They maintain safe play, witness and document events, and organize the flow of games. Referees are expected to take their assignments seriously.
Referees are considered Independent Contractors and perform services for the Dublin Soccer League (DSL) in return for compensation. They are responsible for reporting any earned income to the appropriate taxing authorities. The Dublin Soccer League is not responsible for personal liability insurance or Worker’s Compensation coverage for independent contractors.
Spring 2024 season dates:
– April 6th through May 18th –
MSSA season begins April 3rd & 4th
MSSA tournament dates: May 11th & 18th/19th
HSSA starts April 7th, ends May 19th
Fall 2024 season: August 24th through October 26th
To referee in the DSL, please submit an availability form as well as an IRS W-9 form (one time) (Pre-printed forms for returning referees are mailed around Feb. 15th & July 9th)
For Age Group Rules in PDF format, Click Here.
Ball size 3
Total Players 5
Minimum # 3
Referees N/A
8 min. quarters
2 min. between
5 min. halftime
41 mins. total time
Only indirect kicks
Kick in, no throw-in
No off-side calls
Explain calls/rules
Sub at quarters
Coaches act as referees – explain calls and rules to players
No deliberate headers
Ball size 3
Total players 6
Minimum # 4
Referees 1
10 minute quarters
2 mins. between
5 minute halftime
49 mins. total time
Only indirect kicks
No off-side calls
Explain calls/rules
Kick in, no throw in
Sub at quarters
Ball size 4
Total players 6
Minimum # 4
Referees 1
10 minute quarters
2 mins. between
5 minute halftime
49 mins. total time
No penalty kicks
Explain calls/rules
Sub at usual times
Enforce off-side rule
No deliberate headers
Goal kicks taken anywhere in penalty area
Ball size 4
Total players 7
Minimum # 4
Referees 2
25 minute halves
5 minute halftime
55 mins. total time
Explain calls/rules
Sub at usual times
Enforce off-side rule
No deliberate headers
All USSF rules apply
Ball size 4
Total players 9
Minimum # 5
Referees 2
25 minute halves
5 minute halftime
55 mins. total time
Explain calls/rules
Sub at usual times
Enforce off-side rule
No deliberate headers
All USSF rules apply
Ball size 5
Total players 11
Minimum # 7
Referees 2
30 minute halves
5 minute halftime
65 mins. total time
Explain calls/rules
Sub at usual times
All USSF rules apply
No U11 players permitted
Mercy Rule applies