The Nevada Referee Mentor Program!
1. Protect
1. Protect
1. Protect
Effective ways to Eliminate Referee Abuse and proper reporting guidelines set by US Soccer and the Nevada SRC.
2. Grow
1. Protect
1. Protect
Uniformity and On-Field Positive Instruction will play a key role in the Growth of the Nevada Referee Program as a whole.
3. Retain
1. Protect
3. Retain
Recruit and Retain match officials by supporting all Referees in Nevada.
If we continue to Protect and Grow Referees, this part will take care of itself!
Points of Emphasis
Crew: Arrival Time
Crew: Field Inspection
Crew: Field Inspection
Arriving a minimum 45-60 minutes prior to the match is crucial to begin your Pre-Match Duties.
Crew: Field Inspection
Crew: Field Inspection
Crew: Field Inspection
Perform this First Thing! If something needs fixed, bring it up RIGHT AWAY to have it corrected way before kick off.
Re-Inspect any change requests before kick-off.
The walk out and goal check should be for optics, not to follow-up on requests from 1 hour ago.
Crew: Pre-Game
Crew: Field Inspection
Center: Positioning & Fitness
Get on the same page with your Crew as soon as possible. Talk about your expectations and keep it an open conversation so your teammates can give you input as well.
Center leads pre-game, everyone gives input.
Center: Positioning & Fitness
Center: Positioning & Fitness
Center: Positioning & Fitness
Fitness does not just mean the first 15 minutes, this means being close to play with an angle of view between players during the entire match.
Angle x Proximity = Success
Anticipate: What is the NEXT phase of play.
Where are the KMI/CMI Decisions
Center: Laws of Game
Center: Positioning & Fitness
Center: Kick-Off On Time
Laws of the Game must be Properly followed and Interpreted within the Spirit of the Game.
Correct restarts, foul and misconduct recognition, with proper documentation.
Where are the "Hot Areas" on the field?
Center: Kick-Off On Time
Center: Positioning & Fitness
Center: Kick-Off On Time
Showing up 45 min minimum prior to kick and Starting on Time is key to successful preparation and keeping the standards HIGH within the Nevada Referee Program.
AR: Positioning & Fitness
AR: Positioning & Fitness
AR: Positioning & Fitness
To gain TRUST with the Center Referee, the players, the coach, and the parents, you must remain in-line with the Second to Last Defender at ALL times.
(Watch ball, count to 3, look for last defender)
AR: Delayed Flag
AR: Positioning & Fitness
AR: Positioning & Fitness
Nobody wins the FAST FLAG game; the players stop and the crew is under fire.
Delaying flag for foul w/ potential advantage or infraction of Offside...NEVER a Fast Flag!
Wait for: Interference with play, opponent or gain an advantage from offside position.
AR: Signaling
AR: Positioning & Fitness
AR: Signaling
For Goal Kicks and Corner Kicks, you must run to the Goal Line, keeping your eyes and focus on the field at all times, THEN signaling.
Wait at 6yd box until ball is placed for Goal Kick, then run to the Last Defender.
Other Areas to Consider to Set yourself apart:
Arrival Attire
Roster Check-In
Roster Check-In
Arriving in Professional Attire within reason.
This is your First-Impression with teams/ clubs you are about to officiate.
You only get ONE First-Impression
Roster Check-In
Roster Check-In
Roster Check-In
As a crew, ensure players are properly equipped without jewelry, the roster contains updated jersey numbers, ensure bench personnel are rostered.
Confirm Jersey colors without conflicting colors.
Ball Inspection
Roster Check-In
Ball Inspection
Ensure you have match balls filled to proper PSI.
Usually between 11-13 PSI
A pump and a gauge is a must for your Ref Bag.
Warm-Up
Organize Technical Area
Ball Inspection
Get a good warm-up in together by looking uniform and professional while giving that good First-Impression to the teams that your teamwork has already began as a crew.
Organize Technical Area
Organize Technical Area
Organize Technical Area
Just before Kick-Off, Set the Standard:
-Wish the Coach and Team Good Luck
-Non-Match balls Bagged up
-Pennies on Subs
Signaling & Teamwork
Organize Technical Area
Organize Technical Area
-Wait for teammates to get to goal line, signal together
-Go up together for throw-ins
-Eye contact and subtle signals
-Writing: Trail AR - Lead AR - Center
Assisting vs Insisting
Assisting vs Insisting
Assisting vs Insisting
As an Assistant Referee, you want to do just that, assist the Referee. If you have made eye contact with the referee and believe that you are the only one that can see the contact in your area, assist the referee.
If the referee has a clear view, do not insist.
Personality
Assisting vs Insisting
Assisting vs Insisting
Use your personality to your advantage. -Be fun when you can be fun
-Be serious when the game needs it
-The game is bigger than Us
-SMILE
Whistle-Tone
Assisting vs Insisting
Whistle-Tone
Soft Foul = Soft Whistle
Hard Foul = Hard Whistle
(Make it Match)
Restart Whistle should never be harder than the foul whistle.
Confidence
Manage the Restart
Whistle-Tone
Teams and players pick up on nerves and timid signals.
Strong, straight arm signals, and be confident.
Manage the Restart
Manage the Restart
Manage the Restart
Quick Restarts: Stay out of the way to allow match to develop & focus on the Drop Zone/ block of players.
Ceremonial Restarts: Ensure ball is kicked after whistle, (don't turn your back on ball) Set wall while watching block of players jockeying for position.
Post Match Report
Manage the Restart
Manage the Restart
Complete your Match Report thoroughly and accurately. Confirm with entire crew before you submit it, including Coaches signatures.
Supplemental Reports submitted as needed.
referee mentors
Be a part of the Solution!
Meetings & Training with the SDOI, will be requested before getting on the Field.
Opportunities at Leagues and Tournaments will be available upon request.
For tournaments, be on the lookout for opportunities as a Referee Mentor and give productive and positive feedback while supporting the growth of all match officials!
Referee Mentors are expected to work with the Assignors and the SRC before arriving to different leagues, tournaments and events.
*Assignors, please reach out to the Nevada Valid Members List for a roster of all qualified Referee Mentors in Good Standing*
Steps to becoming a new referee Mentor
STEP 1: Log In to US Soccer Learning Center
Go to the US Soccer Learning Center and complete the "2026 First-Time Referee Mentor" course under Host: Nevada State Referee Committee.
STEP 2: Complete a Background Check (18+)
A background check will need to be completed through the US Soccer Learning Center for all referees over the age of 18.
STEP 3: Complete SAFESPORT Training (18+)
SAFESPORT training can be found and completed through the US Soccer Learning Center. This is also a requirement for anyone over the age of 18.
STEP 4: Register below for the Upcoming In-Person Courses
Attend a New Mentor Course once completed.
Nevada Referee Program - Mentors Meetings
Last Thursday of Month
Nevada Referee Program - Mentors Meeting
Event Details
Last Thursday of Month
Nevada Referee Program - Mentors Meeting
Location: Zoom Link - Mentors
Time: 7:45pm - 9:00pm
This Education is offered for Nevada Referee Mentors Only
April 30th
May 28th
June 25th
July 3...
Copyright © 2026 Nevada Soccer Referee Association - All Rights Reserved.