REFEREES

Overview

Find essential referee information, assignments, and policies for the CJSL, Girl’s City League, and New York Winter Tournament all in one place.

  1. Referee Fees

  2. Zero Tolerance Policy on Misconduct Towards Referees

  3. Non-Appearance of a Referee

  4. Referee Game Report - CJSL, Girl’s City

  5. Referee USSF Supplemental Form - CJSL , Girl’s City

Referee Procedure to Follow

  1. Confirm Game with Home Coach no later than 1 day prior to match.

  2. Arrive at the game site promptly and in full uniform.

  3. Check in with the Home/Away Coach and or Manager.  Go over details of game (duration, ball size, special rules pertaining to small side play)

  4. Collect Game Fee (see below for fees)

  5. Collect CJSL Game Day Roster with Photo Id from both teams.  NO GDR/ID- NO PLAY

  6. GDR/ID must have all relevant information filled out.  (Game details, dates, age group, Player #'s, Coach Signature) Check in Teams- Check Equipment

  7. At conclusion of game- verify score with both coaches

  8. Submit Game Report to CJSL and any supplemental reports no later than 24 hours after game if game had any issues, misconduct by bench, coaches, spectators or there are yellow or red cards to report.

Game Day Info.

All games within this league shall be conducted under the rules of FIFA laws of the game as recognized by the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association and USYSA as well as all USYSA Small Sided Game Rules. (See Standards of Play Below)

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Playing field

 A. Size: Limitations as to the size of the field, height of corner flags, goal measurements, and the required markings of the field are in accordance with the FIFA rules of the game. (For Small Sided Games specification we follow USYSA Recommended Guidelines)

 B. Markings: The home club shall be responsible for visible, correct, and complete markings of the playing field.

 C. Maintenance of order: The playing field is to be protected against encroachment by the public. The home club is responsible for any disorders that may arise from insufficient protection and supervision.  Both teams should be on the same side of the field but opposite the fans.

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Player Uniforms

Teams shall appear in uniform attire at all games. Players who do not follow this provision may be ordered off the field by the referee. He/She must order such a player off the field if, in his opinion, the dress of the player may lead to errors in judgement. Where the colors of the two (2) competing clubs are the same, the home team must change or provide satisfactory identification marks. The home club shall not be penalized for loss of time when the colors conflict.

Heading

Intentional heading for 11 and under players.  CJSL will follow the USSF referee rules that are below.  

  • Players in Under-11 programs and younger shall not engage in heading, either in practices or in games. Referees have been instructed by US Soccer of the following rule addition in the Under-11 age group and younger:

  • When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If a player does not deliberately head the ball, then play should continue.

 

Duration of games

Games cannot be shortened more than ten (10) minutes under any circumstances. At all times they must  have two (2) equal halves.

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Waiting period

There will be no waiting time for games under the jurisdiction of this league.  However in the spirit of sportsmanship  if both coaches and Referee agree they can allow up to 30 mins but no more for waiting time.

 

Intermission

The referee shall have the right to shorten the intermission period between the halves, which should not exceed five (5) minutes, if the start of the game has been delayed or other reasons make it advisable. However, he/she must grant an intermission of at least five (5) minutes, if either of the competing teams requests it.


CJSL Game Standards of Play

CJSL 2025/2026 Referee Fees
Age Groups Center Referee AR's x 2 Total Who Pays Each Teams Share
U8 (4v4) $80 each Referee - $80 Fees Split $40 per team
U8 (7v7)
U9
U10		 $70 - $70 Fees Split $35
U11
U12		 $80 - $80 Fees Split $40
U13 $106 - $106 Fees Split $53
U14 $106 $65 $236 Fees Split $118
U15
U16		 $116 $75 $266 Fees Split $133
U17
U18
U19		 $126 $80 $286 Fees Split $143

Referee Fees

Applies to CJSL, Girl’s City and the New York Winter Tournament.

  • 1 person Referee system for U8-U13

  • 1 person Referee system for U14 (D2, D3)

  • 3 person Referee system for U14 (D1)

  • 3 person Referee system for U15-U19 (D1, D2, D3)

Referee Abuse Levels

Level Description Examples Minimum Penalty Jurisdiction
Level 1: Verbal Taunting Speech or gestures that belittle the referee, damage credibility, or undermine authority.
  • "Do you even know the rules?"
  • "Did you forget your glasses?"
  • "What's the other team paying you?"
 2-game suspension ENYYSA Arbitration Hearing
Level 2: Harassment/Intimidation Language or body language meant to make a referee feel unsafe, without explicit threats of violence.
  • Using expletives ("That call was complete $h-t!")
  • Personal attacks ("You're a F-ing joke!")
  • Getting in the referee’s face
 4-game suspension ENYYSA Arbitration Hearing
Level 3: Threats/Derogatory Language Aggressive, attacking, derogatory language, cyberbullying, doxing, or threats of violence.
  • "I'll see you in the parking lot."
  • "You better watch your back!"
  • Social media posts attacking the referee
 6-game suspension and/or 6–24 months ENYYSA Arbitration Hearing
Level 4: Offensive or Discriminatory Act Discriminatory or derogatory words or actions based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, disability, sexual orientation, language, or religion.
  • Racial/ethnic slurs
  • Offensive gestures
  • Homophobic or sexist language
 10-game suspension and/or 12–24 months ENYYSA Arbitration Hearing

Zero Tolerance Policy on Misconduct Toward Referees

In alignment with ENYYSA and U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9, effective March 1, 2025, the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League enforces a strict Zero Tolerance Policy for all misconduct directed at referees. This policy applies to coaches, players, bench personnel, team staff, spectators, and parents. The goal is to protect the integrity of the game and ensure a safe, respectful environment for all match officials.

Misconduct by Coaches, Players, Bench Personnel, and Team Staff

Non Physical Abuse

Physical Abuse

Referee Physical Contact Levels

Level Description Examples Minimum Penalty Jurisdiction
Level 1: Minor or Slight Touching Unwanted but minor physical contact with the referee.
  • Tapping the referee’s shoulder to get their attention
  • Touching the referee’s chest with a finger
  • Lightly bumping into the referee
 3-game suspension and/or 1–6 months ENYYSA Arbitration Hearing
Level 2: Intentional Confrontation Using physical contact to intimidate or provoke a confrontation, or causing property damage.
  • Shoving the referee
  • Forcefully grabbing the referee’s arm or jersey
  • Throwing a water bottle near the referee
  • Dumping the referee’s bag into a trash can
 10-game suspension and/or 6–24 months ENYYSA Arbitration Hearing
Level 3: Violent Contact Malicious, violent physical contact meant to cause harm.
  • Punching, kicking, elbowing, or spitting on the referee
  • Choking the referee
  • Throwing objects at the referee with intent to hit
  • Intentionally tackling the referee
 12-game suspension up to a lifetime ban ENYYSA Arbitration Hearing

CJSL may impose additional penalties or fines beyond ENYYSA guidelines, including for behavior between parents, coaches, and players not covered under Policy 531-9.

Misconduct by Parents, Spectators, and Fans

If team officials fail to control the sidelines—especially after a referee’s instruction—the coach will receive a mandatory 3-game suspension. CJSL reserves the right to apply additional sanctions, including forfeits or point deductions.

Verbal Abuse Penalties (Per Incident)
Offense Adult Referee Minor Referee
1st Offense $250 $750
2nd Offense $500 $1,500
3rd Offense Referred to ENYYSA
Physical Abuse Penalties
Target Fine Reporting
Adult Referee $500 All incidents reported to ENYYSA
Minor Referee $1,500

Definition of Gross Mistreatment (USSF)

Gross mistreatment includes serious non-contact behavior causing harm to referees. Examples include:

  • Discrimination (race, gender, religion, etc.)

  • Harassment, taunting, or threats

  • Cyberbullying or doxing

  • Undermining a referee’s integrity or authority

  • Aggressive conduct before or after games

Non-Appearance of Referee


Referee No-Show Policy

For U7–U14 Matches:

  • If the assigned referee does not show, the coaches or managers must mutually agree on a substitute referee.

  • This person does not need to be a certified referee (can be a coach, parent, or responsible adult).

  • If no agreement can be reached, a coin toss may be used to select the referee.

  • The agreed-upon individual must officiate the entire game.

    • Splitting halves between teams is strongly discouraged.

  • Matches played under these conditions are considered official.

  • Scheduled games may not be downgraded to friendlies.

  • After the match:

    • Winning team must report the score.

    • If tied, both teams must report the score.

  • If the teams fail to agree on a referee:

    • Both teams will be fined $50.00.

    • The match will be rescheduled, unless it is proven that one team refused to play.

For U15–U19 Matches:

  • Games may be officiated by a 1-, 2-, or 3-person crew.

  • If no referee is present, the game must be rescheduled according to the Game Change Policy.

  • No reschedule fee will be charged if the match is postponed due to a referee no-show.

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