The Frederick County Youth Soccer League ("FCYSL") and the TJAY Soccer Club uses the Western Maryland Soccer Officials Association ("WMSOA") to supply referees for all of the FCYSL games played throughout the year. 

While TJAY  expects all participants to be courteous and civil with referees before, during and after the match, we understand that not every call is the correct call. Therefore, TJAY wants to make sure all participants are educated on the intricacies of refereeing, and how to properly deal with any frustration they may have. 

It is important to note: Abuse of the referee will NOT be tolerated before, during or after a game.

Step 1: The referee called a poor game, what do I do? 

Be supportive of him/her.  These referees love the sport of soccer and give their time and energy to officiate over these contests.  All WMSOA referees are certified and required to take (at the least) a 14 hour course and pass an exam and are required to be re-certified each year.   

Step 2: But what about this particularly terrible call? 

Are you sure it was a bad call?  Familiarize yourself with the FIFA Rules of the Game.  Often times the ruling is just misunderstood because many calls are judgmental.  The laws of the game, in spirit, are meant to allow the game to flow, so delayed calls and advantage may raise the ire of fans, coaches and players, but are actually the correct ruling.  

Step 3: The call was actually incorrect. What recourse do I have? 

Just as a player or coach never have a perfect game, neither does a referee.   Bad calls are part of the game and occur at every level of sports.  Once a referee has made a final decision and the game is over there is very little that can be done.  If you have some serious complaints you would like to share you can ask your team's coach who provides a game report, including referee performance to the league after each game.  This information IS forwarded to WMSOA, and if determined to be an training issue, they will instruct their referee. 

Step 4: Isn’t there something MORE I can do? 

We are glad you asked!  To become a certified referee and improve the game yourself, go to Maryland Soccer Referees Website and register to become a certified referee.