THE GAME NEEDS YOU!

Choose the new-referee, returning-referee or development route appropriate to you. Tennessee Soccer publishes the certified-referee process, course availability and registration instructions. For the Hawks Orange Badge route or local assignments, use “Become or recertify as a Non-USSF Game Official (usually under age 13)” to find the nearest course. Completing a statewide course does not automatically place you on the Hawks schedule.

Before traveling, check your accepted assignments in Assignr, including kickoff times, venues, field numbers and roles. Read the applicable age-group rules and any assignment notes. Bring your required uniform and equipment.

Sign in at concessions at least 15 minutes before kickoff using the referee check-in sheet. Confirm your assignments and any updates with the designated referee contact, then complete your pre-match checks and discussion with the other officials. Keep enough time between assignments to reach your next field ready to start.

After your games, ensure your score cards are fully complete and submit them in the score card dropbox in concessions. If you are delayed, cannot attend or are uncertain about an instruction, contact the assignor immediately.

Arrive prepared, apply the rules impartially and treat everyone with respect. Keep assignments and availability up to date. Tell the assignor about any conflict of interest, uncertainty over your role or issue that could affect an assignment IN ADVANCE. Protect private information and use the proper reporting channels. Ask for help when you need it; learning and accountability are part of refereeing.

Review the markings, referee signals and assistant-referee signals used for your assignment. Match your preparation to the game format and your role. Check the Hawks field map separately for the actual location and number of your pitch.

Use the IFAB Laws of the Game together with the competition rules adopted for your Hawks division. Youth formats may have specific requirements for game length, player numbers, substitutions, restarts and other aspects of play. Read the published Hawks Rule Book before the game and ask a member of the Soccer Committee, your referee Assignor or Referee Mentor if anything is unclear.

You can buy uniform and equipment from several sources including Official Sports International and local stores such as Soccer Village in Franklin.  Your kit should include the appropriate referee shirt with backup color(s) available and badge, shorts, socks, footwear, whistle, timing device, notebook and writing materials, spare score cards and flags for assistant-referee assignments. Bring water and suitable weather protection.

Prepare to move with play, maintain a useful view and communicate clearly with the other officials. Before kickoff, agree responsibilities and signals for the assigned crew. Use the training materials for your role and seek feedback through the Hawks referee team as you develop.

For U6 and above, record the score on the match score card and have each head coach verify it at the end of the match. Submit completed forms in the Score Card Dropbox at concessions when your matches for the day are finished. 

A head coach protesting a result must note the protest on the match card and submit it in writing to the Soccer Director within 24 hours. Referees should record the match facts accurately; the scorecard process does not replace any separately required incident report.

For misconduct or another reportable incident, record the game, time, location, people involved and the relevant actions or words. Alert the appropriate on-site official promptly when immediate action is needed. Submit sensitive details through the designated reporting route, not a public team chat.