Referees are expected to wear a prescribed uniform at all times once they are on the way to, at, or returning from game assignments:

· Black referee jersey with OSA crest affixed.

· Black referee shorts with pockets (not regular shorts worn by players and without markings other than the maker's name).

· Black referee socks with three horizontal stripes. The socks should be kept pulled up to the knees and the stripes exposed.

· It is preferred that black shoes be worn. Regular soccer cleats are appropriate, but many referees prefer turf shoes, which are more comfortable for multiple games in one day or over the course of a long summer.

· The referee has the option to wear a referee jersey of an alternate colour. However, the referee's jersey should be a distinctly different colour than the jerseys of the two opposing teams and their goal keepers. In the event of a conflict, it is the referee who should change jerseys.

· When three referees are present to officiate at a game, the two assistant referees should wear the same colour of jerseys. The referee may wear the same colour or a different colour. None of the jerseys may match the jersey of any player. It is best if each referee always bring at least the black jersey.

· On cold days, it is permissible to wear a long-sleeved black short under the jersey and/or leggings under the shorts. It is also permissible to wear a plain black coat and/or plain black long pants in very bad weather.

· As for players, braces for the joints (e.g., knee supports) are permitted. Any brace should be either soft or covered by soft material. It is preferable that the outside of any brace be black.

· Nothing should be worn on the head.

· It is preferable that glasses not be worn. Contact lenses or special sports glasses are less dangerous in the event of a collision or ball impact.

· A whistle attached to a lanyard should be carried in one hand. The lanyard should be attached to the wrist.

· A stop-watch should be worn on one wrist. Some referees prefer to use two watches (both on one arm or one on each arm) so that they can track added time and avoid any mistake in time keeping, such as might happen were one watch to fail.

· A referee's wallet and pencil or pen should be carried in the breast pocket of the jersey. The wallet should contain paper on which to record events during the game. Experience teaches that a system that is water-proof, or at least water resistant, is advisable. A soft pencil works well on cardboard even in the rain. Some referees prefer to purchase plastic cards that come with water-proof-ink pens.

· Referee's wallets come complete with yellow and red cards-these cards may be kept with the wallet or carried separately in one or another pocket. Care should be taken to ensure that the proper colour card is brought out in the event of the need to discipline a player.

Each referee should always carry the flags that are required when acting in the capacity of assistant referee.

Where change rooms are available at the field, referees in the higher classifications may wear prescribed street clothes.

The Laws of the Game should not be consulted during a game or discussion with anyone except in private conversation with other members of the officiating crew or organizing committee at the match, preferably prior to the match. The Laws of the Game should be sufficiently well known that consulting the book is unnecessary.