WPL league rules Section 400 states that “the expectation is 3 officials will be assigned to
each match., however, it also says:

If a full crew is not available matches will still stand if a single certified referee is available.

First, if you are supposed to have referees assigned, call or text me so I can try to find them.
Per WPL rule 401, you should still try to play the game with substitutes (volunteers) if
possible. I’d recommend each team have a plan in place as to who can act as a substitute.

Rule 401 – No show of Officials

Failure of a match official to appear will not constitute canceling of a match. If both teams can agree on a substitute, coaches must sign the match sheet prior to the start of the match. Neither team may protest the outcome of the match. If a coach feels that playing the match without a licensed referee is a safety issue for the players, then both teams must work to reschedule the match (Refer to Rule 211 for reschedules). It is the responsibility of the home team to reschedule the match at a time agreed to with the visiting team and bear the costs associated with hosting the match. If the team cannot find a time the league office will assist.

In cases where the Officials are a “no show” and teams cannot agree to play, the league must be notified within 24 hours of the scheduled match. The match will be rescheduled at the traveling team’s venue with the fees incurred to play the match paid by the original home team. The match will be scheduled by the league if the teams cannot agree on a date within 6 days of the originally scheduled match day.

If a substitute is actually a USSF/NSO certified referee, I can also assign them to the match
after the fact so they can submit match reports and get paid for their work. If any of your
parents or supporters are referees, please make sure they bring their gear to matches in case
of a shortage, and call/text me with the details so I can add them to the match in NSO.

NO. That is not stated anywhere in league rules. If your opponent tries to say that is the
case, call me immediately, and report the situation to your club officials.

In fact, if there is at least one certified referee on site, and your opponent refuses to play,
they could actually be subject to forfeit due to “abandoning” the game.

Yes, but only if they choose to. Some younger referees are not comfortable yet with the
center referee responsibilities and – especially with youth referees – adults should never try
to coerce or intimidate the referee into taking on an assignment they are not prepared for.

If one AR does volunteer to step up to be the center Referee, please notify me (or have the
referee notify me) so that I can reassign their position in the system.