Referee Information
Information for OSA officials assigned to SAAC games
Refer to our Game Day Manual for details
SAAC competitions are centred on the objective that the game must maximize development opportunities to all players involved. All decisions made before, during and after games are with this in mind.
Referees play an important role as along with enforcing the Laws of the Game, they are vital to setting the tone of a match, and have a significant influence over the competition environment that our players are exposed to.
SAAC has published the following information in order to ease the transition of officials into our competition environment.
Overview
All SAAC participants are bound by our Code of Conduct. As well, are SAAC Members are responsible for the behaviour of their parents, players and staff during SAAC events. Match officials are encouraged to report any breaches of the Code to a SAAC representative or to the team coaches at the field. SAAC does not expect Match Officials to have to deal with any issues beyond the scope of the field of play.
Scheduling
All SAAC game assignments are handled by the OSA and/or hosting Districts. All games requiring officials will maintained in the Ref Centre.
SAAC will endeavour to provide schedules to assignors with as much lead time as possible. Please note that the schedule at www.academysoccer.ca is always the latest, so we strongly recommend you verify your assignments against the published schedule prior to your games.
Game Sheets
We ask that Match Officials arrive at the field at least 20 minutes prior to their first assigned game. Officials should collect two copies of the game sheet from each team.
SAAC expects all Game Sheets to be filled out completely and accurately.
All SAAC games will have a SAAC representative onsite that will collect completed games sheets and distribute match fees at the conclusion of each game.
Discipline
Match Officials are required to fill out Discipline forms per OSA policies for any and all Cautions and Ejections. All Discipline must be noted on the Game Sheets that are submitted at the conclusion of the match.
Officials may choose to fill out and submit Dismissal forms at the field, or they can fill them out later and mail them to the address noted on the Game Sheet within 48 hours.
Game Format
SAAC using the following game formats for the 2017 season:
| Competition | On Field | Format | Time between kickoffs |
| Micro Soccer (Under 8) | 4 v 4 (no gks) | 1 x 20 min period | 30m |
| Mini Soccer (Under 9/10) | 7 v 7 | 3 x 20 min periods* | 1h 15m/1 h30m |
| Junior Soccer (Under 11/12/13) | 9 v 9 | 3 x 24 min periods* | 1h 30m |
| Senior Soccer (U14+) | 11 v 11 |
2 x 40 min halves (U14)* |
1h 45min |
* 5-minute break is to be observed between all periods/halves
Referee Fees
| Competition | Fees |
| Micro Soccer (Under 8) | N/A - Game Leaders in Use |
| Mini Soccer (Under 9/10) | $30 |
| Junior Soccer (Under 11/12) | $35 / $25 / $25 |
| Junior Soccer (U13) | $40 / $25 / $25 |
| U14-U15 | $50 / $35 / $35 |
| U16 | $55 / $40/ $40 |
| U20M | $65 / $45/ $45 |
Rule Modifications for Small-Sided Games
Refer to our Game Day Manual for details
Micro Soccer (4v4)
- Games shall employ a size 3 ball.
- Players are not permitted within the goal crease area
- Goals must be scored from within the opponent’s half
- Unlimited substitutions will be allowed
- The Offside Rule will not be enforced
- All free kicks are indirect
- Kick-ins will be used in place of throw-ins
- For all restarts, opponents must be at least 4.5m (5 yards) from the ball
- A retreat line will be activated on Goal Kicks
- After a goal is scored, play will resume as with a goal kick
- When the ball goes into touch, play can be restarted from the touchline via either a kick-in or dribble.
Mini Soccer (7v7)
- Mini Soccer games shall employ a size 4 ball.
- Unlimited substitutions will be allowed
- The Offside Rule will not be enforced
- All free kicks are direct
- Indirect Kick-ins will be used in place of throw-ins
- For all restarts, opponents must be at least 4.5m (5 yards) from the ball
- A retreat line will be activated on Goal Kicks and when the goalkeeper is in possession
Junior Soccer (8v8) / (9v9)
- Junior Soccer games shall employ a size 4 ball.
- Unlimited substitutions will be allowed
- The Offside Rule will be enforced
