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 Operations Hotline: (646) 682-5999
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”.
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.
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.
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.
 
U13 Competition
U13 must use a size 4 ball.
The field dimension range length 84 to 96 yards.
If the field is more than 108 yards long, the goal should be placed on the PK spot.
If the field is less than 108 yards long, the goal should be placed on the goalkeeper box (6 yard).
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 referee should count out 12 yards for a PK spot.
 
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.
What is the longest you can wait to kick off?
How long do you have the fields?
How long can the referees stay?
How long can the away team stay?
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.
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:
Immediately issue a red card.
Stop the game.
Inform coaches.
Coaches bring their team together to inform them of the incident.
When officials haven’t heard/seen a derogatory slur or gesture
Make sure the player making the allegation is given time and space to explain the situation fully.
Stop the game.
Consult with other members of the referee crew to establish if they witnessed the incident.
Inform coaches.
Coaches bring their team together and inform them of the allegation.
How to report the incident
Add incident information in the Kitman Labs match report (see pg. 7).
Select the Disciplinary Issue checkbox under the match notes section in the Kitman Labs match report.
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.