CASRA officials are expected to demonstrate excellence in conduct and ability at each match in which they participate or observe. This covers the time from arrival until departure from the field. In preparation for officiating, you must devote time, thought, and study to the Laws of the Game and mechanics of refereeing.

As CASCapital Area Soccer Referees Association, Inc. (CASRA) is an organization of USSF-certified and MPSSAA-registered referees serving the officiating needs of soccer leagues, tournaments and public and private high schools principally in the counties of Montgomery, Prince Georges, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's Counties. CASRA's purpose is to provide officials who are trained, independent, impartial, and responsible.RA official, you are expected to follow this Code of Conduct. You will be subject to the Disciplinary Procedures of CASRA set forth below.

Assignments

Accept or reject assignments upon receipt. If you are unable to work a match that you have accepted, contact your CASRA Assignor personally immediately - no later than 72 hours before the match time, except in cases of critical illness or acute emergency.

Officiate the game as assigned to you. Do not switch assignments at the field unless necessary. Report any switch or no show by another official to your CASRA Assignor.

Failure to show may result in a fine equal to the game fee. The Rules & Discipline Committee will give written notice of the fine. The official may submit a written excuse to the Rules & Discipline Committee, postmarked within seven (7) days of notification. If the excuse is accepted, the fine will be rescinded.

Officials who cancel one assignment in order to work another may be fined by the Rules & Discipline Committee the higher game fee, except in the case of State Cup or ODP or other USSF mandated assignments.

Match

Arrive on time. Lateness is subject to review/action by the Rules & Discipline Committee. Report to the field ready to officiate at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the match. You must arrive early enough to conduct pre-game activities (field check, pre game conference, etc).

Wear the proper uniform at all times: a USSF-approved yellow, black, red, blue, or green shirt trimmed in white or black (short or long sleeves depending on weather); black shorts; approved black socks; black shoes (may have white manufacturer's logo); and the proper badge for the match (USSF patch for league, tournament, State Cup and other USSF-sanctioned games; MPSSAA patch for public high school games; CASRA patch for private high school and other games not USSF-sanctioned, e.g., some rec leagues).

 In severe weather, you may wear a black jacket with the proper badge (or a clear rain jacket). Officials working several games in very hot weather may wear a black cap (without logos). All officials working a match are expected to wear the same style uniform. As a center referee, you must have available the alternate USSF-approved uniforms to avoid color conflicts with the teams.

You should also make certain to have with you back-up tools of the trade: whistles, cards, watches, pump and pressure guage.

Conduct at the Field Before, During and After the Game

Refrain, while you are a player, spectator, or coach at a game, from using loud, abusive, or destructive language in critiquing other officials, especially if in uniform. Such criticism is even serious and damaging. Any such incident is subject to review/action by the Rules & Discipline Committee, which may levy a suspension and/or fine.

Refrain from using tobacco products during assignments.

Refrain from using alcohol or drugs at any time during an assignment. Failure to comply may result in immediate suspension and review/action by the Rules & Discipline Committee, which may levy a fine and/or recommend other disciplinary action.

Refrain from drinking alcohol while in uniform anywhere.

Refrain from using foul or abusive language during a match - no matter what the provocation.

Reporting on Games

Mail the official game card or submit it electronically, no later than one business day after the game, if you are the center referee (or the senior referee in a dual official match). All officials should sign the official game card, if provided. Failure to sign or send the card to the proper person may result in the loss of the game fee in accordance with CASRA's contracts.

Call your CASRA Assignor the day of the game, or submit an electronic red card report, to report sending off players or coaches, cautioning a coach, injuries, spectator problems or any other serious incident (especially against officials). You also must report the player's or coach's name, team, number, and offense within 24 hours of the game to the proper person (e.g., NCSL Administrator) and the State on the USSF report form. Failure to follow these procedures may result in a fine by the Rules & Discipline Committee.

If (i) as an official, you are involved in a verbal or physical altercation with another official or a coach, or (ii) as a player or coach, you are sent off during any game, or if you have been arrested or convicted for a crime involving fraud, theft, drugs, a felony or sexual misconduct, you must submit a written report of the incident within seven (7) days to the Rules & Discipline Committee addressed to its Chairman. Pending action in accordance with the procedures of the Rules & Discipline Committee, the Chairman may restrict your assignments. Any of these incidents or criminal behavior may result in your termination from membership in CASRA and eligibility for assignments, as determined by the Rules & Discipline Committee in accordance with its procedures.

General

You should consider the spirit of the law in cases where doubts or questions about interpretation of these guidelines exist.

You should always strive to do your best on the field and to improve your skills.

You should act and think like professionals. Behavior and conduct influence public opinion about officials and the officiating profession.

• That I shall always maintain the utmost respect for the game of soccer.

• That I will conduct myself honorably at all times and maintain the dignity of my position.

• That I shall always honor a contractual obligation.

• That I will endeavor to attend local meetings and clinics so as best to know the Laws of the Game and their proper interpretations.

• That I will always strive to achieve maximum teamwork with my fellow referees.

• That I shall be loyal to my fellow referees, and never knowingly promote criticism of them.

• That I shall be in good physical condition so as to be in the right place at the right time.

• That I will control the players effectively by being courteous and considerate without sacrificing firmness.

• That I shall do my utmost to assist my fellow officials to better themselves and their work.

• That I shall not make statements about any game except to clarify an interpretation of the Laws of the Game.

• That I consider it a privilege to be a part of the United States Soccer Federation and I will strive to make my actions reflect credit upon that organization and its affiliates.

The CASRA Rules & Discipline Committee consists of at least three members, one of whom should be an instructor or assessor, no more than one of whom may be a member of the Board of CASRA.

The Committee shall meet whenever necessary and may meet by telephone conference call, except in cases of serious disciplinary action.

The Committee has the following disciplinary powers:

1. To level fines, including without limitation the following:

2. To require additional training to continue as a CASRA official.

3. To suspend or remove an official from membership in CASRA (and therefore eligibility to be assigned games by CASRA).

4. To report disciplinary actions to the State Referee Administrator for Maryland, the appropriate MPSSAA administrator, or those from other states.

Procedures

If you have been involved in an altercation or other incident leading to a referral to the Committee, you must give specific permission for the Committee to make inquiries to the individuals, teams or league, tournament or school as needed concerning the incident. Based on the severity of the alleged incident, CASRA reserves the right to limit your matches until the Rules & Discipline Committee has completed its review of the incident and determines whether further sanction is appropriate.

You will be given an opportunity to have a hearing in person before the Committee. A hearing in person should be held within a reasonable time of the referral having been received by the Committee.

The Committee will act upon the written report (and hearing, if held) and respond within 14 days time.

You have the right to appeal any disciplinary action of the Committee against you to the Board of Directors of CASRA by filing a written appeal with the Board within 14 days of the action. You may request an appearance in person for any action other than a fine of $25 or less. The Board has the authority to approve, suspend, modify or revoke any such action.

 

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