Match procedures

PRIOR TO KICK OFF

Referee, Assistant Referees, Fourth Official, and Team Starting Lineups enter the pitch together before moving to the center spot at the time specified for the Introductions and National Anthem. Referee carries the match ball; Assistant Referees have their flags furled.

Coaches and Reserve Players shall enter the pitch and walk along the sidelines to their team benches. Referee introduces Officiating Team to captains and conducts coin toss.

(This also be done prior to walk on if more convenient) Fourth Official goes to sideline and checks benches for only authorized persons on the bench. Signal to Referee the benches are checked.

Referee signals start of play.

DURING PLAY

All Games shall be conducted in accordance with the most recent USSF/FIFA Laws of the Game except for Substitution Rule noted below.

FOURTH OFFICIAL

During play, the fourth official should game situations dictate the fourth official not being able to input cards or scores immediately. This information should be uploaded at halftime and then again at the conclusion of the game while the crew is still on site. Match reporting should be completed at the venue, with the exception of red card reports which must be received within 24 hours o f the completion of the match. The Fourth Official has the responsibility of maintaining proper decorum on both team benches and the sidelines, including coaching staff. Should there be bench issues, notify the AR and/or the Referee so the misconduct can be dealt with as per the laws of the game. Significant misconduct should be included in the match report and the local sub assignor and Karen Swanner (kswanner@wpslsoccer.com), should be notified.

SUBSTITUTIONS

A substitute can b e used at any time throughout the duration o f the Game - a t any dead-ball situation. Each Team is allowed UNLIMITED substitutions, including the goalkeeper. A player replaced by a substitute may return to the pitch in the same game. If the Referee feels that the substitution i s being made for tactical reasons, said Referee shall not grant the substitution

until there is no longer any tactical advantage.

CONCLUSION OF HALFTIME AND GAME

Secure match balls and proceed t o locker room.

MATCH REPORTING

All Match Reports MUST be filed by the fourth official for the WPSL and the Head Referee for WPSL Division II, using the Squadi Match Report link. All match reporting should be completed prior to leaving the venue. For WPSL Matches the Head Referee and the fourth official should review scoring, cards and any other match information. The fourth official should then complete the match report.

The Head Referee has 24 hours to complete any red card reports and send them to the sub-assignor and the WPS Director o f Match Officials, Karen Swanner (kswanner@wpslsoccer.com)

All officials must be completely registered in the Squadi app in order t o be paid, including having their payment account completely set up. The Head Referee must also fill out the venue review evaluation form at the link provided t o you by your sub-assignor. This should be used to report any unusual violations o r observations that have to d o with the pitch, scoreboard, locker rooms, etc. You can also notify your local sub assignor or Karen Swanner 

(kswanner@wpslsoccer.com.)

SEND OFF REPORT

If you have a "Send-Off" Player - you MUST DO THE FOLLOWING IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE GAME: You must notify your local sub assignor and Karen Swanner (kswanner@wpslsoccer.com)

Please use Squadi to fill out the match report and the USSF standard form for Red Card reporting,

which can be found on the USSF website. Please email this information t o both the local sub assignor and Karen Swanner (kswanner@wpslsoccer.com)