AYSO Sample National Referee Exam Page 1

H SOCCER
UT O

RG
ERICAN Y

ANIZATION
AM
FO ®
UNDED 1964
AYSO National Referee “Pretest”
Name

Section/Area/Region / /

Instructions:
This sample test is intended to acquaint you with the kinds of questions you will
encounter on the AYSO National Referee Exam. It is not a substitute for the National
Referee Exam. Doing well in this exam does not guarantee that you will do well on the
National Referee Exam. The National Referee Exam has approximately 100 questions.

Answer all questions according to the current edition of the FIFA Laws of the Game and
AYSO National Rules and Regulations. Do not assume any other modifications to
the Laws unless explicitly directed. This means, for example, that questions about
the dimensions of the field are to be answered using the information in Law 1, not using
the dimensions employed in small-sided games.

Do not add or assume extra conditions that aren't stated in the question. For
example, unless otherwise directed, do not assume that the ball is in the penalty area.

To help reinforce your knowledge, write in, to the left of each question number, a
citation indicating the source of your answer. Use the following abbreviations:
1-17 FIFA Laws of the Game (Law number) ATR USSF Advice to Referees
IG Interpretation of the Laws of the Game Proc USSF Procedures for Referees, Assistant
and Guidelines for Referees Referees and Fourth Officials
NRR AYSO National Rules and Regulations G AYSO Guidance for Referees and Coaches

You may use the following abbreviations for restarts:

KO kick-off TI throw-in PK penalty kick

GK goal kick IFK indirect free kick DB dropped ball
CK corner kick DFK direct free kick None play continues

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
The instructions below appear on the National Referee Exam, and
they are applicable to this sample test as well.
You should read and understand them now.

Before you begin the Exam, read this!

The AYSO National Referee Course emphasizes flexible, intelligent application of the
Laws of the Game in response to the real-life situations that arise on the field. One of
the things you learn is that referees don’t always do exactly what Laws say.

However, this is an exam; it is not real-life. Your actions as a referee must be grounded
in a solid understanding of the Laws of the Game. The purpose of this exam is to
determine whether you have that understanding at the level expected of an AYSO
National Referee. That’s why, on the previous page, you were instructed to supply the
“book” answer.

There is a complication, however. As you know, the Laws include a number of

provisions that direct the referee to use judgment. The application of the advantage
clause is one of them. While it is never technically required that the referee give
advantage, there are situations in which any referee at the National level would be
expected to do so. Some of those situations are on this exam, and you are expected to
recognize them and answer appropriately.

To reiterate, if you are uncertain what a question means or confused about how to
answer it, ask your instructor.

Good luck!


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True/False Questions
In the following questions, circle T for "true" or F for "false".

1) T F If time expires while the ball is in play, the referee is required to wait
for the ball to go out of play before whistling for the end of the half (or
game).

2) T F On a goal kick, the kicker sends the ball into the opponents' goal.
The restart is a kick-off.

3) T F The ball is punted by the goalkeeper. A player in the center circle

sees the ball coming toward his arm but makes no effort to avoid the
contact, and the ball strikes his arm. The player may be judged guilty
of deliberately handling the ball.

4) T F An attacker who is level with the last two defenders is in an offside

position.

5) T F A goalkeeper may play anywhere on the field.

6) T F The referee may take action against coaches who do not behave
properly.

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Multiple Choice Questions

Circle the most correct answer for the following questions.

7) Play is stopped for impeding two yards in front of the Blue goal. An IFK is
awarded to Red. What is the closest any defender may be to the ball at the
taking of the kick?

A. 2 yards.
B. 6 yards.
C. 10 yards.
D. There is no required minimum distance.

8) Regarding the procedure for substitution, which of the following is not true?

A. The referee must be informed that a substitution is desired.

B. The substitute may enter the field only at a stoppage in play.
C. The departing player and entering player must exchange places in the
field in sight of the referee.
D. The substitute becomes a player at the moment he/she enters the field.
E. The substitute must enter the field at the half-way line.

9) At the start of the match, the team that wins the coin toss

A. Can choose to kick off or select a goal to defend.

B. Must select which goal to attack.
C. Must take the kick-off.

10) From a goal kick taken on a field as defined by Law 1, the minimum distance
the ball could travel to be in play is:

A. 0 yards (touched only)

B. 10 yards
C. 12 yards
D. ts circumference

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11) The goalkeeper jumps up to catch a high shot on goal. Before releasing the
ball into play, how many steps may the goalkeeper legally take?

A. None
B. 4
C. 6
D. There is no limit.

12) During your pre-game inspection of the field, you pace along the goal line
from the goal post toward the nearest corner flagpost. On a field marked
according to Law 1, what distance should you walk before you come to the
penalty area line?

A. 6 yards
B. 12 yards
C. 18 yards
D. It cannot be determined from the information provided.

13) Flagposts at the halfway line

A. are required and must be placed on the touch line.

B. are required and must be placed at least 1 yard outside the touch line.
C. are optional but if present must be placed on the touch line.
D. are optional but if present must be placed at least 1 yard outside the
touch line.

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Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
Answer the questions in this section by filling in each blank line with a suitable
word or phrase.

14) AYSO has six philosophies. Name, in any order, four of these. (4 points)

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

15) If a player is injured, when may the referee stop play?

______________________________________________________

16) What are the dimensions of the goal area? (2 points)

________x ________ yards

17) According to the National Rules and Regulations, what is the maximum
number of players permitted in an AYSO U-19 or U-16 game?

_____________

18) When is the substitution procedure completed?

_____________________________________________________

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19) List the fouls resulting in a direct free kick for which the mere attempt is
considered a violation. (3 points)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

20) Although the field's length must exceed its width, what are the minimum and
maximum outer dimensions of the field in yards? (4 points)

Minimum: ________x ________

Maximum: ________x ________

21) What are the dimensions of the penalty area? (2 points)

________x ________ yards

22) According to the National Rules and Regulations, coaches' participation

during AYSO games is limited in several ways. Two of them are:
 There is a limit of two coaches per team.
 Coaches must remain within a coaches' area.
The acronym for the remaining three requirements is PIE. What are they?
(3 points)

P:___________________________________________________

I:____________________________________________________

E:___________________________________________________

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Restart Scenarios
In each of the following situations, decide if play has stopped or if the referee should
stop play. If so, indicate what the restart will be and which team will take it. Use the
following abbreviations:

KO - kick-off GK - goal kick DFK - direct free kick

DB - dropped ball CK - corner kick PK - penalty kick
TI - throw-in IFK - indirect free kick

If play is not stopped and should not be stopped, write None.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Unless otherwise stated, assume that:

 the two teams are Red and Blue, and
 the ball is in play and outside the penalty area.

Each question in this section is worth one point.

No credit will be given for a correct restart with an incorrect team color.

- - - - -

23) A Red forward makes a hard shot on goal that bounces off the crossbar back
to the same Red forward who collects the ball and, on the second touch,
puts it into the goal.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

24) A forward pass by Red hits the assistant referee who is running just inside
the field of play.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

25) A Red attacker attempts to head a ball below her waist. A Blue defender
nearby is forced to alter her attempt to kick the ball in order to avoid kicking
the Red player.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

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26) An indirect free kick is awarded to Red. After setting the wall the referee
signals for the kick to be taken but does not hold up his arm. Red kicks the
ball directly into the goal.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

27) A Red player intentionally interferes with the Blue goalkeeper who is
attempting to punt the ball into play.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

28) A Red attacker is chasing toward a through pass that has been placed deep
into Blue's end. A Blue defender runs between the Red attacker and the
ball, and the Blue defender slows her pace. As a result, the Red attacker
collides with the defender, and the Red attacker falls to the ground.
Meanwhile, the Blue goalkeeper is able to collect the ball.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

29) An indirect free kick is awarded to Red. Using a gentle but deliberate kicking
motion, the Red kicker touches the ball with his foot and a teammate kicks
the ball into the goal.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

30) The Blue goalkeeper and Red player are in position for a PK. After the
referee signals, but before the kick is taken, a Red teammate encroaches
into the penalty area. The referee allows the kick to be taken. The Blue
goalkeeper saves the shot, deflecting the ball to the Red teammate who then
kicks it into the goal.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

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31) A Blue player taking a DFK outside her own penalty area passes the ball
back to her goalkeeper. The goalkeeper kicks the ball towards the midfield.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

32) A Red attacker passes the ball toward a teammate who is in an offside
position. The ball deflects off a Blue defender before being received by the
Red teammate.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

33) An easy Red shot on goal travels directly toward the Blue goalkeeper who is
standing just in front of the goal. He deliberately controls the ball by parrying
it to the ground, then dribbles to the top of the penalty area, collects the ball
with his hands, and punts the ball toward the half-way line.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

34) The Blue goalkeeper, inside her own penalty area, throws the ball at a Red
attacker standing inside the corner arc.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

35) A Blue defender, inside his own penalty area, throws a rock that hits a Red
substitute.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

36) The referee restarts play with a dropped ball in the penalty area. After the
ball hits the ground the Blue goalkeeper picks up the ball.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

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37) A Red substitute who is sitting on the bench, throws a shoe at a Blue
defender who is near the half-way line.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

38) The Blue goalkeeper and Red player are in position for a PK. After the
referee signals for the kick to be taken, the referee notices that the
goalkeeper has moved forward, but allows the kick to be taken. A goal is
scored.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

39) The Blue goalkeeper and Red player are in position for a PK. After the
referee signals for the kick to be taken, the referee notices that the
goalkeeper has moved forward, but allows the kick to be taken. The
goalkeeper stops the ball.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

40) As a Blue fullback moves to collect a pass, a Red forward jumps off the
ground at the Blue fullback, not attempting to play the ball.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

41) A Red attacker slides across the touchline during the normal course of play.
With the ball still in play the Blue midfielder steps over the touchline and
strikes the attacker before he can get up.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

42) At the taking of a throw-in, a Blue player throws the ball directly into his own
goal.

The restart is a _____________ for the _____________ team.

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Misconduct Scenarios
Directions: For the following question(s), indicate:

1) MISCONDUCT: If the action is misconduct by a player, substitute, or team

official, indicate the infringement. Use the language of the Laws.

2) DISCIPLINE: Indicate whether a CAUTION or SEND OFF is required and

indicate the TEAM COLOR of the player(s), substitute(s), or team official(s) being
disciplined.

3) RESTART: State the correct RESTART and indicate the COLOR of the team that
is to restart play. (For a dropped ball, no color need be specified.)

If there is no misconduct, discipline, or restart, write “NONE.”

Assume in all cases that one team is wearing Red and the other Blue.

* * * * *
Example #1:

A Red attacker forcefully strikes a Blue defender just outside Blue’s penalty area
while the ball is in play at midfield. The referee stops play.

MISCONDUCT Violent Conduct

DISCIPLINE Send off Red Blue

RESTART DFK Red Blue

Example #2:

Two Blue substitutes begin violently fighting off the field while the ball is in play near
the halfway line. The referee stops play.

MISCONDUCT Violent Conduct

DISCIPLINE Send off substitutes Red Blue

RESTART DB Red Blue

NOTE: Each question in this section is worth 3 points, one each for the misconduct,
discipline, and restart. The color(s) of the team(s) must be supplied for full credit.

-------

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43) Before the Blue team takes a direct free kick, a Red player stands within two
yards of the ball.

MISCONDUCT _______________________________________________

DISCIPLINE_______________________________________ Red Blue

RESTART________________________ Red Blue

44) While the ball is in play, a Red and a Blue substitute begin violently fighting
off the field of play. The referee blows her whistle.

MISCONDUCT _______________________________________________

DISCIPLINE_______________________________________ Red Blue

RESTART________________________ Red Blue

45) A Blue fullback defending his goal deliberately hits the ball with his hand, but
the ball continues into the goal.

MISCONDUCT _______________________________________________

DISCIPLINE_______________________________________ Red Blue

RESTART________________________ Red Blue

46) A Red attacker takes a corner-kick. The ball strikes the referee, who is
standing in the penalty area, and rebounds across the goal line (but not into
the goal). Seeing the ball cross the line, a Red player turns toward the
referee and offensively and abusively shouts at him for being in the wrong
place.

MISCONDUCT _______________________________________________

DISCIPLINE_______________________________________ Red Blue

RESTART________________________ Red Blue

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47) The referee gives a Blue player permission to leave the field of play to care
of an injury. The player is not replaced by a substitute. When a Red player
breaks away in the middle third and heads directly toward the Blue goal with
only the Blue goalkeeper between him and the goal, the Blue player re-
enters the field. He intercepts Red just outside the Blue penalty area and
deliberately impedes Red by running across his path, not within playing
distance of the ball. This causes Red to slow down and allows a Blue
defender to catch up and tackle the ball before Red can shoot. The referee
stops play.

MISCONDUCT _______________________________________________

DISCIPLINE_______________________________________ Red Blue

RESTART________________________ Red Blue

48) A Blue defender forcefully strikes a Red attacker just inside Blue's penalty
area while the ball is in play at mid-field. The referee stops play.

MISCONDUCT _______________________________________________

DISCIPLINE_______________________________________ Red Blue

RESTART________________________ Red Blue

49) A Red attacker carelessly charges a Blue defender, knocking him to the
ground. The referee whistles for the foul, stopping play. He indicates a DFK
for Blue. The Blue defender, angered by the charge, then jumps to his feet
and violently strikes the Red attacker. The Red attacker remains calm and
does not retaliate.

MISCONDUCT _______________________________________________

DISCIPLINE_______________________________________ Red Blue

RESTART________________________ Red Blue

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Offside Scenarios

Offside Scenarios

Use this diagram to answer the questions below.

8
G

9
5

Symbols

6 Attacking player #6
5 Defending player #5
G Goalkeeper

50) T F In the diagram above, the goalkeeper saves a shot by player #6 and,
then, while putting the ball back into play, miskicks the ball to player
#9, who shoots the ball directly onto the goal. An offside offense has
occurred.

51) T F In the diagram above, defender #5 tries to pass the ball back to the
goalkeeper, but player #9 intercepts the ball and shoots directly into
the goal. An offside offense has occurred.

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52) T F In the diagram above, player #8 takes a corner kick that deflects off
player #6 to player #9, who shoots directly into the goal. An offside
offense has occurred.

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