RDYSL Guidelines 5/9/06
Gary M. Levine, President
pres@rdysl.com

1.    Pregame
    a.    Show up 30 minutes before kickoff
    b.    Safety
        i.    Field-goal posts, goal nets, field markings, corner flags and general field conditions (e.g. grass height, no holes, etc.). Note all problems on game report. No game if you deem it unsafe.
        ii.    Players equipment. No play if you deem it unsafe.
    c.    Payment
        i.    Home team pays the referee at the start of the game.
        ii.    Fees are printed on form
        iii.    No travel expense paid at the game-submit travel voucher
        iv.    Any problems-don't argue, just report it. RDYSL will take care of problem.
    d.    Make sure teams and spectators are on opposite sides whenever practicable (stadium exception)-home team gets to pick
    e.    Each team must provide: 
        i.    two Game Reports
            (1)    give one to other side
            (2)    check off player passes
                (a)    If more than 18 players on roster Coach MUST mark off the extra names before start of game
                (b)    check player photo and team name, etc
                (c)    no pass, no play
            (3)    check off coach and assistant coaches' Risk Management 
        ii.    The home team will also provide a preprinted envelope to the referee for submission of the Game Report.  
    f.    Obtain linesmen
        i.    must be over 14
        ii.    Explain the rule-entire ball over the line
2.    Game
    a.    Length of games
        i.    U17/19-45 minute halves
        ii.    U15/16-40 minute halves
        iii.    U13/14-35 minute halves
        iv.    U11/12-30 minute halves
        v.    U8/9/10-25 minute halves
    b.    Ball
        i.    U8-12=size 4
        ii.    All others 5
    c.    Numbers
        i.    U8 to 10 -7 players (5 minimum)
        ii.    U11 -9 players (6 minimum)
        iii.    U12 and up 11 players (7 minimum)
    d.    U8-10 are non-competitive 
        i.    Substitutes -coaches can agree to bend the rules
        ii.    Be sensitive to injuries
        iii.    Find the teaching of rules as much as enforcing
        iv.    Understand the families are the least experienced-if problems speak to coach asap
    e.    Maintain a disciplined sideline
        i.    coaches are responsible for their sidelines
        ii.    I find an early respectful comment to coach goes a long way
    f.    Note problems on game report-on field or on sideline
        i.    Be accurate and reasonable
        ii.    RDYSL has a heavy sanction system
            (1)    fines
            (2)    loss of points
            (3)    suspensions
    g.    Lightning
        i.    Safety first
        ii.    The referee will make any necessary decisions at the field regarding dangerous weather conditions. 
        iii.    In the event of an electrical storm approaching the field the referee will use the 30/30 lightning rule. If the time from flash to bang is less than 30 seconds the field will be cleared allowing people to seek safe shelter. Both teams and referee will wait 30 minutes for a change in said conditions.
        iv.    If a game is called by a referee due to weather conditions after the game has started, the following prevails:  a. The team leading at the time of stoppage of play will be declared the winner  if the game is at or beyond the halfway mark. If the game is tied, it stands.  b. If a game has not reached the halfway mark, it will be rescheduled and  played in its entirety.
3.    Post Game
    a.    Watch the handshake
    b.    Note the final score-for all age groups.
    c.    Meet with team representative
        i.    Have each team representative sign the Game Report at the conclusion of the game and ensure the correct score is recorded. 
        ii.    Give back the player passes-remember the late comers pass is in your pocket! 
    d.    Fill out the form
        i.    See example
        ii.    note any info the league needs to know-conditions, injuries, abusive conduct
        iii.    Be detailed
            (1)    don't just say "abusive conduct"-let us know details
            (2)    don't just say "red card"-say fighting, spitting, language, etc
            (3)    you are our eyes and ears
        iv.    We take problems seriously. 
            (1)    Please treat them seriously. If a problem is minor, write it that way and we will address. If it a serious problem, we will deal with it accordingly.
            (2)    Very limited right of appeal
        v.    MAKE LEGIBLE
    e.    Mail
        i.    Place one copy of each team's Game Report in the envelope.
        ii.    Place any player pass you kept
        iii.    WITHIN 24 HOURS IT MUST BE MAILED
    f.    Emergencies
        i.    Call referee representative if there are any major problems
        ii.    They will get in contact with me