First of all, welcome mate.
If you can let us know what level game it is it will help us give you some more tailored advice
First of all contact your referees secretary for a copy of the comletition rules. This is normally in the form of the league handbook. Have a read through. The main points are:
Match fees and who pays them
Playing time (especially if it is a junior game because game time varies)
Substitutions (how many can be used and is it return substitutions)
Club contact, should they contact you or you contact them?
Do you get team sheets?
Who changes kit if there is a colour clash.
If I was you I'd highlight these main bits so you can see them easily.
Next you need to contact the home club secretary or manager. All leagues are different. In some the home team contact the ref, others the ref has to contact the club, make sure you know which one applies to you. If you haven't heard from the club at 24hrs to KO then I'd say it's time to give them a ring if you can. Just confirm with the secretary or manager that the game is still on, the location of the pitch (especially if there is more than one at your field).
This first conversation can set a good first impression. Try to sound confident even if you aren't
The night before the game is when I like to get my stuff ready, make sure my boots and kit are clean and dry, check I have my whistles and watches, cards etc and anything else you might want. This way it saves rushing around on the morning of your game.
When game day comes I like to get to the ground no later than 30 minutes before kick off, a bit earlier if it's a men's game with changing rooms and team sheets.
When you get there go say hello to both managers/captains if they are available, just have a bit of a chat. I like to see the last few results for the teams and their league positions so we have a bit of a talking point, and it shows you're interested in the game. Just stay relaxed and remember to smile
.
If they have team sheets try to get them early if possible, or tell them when you want them by. Make sure that they know that people who aren't on the teamsheet can't play. (Some managers think that they can just sub players on who aren't on the teamsheet because they didn't know that they were coming.)
I also take this first conversation as a chance to ask the managers when they want me to do a boot and jewellery check. I also have a chat with each whole team before the game when I do the checks (some refs do, some don't, you will find out what works best for you). Some refs tell the managers when they'll be checking equipment but I like to ask them to call me over when they're ready so that they can do their warm up how they want and I don't get in the way.
You also need to inspect the field of play. I incorporate this into a warm up so I'll jog round the edges of the pitch about 10/15 yards in from the boundary lines looking for anything dangerous (needles, large holes, big branches, dog poo etc.)
Don't forget to check the nets too. The main part is the side netting near the posts, make sure that there are no holes in that part at all because it can cause you a world of problems, the back middle of the net isn't as much of a problem.
This is about the time where I get ready, I go back to my bag, put my stuff in my pockets, take my jacket off, write down the name of the subs. Then walk to the middle. Loud blast on the whistle to call the teams in. Do the respect handshake if your league requests it. Coin toss with the captains and off you go.
Don't forget to start your watch(es)!
(I think most members on here have done that before).
The main piece of advice from me is be confident. By passing the course you a re probably more qualified than most of the players and you'll be the only impartial person there. Be firm but friendly. At this level the players are mainly there to enjoy the football, to have a laugh so if you can enhance their enjoyment and apply the LOTG fairly then you can't do much more.
I know it is a long list but I remember my first game and I wished I knew more about what I should actually do when I get there.
Good luck, I hope it goes well for you
