Question Number: 30615

League Specific 7/17/2016

RE: Rec Under 11

John of FT Wayne, Indiana USA asks...

I currently referee in a league that is sanctioned by US club soccer and they do not use USSF referees or follow the new heading rule. My questions are can I where my USSF referee badge here? and is this league legal by not having USSF referees?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
I recommend that referees wear their current official badge at all times when officiating and that there is no problem wearing your current USSF badge here. .
The only comment I would make about Leagues that while sanctioned who do not follow directives or rules are doing a dis-service to the game. That can cause problems in respect of injuries, insurance cover etc and I strongly advise you to check with a USSF assignor in your area as to the position here as to its status and as to why the heading rule us not being followed. It may be a timing issue as to implementing it.
As a final point the games that you officiate are your responsibility. My esteemed colleagues Referee Dawson has a phrase. *Your Match! Your Decision! Your Reputation!* I would add Your Responsibility here and I would be ensuring that any game I was involved in was played according to my associations directives etc.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

US Club Soccer is affiliated with USSF, but as I recall, not with USYS. From their website:

'What are US Club Soccer's rights as a member of the U.S. Soccer Federation?
As a National Association member of U.S. Soccer, US Club Soccer registers players and staff, provides insurance coverage, provides and sanctions competitions and events as well as a variety of other programming for its members.'

So wear the USSF badge while you ref. All the other referees are supposed to be registered with USSF as well. But sometimes at lower ages, leagues will make up their own policies, including electing to not require USSF referee registration.