Referee General Info

All games played under the jurisdiction of this league will be officiated by a USSF certified registered referee who is distinguished as such.

The year for which a referee is certified is January 1st until December 31st.

Each referee is required to recertify each year.

All referees and assistants must be registered with the N.I.S.L.

All referees and assistants are assigned a N.I.S.L. code for identification and payment purposes.

Referees must be fully conversant and be able to apply FIFA Laws of the Game and N.I.S.L. Rules and Regulations.

Referees must use FIFA acceptable system – three-man system (One center referee and two assistant referee linesman). Refereeing by any other system is not permitted in the N.I.S.L.

Officials assigned to N.I.S.L. games should be at the venue at least thirty minutes prior to the assigned kick-off.

Officials must be aware of all N.I.S.L. rules of competition for the game they are officiating.

Officials must be familiar with the age appropriate modifications, relative to field size and markings, number of players, substitutions, etc.

Officials must determine the fitness of the field of play and have the power to decide whether a game is to be played or abandoned.

Officials must inspect the playing field and equipment. Any discrepancies identified must be reported to the league.

Officials are required to supply their own uniforms. Uniform consists of shirt, shorts, socks and shoes. The uniform must be a distinguishing color from the players.

Officials should not wear earrings or other jewelry.

Officials should not wear sunglasses. Sunglasses are dangerous equipment.

Officials should not wear hats. Hard brim hats are dangerous to the players who might collide with you.

Officials should be match fit able to keep up with play and should try to keep within 7 to 20 yards of play.

Officials should be sure that coaches know they are responsible for the actions and words of the players and spectators and that they will suffer any punishment, which is made necessary due to action of their players or spectators. If the coach is “sent off”, he must leave the field and the area that surrounds the field (out of sight-out of sound). An assistant coach must assume responsibility for the coaching duties.
Officials have the right to suspend a game due to disturbing situations. Report the situation in writing to the league that will investigate and render a decision.

Officials cannot force a forfeit or declare one team the winner; they must simply report the incident to the league. The league will decide status and outcome of the game.

In the event that the referee appointed fails to put in an appearance and where assistant referees have been appointed, one of the assistant referees will take charge if qualified. Otherwise, the control of the game shall be turned over to a person mutually agreed upon by the two opposing team coaches. Should the referee become incapacitated during the progress of the game from any cause that would prevent him from continuing the game, the control of the game will follow the same procedure.

Every player and coach must have a valid N.I.S.L. registration card. Passes must be presented in conjunction with the official team line up. If no registration card is presented, the player or coach must show some proof of identification. If proof of identification is not available, the player or coach must sign the game line up card in the presence of the referee. The game will be played under protest subject to league verification.

It is important that player injuries be dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible. Nothing should be done that could potentially cause further or permanent injury to a player. If a player is seriously injured, the referee shall stop play.

After assessing the condition of the injured player, the referee shall authorize the entry to the field of play to the player’s coach to ascertain the type of injury and to arrange the players safe and swift transport off the field. DO NOT treat the injury on the field.

Any player suffering from an open wound is compelled to leave the field and have the wound treated.
If the referee has determined that the player must leave the field due to injury, the injured player is required to leave the field. If the player refuses to comply, the referee shall caution him for hindering the restart of play.

If play has been stopped solely for a serious injury with no other breach of the Laws of the Game (ball out of play) the referee shall restart play with a dropped ball.

The referee shall add on time lost on account of injury, in full at the end of the period in question.

Under no circumstances shall a player be moved if there is an injury to the head, neck or back until it can be accomplished without the risk of permanent injury.