Referee Info

Referees play a critical part of the success of the Bay State Soccer League (BSSL). This page was created to provide a summary of the administrative and league-specific details needed by referees working in BSSL. It is the responsibility of each referee to be familiar with these regulations and to support them completely.

For a full version of the Bay State Soccer League Bylaws, click here.

BSSL Game Rosters
Game Rosters are printed by the team managers in advance of the game. Managers must supply two copies - one for the Referee and one for the opposing manager. To ensure the eligibility of all players, hand-written alterations to the Game Roster (other than shirt number changes) are NOT ALLOWED under any circumstances.

Player ID Check
Fifteen (15) minutes before kick-off, the referee should should verify that each player's name is printed on the Game Roster and that all are wearing shinguards and matching uniform shirts with unique permanent numbers on the back. To prove their identity, players must produce a form of identification consistent with those listed as acceptable on the Game Roster. Any player who cannot present an acceptable form of identification or who does not appear on the printed Game Roster, is considered INELIGIBLE and must not be allowed to play.

FIFA Rules
All league games including Cup games shall be played in accordance with the current rules of FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association), except as amended by the League.

Substitution Policy
Free substitution will be allowed at goals, goal kicks, and half time. A team may also substitute during their own throw-in and during the opposing team's throw-in if the opposing team substitutes at that time. If play is stopped due to injury or if a player receives a yellow card, the injured or carded player may be substituted and the opposing team may elect to match this substitution.

Written Reports
Within 48 hours of the game, Referees should send a written game report along with the Game Rosters to the BSSL Secretary at the address listed on the game rosters.

Game Fee
BSSL games are officiated by a Referee and two Assistant Referees. The Referee is paid $90 and Assistant Referees are paid $45 each. Payment is made prior to game time at the field with each team responsible for one-half of the fees ($90).

Field Inspection
Referees are requested to perform a field and equipment inspection prior to kick-off. If the field is not properly lined and equipped, the Referee may choose to abandon the game. The Referee has the option to allow the game to go ahead even if the field is not not properly lined and equipped. However, both team managers must agree with this decision and the field problems must be noted in the Referee's game report.

Grace Period
Games must start no later than fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled kick-off time. If at this time the Referee determines that a team is unable to play due to an insufficient number of players, unsuitable uniforms, inadequate player equipment, or unsuitable field preparation, the Referee may abandon the game. The Referee and Assistant Referees are entitled to their game fees, to be paid in full by the forfeiting team. If neither team is able to satisfy the conditions for play, then each team will pay its half of the Referee fees.

Cancellation
If the field is declared unplayable due to weather conditions, the Referee and Assistant Referees are entitled to half of the normal fees.

Referee No-Show
A Referee or Assistant Referee who fails to arrive within fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled kick-off time is not entitled to a fee. In the absence of the Referee, one of the Assistant Referees may assume the responsibilities of Referee and be entitled to the Referee fee. If no Referees are present, the managers may themselves appoint a Referee and play the match, or they can elect to re-schedule.