All coaches can relate to the feeling of relief when they see a certified referee at their field prior to game time. The Region works hard to recruit, train and retain certified referees. It is important for all coaches to remember that we are all volunteers helping to provide the kids with the best experience possible. Here are a few things for coaches to keep in mind when partnering with referees:

• Being a referee is demanding. As a referee, you not only need to understand the Laws of the Game, but you need to apply them in an actual game. It's not easy and some empathy from coaches is helpful as referees hone their skillsets. 
• Take a moment to introduce yourself to the referee prior to the game.
• Please remember to remind your parents that the referees are volunteers and that we can always use more.
• After games, please take a moment as a Coach, along with your players, to say thanks to the referee.
• Please do not yell at the referees during the game - that doesn't help anyone and it's not good for the kids to see this type of behavior. If you have something you would like to talk about with a referee regarding the game, wait until a quarter or the end of the game and discuss it one-on-one with the referee.
• If you have something specific that came up with a referee you would like to discuss with others, you can reach out to the Region's Referee Administrator.
• Before your players check in with the referee, please make sure they are not wearing earrings, bracelets, casts or splints. Make sure they have on shin guards (completely under the socks) and the right uniform. This helps check in go faster as well as getting the game going.
• Remember that all 12U and younger games must end no later than 55 minutes after the hour. Older games must end no later than 5 minutes before the scheduled time of the next game. All coaches need to help enforce this along with referees. You wouldn’t want the game before you to run late and impact your game.
  
• If the referee asks a player to sit out because he/she thinks there might be risk of concussion, understand, that decision is final.
  
• Please make sure your certified referee parents sign up to referee on the Region's InLeague site,under "Referee/Referee Scheduler" or the Region's RefScheduler web site. If another referee has signed up for your game, they have the priority for reffing that gave and your help with that is appreciated.
  
• If you have a parent stepping in as a coach if you are unavailable, please share this list with them.
• If you have questions about any of the Laws of the Game, please don't be shy about asking the referee at the appropriate time.