LI Futsal Referees:
From: John Branca
Enclosed is your check for weeks 1-5.
Some reminders are summarized below –
Scores – a few reversals reported this season – coaches will sign anything, so I suggest stating the score and the team name (even pointing to it on the score-sheet) as they sign
Rules – some Laws of the game errors were made – please review the rules if you are unsure – refer to me or Steve if you have questions.
Penalty kick is 6 meters from the goal line – doesn’t matter what size gym or where the penalty box line is – it is always the same 6 meters (nearly 20 feet). I suggest pacing off 7 large steps.
Accumulated Fouls – Direct fouls only counted per half – at the sixth (and subsequent foul) in the half, a penalty kick is awarded to the opponent – at 6 meters from the goal line (we do not use the second penalty mark)
Goalie Save – goalie can put the ball down in the box and dribble (subject to a 4 sec. restriction) – ball does not have to the leave the penalty box, unlike a Goal Clearance
Indirect and Direct Kicks – a whistle is not used to restart either unless it becomes “ceremonial”.
From Steve:
Checks for weeks 1-5 should arrive in the next 7 days. If you were not assigned games this week it was because the schedule of games did not work with the availability you submitted. For example, if you ask for a certain time period or age group if nothing fits, you will not be assigned. If you are flexible, say so. You can always tell me you prefer something but if not available will do whatever else you are comfortable with.
I got the opportunity to see some games last week. I talked with a couple of people but most I did not. I was content with the majority of what I saw but not all. My two biggest issues from my personal observations were that referees were not moving enough to be in the proper position to make the right decision and that a few referees were not wearing a proper uniform or wearing the outdated uniform. With the second, when you receive your check make the investment of buying the proper shirts, shorts and socks.