ENGLISH TRIO REFLECT ON SECOND MATCH

Howard Webb provides his final update from South Africa

Our second match in the Confederations Cup 2009 was Iraq’s match with New Zealand played at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg on Saturday. Iraq needed a win, coupled with South Africa failing to pick up maximum points against Spain on the same evening, in order to progress. The match wasn’t a classic although both teams showed plenty of endeavour. It ended 0-0, which was celebrated in the stadium like a victory for the 25,000 local fans, who were delighted that Iraq failed to win thereby putting South Africa through to the semi-finals. It was also celebrated wildly by New Zealand, who had secured their first ever Confederations Cup point!

The match was a straight forward one for us, with no critical incidents and only two yellow cards shown. FIFA were again happy with how we had performed and in the subsequent instructor’s de-brief, there was only one clip shown from our match - that being a good non-offside decision by Mike Mullarkey.

The following day, on Sunday, we visited Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Stadium where we saw Brazil comprehensively beat Italy 3-0. The atmosphere within the capacity crowd was excellent, with the much discussed Vuvuzela horns getting a very noisy outing. The sound of these African horns was a little strange at first but you do get used to them and they will live long in the memory, not least because we bought some to bring home for the kids! They are not as easy to blow as you might think, and there is a technique involved in making the famous sound they create.

After these final group stage games at the weekend, we had a day off on Monday when we visited the Lion Park again (it was still as amazing as the first time we went, having a real opportunity to see these amazing animals close-up) and then a return to the Carnivore restaurant in Johannesburg where we again sampled zebra, crocodile and antelope to name but a few exotic meats which were on offer.
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On Tuesday, the announcements were made as to which teams of referees would be staying for the final four games of the tournament. We knew that we would be very unlikely to be staying – we had already banked two solid matches whilst most of the teams of officials had only been involved in one game up to that point. This is a small tournament which means that realistically, two games was the maximum number that any referee team could hope for.

The fact that we had an early group stage game which went well meant that it was almost inevitable that we would receive another group stage game and that was how things turned out. FIFA kept a team of officials from each continent and two teams from UEFA, these being the teams who had officiated in one game. When the announcement was made that we would not be retained, naturally we were a little disappointed not to be staying to the end of the tournament but the goal was always to perform well in two matches, thereby making our chances of returning next year for the World Cup that much better, and we certainly achieved that.

The experiences of being involved in The FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 will live long in our memories, and will make preparation for next year’s World Cup so much easier, should we be lucky enough to be selected. Of course, there is a lot of hard work to do between now and then if we are to realise that dream. But we return from South Africa satisfied that through solid teamwork and a good deal of effort, we gave a sound account of ourselves. We were proud to be able to represent English refereeing.

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PENGALAMAN PERTAMA WASIT DI PERKAPALAN

PENGALAMAN PERTAMA WASIT DI PERKAPALAN

waduh,... berat

satu kata yang bisa aku katakan... melihat begitu besarnya tekanan dalam Liga Organisasi Perkapalan sabtu lalu.

di Hall yang panas, dan ditambah dengan atmosfir pertandingan yang keras, menambah beraaaat... beban yang harus aku jalani sebagai wasit.

terutama ketika PDS melawan RAGANALA. aku telah berfikir mungkin drawing yang mempertemukan 2 organisasi 'yang tak pernah akur' ini akan berjalan keras. terbukti briefing sebelum pertandingan oleh PANPEL nya yaitu ketua OSIS, M. Anas Romadhon, berkata pada saya...

"dek, ini pertandingannya jatahe keras, kartu kuning, kartu merahen wes gak opo2". TETAPI....

Kekawatiran panpel akan kerasnya pertandingan, tidak terbukti. Tim wasit saya tak mengeluarkan kartu apapun karena mereka bermain sangat bagus (keduanya). dan PDS pun menang telak 3-0 atas RG.

Poor match? I think no!!!

Saya mungkin sedikit membuat blunder ketika Kiper PDS, Silahuddin men-tackling pemain RG dan aku menghadiahkan penalti langsung. but, ketika aku konsultasi ke wasit 2, dia mengatakan diluar kotak penalti. dan terjadi sedikit keribautan ketika penonton ('oknum RG') masuk arena dan mau mendatangi kiper PDS. just it, match continue.

Kartu kuning baru hadir ketika MPK vs PMR. yaitu 2 untuk PMR dan 1 untuk MPK. yang paling saya jengkel ialah ketika teman saya sendiri harus saya kartu kuning karena "dissent in word". But, PMR menang 3-0

HASIL LENGKAP:

PDS 3-0 RAGANALA
MPK 0-3 PMR
PASKIB 3-2 OSIS
PRAMUKA 6-5 FOSKI

jika ada kesalahan skor langsung komment aja y....


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FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009 REFEREE

ZONA AFRIKA

Referee
BEN Coffi CODJIA
SEY Eddy MAILLET

Assistant Referee
BEN Alexis FASSINOU
TUN Bechir HASSANI
TOG Komi KONYOH
CMR Evarist MENKOUANDE

ZONA ASIA

Referee
AUS Matthew BREEZE

Assistant Referee
AUS Matthew CREAM
AUS Ben WILSON

ZONA EROPA
Referee
SUI Massimo BUSACCA
SWE Martin HANSSON
ENG Howard WEBB

Assistant Referee
SWE Henrik ANDREN
SUI Matthias ARNET
SUI Francesco BURAGINA
ENG Peter KIRKUP
ENG Michael MULLARKEY
SWE Fredrik NILSSON

ZONA OSEANIA

Referee
NZL Michael HESTER

Assistant Referee
NZL Jan-Hendrik HINTZ
NZL Mark RULE

ZONA AMERIKA SELATAN

Referee
URU Jorge LARRIONDA

Assistant Referee
URU Mauricio ESPINOSA
URU Pablo FANDINO
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Five-official experiment in UEFA Europa League

The refereeing experiment involving five match officials is to continue at fixtures in the 2009/10 UEFA Europa League on the proposal of the UEFA President Michel Platini, following the approval of the FIFA Executive Committee at their meeting in Nassau, Bahamas.

Two extra assistants
Football's lawmakers, the International FA Board (IFAB), had given their permission for the continuation of the experiment at their 2009 annual general meeting earlier this year. In addition to the match referee and two assistant referees on the touchline, two extra assistants are placed behind the goalline, with the mission of focusing on incidents which happen in the penalty area, such as fouls or misconduct. The latest tests will now take place in the UEFA Europa League and will be sure to focus even more attention on the new and enhanced European club competition next season.


Positive feedback

The initial experiment with two additional assistant referees was successfully tested at qualifying round mini-tournaments during the UEFA European Under-19 Championship last autumn, and feedback was extremely positive from both match officials and observers. After receiving a report on the experiment involving the additional assistant referees, the members of the IFAB gave permission for the continuation of FIFA's experiment, this time in a professional league.

'Need to help referees'

Mr Platini said of the experiment: "Everyone agrees on the need to help referees. With football getting ever faster and the players ever fitter, it sometimes seems the men in black face a mission impossible. Two extra pairs of eyes focusing on the penalty areas are of valuable assistance to the referee and strengthen the referee team in confidence and numbers, while allowing the game to flow. The best teams are often the ones who demonstrate the greatest cohesion – by strengthening the position of the main referee we are creating the ideal conditions for the referee team to also be one of the best."

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Directives (15)

15. Extraordinary Incidents
2008/09 Directives

Incidents occur, in or connected with football matches, that are likely to be the focal point for media attention, their enquiries and subsequent headlines, or which require The Football Association to investigate and, where appropriate, take further action.

In such situations it is essential that, in order to be able to respond appropriately and quickly, The Football Association has:

* An initial report from the Referee and, where appropriate, the match assessor/observer within two hours at the end of a match where the kick-off is in the morning or afternoon, or before 09.00hrs the next morning following an evening kick-off.
* An indication of where the Referee may be contacted immediately for further details (assistant referees and match assessor/delegates if appropriate to the incident) and also during the following 24 hours

A detailed report must include:

* The nature of the incident
* An indication of those involved (players/spectators)
* The responsible officials at the Club/Police Commander/Security Officer where appropriate
* Any known action being taken by the Club/Authorities


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Directives (14)

14. Mass Confrontation
2008/09 Directives

The following guidelines should be adopted in the event of mass confrontation situation:

Assistant Referees

* The Assistant Referees should quickly adopt the most appropriate viewing position of the incident
* At the conclusion of the incident the assistant referees should be prepared to offer assistance to the referee confirming the identify of players involved, their location and any other relevant information
* The assistant referee patrolling the touchline where the technical area is located may have additional problems with the occupants of the technical area. The first priority should be the on-field incident


Referee

* The Referee should avoid jumping in but stand back and observe the incident
* Players who are seen to be striking, kicking or acting aggressively should be identified as opposed to those who are clearly trying to separate the offenders
* Once the confrontation has subsided and before the game has restarted, the referee should consult with the assistant who has been observing the incident. He may consult with both assistants before taking any disciplinary action
* The required disciplinary action should then be taken. Offending players should be moved to a position where all the other players can still be observed. Where action requires the dismissal of two or more players ensure they leave the field of play individually to prevent further misconduct
* The Football Association expects that your priority should be to identify and punish accordingly:
o The instigators
o Any player whose action clearly escalates or inflames the situation

Fourth Official

* The fourth official assists the referee at all times
* In the event of mass confrontation the fourth official’s priority should be the conduct of the occupants of the technical area
* At the conclusion of the incident the fourth official should bring to the attention of the referee anything he may wish to report


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Directives (13)

13. Multiple Ball Supply System
2008/09 Directives

If a club uses the multiple ball supply system, in order to reduce the time between restarts, the following procedures are to be adhered to:

The Multi-Ball Supply System is NOT to be used in Premier League matches or in Rounds 1-6 of The FA Challenge Cup

* The Home team representative, at the exchange of team sheets must inform the referee and the Away team representative if additional balls are to be placed around the field of play. Failure to do so will result in the Multi-Ball Supply System not being sanctioned
* All balls are to be checked by the referee or fourth official prior to the game
* The responsible adult supervising the ball boys must liaise with the referee/fourth official prior to the game to establish the procedure for multiple ball supply
* The responsible adult supervising the ball boys should be reminded by the referee or fourth official of the following:
o The ball must remain with the ball boy and they must not play with the ball, either with their feet or their hands
o If possible the ball boys should be located behind the perimeter advertising boards
o The ball boy in the most appropriate position will, having established eye contact with the player, hand or throw the spare ball to him
o If towels are used to dry the ball, both sides must receive the same consideration
o The Referee and the 4th Official will monitor the multiple ball supply system and any abuse or breakdown in the supply of a new ball will result in the referee withdrawing permission for its use


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Directives (12)

12. Allowance for Time Lost
2008/09 Directives

Allowance made for time lost will be indicated at the end of each half. The procedure to be adopted is outlined below:

*
Two minutes before the expiry of each half the Fourth Official will position himself at the half way line, and establish eye contact with the Referee.
*
During the two minutes before the expiry of each half the Referee must inform the Fourth Official, either visually or verbally, of the amount of time allowed.
* The Fourth Official is to acknowledge this information, using a pre-determined signal between the Fourth Official and the Referee.
* At the expiry of each forty five minute period and not before, the Fourth Official will display the minimum time allowed, to all points of the ground, by use of the board provided.
* Clubs are to be reminded that the PA should announce “There will be a minimum of _____ minutes allowance for time lost”

Any subsequent injuries, or additional delays, including time wasting, will result in further time being added on. No further communication with the Fourth Official will be necessary.

Referees are to ensure that the full allowance is made for time lost and subsequently played.

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Directives (11)

11. Disciplinary Procedures
2008/09 Directives

Use of Red & Yellow Cards

The Laws of Association Football require referees to show cards for appropriate offences to players, substitutes and substituted players only. The mandatory use of the cards was introduced merely as a simple aid to better communication.

Referees should not use the cards in an aggressive or provocative manner likely to inflame an already emotive situation nor should the card be used in an over-demonstrative manner which may humiliate a player and perhaps cause him to over-react.

The general procedure for cautioning players is to state to the player he is being cautioned; enquire his name; warn him about his future conduct; finally show the yellow card. The Football Association agreed that, exceptionally, National List Referees may display a card immediately where such action would serve to reduce or prevent acts of retaliation. Referees are reminded that this instant use of a card should continue to be used sparingly and only on those occasions when it could diffuse a possible flashpoint. This procedure remains the exception and the normal cautioning procedure (which provides an inbuilt calming down period), finalised by a showing of a yellow card, remains the standard practice.

Where a player is to be disciplined he should be isolated before disciplinary action is taken if this action results in the dismissal for a second cautionable offence the yellow card should be displayed, followed immediately by the showing of the red card. This ensures there is no doubt that the player is being dismissed as a result of receiving a second caution in the same match.

If a player is cautioned or dismissed by the referee in the tunnel area, during the half time interval, the referee will be responsible for informing a representative of both Clubs to ensure an appropriate announcement is made over the public address system.

Dismissal of Players

Match Officials are reminded to instruct players to leave the field of play and return to the dressing room when they have been sent from the field of play. It is important that a player who has been dismissed is monitored by the match officials and play not restarted until the referee is satisfied that the player is clear of the field of play.

Misconduct by non-playing staff within the Technical Area

Where a member of the non-playing staff has to be removed from the Technical Area for misconduct he is required to leave the Technical Area and the vicinity of the field of play. The removed person will be required to return to the dressing room or may, alternatively, view the remainder of the game from a seating area which is not in the vicinity of the field of play.

If a member of the non-playing staff has received a period of suspension from the Technical Area he is not permitted to enter the technical area or remain in the tunnel area whilst the match is in progress during the period of suspension.

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Directives (10)

10. Goal Scoring Celebrations
2008/09 Directives

Removal of Shirt

Players are to be cautioned if they remove their shirt in celebration of a goal. Removal of a shirt is defined as removing the shirt over the head.

The Referee should not impose any disciplinary sanctions but must report, in as much detail as possible, to The Football Association, any such incidents of a player who does not remove the shirt but displays an undershirt bearing an inscription (advertising, political or any other type of message)

Celebrations – leaving the playing area

A player who deliberately and unnecessarily runs off the field of play towards the crowd may incite the crowd to surge forward towards the celebrating player. This could place the safety of the crowd, the players and stewards at risk. Referees are to report all incidents of players who leave the playing area in a display of celebrations. The report should include:

* Identification of the player(s) concerned
* Time of the incident
* Direction of movement of the player(s)
* Where did the players end up?

A player MUST be cautioned when:

* In the opinion of the referee, he makes gestures which are provocative, derisory or inflammatory
* He climbs onto a perimeter fence or goes into the crowd to celebrate a goal being scored
* If he is guilty of excessive time-wasting while celebrating a goal

Reports are to be forwarded, within 24 hours, to the Senior Compliance Officer at The Football Association and to the respective Competitions.

Referees are expected to act in a preventative mode and to exercise common sense in dealing with the celebration of a goal.

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Directives (9)

9. Fair Play Convention for dealing with Injured

Player “injured” while ball in play:

* PLAY ON unless referee stops play
* Player receives attention
* Player leaves field
* Play re-started by drop ball
* Ball returned to goalkeeper of team in possession at time referee stopped play

If team of “injured” player kicks ball out of play:

* Referee decides whether to allow player to receive attention
* Play re-starts with a throw in as normal i.e. team taking throw in entitled to keep possession.



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Directives (8)

8. Treatment of Injuries
2008/09 Directives

The Laws of Association Football and FIFA instructions indicate that any player requiring treatment must be given such treatment off the field of play, with the least delay possible being made in the progress of the match. These guidelines outline the procedures to be adopted.

(The Football Association, Medical Education Centre, suggest as a guide it would take a skilled Therapist from 20 – 50 seconds to carry out an assessment but it may take longer for the more serious or complicated injuries or for head injuries.)

Referees must follow the instruction below when dealing with injured players:

*
Play is allowed to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured
*
Play is stopped if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured
*
After stopping play for a serious injury or when recognising the need for medical attention to a player the referee authorises up to two medical representatives to enter the field of play to assess the injury only and arrange for the player’s safe and swift removal from the field of play
*
The stretcher-bearers should enter the field with a stretcher at the same time as the doctors to allow the player to be removed as soon as possible
*
The referee ensures an injured player is safely removed from the field of play
*
A player is not allowed to be treated on the field
*
Any player bleeding from a wound must leave the field of play. He may not return until the referee or, if appropriate, 4th official is satisfied that the bleeding has stopped
*
As soon as the referee has authorised the doctors to enter the field, the player must leave the field, either on the stretcher or on foot. If a player does not comply he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour
*
An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has started
*
An injured player may only re-enter the field from the touch line when the ball is in play. When the ball is out of play, the injured player may re-enter from any of the boundary lines
*
The referee alone is authorised to allow an injured player to re-enter the field whether the ball is in play or not
*
If play has not otherwise been stopped for another reason, or if an injury suffered by a player is not the result of a breach of the laws of the game, the referee restarts play with a dropped ball
*
The referee allows for the full amount of time lost through injury to be played at the end of each period of play

Exceptions to this ruling are made only for:

*
Injury to a goalkeeper
*
When a goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided and both need immediate attention
*
When a severe injury has occurred, e.g. swallowed tongue, concussion, broken leg, etc

This procedure for dealing with injured players will allow them to receive the correct treatment safely, off the field of play.

Where a player has blood on his shirt, shorts or socks the player will be required to change the clothing for clean apparel.

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Directives (7)

7. Substitution Procedures
2008/09 Directives

The following procedures are to be adopted in FA Competitions where a fourth official is appointed, the FA Premier League and the Football League.

*
The fourth official shall be in charge of all substitutions
*
He shall receive a completed substitution form, with the correct numbers of both the substitute and the player being replaced, from the team representative preparing to make the substitution, before the substitution takes place
*
The fourth official will be responsible for checking that the substitute’s equipment is in order before they enter the field of play. If their equipment does not comply he will inform them of the changes that need to be made before the substitution can take place. The substitution will not be sanctioned until the equipment has been rectified and checked.
*
When a substitution is to take place the referee or assistant referee may be required to assist the fourth official. This is left to the discretion of the referee but must be made clear prior to kick off
*
If the referee is carrying out disciplinary action a substitution will not take place until the disciplinary process has been completed

Substitution

Warming Up

*
A maximum of 3 substitutes from each side may warm up at any one time where sufficient space permits
*
The fourth official will indicate exactly where the substitutes may warm up
*
The substitutes must conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times whilst warming up, giving the Assistant Referee room to carry out his duties. The fourth official may reduce the number of substitutes permitted to warm up at any one time where the actions of the substitute is deemed to be interfering with the duties of the Assistant Referee.


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Directives (6)

6. Control of Trainers Benches and Technical Area
2008/09 Directives

Definition of Terms

‘Technical Area’

The ‘Technical Area’ extends 1m (1yd) on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of 1m (1yd) from the touch line. Clear, correct markings are to be used to define this area, including a centre line to divide technical areas that abut each other.

The ‘Trainers Bench’ relates to the seating area within the technical area also known as ‘team bench’, ‘dugout’ or other means of housing or protecting those Managers, coaches, substitute players and support staff, named on the team sheet, during a match All clubs must provide separate trainers benches adjacent to the pitch for the sole use of team officials, medical staff, substitute players (and any substituted players) for both the Home and Visiting Club. Trainer’s benches shall have direct access onto the field of play, be under cover, contain a minimum of 11 seats and be within the marked technical area.

*
Only those team officials and substitutes (and any substituted player) listed on the team sheet may occupy the trainers bench
*
A team official may convey tactical instructions to the Players from the edge of the Technical Area during the match. He must return to his position after giving these instructions. His ‘Position’ is defined as the seating of the ‘Trainers bench’. It is not permissible for a team official merely to spend time standing forward of the seating area without satisfying his role of conveying tactical information.
*
Whilst Competition rules allow two persons to stand it is only permissible for one person to stand forward of the defined seating area at any one time, a second standing person must confine himself to the line of seating. Failing to comply with the reasonable requests of the fourth official in this respect may be considered as irresponsible behaviour.
*
With the exception of the two team officials and any substitutes who are warming up or warming down, all other personnel are to remain within the confines of the technical area except in special circumstances, for example a physiotherapist or doctor entering the field of play, with the referees permission, to assess an injured player.
*
The role of the coach is only to convey decisions of a tactical nature to his team, he is not permitted to comment on the decisions of the referee, the assistant referees or the actions of his opponents. To do so may be considered as irresponsible behaviour.
*
It is acknowledged that, in addition to the persons named on the team sheet in certain competitions (13 in the Premier League, FA Cup, Football League Cup and 11 in the Football League and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy) some clubs employ additional support staff. It is not permitted for these persons to occupy any part of the technical area, the tunnel area or the area immediately adjacent to the field of play and the technical area. The only persons permitted in this area are those persons ‘authorised’ by the home club and bearing identification to that effect (Medical staff, stewards, police officers, etc), the fourth official shall ensure compliance and have the power to request the removal of unauthorised personnel.
*
The fourth official has the authority to inform the referee of irresponsible behaviour by any occupant of the technical area/trainers bench, the referee is required to apply such disciplinary sanctions as it appropriate and report his actions to the appropriate authority.


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Directives (5)

5. Tunnel Experiment
2008/09 Directives

At the conclusion of each half of the game the fourth official moves from the Technical Area continuing to monitor the behavior of the players on the field of play and takes up a position at the rear end of the tunnel. The Assistant Referees nearest the entrance to the field of play also continues to monitor players on the field whilst he moves to take up a position at the head of the tunnel. Players and officials are closely monitored has they move towards their respective dressing rooms.

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Directives (4)

4. Entry to and Departure from the Field of Play
2008/09 Directives

Match officials are to lead the teams on to the field of play and are not to leave the playing area at half time or at full time until all the players and team officials of both sides have left the playing area, unless the referee feels there are exceptional circumstances, which necessitate an earlier exit from the field of play.

Law 12 now defines that the referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions, as from the moment he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle. This definition makes it clear that the authority of the referee in terms of issuing disciplinary sanctions starts as he enters the field of play and ends when he leaves the field of play. Any incidents after the final whistle which merit cautions or dismissals will be punished in the appropriate way. Offences in the technical area or tunnel after the referee has left the field of play will be reported as misconduct. It is therefore important that the referee is first on to the field of play and the last to leave
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Directives (3)

3. Players Equipment - Safety
2008/09 Directives

Match Officials are reminded that Law 4 states: “A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery)”




*
All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not acceptable.
* Undershorts, where worn by players, are to be of the same main colour as the shorts.
* Match Officials are also to incorporate a footwear inspection into the pre-match safety check of players’ equipment. This will take place in the tunnel immediately prior to the game.

Boot manufacturers have recently been experimenting with designs and some of those designs give cause for concern. The use of blades on the sole of the boot is an example of such concern.

The Football Association have offered the following guidelines:

“When inspecting footwear officials are to be alert to the possibility of the edge of the blade developing rough areas on either the plastic or metal used in their construction.

These burrs are very sharp and have been the cause of lacerations on opponents. If match officials are concerned over the condition they should refuse to sanction their use until they have been made safe.

If evidence emerges during the game e.g. torn stockings, lacerations, you may wish to follow up the inspection with the player(s) concerned during a stoppage.”

Referees are to report any instance where the kick-off has been delayed, as a result of the footwear inspection.

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Directives (2)

2. The Role of the Fourth Official
2008/09 Directives

*
A fourth official will be appointed to certain rounds of FA Competitions and all matches in the FA Premier League and the Football League and officiates if any of the three match officials are unable to continue
*
If the fourth official is a Referee he may replace any of the three match officials if they are unable to continue
*
Panel League Referee Seniority, regardless of position in the match, will take precedence in the event of the appointed referee being unable to continue when a referee has not been appointed as fourth official
*
The fourth official shall be conscious of competition rules and act accordingly




Before the Match

The Fourth Official:

* shall remind the coaches that they must remain within the confines of the technical area during the match
* shall instruct the physio/doctor that they must not enter the field of play without first receiving the permission of the referee
* will ascertain, prior to the match, the location he will occupy near to the touchline, between the technical areas where possible, for the duration of the game
* will ensure that the electronic number boards used for the substitution of players and for indicating ‘time-allowed’ is in place
* shall check the pressure of all the replacement footballs. He will provide a replacement football, on the instruction of the referee except in matches where the multiple ball system is in use.
* Shall, where the multi-ball system is in use, ascertain the name and location of the person who is supervising the system
* shall listen to the pre-match instructions issued by the referee and ascertain what procedure should be followed if the referee or one of the assistant referees are unable to continue

During the Match

The Fourth Official

* assists the referee at all times. He shall maintain frequent eye contact with the match officials
* will indicate to the referee when the wrong player is cautioned because of mistaken identity or when a player is not sent off having been seen to be given a second caution will bring to the attention of the referee acts of violent conduct which occur out of the view of the referee or assistant referees
* shall keep a full record of the game, including details of any players cautioned or sent-off
* shall be in charge of substitutions and whether the substitutes equipment is in order. He shall indicate substitutions by holding up, to display the numbers, the number board provided for this purpose. The fourth official shall record the exact times that substitutions are made
* Shall not communicate their estimation of the allowance for time lost to the referee but await the referee’s instruction of the minimum amount of time to be allowed. The Electronic substitution board is not to be used as a method of communicating, to the referee, a confirmatory signal. On 45 and 90 minutes display the amount of ‘time allowed’ on the board provided
* will monitor the entry into the field of play by the physio/doctor/stretcher bearers allowing such entry only with the permission of the referee
* will supervise the technical area to maintain order and inform the referee of irresponsible behaviour by any occupant of the technical area. Irresponsible behaviour may be defined as, but not exclusive to: - any person who leaves the technical area to remonstrate with the Referee, an Assistant Referee, opponents or members of the opposition technical area - any act of abusive, insulting, offensive or threatening language and/or gesture - persistently failing to comply with the Laws of the Game, League Regulations, Competition Rules or the request of the fourth official
* shall ensure that only those personnel named on the official teamsheet occupy the technical area and, where a coach has conveyed tactical instructions to the players during a match he returns to his position after giving those instructions
* should advise the Referee of any verbal abuse from occupants within the Technical Area
* is expected to control the technical area in a preventative rather than confrontational manner. If the occupants of the technical area indulge in serious misconduct the fourth official must inform the referee immediately
* Is expected to stand, where this is practicable, during the game
* Shall communicate to the person responsible for the multi-ball replacement system, if operable, any decision taken by the referee to withdraw permission for its use.

After the Match

The Fourth Official

* shall subject to the instructions of the referee position himself appropriately to enable supervision of the players and officials through the tunnel area to the dressing rooms and act as witness if any incident occurs
* shall assist the referee in the preparation of a full match report, including details of misconduct, substitutions, and other incidents as required.
* shall advise the referee of any breach of the Technical Area regulations
* shall submit a report to the appropriate authorities on any misconduct or other incident, which has occurred out of the view of the referee and the assistant referee.

The fourth official must advise the referee of any reports being made The fourth official assists the referee and assistant referees at all times. This will involve being pro-active in any dealings with players, substitutes and club officials, especially during the match.

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Directives (2)

2. The Role of the Fourth Official
2008/09 Directives

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A fourth official will be appointed to certain rounds of FA Competitions and all matches in the FA Premier League and the Football League and officiates if any of the three match officials are unable to continue
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If the fourth official is a Referee he may replace any of the three match officials if they are unable to continue
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Panel League Referee Seniority, regardless of position in the match, will take precedence in the event of the appointed referee being unable to continue when a referee has not been appointed as fourth official
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The fourth official shall be conscious of competition rules and act accordingly




Before the Match

The Fourth Official:

* shall remind the coaches that they must remain within the confines of the technical area during the match
* shall instruct the physio/doctor that they must not enter the field of play without first receiving the permission of the referee
* will ascertain, prior to the match, the location he will occupy near to the touchline, between the technical areas where possible, for the duration of the game
* will ensure that the electronic number boards used for the substitution of players and for indicating ‘time-allowed’ is in place
* shall check the pressure of all the replacement footballs. He will provide a replacement football, on the instruction of the referee except in matches where the multiple ball system is in use.
* Shall, where the multi-ball system is in use, ascertain the name and location of the person who is supervising the system
* shall listen to the pre-match instructions issued by the referee and ascertain what procedure should be followed if the referee or one of the assistant referees are unable to continue

During the Match

The Fourth Official

* assists the referee at all times. He shall maintain frequent eye contact with the match officials
* will indicate to the referee when the wrong player is cautioned because of mistaken identity or when a player is not sent off having been seen to be given a second caution will bring to the attention of the referee acts of violent conduct which occur out of the view of the referee or assistant referees
* shall keep a full record of the game, including details of any players cautioned or sent-off
* shall be in charge of substitutions and whether the substitutes equipment is in order. He shall indicate substitutions by holding up, to display the numbers, the number board provided for this purpose. The fourth official shall record the exact times that substitutions are made
* Shall not communicate their estimation of the allowance for time lost to the referee but await the referee’s instruction of the minimum amount of time to be allowed. The Electronic substitution board is not to be used as a method of communicating, to the referee, a confirmatory signal. On 45 and 90 minutes display the amount of ‘time allowed’ on the board provided
* will monitor the entry into the field of play by the physio/doctor/stretcher bearers allowing such entry only with the permission of the referee
* will supervise the technical area to maintain order and inform the referee of irresponsible behaviour by any occupant of the technical area. Irresponsible behaviour may be defined as, but not exclusive to: - any person who leaves the technical area to remonstrate with the Referee, an Assistant Referee, opponents or members of the opposition technical area - any act of abusive, insulting, offensive or threatening language and/or gesture - persistently failing to comply with the Laws of the Game, League Regulations, Competition Rules or the request of the fourth official
* shall ensure that only those personnel named on the official teamsheet occupy the technical area and, where a coach has conveyed tactical instructions to the players during a match he returns to his position after giving those instructions
* should advise the Referee of any verbal abuse from occupants within the Technical Area
* is expected to control the technical area in a preventative rather than confrontational manner. If the occupants of the technical area indulge in serious misconduct the fourth official must inform the referee immediately
* Is expected to stand, where this is practicable, during the game
* Shall communicate to the person responsible for the multi-ball replacement system, if operable, any decision taken by the referee to withdraw permission for its use.

After the Match

The Fourth Official

* shall subject to the instructions of the referee position himself appropriately to enable supervision of the players and officials through the tunnel area to the dressing rooms and act as witness if any incident occurs
* shall assist the referee in the preparation of a full match report, including details of misconduct, substitutions, and other incidents as required.
* shall advise the referee of any breach of the Technical Area regulations
* shall submit a report to the appropriate authorities on any misconduct or other incident, which has occurred out of the view of the referee and the assistant referee.

The fourth official must advise the referee of any reports being made The fourth official assists the referee and assistant referees at all times. This will involve being pro-active in any dealings with players, substitutes and club officials, especially during the match.

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Directives (1)

1. Safety and Security Briefing of Match Official
2008/09 Directives

1. Introduction

The pre-match safety and security briefing of match officials by the safety officer and/or police commander takes place before all matches under the auspices of the F.A. Premier League and The Football League or in the F.A. Challenge Cup Competition Proper. This practice has evolved over a number of years following consultations between the Police, match officials, safety officers and the football authorities. These guidelines set out the recommended procedures to be followed.

It must be emphasised that there is no intention to intrude upon the discharge of duties imposed upon individuals either by statute or the Laws of the Game. The ultimate decision in these matters must always rest with the responsible person and consistency, although generally desirable, should never override the particular demands of the occasion.

2. Responsibility

Following the publication of the Taylor Report in 1990, it became accepted that the responsibility for matters relating to safety at the stadium rests with the club in the shape of the Safety Officer, although the Police remain responsible for public order issues. More and more matches are now “police free” particularly, but far from exclusively, in the lower divisions. In this case, the briefing of match officials will obviously be carried out by the Safety Officer or a deputy and, where Police are present, the Safety Officer will normally take the lead in a joint briefing. In such situations, the Safety Officer has full authority in relation to such matters as a delay to kick-off time or suspension/abandonment of the match for reasons of public safety or security.

The powers and duties of the Referee are, of course, clearly defined in the Laws of the Game and in junior matches played on public pitches these will often extend to matters fundamental to the staging of the game. However, in matches at this level, where the event organiser has statutory responsibilities, the Referee’s role is restricted to matters relating to the actual playing of the game. The Referee should naturally be consulted and be kept appraised on issues having a bearing to kick-off time etc. so that players may be informed accordingly. He will also submit a full report on any such matter to the relevant football authorities.

3. The Involvement of Police or Club Safety Management on the Field of Play

In view of the foregoing, the principles relating to the involvement of the Police and/or club safety management in matters on the field of play are as follows:- (i) It is acknowledged that match officials are, and should be, responsible for dealing with incidents on the field of play. As a general rule, the primacy of the Referee on the field of play should be maintained. (ii) Whilst the police or stewards should not normally encroach onto the field of play, they will always reserve the right to intervene should circumstances warrant it in the interest of safety or public order. (iii) The types of conduct which might lead to the involvement of the police or club safety management include:-

a) Violent or abusive behaviour directed towards other persons on the pitch b) Words or behaviour of players likely to inflame spectators c) Words or behaviour of bench personnel likely to inflame spectators

4. Briefing of Match Officials

There is unanimous agreement that, given that match officials are aware of the general principles applied in relation to safety and security within the stadia, there remains information specific to a particular stadium or match which needs to be transmitted to them. However, many referees have indicated that they would prefer to receive as much of this information as possible ahead of the match to allow them to give it the attention it warrants. On match day, as kick-off approaches, they are inevitably focusing on the game itself and it becomes more difficult to absorb more than a limited number of key points.

It is, therefore, recommended that the transmission of safety and security information be accomplished in two stages – firstly, in written form by post ahead of the match and secondly, at a short match-day briefing.

5. Advance Safety and Security Information

The information which is sent in advance, possibly with tickets, car park passes etc., may include both details of stadium arrangements which apply for all matches and any matters specific to the particular fixture in question. The following list does not claim to be exhaustive but follows the general principle that the referee should be in possession of sufficient information to enable the match day briefing to be restricted to updating and the reinforcement of key elements.

(i) Introduction by the Safety Officer of himself/herself and senior colleagues.

(ii) Car park arrangements for match officials. (NB: It is considered undesirable for their parking bays to be marked in any way unless in a completely sterile area). Details of the availability of an escort back to these vehicles after the match.

(iii) A plan of the stadium with a general indication of the location of visiting supporters.

(iv) Details of the club’s strategy in the event of spectator incursions, both individual and multiple, and, in particular, the protection to be afforded to match officials in such situations. (Most clubs now operate special response teams and their instructions and location within the stadium is of interest to the match officials).

(v) The standard procedures for preserving the privacy of the match officials in their dressing rooms as well as any escort provided to and from the pitch.

(vi) Basic information with regard to emergency evacuation procedures and what is required of the referee in such situations. The method of informing the referee of the need to stop the match. (Experience has shown that it may be unwise to rely upon the Referee’s or Assistant Referees’ ability to pick up a coded message broadcast on the public address system.) (vii) Any information, whether of a general nature or specific to the particular match, which the Police Commander wishes to draw to the attention of the match officials

(viii) Categorisation of the match. In the case of a “police free” match, the likely response time in the event of a police presence being required.

(ix) Confirmation of the location of the Safety Officer and the procedure to be adopted in the event of a delay to kick-off being necessary. (Whilst the referee would naturally be kept appraised of any developing situation which might lead to a delay, it is accepted that on occasions unanticipated events might occur which preclude a warning. Ideally, notification of a delay should not be later than 15 minutes prior to kick-off.)

(x) Any special procedures in relation to players dismissed from the field of play necessitated by the stadium layout.

(xi) Confirmation of the general division of responsibilities, with particular reference to the control of players and officials (both on the field and on the team benches) resting with the referee, subject to the principles outlined above in Section 3 (i), (ii) and (iii). As this is likely to be standard across the country it may be deemed unnecessary to quote it match by match unless occasioned by specific circumstances.

(xii) Location of the seat for reserve/fourth official.

(xiii) Although some Safety Officers may not regard the arrangements for dealing with injured players as part of their responsibility, this has generally been incorporated into the pre-match briefing and, therefore, details of the position of the stretcher bearers may be included.

(xiv) Any information relevant to the particular match currently available which might be of interest or benefit to the referee.

6. Match Day Briefing

This should take place in private but not necessarily in the referee’s room. There are obvious advantages from utilising the pitch or, in inclement weather, the players’ tunnel to be able to point out the various features of the stadium.

Whether or not the briefing is a joint effort on the part of the Safety Officer and Police Commander or their deputies or is conducted solely by the Safety Officer (or deputy) will vary from ground to ground and match to match. However, it is recommended that, other than in exceptional circumstances, it should not last more than 2 or 3 minutes and be completed 75 minutes prior to kick-off, covering issues such as the following:-

(i) An update on the anticipated attendance, including away fans.

(ii) Any intelligence regarding problems which may impinge upon the progress of the match.

(iii) Introduction of any key personnel with whom the referee might have dealings, particularly the individual, whether police officer or club representative, who will be responsible for conveying urgent messages to the referee either direct or through one of the assistants.

(iv) Reinforcement of any issues already covered in writing but which are felt worthy of emphasis.

(v) Response to any questions from the match officials.

The commencement time for the briefing may, of course, be stipulated by the competition but, in principle, an earlier time, if more convenient, may be fixed in consultation with the referee. In this case, it is important that the match delegate, if applicable, is also made aware of the new time.

7. Post Match Reporting

At the conclusion of the match the Safety Officer and/or Police Commander should make contact with the referee, either directly or through a representative, indicating whether or not any incident has occurred which is likely to be the subject of a report to The Football Association. If this is to be the case, the referee should indicate to The Football Association, in writing, the general nature of the incident together with the name and contact number of the person making the report. In the event that the incident was viewed by the referee and/or the assistant referees, a report should be sent to The Football Association describing the incident as they witnessed it.

Similarly, should any of the match officials be contemplating a report to The Football Association relating to safety or security matters, this intention should be made known to the Police Commander or Safety Officer or one of their representatives? The name and function of the person informed should be noted.

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