Referee Procedures

Mandatory Player Check-In

Player check-in is a mandatory requirement of the MPSL — not simply an administrative formality. The MPSL expects the following procedures to be strictly followed before, during, and after every match:

• Referees arrive early to inspect the field and conduct a proper player check-in.
• Teams arrive at least thirty (30) minutes prior to kickoff with a printed MPSL Game Roster.
• Referees verify each player's identity by matching the player's face, jersey number, and color photograph as shown on the printed MPSL Game Roster. Any player who cannot be positively identified on the official roster shall not participate until their identity has been verified to the referee's satisfaction.
• Referees verify that all jersey numbers match the official game roster.
• Any player not appearing on the official MPSL Game Roster is ineligible to participate.
• Any player arriving after the start of the second half shall not be permitted to participate. Referees must ensure that all players who may participate have been properly checked in and verified prior to halftime.
• Referees shall not permit a player to enter the match if that player was not present for the pre-game check-in or was not properly identified prior to halftime.
• Referees verify all player equipment, including shin guards and overall player safety requirements.
• Team captains must be identified prior to kickoff.
• The referee crew maintains possession of the official game roster throughout the match.
• Referee fees shall not be collected until a proper player check-in has been completed. Coaches and managers have the right and responsibility to withhold referee payment if they are not satisfied that the referee crew has carefully verified each player’s identity, jersey number, photograph, uniform, and equipment. Once the match begins, payment shall be considered confirmation that the check-in process was completed properly.