 | Size 3 | Size 4 |
| Game duration | 4 x 8 min quarters | 4 x 12 min quarters | 2 x 25 min halves |
| Goalkeeper | No | Yes | Yes |
| GK punt / drop kick | No | No | No |
| Build-out line | Yes — halfway line | Yes — halfway line | Yes — midway between penalty area and halfway line |
| Offside | No | No | Loosely — clear advantage only (1-2 steps) |
| Throw-in redo | Once (with instruction) | Once (with instruction) | No — turnover on bad throw |
| Direct kicks | No | No | Yes (5 yards) |
| Indirect kicks | Yes (3 yards) | Yes (3 yards) | Yes |
| Penalty kicks | No | No | Yes |
| Yellow / Red cards | No | No | No |
| Slide tackling | No | No | No |
| Deliberate heading | No | No | No |
| Handballs | Deliberate only | Deliberate only | Deliberate only |
U11/U12 and U13+: Full Laws of the Game with CYSA/SWYSA modifications. Yellow and red cards are in effect. Heading remains prohibited at U11/U12 (CYSA). Heading is permitted at U13+ (SWYSA). Certified referees are provided for U10+ whenever available.
Coaches: you are responsible for your entire sideline. CYSA rules require parents and players not on the field to stay 2 yards behind the touchlines. No one is permitted behind the goal line. Coaches and players stay on one side of the field; spectators on the opposite side. Your tone sets the tone.
Referees use a standard set of signals to communicate decisions. The diagrams below show what the referee's body position actually looks like for each call.
Direct Free Kick
Arm extended, pointing direction of kick. Goal can be scored directly.
Indirect Free Kick
One arm raised straight up, held until a second player touches the ball. Cannot score directly.
Penalty Kick
Arm pointing down to the penalty spot. Direct kick from 12 yards, goalkeeper only.
Corner Kick
Arm pointing toward the corner arc nearest where ball went out. Attacking team kicks.
Goal Kick
Arm pointing toward the goal area. Defending team kicks from inside the goal box.
Throw-In (AR)
AR holds flag out to the side, pointing in the direction the throw-in is taken.
Play On / Advantage
Both arms sweep forward from hip level. Foul was seen, but the fouled team kept possession — stopping play would punish them. (IFAB signal.)
Yellow Card
Card held high. Caution for persistent fouling, dissent, or unsporting behavior. Two yellows = red card.
Red Card
Immediate ejection. Serious foul play, violent conduct, or two yellow cards. Team plays the rest of the game short.
Offside (AR)
AR raises flag straight up. After centre ref stops play, flag lowers to show location — high = far side, horizontal = centre, low = near side.
Substitution (AR)
AR holds flag overhead with both hands. Team wants to make a substitution at the next stoppage.
Dropped Ball
Referee drops the ball between players to restart after an injury stoppage or unusual pause.
Want to see the real thing? Coaching American Soccer has a comprehensive page of actual referee signal photographs — including every signal above plus more advanced calls. Great reference for micro-refs and coaches who want to go deeper:
coachingamericansoccer.com — Referee Signals
One of the most commonly misunderstood rules in youth soccer. Enforced at U9 and above at Kalama.
The rule: A player who takes any restart — free kick, corner kick, throw-in, kick-off, or penalty kick — cannot touch the ball a second time until another player has touched it first. If they do, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team from the spot of the second touch.
Common examples:
- Player takes a corner kick, ball bounces back untouched, they shoot — double touch
- Player takes a free kick and ball deflects off their own foot again before anyone else touches it — double touch
- Player takes a throw-in and ball immediately comes back to them without anyone else touching it — double touch
- GK releases the ball, it deflects off the post back to their hands before any other player touches it — double touch
- Player takes a kick-off and touches the ball again before a teammate plays it — double touch
Simple fix: After any restart, the player who took it should immediately move away. A teammate receives the ball first.
Coaches: This applies to throw-ins too — it surprises players every time. Worth spending 2 minutes on throw-ins and corner kicks in practice so players know to move away immediately after taking them.
Most of our referees are kids — your players' neighbors, teammates, and friends. How you treat them on the sideline shapes whether they stay in the game or quit. Washington has a referee shortage. Every official we lose hurts the game for everyone.
One teacher, one classroom. CYSA guidance is clear: if you have concerns about a referee's calls, skill, or decisions, those go to Amy Clark (Referee Coordinator) — not to the referee directly, not during the game, and not in front of other parents. Referees receive coaching through the program. Feedback from a single sideline doesn't help them improve and often does harm. This keeps the game safe for young officials and ensures feedback is actually useful.
- Calmly raise your hand during a stoppage and say "Referee" — not a name, not anything else
- Ask for clarification: "Can you help me understand that call?"
- Accept the answer and move on, even if you disagree
- Email Amy Clark after the game with ongoing concerns
- Model calm, respectful behavior — players copy what they see
- Thank the referee after the game, win or lose
- Shout at or argue with the referee during live play
- Question calls constantly — even if you're right, it is not your role mid-game
- Let parents yell at the ref without stepping in — that is your responsibility as coach
- Approach the field to confront an official
- Undermine the referee's authority in front of players
- Expect calls to change because you complained loudly
Only the coach may address the referee. Players and sideline parents are not permitted to dispute calls. If a parent causes problems, the referee can ask you to address it — and under CYSA rules, can suspend the game if it continues. You are responsible for your entire sideline.
US Soccer's updated Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9, "Respect the Call") took effect March 2025. It applies to all CYSA and SWYSA sanctioned games — coaches, players, parents, and spectators. Referee abuse will not be tolerated.
Level 1 — Verbal Taunting
Insulting, belittling, or taunting behavior that undermines the referee's authority.
"Do you even know the rules?" · "You're the worst ref we've ever had." · "What's the other team paying you?"
Level 2 — Harassment / Intimidation
Language or body language intended to make a referee feel unsafe, or abusive and threatening language.
Expletives directed at the referee · Personal attacks · Getting in the referee's face
Level 3 — Threatening Language
Aggression, derogatory language, threats of physical violence. Includes cyberbullying or doxing a referee.
Plus 6–24 month time ban
Level 4 — Offensive or Discriminatory Act
Offensive gestures or discriminatory language targeting a referee's identity.
Plus 12–24 month time ban
⚠️ Minor Multiplier: If the referee being abused is under 18, ALL penalties are automatically tripled. Most of our referees are kids. This provision applies at nearly every Kalama game.
Physical Offenses
Any physical contact: minor touching (3 games+) · pushing/grabbing (10 games + 6–24 months) · striking/assault (12 months to lifetime ban). Contact does not have to injure to trigger the penalty.
Second offense = double punishment. Third offense = lifetime ban. These penalties apply to coaches, players, and spectators equally. If you witness referee abuse, report it to Amy Clark or to CYSA.
Second offense = double punishment. Third offense = lifetime ban. These penalties apply to coaches, players, and spectators equally. If you witness referee abuse, report it to Amy Clark or to CYSA.
Non-Physical Offenses
2
Verbal Taunting
Insulting, belittling, undermining referee authority
4
Harassment / Intimidation
Abusive/threatening language, getting in ref's face
6
Threatening Language
Threats of violence, derogatory language + 6–24 mo ban
10
Offensive / Discriminatory Act
Discriminatory language or gestures + 12–24 mo ban
Physical Offenses
3+
Minor / Slight Touching
3 games minimum + 1–6 months
10+
Pushing / Grabbing / Pulling
10 games minimum + 6–24 months
∞
Striking / Assault
12 months to lifetime ban
⚠️ Minor Multiplier
Referee under 18 = ALL penalties tripled automatically. Applies to nearly every Kalama game.
1st offense: minimum penalty shown above
2nd offense: double punishment
3rd offense: lifetime ban
Applies before, during & after the match
Coaches, players & spectators equally
Report abuse to Amy Clark or CYSA
Full policy: Visit
ussoccer.com/rap for the complete RAP policy, penalty matrix, and Respect the Call resources — available in English and Spanish.
Hot weather and lightning are the two weather conditions that can stop or modify play. Lightning cancels games immediately — no debate. Heat is more nuanced: referees use the WBGT scale to determine whether water breaks are required or whether play must stop. Coaches should know this too.
CATCATEGORY1
Kalama, WA is in Category 1 — the coolest regional category in the US Soccer heat policy. Washington state falls in the lightest zone on the national map. Category 1 has the lowest WBGT thresholds, meaning cancellation kicks in earlier than in hotter parts of the country. The thresholds below all use Cat 1 values.
Lightning rule: immediate suspension. If lightning is seen or thunder heard, all play and practice stops immediately. Wait 30 minutes from the last strike before resuming. This is non-negotiable — referees must suspend the game and clear the field.
Measure the temperature (°F) and relative humidity (%) at your location. Find where they intersect in the table below to get your estimated Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT).
| RH % |
Temperature (°F) |
| 69 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 77 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 86 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 91.4 | 93.2 | 95 | 96.8 | 98.6 | 100.4 | 102.2 |
| 0 | 59 | 60.8 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 66.2 | 68 | 69 | 69.8 | 71.6 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 75.2 | 77 | 77 | 78.8 |
| 10 | 60.8 | 62.6 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 66.2 | 68 | 69.8 | 69.8 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 77 | 77 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 80.6 | 82.4 |
| 20 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 68 | 69.8 | 69.8 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 75.2 | 77 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 80.6 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 84.2 |
| 30 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 68 | 69 | 69.8 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 77 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 86 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 91.4 | 93.2 |
| 40 | 66.2 | 69 | 69.8 | 69.8 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 77 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 86 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 91.4 | 93.2 | 95 | 96.8 |
| 50 | 68 | 69.8 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 77 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 86 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 91.4 | 93.2 | 95 | 96.8 | 98.6 |
| 60 | 69.8 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 77 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 86 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 91.4 | 95 | 96.8 | 98.6 | | | |
| 70 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 77 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 86 | 87.8 | 91.4 | 93.2 | 95 | 96.8 | | | | | |
| 80 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 77 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 86 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 93.2 | 96.8 | 98.6 | | | | | | |
| 90 | 75.2 | 77 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 91.4 | 95 | 96.8 | 98.6 | | | | | | | |
| 100 | 75.2 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 91.4 | 95 | 96.8 | | | | | | | | | |
Table based on approximate formula for full sunshine and light wind. Adapted from Bureau of Meteorology.
Use your WBGT to find the alert level and required action. Kalama is Category 1 — use the Cat 1 column.
| Alert |
Cat 1 WBGT (°F) |
Conditions |
Required Action |
| BLACK |
>86.2° |
Extreme Conditions |
Cancel or delay until cooler. No outdoor training or match play. |
| RED |
84.2–86.1° |
High Risk for Heat Illness |
Max 1 hour of activity. Mandatory 4-minute breaks every 4 minutes within the hour. No conditioning. |
| ORANGE |
81.1–84.1° |
Moderate Risk for Heat Illness |
Max 2 hours of activity. 4-minute breaks every 4 minutes each hour, OR a 10-minute break every 30 minutes. |
| YELLOW |
76.3–81.0° |
Less than Ideal Conditions |
3 separate 4-minute breaks each hour, OR a 12-minute break every 40 minutes. |
| GREEN |
<76.1° |
Good Conditions |
Normal activities. 3 separate 3-minute breaks per hour, OR a 10-minute break every 40 minutes. |
Match play hydration breaks: When WBGT reaches 89.6°F, provide 4-minute hydration breaks for each 30 minutes of continuous play — at approximately minute 30 and minute 75 of a 90-minute match. At younger age groups with shorter games, adjust proportionally.
For referees: Heat water breaks are one of the few non-gameplay stoppages a referee calls on their own authority. At Orange level and above, breaks are mandatory — coaches do not need to request them. At Yellow and Green, breaks are still recommended; coordinate with both coaches at the start of the game.
At 13, micro-referees can pursue full USSF Grassroots certification through the Washington State Referee Committee (WASRC). Certification opens the door to assigned games, official pay, and higher-level officiating. We're proud to have more certified referees from Kalama than ever before.
CYSA and our local clubs host referee training clinics every season — for both micro-referee training and USSF certification. These clinics are typically organized by:
- Longview Soccer Club / CYSA Referee & Micro Referee Assignor — [email protected]
- Kalama Soccer Club / CYSA Scheduler — [email protected]
- Kelso Soccer Club / CYSA Registrar — helps organize regional training for surrounding clubs
Coaches, parents, and anyone interested in learning the game are welcome to attend. You don't have to be planning to referee — these clinics are a great way to understand the rules better and support our officials. Clinic dates are posted on the Longview Soccer Club referee page and on club websites as they are announced each season.
Kalama Referee Incentive — 50% Certification Rebate. Once certified, referee 5 games for Kalama Soccer Club and receive a 50% refund of your USSF certification costs. This is our way of saying thank you for investing in the program and giving back to the club. Contact Amy Clark for details.
-
1
Register at wareferees.org (minimum age 13)
Create an account and select "New Referee (PreClinic Lessons)." Starting July 2025, referees under 18 receive a green badge; 18 and older receive a black badge — a USSF initiative to identify and protect young officials.
-
2
Complete the online training (~3 hours)
The Grassroots Referee course covers the Laws of the Game, positioning, signals, and common situations. Includes a test that must be passed.
-
3
Attend a field clinic (~5 hours)
Hands-on clinic with a certified WASRC instructor. Practice positioning, signals, and mechanics on a real field. Dress for the weather and bring cleats. Badge awarded at the end of the clinic. Check wareferees.org and Kalama/CYSA/LSC websites for upcoming dates in the area.
-
4
Get assigned games and start earning
Once certified, contact Amy Clark to be added to the Kalama assignment list. Certified refs are assigned through DeaDea Brickert for U10+ games using RefTown as the assigning platform. Pay rates are set by the league — ask Amy or DeaDea for current game fees.
-
5
Recertify every year
Certification runs January–December. Recertification opens July 1 each year. Lapsing more than one year requires retaking the full course.
For anyone volunteering to run the line or considering becoming a micro-ref, these short videos explain how officials move during a game.
Center Referee Positioning
How the center ref moves to stay in position to see play — including corners, restarts, and penalty kicks.
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Assistant Referee (AR) Positioning
The AR tracks offside, manages throw-ins on their side, and communicates with the center ref. Explains the diagonal system.
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Three-Official System Overview
How the center referee and two ARs work together to cover the whole field.
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Volunteering to run the line? Watch the AR video before your first game. Key things: stay level with the second-to-last defender, keep your flag down until you are certain, and check the center ref's position before raising your flag for offside.