CRO Match Day Information

MLS NEXT HOMEGROWN DIVISION Referees,

We hope everyone is doing well and looking forward to their matches this weekend. You are receiving this email because you have MLS NEXT HOMEGROWN DIVISION assignments and will be using the Kitman Labs Intelligence Platform for Match Day Operations (check-in and Match Reporting). Please make sure to read the note below regarding match reporting clarification and the platforms MLS NEXT uses.

Due to specific circumstances, several MLS NEXT staff members have been granted temporary clearance to participate in MLS NEXT matches during the upcoming match weekend.

· Only staff members on the matchday roster OR that show a temporary clearance email from MLS NEXT will be permitted in the technical area.

· Referees should note on the match report the coaches that are present if not listed on the matchday roster.

The substitution rules and match lengths have been updated for 2025-26. Everyone is required to review these items in the HOMEGROWN DIVISION handbook prior to their matches. New to 2025-26, you are not required to record substitutions in Kitman for U13-U15. Clubs will not have sub passes for these age groups."
 
 

MLS NEXT Platforms

·       Kitman Labs: This platform is the main and most important platform for MLS NEXT. The use of this platform is for player check in and match reports MUST BE submitted in Kitman Labs.

·       Fairwhistle: You will receive information for Fairwhistle following your matches. This platform is used for information collection. Your feedback on Fairwhistle is critical and greatly appreciated as we use it to monitor and uphold our league standards. Without your feedback we cannot hold our clubs accountable and improve the environment for everyone. 

·       Assignr: This platform is where you accept or deny your referee assignments for the weekend and where payment is processed. This platform is NOT where match reports should be submitted. Match reports MUST BE submitted in Kitman Labs.

Match Reports

·       As mentioned above, match reports MUST BE submitted in Kitman Labs.

·       Match reports are the Center Referee’s responsibility for each match.

·       Match reports need to be submitted by Sunday evening so beginning on Monday we can accurately calculate standings, execute suspensions, and uphold the competition integrity of our league.

·       If you have trouble with Kitman, please contact us so we can help and make sure it is not a reoccurring issue.

·       Attached you will find the updated MLSNEXT Referee Handbook and the “Kitman Labs – Referee Help Guide”; a step-by-step guide on how to create your Kitman account, login, and submit a match report. Below is important information regarding MLS NEXT matches and procedures. Please review the banned terms update below.

Important Contacts (Also listed in the Referee Handbook)

·       MLS NEXT Homegrown Division Referee Hotline: (407) 205-8631 – Specifically for the Homegrown Division.

o   Please use the hotline for all match day issues including troubleshooting Kitman.

·       Kitman Labs Support: mlssupport@kitmanlabs.com

Kitman Labs

·       Attached is the “Kitman Labs – Referee Help Guide”.

o   This is a step-by-step guide outlining everything from the first activation email to submitting your match report.

·       The most common mistake when first creating your account or logging into the platform is clicking the wrong login button.

o   After activating your account, login by clicking the “Login with Kitman Labs” button. DO NOT EVER CLICK “LOGIN WITH OKTA”.

·       If you need a new confirmation email sent your email address, you can do so here: https://mls.injuryprofiler.com/auth/confirmation/new.

o   Once at the page, type in your email and click “Resend”.

·       If you have already created an account last year, you can login using this URL: https://mls.injuryprofiler.com/.

·       If you have created a Kitman Labs account previously, you will not receive an activation link to your email address.

Substitutions - Updated for 2025-26

U13 = 2 moments per period. Unrestricted substitutions. Intermissions do NOT count as a moment.

U14 = 3 moments per half. Unrestricted substitutions. Halftime does NOT count as a moment.

U15 = 3 moments per half. Unlimited Number in those moments. No re-entry allowed in the half. Halftime does NOT count as a moment.

U16 and up = 7 Substitutions over 3 moments per match, plus halftime. No re-entry.

Match Durations - Updated for 2025-26

·       U13: 3 x 25-minute periods plus 2 x 5-minute intermissions

o   Minimum for completed Match, 50 minutes

·       U14: 2 x 40-minute halves plus 15-minute half time

o   Minimum for completed Match, 60-minutes (half + 20-minutes)

·       U15 and up: 2 x 45-minute halves plus 15-minute half time

o   Minimum for completed Match, 75-minutes (half + 30-minutes)

U13 Competition- UPDATED 2025/2026

• A build out line must be marked 20 yards from the corner flag using a cone on the sideline.

• There will only be one switch of sides during the game.
   

  • The switch will occur after the first period.

•  

  • For example, if Team A is going north during the first period, they will switch directions during the first intermission and then go south for the second and third periods.

•  

·       U13 must use a size 4 ball.

·       The field dimension minimum of 65 x 84.

·       The goals should be placed on the goalkeeper box (6 yard).

o   If it's not possible to move the goals at the home field because they are fixed, then proceed without any adjustment.

·       If a PK is awarded, the ball on the top of the 18 yard box. (12 yards). 

Inclement Weather Procedure

·       The weekend match operations Hotline only needs to be updated in case of a cancellation, not for delay.

·       If there is a delay, we ask that you use the procedure below. If the league is needed to help facilitate because a decision cannot be agreed upon, please contact the hotline.

·       Any decision needs to be made with 3 parties: home team coach, away team coach and the official. The 3 parties need to discuss and agree on the questions below.

o   What is the longest you can wait to kick off?

o   How long do you have the fields?

o   How long can the referees stay?

o   How long can the away team stay?

o   Is this a local matchup? How easily can the match be rescheduled?

Banned Terms Update

·       After last season there were updates to the Banned Term chart.

·       “P*to” remains a banned term and if a player is heard saying this term, they should be given a straight red card.

·       “Puta Madre” has been removed from the banned term chart.

o   Even though this term has been removed from the banned term chart, a player can still receive a yellow or red card if a referee deems it abusive language. This determination is up to the referee’s discretion.

Discriminatory Conduct Procedure

·       What do you do....

·       When officials have heard/seen a derogatory slur or behavior:

o   Immediately issue a red card.

o   Stop the game.

o   Inform coaches.

o   Coaches bring their team together to inform them of the incident.

·       When officials haven’t heard/seen a derogatory slur or gesture

o   Make sure the player making the allegation is given time and space to explain the situation fully.

o   Stop the game.

o   Consult with other members of the referee crew to establish if they witnessed the incident.

o   Inform coaches.

o   Coaches bring their team together and inform them of the allegation.

·       How to report the incident

o   Add incident information in the Kitman Labs match report (see pg. 7).

o   Select the Disciplinary Issue checkbox under the match notes section in the Kitman Labs match report.

o   Notify the match operations hotline at halftime or after the match (646-682-5999).

Fairwhistle

·       All head center referees must submit their review in Fairwhistle within 24 hours of their match.

·       This is critical information for the league so we can continue to evaluate and improve our environment
Below is a link from Fairwhistle with helpful information
MLS NEXT Officials - FairWhistle.com

Videos and attachments
attached is a video From Robert Sibiga and Macr Kadleik about Key match info for MLS Next