Captain's Meeting

The Lead Official will conduct the Captain's Meeting. It is important to be friendly but professional. Open the lines of communication and establish a sense of authority. This will make it easier to confer with the captains later in the match.

Bring one player from each team to midfield, there will only be one captain for each team. Distribute the arm-bands that designate the two individuals as the captains for their respective teams.

Go over the following rules:

• Sliding
• Goal Keeper Slides
• End of the Game
• Arguing Calls

Ask if either Captain has any questions. Answer any questions they may have and then administer the coin flip. Designate either captain to call the flip.

The Winner can Choose:
• 1st Half Kick Off
• 2nd Half Kick Off
• Either Side of the Field

 The losing captain can decide from the remaining choices. Conclude the meeting by wishing both teams luck.

During the Captains Meeting the two other officials should gather the teams and go over the basic rules. These officials should also inspect each player for jewelry or dangerous equipment.

BEFORE THE CAPTAINS MEETING, CHECK THE FIELD TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE ARE NO DANGEROUS OBSTRUCTIONS AND THAT ALL OF THE LINES ARE CLEARLY MARKED.

After gaining possession the keeper has a 5 count to release the ball back into play. There is no restriction on the amount of steps the keeper may take with the ball.

The Kick Off

Kick offs will be taken to start the game, a half, or an overtime period. The ball will also be restarted with a kickoff after every goal. The kickoff is a direct free kick.

Infractions at the Kick Off:

• Players in wrong half of field
• Ball does not move forward
• Taken before referee's signal

Any of these cases will result in the kickoff being retaken.

If the kicker plays ball a second time as a "double touch" the opposing team will be granted an indirect free kick.

The kick off must come from the center circle.

Starting the Game
The Lead Official start the match when the ball is placed at midfield and both teams have taken the field. Before starting the match the official should count the number of players on each team, check that the keepers are ready, and ensure that all co-ed rules are met.

The official should also check with the scorer's table to make sure that there are not any issues, that the clock is ready, and that all the players have registered properly.

After signaling the match to start the team with the ball has a 5 count to put the ball into play. Once the whistle is blown, the clock should start. The match always starts and ends with the official's whistle - do not let play start before the Lead Officials signal.