If a referee shows up with no equipment bag, I have to wonder how well prepared he/she really is.  I know that many refs, especially experienced ones who have to assist (run a line), know that they really don't need much, and in their experience, they seldom if ever have had to produce something other than themselves.   But, what if ....?

It's my opinion that anyone assigned to a match, whether it is the middle or assistant, should arrive at the field and be fully ready to take charge of the match.  This means with whistle, cards, flags, etc.  For this reason, I always bring my full bag, no matter what the occasion.  Here's what I carry to each and every game in which I participate:

Referee equipment:  whistle & spare, watch & spare, cards, linesman flags, notebook, flip coin, pens/pencils.

Uniform:  besides the one in which I am fully dressed with current registration badge, alternate jersey  (sleeves seasonal), extra socks, black hat, gloves.

Other stuff:  sun blocker, insect repellent, glasses cleaner, umbrella, first-aid booklet, law book, towel, water bottle full of something, a practice pinnie (in case there is a need to differentiate a goalkeeper's shirt), eyeglass strap, ball pump, and often a pair of shinguards (in case of player shortfall).

Most days, I don't need all of this equipment, but on some occasions I have needed them all.  It becomes especially important when you travel to a tournament away from home and expect to do four or more matches.  It goes back to the old saying:  "Better to have and not need, than to need and not have."  Players, coaches, spectators, and fellow refs are impressed when you can say, "Yeah, I have one of those," or "Here, borrow this one, it's an extra."  It tells everyone that you take your position seriously and you are giving nothing less than your best, no matter what the competition.  Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression.  What's in your bag?

-Phil Houk

CJSA Definitions of Referee Assault

"Whenever it is alleged that any player, coach, manager, club official, or game official has assaulted a referee or official assistant referee, which assault shall amount to physical violence, the State Disciplinary Board shall have original and sole jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter".

a.  Referee Assault.  Referee assault is an intentional act of physical violence at or upon a referee. 

b.  Physical Violence/Personal Attack.  Assault includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee:   hitting, kicking, punching, choking, spitting at or on, grabbing or bodily running into a referee; the act of kicking or throwing any object at a referee that could inflict injury; damaging the referee's uniform or personal property, e.g., car, equipment, etc.

CJSA Definitions of Referee Abuse

a.  Referee Abuse.  Referee abuse is a verbal statement or physical act which implies or threatens physical harm to a referee or the referee's property or equipment.

b.  Foul Language/Verbal Threats.  Abuse includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee:  using foul or abusive language toward a referee; spewing any beverage on a referee's personal property; or verbally threatening a referee.

c.  Verbal Threats.  Verbal threats are remarks that carry the implied or direct threat of physical harm.  Such remarks as "I'll get you after the game" or "You won't get out of here in one piece," shall be deemed referee abuse.

If you find yourself the victim of one of the above, take it seriously.   Write it up, get witnesses names and addresses, and report it within 24 hours to your DRA or District Vice President if the DRA is unavailable.  Let's all help put a stop to bad behavior in Youth Soccer.