REFEREES

CJSL Referee Match Day Guide, Standards of Play & FAQ

This page provides referees with guidance on match day responsibilities, reporting requirements, payment procedures, safety standards, age-group-specific standards of play, and CJSL policies. Referees are expected to follow league procedures consistently and report all issues clearly and objectively. League decisions are based solely on the official referee report and any required supplemental documentation.

Referee Resources & League Contacts

Important Referee Resources

Use the links below for official CJSL referee reporting, supplemental documentation, fee information, and match day policy references.

CJSL Referee Game Report USSF Referee Supplemental Report CJSL Referee Fees Zero Tolerance Policy CJSL Heading Policy CJSL Game Guidelines CJSL 4v4

CJSL Contact Information

For league administration, match day issues, assignments, scheduling questions, or reporting clarification, please contact the appropriate CJSL representative below.

Referees should always contact their assignor first regarding assignments, availability, and schedule-related questions. For serious match incidents, reporting clarification, or league matters, referees may also contact CJSL directly using the information above.

Match Day Questions & Procedures

Referee Quick Reference – Match Day Responsibilities
Before Kickoff • Arrive early and inspect the field
• Verify goals are properly anchored
• Collect team rosters and check in players and coaches
• Inspect player equipment, including shin guards
• Confirm only players and coaches listed on the roster are on the bench
• Any coach not listed on the roster must not be allowed on the bench
• If a team has no adult whose name and picture appear on the roster, the match does not take place
• Collect the game fee only if the match is played
• Confirm teams and spectators are on opposite sides of the field
• Confirm AED location and accessibility

If a Team Is Missing or Non-Compliant • CJSL has no official grace period
• Referees may wait only if both teams agree and time allows
• Any delay, no-show, roster issue, or no-adult issue must be documented in the referee report

During the Match • Enforce the Laws of the Game and CJSL standards
• Manage behavior in line with Zero Tolerance expectations
• Address misconduct promptly and professionally

After the Match • Submit referee report within 24 hours
• Submit supplemental report when required
• Contact your assignor if any issues occurred

Important Reminder All league decisions are based solely on what is documented in the official referee report.
Referee Fees & Payment Guidance
Referees for Travel U8-U19 are paid for matches that are properly played in accordance with CJSL rules - on the field. For 4v4 Developmental Events - CJSL will pay referees directly after the event, via zelle on the next bussiness day after the assignor submits details to CJSL.

Official CJSL Referee Fee Schedule:
https://www.cjslsoccer.com/referee-fees

Do NOT collect referee fees if: • A team does not show up
• The match does not take place for any reason
• The match is abandoned before kickoff

Do not collect fees in no-play situations.
CJSL will reimburse all referees their full fee.

Any fee disputes should be referred to the league. Referees should not engage in payment discussions on the sideline.
How and when do I submit a referee report?
All referee reports must be submitted within 24 hours of the scheduled match time. Only submit a report if there were issues at the game, including no-shows, misconduct by coaches, players, spectators, or bench personnel, or if yellow or red cards were issued.

CJSL Referee Game Report – Click Here
When is a supplemental report required?
A supplemental report is required for any red card, send-off, referee abuse, serious injury, parent misconduct, or incident requiring additional explanation.

USSF Referee Supplemental Report
What should I do if a team does not show up?
CJSL does not have an official grace period.

Referees may agree to wait only if the team present agrees and the referee crew has time to wait.

Do not collect any referee fees.
CJSL will reimburse all referees their full fee.

Please notify your assignor and clearly document the situation in your referee report, including which team(s) were present, arrival times, and any communication received.
What if a match does not take place?
Any match that does not take place for any reason, including no roster, insufficient players, unsafe field conditions, weather, or administrative issues, must be reported.

Do not collect any referee fees.
CJSL will reimburse all referees their full fee.

Please notify your assignor as soon as possible and clearly note the reason the match did not take place in your referee report.

All reports must be submitted within 24 hours of the scheduled match time.
AED Requirements & Match Day Safety
CJSL requires AED availability for all matches.

Prior to kickoff, referees must confirm:
• An AED is present on-site
• The AED location is known to both teams
• Access to the AED is not locked or restricted

If an AED is not present or cannot be confirmed, the match must not begin and the issue must be documented in the referee report.
What if teams do not have printed rosters?
CJSL requires physical printed rosters. Digital rosters are not permitted.

If a team cannot provide a physical roster, the match may not be played. This must be documented clearly in your referee report.
How should I handle misconduct from coaches, players, or parents?
Referees are expected to enforce the Laws of the Game and CJSL’s Zero Tolerance standards.

All misconduct must be reported accurately and objectively in the referee report. Referees should not engage in arguments and should remove individuals when necessary for match control.
What is the Zero Tolerance Policy?
CJSL enforces a strict Zero Tolerance Policy for misconduct directed toward referees, in alignment with U.S. Soccer Policy 531-9.

Any verbal abuse, physical abuse, dissent, intimidation, or threatening behavior toward referees by players, coaches, parents, or spectators must be documented and reported.

Official CJSL Zero Tolerance Policy:
https://www.cjslsoccer.com/zero-tolerance-policy-on-misconduct-towards-referees

All incidents are taken seriously regardless of perceived severity. League disciplinary decisions are based solely on the official referee report and any required supplemental documentation.
What if a field or goal is unsafe?
Referees are responsible for inspecting the field prior to kickoff.

If goals are not properly anchored, field conditions are unsafe, or hazards are present, the match must not be played. These conditions must be documented in the referee report.
What should I do in case of severe weather or lightning?
Referees must follow standard weather and lightning safety protocols. Player and official safety always comes first.

If a match is delayed, suspended, or abandoned due to weather, the details must be clearly recorded in the referee report.
Heading Policy – Age-Based Match Day Enforcement
Players Aged 11 and Under • Heading is NOT permitted in matches or training
• Deliberate heading results in an indirect free kick

Players Aged 12 and Older • Heading is permitted in matches

Official CJSL Heading Policy:
https://www.cjslsoccer.com/heading
Who should I contact if I have questions or issues?
Referees should always contact their assignor first regarding assignments, scheduling issues, or match-related concerns.

For league-related matters, reporting clarification, or serious incidents, referees may also contact CJSL directly:

CJSL Executive Director: Ron Restrepo — 718-578-8330 — RonR@cjslsoccer.com
CJSL League Director: Dimitrie Draguca — 646-373-5443 — DimitrieD@cjslsoccer.com
CJSL Games Director: David Gordon — 954-829-2544 — DavidG@cjslsoccer.com
League Assignor: Andrew Ashmall-Liversidge — andrew@cjslsoccer.com
CJSL Office: office@cjslsoccer.com

All administrative decisions are made by the league based solely on the official referee report and any required supplemental documentation.

Standards of Play by Age Group

4v4 Standards of Play – U7 & U8

CJSL 4v4 is a development-based format for the youngest age groups. Referees should keep the environment safe, simple, and instructional while still applying the match rules consistently.

Age Group Format Ball Min to Play Match Length Goal Size Field Size Heading Build Out
U7–U8 4v4 3 — 20 minutes 4x6 Bownet style goal 40 x 20 No No
Referee Notes for 4v4: Heading is not permitted. Deliberate heading by an age-eligible player who is not allowed to head should result in an indirect free kick. CJSL also emphasizes a positive sideline environment in its U7/U8 4v4 program.

7v7 & 9v9 Standards of Play – U8 to U13

The chart below covers 7v7 and 9v9 age groups, including the CJSL U13 (9v9) division. This section also includes the key referee enforcement points for build-out lines and heading.

Age Group Format Roster (Max / Min) Ball Min to Play Match Length Goal Size Field Size Heading Build Out
U8–U9–U10 7v7 14 / 5 4 5 2 x 25 min 6x12 – 6x18 55–65 x 35–45 No Yes
U11 9v9 16 / 6 4 6 2 x 30 min 6x18 – 7x21 70–80 x 45–55 No No
U12 9v9 16 / 6 4 6 2 x 30 min 6x18 – 7x21 70–80 x 45–55 Yes No
U13 (9v9) 9v9 16 / 6 5 6 2 x 35 min 6x18 – 7x21 70–80 x 45–55 Yes No

Build-Out Line – Referee Enforcement (7v7 Only)

  • Applies in 7v7 play.
  • On a goal kick, defensive free kick inside the penalty area, or when the goalkeeper has the ball in hand, opponents must retreat behind the build-out line.
  • The goalkeeper may put the ball back into play by passing, rolling, or throwing it.
  • Punts and drop kicks are not allowed.
  • Opponents may cross the build-out line once the ball is in play.
  • The build-out line is also used for offside enforcement in 7v7.

Heading Policy – Referee Enforcement

  • Players aged 11 and under may not deliberately head the ball in matches.
  • If a U11-or-younger player deliberately heads the ball, award an indirect free kick to the opposing team from the spot of the infraction.
  • If the deliberate header occurs inside the penalty area, the indirect free kick is awarded outside the penalty area at the nearest point.
  • Players aged 12 and older may head the ball in matches.

Build-Out Line Diagram – 7v7

Build-Out Line
Build-Out Line
Halfway Line
Goalkeeper restart area
Offside starts at build-out line
Gold line = Build-Out Line

How Referees Should Apply It

On a goal kick, defensive free kick inside the penalty area, or when the goalkeeper has the ball in hand, the opposing team must move behind the build-out line.

  • The goalkeeper may restart with a pass, roll, or throw.
  • Punts and drop kicks are not allowed in 7v7.
  • Opponents may cross the build-out line once the ball is put into play.
  • The build-out line is also used as the offside line in 7v7 play.
Important: Under current CJSL standards, build-out applies to 7v7 age groups only. U11 9v9 does not use build-out, but U11 players still may not deliberately head the ball.

11v11 Standards of Play – U13 to U19

Full-sided 11v11 play begins in CJSL at U13 and continues through U19. Referees should apply standard match procedures together with CJSL-specific roster and safety requirements.

Age Group Format Roster (Max / Min) Ball Min to Play Match Length Goal Size Field Size Heading Build Out
U13 (11v11) 11v11 18 / 7 5 7 2 x 35 min 8x24 Regulation Field Yes No
U14 11v11 18 / 7 5 7 2 x 35 min 8x24 Regulation Field Yes No
U15–U16 11v11 18 / 7 5 7 2 x 40 min 8x24 Regulation Field Yes No
U17–U18–U19 11v11 18 / 7 5 7 2 x 45 min 8x24 Regulation Field Yes No
Referee Notes for 11v11: Heading is permitted. Build-out lines do not apply. Standard offside enforcement applies throughout the full field.

Reference Links

CJSL Position

Referees play a critical role in maintaining the standards of the league. Match day procedures, safety requirements, reporting timelines, standards of play, and conduct expectations must be followed consistently across all CJSL competitions. Clear, timely, and objective reporting is essential to fair league administration.

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