Week 3 went well enough that there really wasn't anything to mention. Week 4 however was a different story and it was the first time this season I started getting some worrying feedback. The theme of the feedback this past week was about the inconsistency of the referees. Here are a few examples:
"The first complaint is the lines are different each week, which is easy to figure out by reading the field info on the assigning website."
"The second complaint is regarding rules understanding and interpretation. Several people have stated this. Today, one coach said last week’s refs said that if the GK distributes the ball and his team crosses the halfway line with the ball without touching an opponent or a stoppage in play, the ball can be played back to the GK."
With regards to the substitution area for teams it is much like the outdoor game. Since we are not able to tape off the zones use common sence. The bench outdoors for each team is close to the halfway line. In Futsal it is no differnt. Substitutions should occur relatively close to in front of a team's own bench area. Discresion should be used and no one should be issuing cards for an illegal substitution if the player hasn't been warned first and the coach has been informed of the situation and asked to help the players do the substitution correctly. Obviously if the players are older and the infringment is agregious, then do what needs to be done.
Giving space at a restart has also been an issue that was brought up numerous times as well. Regardless of venue, defnders MUST give 5 yards on restarts that require it such as kick ins, corner kicks and free kicks. If you need to make a big deal of it to get everyone on the same page early in the match so it doesn't become an issue later, than do it. You MUST give the restarting team the fair chance to get the ball back into play.
For games with two referees assigned, there should be a flip scoreboard at your venue. The referee closest to the scoreboard will keep score on the flip board while the other keeps it in their book to ensure the score is acurate.
I need everyone to email me which days, if any, they took down goals and at which venues they did so. Most venues should be covered for the rest of the season by league staff. I will let any referees know beforehand if their assistance will be needed in taking down goals beforehand. Just an FYI, any goal help will be included in the end of season check this year. Any hours worked for mentoring in week 1 is included in the first check which should be arriving within the next 10 days. If you don't get it by 2/14, let me know.