Game Assistance

Miniroos - Game Leader (aka Referee)

MiniRoos U8–U11 Referee (Game Leader)

Miniroos Referee

Simple rules to follow

Your whistle is your best friend
Use the right hand signals
Blow loudly
Engage players, explain any fouls
Start and end games and halves on time
Put yourself in the best position to see
Everyone makes mistakes! Learn from them
Be fair and objective
Have fun!
IF BEING ABUSED IN ANY WAY — STOP THE GAME & ASK THE GROUND MARSHAL TO MOVE PEOPLE AWAY

Miniroos U8–U11 Referee (Game Leader)

Game Leader responsibilities

In MiniRoos, there are no referees — only Game Leaders helping kids understand the rules and enjoy the game.

Create a positive & fun environment

Promote enjoyment, participation, and player development
Be enthusiastic, approachable, and encouraging

Facilitate game flow

Keep the game moving with minimal stoppages
Use instructions before using the whistle
Apply advantage where appropriate

Support learning & development

Help players understand the rules
Be patient and flexible with players learning the game

Ensure safety & fairness

Monitor for dangerous behaviour and involve coaches as needed
Enforce player number rules and distances
Conduct the game safely and fairly

Model respectful behaviour

Encourage sportsmanship from all participants
Focus on development, not just winning
Remain professional and substance-free

Assistant Ref aka Linesperson (U12+)

Assistant Referee (Linesperson) Guide

Volunteer Guide

Assistant Referee (Linesperson)

An Assistant Referee helps the main referee during matches. There are usually two — one from each team — and they're often parents or volunteers. Your support helps the game run smoothly and fairly.

Before the game

Introduce yourself to the referee.
Collect a flag (or vest) if one is provided.
Ask the referee how they'd like you to assist — some prefer to handle fouls themselves.

Your role during the game

Ball in and out of play — signal when the whole ball crosses the line.
Throw-ins, corners, and goal kicks — indicate which team should take the restart.
Offside calls — for U12 and above, assist with offsides if confident.
Substitutions — help the referee manage player changes.

Positioning

Cover one touchline — from the goal line to halfway.
The referee will tell you which side to take; switch ends at half-time.
Stay in line with the second-last defender to judge offsides.

Use of the flag

Keep the flag pointed down when moving.
When the ball goes out:
- Raise the flag at 45° in the direction of the throw-in.
- For goal kicks, point directly towards the goal area.
- For corners, point down at 45° towards the corner flag.
Maintain eye contact with the referee — they may overrule you, and that's fine.

Offside rule (U12+)

A player is offside when they are beyond the second-last defender at the moment the ball is played and are involved in the play.
Stay level with the last defender — the key is positioning, not reaction.
Adjust for movement between the pass and when you checked the line — this is where mistakes happen.

Not offside if…

Player is in their own half
Ball came from a throw-in, corner, or goal kick

When you spot offside…

Stop and raise flag straight up
Wait for referee to acknowledge
Point to where it occurred (near, middle, or far side)

Watch these:
What is the offside rule? → youtu.be/GePlbCsGniA
How hard is it to call? → youtu.be/_pGMRN5KN8M

Substitutions

When a coach requests a sub and the ball goes out of play, raise your flag horizontally above your head.
Once the referee approves, check the new player's equipment — no jewellery, shin guards on.
Ensure the incoming player waits until the other has fully left the field.

General tips

Always stay focused on the play, even when the ball is on the far side.
Stay calm, signal clearly, and remember — the referee's decision is final.
Enjoy being part of the match and supporting the kids!

Match Day Marshalls

Each game should have 1–2 marshals from the home team and 1 marshal from the away team. Marshals play a key role in keeping match day safe, welcoming, and running smoothly.

Pre-match safety and equipment checks

Arrive at least 15 minutes before kick-off and conduct safety inspections.
Ensure goal nets are secure, corner flags are stable, and the field is clear of hazards.

Visible presence and identification

Wear a clearly identifiable vest at all times.
Remain visible and actively monitor the field.
Politely ask parents and the public to stay off the pitch area.

Liaison with teams and officials

Serve as the primary contact for visiting teams and match officials.
Provide introductions and guidance about facilities.
Escort referees to and from the field.
Remind parents at home games to stay behind the fence for the whole match.

Enforcement of code of conduct

Address negative or disrespectful behaviour promptly.
Only Ground Marshals may approach referees regarding conduct issues.

Incident management and reporting

Seek help from committee members if needed.
Document and report significant incidents appropriately.

Fields

Upcoming

June 2026

Game Assistance

Miniroos - Game Leader (aka Referee)

Simple rules to follow

Game Leader responsibilities

Assistant Ref aka Linesperson (U12+)

Assistant Referee (Linesperson)

Match Day Marshalls

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