Referees are vital to the sport

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.

For Avery Park assignments, check-in early with the Site Coordinator at the Avery Park headquarters (HQ)/Referee Room on the South side of the South concession stand thereby letting us know your assignment is covered.
If you are unable to make a game, you should attempt to find an appropriate substitute (that would be someone with at least as much experience as you and of at least the same age). Please notify the DSL office with the name of your substitute. The DSL tracks referees missing games.
Dressing appropriately encourages players, coaches, and parents to treat you with respect on the field. Your uniform should include a referee shirt, black socks (pulled up), black shorts, black shoes, whistle, cards, watch (preferably with countdown timer) and pencil or pen.

Info & Forms

Spring 2025 season dates:
– April 5th through May 17th –
MSSA season begins April 2nd & 3rd
MSSA tournament dates: May 10th & 17th/18th
HSSA starts March 30th, ends May 18th

Fall 2025 season: August 23rd to October 25th

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 15th)

Age Group Rules

For Age Group Rules in PDF format, Click Here.

U6

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

U7

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

U8

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

U9/10

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

U11/12

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

U13-U15

(MSSA)

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

Additional Rules that apply to all DSL games:

All age groups switch ends of the field after halftime.
No deliberate headers by players U12 and under in the DSL
If game is stopped for injury, and the player is replaced, the DSL (except MSSA/HSSA) allows all subs at the halfway mark to substitute from either team.
If a player for the opposing team is at the mid-field flag waiting to be a substitute when the team that is awarded a throw-in has a substitute to enter the game, the substitute for the opposing team may also enter the game. If the team that has been awarded a throw-in does not have a substitute, then neither team may substitute a player.