"One of the basic premises of the 'Spirit of the Game' is that the game belongs to the players. It is in this view that they (soccer players) determine what is to be enforced and what is to be overlooked as trivial or detrimental to their enjoyment of the game." 
(Source) Posting on the UK Referees' Discussion Boards Dec 01 by Grizzlierbear!

1. Misconduct:           Go back to the Top of the Page

Misconduct by anyone (including players) before the Referee steps onto the field of play or after the end of a match is to be reported as ‘misconduct’ quoting Law 5.

CAUTIONS and SENDING-OFFS only apply during the game itself (including the half-time interval).

You can only ‘caution’ or ‘send-off’ a player (Law 12) from the moment you step onto the field of play, up to the end of the match; this includes any half-time or extra-time intervals. For example - a player sent-off during the half-time interval may not be replaced, and that team will have to play the rest of the game with one player less.

A player who has been sent off before the kick-off (that is, between the period when you step onto the field of play and the start of the match), can be replaced by a named substitute; the substitute cannot then be replaced by another person to make up the maximum number of substitutes allowed for that match. In other words, that team will have one less substitute, than the maximum number allowed.

A named substitute who has been sent-off, either before play has started, or after play has started, may not be replaced. In other words, that team will have one less substitute, than the maximum number allowed.

2. Law 5 - The Referee:  ....what Law 5 actually says.        Go back to the Top of the Page

The Authority of the Referee

Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed.

Powers and Duties

The Referee:

• enforces the Laws of the Game
• controls the match in cooperation with the assistant referees and, where applicable, with the fourth official 
• ensures that any ball used meets the requirements of Law 2 ensures that the players' equipment meets the requirements of Law 4
• acts as timekeeper and keeps a record of the match
• stops, suspends or abandons the match, at his discretion, for any infringements of the Laws
• stops, suspends or abandons the match because of outside interference of any kind
• stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that he is removed from the field of play. An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted
• allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured
• ensures that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play. The player may only return on receiving a signal from the referee, who must be satisfied that the bleeding has stopped
• allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalises the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time
• punishes the more serious offence when a player commits more than one offence at the same time
• takes disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable and sending-off offences. He is not obliged to take this action immediately but must do so when the ball next goes out of play
• takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may, at his discretion, expel them from the field of play and its immediate surrounds
• acts on the advice of the assistant referees regarding incidents that he has not seen
• ensures that no unauthorised persons enter the field of play indicates the restart of the match after it has been stopped
• provides the appropriate authorities with a match report, which includes information on any disciplinary action taken against players and/or team officials and any other incidents that occurred before, during or after the match

Decisions of the Referee

The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final.

The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at his discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the match.

Decisions of the International F.A. Board

Decision 1

A referee (or where applicable, an assistant referee or fourth official) is not held liable for:

• any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator

• any damage to property of any kind

• any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association or other body, which is due or which may be due to any decision which he may take under the terms of the Laws of the Game or in respect of the normal procedures required to hold, play and control a match.

This may include:

• a decision that the condition of the field of play or its surrounds or that the weather conditions are such as to allow or not to allow a match to take place
• a decision to abandon a match for whatever reason
• a decision as to the condition of the fixtures or equipment used during a match including the goalposts, crossbar, flag posts and the ball
• a decision to stop or not to stop a match due to spectator interference or any problem in the spectator area
• a decision to stop or not to stop play to allow an injured player to be removed from the field of play for treatment. An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted.
• a decision to request or insist that an injured player be removed from the field of play for treatment
• a decision to allow or not to allow a player to wear certain apparel or equipment
• a decision (in so far as this may be his responsibility) to allow or not to allow any persons (including team or stadium officials, security officers, photographers or other media representatives) to be present in the vicinity of the field of play
• any other decision which he may take in accordance with the Laws of the Game or in conformity with his duties under the terms of FIFA, confederation, national association or league rules or regulations under which the match is played

Decision 2

In tournaments or competitions where a fourth official is appointed, his role and duties must be in accordance with the guidelines approved by the International F.A. Board, which are contained in this publication (The Laws of Associated Football).

3. Misconduct by players other than during play:      Go back to the Top of the Page

Go back to the Top of the Page

4. Misconduct by Club Officials:            Go back to the Top of the Page

If a Club Linesman is refusing to co-operate, or if he is interfering with play, you can dispense with his services and request the respective Club to replace him. If no replacement is available, do without - but report the offence to the appropriate authority after the game.

Examples....

(a) If a Trainer comes onto the field of play without your permission, allow any "treatment" of injured players to take place, thank him, and ask him to wait for your permission next time, i.e. use your common sense. If he ignores your advice next time, then report it, but be careful not to antagonise by being over-officious.

(b) If a Cub official encroaches onto the field of play without permission - stop play if necessary, order them off, warn them about their behaviour, and report if necessary. Re-start game with a drop ball if the game was stopped during play.

Procedure:

• stops, suspends or terminates the match because of outside interference of any kind.
  
• takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may at his discretion, expel them from the field of play and its immediate surrounds.
  
• provides the appropriate authorities with a match report which includes information on any disciplinary action taken against players, and/or team officials and any other incidents which occurred before, during or after the match
  
• takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may at his discretion, expel them from the field of play and its immediate surrounds

Go back to the Top of the Page

5. Coaching in an irresponsible manner, i.e. inciting players:       Go back to the Top of the Page

Coaching is allowed from the ‘technical area’ in a responsible, controlled manner. If irresponsible coaching is interfering with the conduct of the match, wait for the ball to go out of play, then firstly warn the offender. If this occurs again, ask the perpetrator for their name, take details of the offence, tell them that you will report the incident, and ask them to leave the near vicinity of the field of play.

6. Officials criticising the Referee’s performance:       Go back to the Top of the Page

At the end of half, speak to the Manager or representative (this may be the team Captain) ask them for the offender’s name, and inform them that you will be reporting the incident.

7. Misconduct by Spectators: i.e. abuse of officials (Referee & Assistant Referees’).

If the abuse is during the game and moderate - just grin and bear it.   Go back to the Top of the Page

DO NOT GET INVOLVED WITH SPECTATORS.

If it is good natured banter, don’t forget you also have a sense of humour!

8. Encroachment onto the field of play by a spectator:          Go back to the Top of the Page

If a spectator encroaches onto the field of play, stop the game immediately, and ask a Home Club official to remove the offender(s), and if necessary (the Referee should) report the incident. If the Club officials are unable to remove or placate the offender(s) then ask the players to return temporarily to the dressing room to allow the situation to be defused - else you can abandon the game. Re-start with a drop ball if you had to stop the game during open play.

9. Further General Points:           Go back to the Top of the Page

For misconduct other than players on the field of play, or substitutes - no cards are to be shown. Only a player or substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card.

A Club trainer or physiotherapist who has been guilty of misconduct is allowed to remain in the technical area and may still enter the field of play to treat an injured player.

A Referee can suspend or terminate a match at his discretion for any infringements of the laws or due to outside interference of any kind.

The decisions of the Referee regarding facts connected with play are final. He may only change a decision if he realises it is incorrect or on the advice of his Assistant Referee - provided he has not restarted play. You will sometimes have to grin and bear it, when you make a mistake and play has restarted.

When a player commits more than one offence at the same time, punish the more serious offence - this could be elbowing a player whilst obstructing him at the same time. The elbowing is the more serious offence, and warrants a direct free kick (or penalty kick if occurring in the perpetrator's penalty area).
Law 5 clearly states that the Referee "punishes the more serious offence when a player commits more than one offence at the SAME TIME." There is no lapse of time when two offences are committed simultaneously – they occur at the SAME TIME.

Another example would be a player going in for a tackle using excessive force shouting "Take this you arse ole" at the same time as breaking the leg of the opponent! The shout could be deemed to be a yellow card, yet the overriding sound of a leg breaking is a much more serious offence ouch!

It is not a simultaneous offence if the Referee has decided in his mind to penalise an attacking player for being offside, but before he has had time to blow his whistle, a defending player fouls the attacker. These are two separate offences with a period of time between them both (the offside offence and the foul). There will always be a delay between the Referee making a decision to stop play, and actually raising the whistle to his lips. A Referee’s decision is made by his mind and not by his whistle. The whistle is only one of a number of communication tools that the Referee has. His voice and the use of arm signals being two others. Penalising players for being offside is in the opinion of the Referee. Therefore, if the Referee decides ‘in his mind’ to stop play, and penalise the offside infringement, anything that happens in that very small amount of time that it takes for the sound of the whistle to reach the players’ ears - should be dealt with as if the ball was out of play.

On occasions like this, the Referee can only be honest with himself.

The Referee acts as the sole timekeeper, records Team colours, who kicked off, and at what time. He also keeps a record of the goals scored.

The Referee is responsible for taking any misconduct action, and noting the name of any substitutes made during the game.

The Referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at his discretion, on the advice of an Assistant Referee, provided that he has not restarted play.

10. Extraneous Duties of Referees                 Go back to the Top of the Page

Over the years extra burdens have been placed on Referees, and to seek clarification an approach was made to the Football Association (England) to investigate the matter. A series of questions was posed to the members of a special Working party of the Governing Body and their answers are listed below. At the same time, they were of the opinion that Referees should always have the courtesy to reply to correspondence from Leagues and Clubs, especially in respect of appointments and match arrangements. It was also felt that Referees should be ready to assist Leagues and Competitions generally with limited administrative duties for the benefit of football.

While it is essential that all Referees adhere to all League and Competition Rules, such organisations need to remain aware of the problems any such escalation of unnecessary duties might cause to a match official.

Question No 1: Confirm appointments with Referees' Secretary?
Answer No. 1: Yes.

Question No 2: Confirm appointments with Home Club?
Answer No. 2: Yes.

Question No 3: Report when actually received details from Home Club?
Answer No. 3:  It was felt this was only necessary if the details were not received or received late, or it was a requirement of the league or Competition Rules.

Question No 4: Carry out pitch inspection with Local Authorities?
Answer No. 4: The Working Party appreciated that concern has been expressed about this general subject which has often been linked with the wider issue of legal liability. Referees are always required to determine whether a pitch is suitable for play. However, as far as difficult pitch conditions are concerned within the Laws of the Game, he has the authority to decide whether or not a match should be started or continued, in view of pitch conditions and in the interest of safety of the participates. Care and attention to pitch inspection duties are essential. Reference was made to legal advice, already received, where "it was generally felt that players, in all forms of football played throughout the country, must accept some degree of risk of injury through difficult pitch conditions. It was thought that only in the most extreme circumstances would any legal Liability actually be attached to a Referees decision, providing that the Referee did act with a total reckless disregard for the interest of safety of the participants".

Question No 5: Notify if the pitch is not enclosed to the league?
Answer No. 5: Only if it is a requirement of a League or Competition.

Question No 6: Witness the signing of registration forms by players?
Answer No 6: No. (Referees' Committee Minute 61 11th May 1981 refers).

Question No 7: Report time of arrival of Assistant Referees?
Answer No. 7: Only Assistant Referees who are late or if a requirement of a League or Competition.

Question No 8: Confirm if a team has a First Aid Box and check contents?
Answer No. 8: No.

Question No 1: Draw the winning numbers in the Club Lottery?
Answer No. 1. Strictly speaking no; but many would see this as helpful, friendly assistance and would agree to partake.

Question No 1: Report number of players available in each team?
Answer No. 1: Only if a requirement of a league or Competition Rule.

Question No 2: Report late kick-off and who is responsible?
Answer No. 2: Only if a requirement of a league or Competition Rule.

Question No 3: Report actual time played?
Answer No. 3: Only if the time played is not in accordance with the requirement of the Competition Rules. In such a case, the reason for the deviation from the expected time should be explained.

Question No 4:  Report conditions of pitch markings and goal nets?
Answer No. 4: The requirement of the Laws of the Game might cause the Referees to report inadequacies concerning pitch markings, but otherwise these items will only be reported if a requirement of a League or Competition Rule.

Responsibilities of Referees: Possible Insurance Cover.

At the request of The Referees' Association and as a follow-on to Question 4 above. (Before the game, field of play inspection), the Working Party discussed this topic and recommended that, in the view of the history and the few cases involving solicitors/court action in the last 2 years, nothing had altered to change this extract from the Referees' Committee Minute 29 c of the 5th December 1991, which was reconfirmed:

• "The Referees' Association had written to the Football Association to express the concern of Referees of the whole issue of possible legal liabilities and third party claims; it was suggested that insurance cover was necessary. The Chairman of the Referees' Committee and Chief Executive had discussed the matter and a reply sent to the Referees' Association on the 18th November 1991. This reply was endorsed by the Referees' Committee. It was agreed no further action should be taken but the matter would continued to be monitored closely".

Further negotiations have taken place since that date and now all Referees are covered with a Legal Liability Insurance through their respective County Football Associations in England.

Legal Question 1: During a hard fought amateur league football game, a player received a broken leg as the result of a slightly vigorous tackle which went wrong.  The FA rules seem to protect the tackler's defence that it was only a slightly vigorous tackle, and that since he was within the rules of the game he can't have intended to commit a criminal assault or actual bodily harm?

Legal Answer 1: The world of legal Law is a complex beast. This is only my opinion and should not be taken as de facto, and as we say in business, this advice is provided "Without prejudice". (webmaster Julian Carosi).

Thousands of players are badly injured every year by dangerous foul play or unsafe playing conditions. Careers are ruined and thousands of pounds lost in wages, yet very few players claim compensation.

When players play football they accept the risks of things like an accidental clash of heads. But they don't accept the risks that someone might throw a punch or kick them when the ball isn't there or that a tackle on them is made with the sole intention of committing bodily harm or that the facilities being used are unsafe.

Decision 1 of (Laws of Associated Football Law 5 states that:

"A referee (or where applicable, an assistant referee or fourth official) is not held liable for:

• any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator
• any damage to property of any kind
• any other loss suffered by any individual, club, company, association or other body, which is due or which may be due to any decision which he may take under the terms of the Laws of the Game or in respect of the normal procedures required to hold, play and control a match."

Whether this holds any sway in Court is for the Court to decide.

Law 12 (Laws of Associated Football allows the Referee to penalise a player if he commits a foul that is careless, reckless, or using excessive force.

But what do these terms actually mean within the game?

Careless is when a player attempting to challenge for the ball which is in close proximity to an opponent, puts a great deal of honest effort into the challenge, but wildly mistimes it, and in doing so fouls the opponent.

Reckless is when a player makes a challenge in a manner where there is a clear risk of endangering an opponent, but pays no regard to the possible consequences and the safety and/or welfare of his opponent.

Excessive force is when a player makes a challenge that may be malicious or brutal and may be designed to hurt or maim an opponent.

If a careless, reckless or excessive force (Serious Foul Play) tackle were made by a player who is making ‘some’ attempt to play the ball, and the tackle results in a serious injury - this would be very difficult to compensate for in legal (Court) terms. Bearing in mind that football is a very physical game, it would be even more difficult to prove negligence if a serious injury were the result of a slightly vigorous tackle.

Football is a tough combative sport, it is a game where body contact occurs, and the Laws are framed so that the players can play without danger to themselves, if their opponents respect both the letter of the spirit of the Laws.

Nevertheless, very hard tackles have been made where players have contacted the ball first, but have deliberately followed through to commit serious injury to the opponent. A Referee cannot be expected to read the mind (intent) of a player committing such a tackle (even though it is fairly obvious in some circumstances, that injuring the opponent is the prime aim of the perpetrator.)
Serious Foul Play covers actions that are part of the game and usually involve some attempt to play the ball. For instance, a player who very strongly slide tackles an opponent from behind, knowing full well that although he will make some contact with the ball during the tackle, his main aim is to inflict some serious damage to his opponent.

Violent conduct occurs outside of the immediate play action of a game, and as such would stand more chance of receiving injury compensation in, a Court of Law (than would a Serious Foul play injury). In other words, violent conduct has nothing to do with the game of football, and is purely a violent act resulting in a possible injury. Whereas, serious foul play is committed whilst challenging (or supposedly challenging) for the ball.

Violent Conduct is an action outside of the game play and is simply when a player aims to inflict damage to another person such as fighting, thumping, elbowing, head butting etc... This can include fighting with opponents, colleagues, spectators, officials, managers,….. you name it ………..

At the beginning of each season, all Referees receive a leaflet showing current the FIFA Law amendments and Instructions of the FA International Board.

In the 1998/1999 leaflet, the FA provided the following to all Referees:

"New Decision 5

A tackle from behind which endangers the safety of an opponent must be sanctioned as serious foul play.

Acts of serious foul play are punishable by a red card."

This is now incorporated in Law 12 Decision 4:

"A tackle from behind which endangers the safety of an opponent must be sanctioned as serious foul play."

The Laws and guidance in football are always concise – the aim being to allow the Referee to judge particular situations (and not have to be stifled by reams of Laws and sub-clauses etc.)

There is not much guidance readily accessible (to the public) to help with the scenario of compensation claims between players. Nevertheless, there is plenty of advice and guidance provided to Referees in training books, memorandums etc. from the Football Associations and the Referees’ Associations.

"Each incident must be judged by the Referee as it happens and the question of danger rests entirely on his opinion." (Source: F.A. Memorandum 1993– Dangerous Play (Pg. 16):

Note: Response to me (webmaster Julian Carosi) from the UK Football Association (Joe Guest) via Regional Referees' Manager.
Dated 7 Dec. 01:

"There is no specific advice for referees where a player seeks to take legal action against another player. The referee will not be involved unless he is required, by law, to attend any Court Proceedings. If this is the case The County Football Association, The Football Association or the Referees Association may offer advice. This is always done on a case by case basis."

11: Questions and Answers:               Go back to the Top of the Page

Additional Questions and Answers provided by FIFA covering all of the Laws of the game, can be found on this web site here. The original FIFA Questions and Answers pdf file can be downloaded from the FIFA web site here.

  Go back to the Top of the Page

Question 2: During the last game of the season, when Red United was in third position in the league, (a win would mean promotion into the Premier Division) - it was noticed that they purposefully lost the game by deliberately allowing the opposition easy scoring chances. It is known locally that Red United is not interested in promotion, but are happy to just go out and win games against weaker opposition every Saturday in the lesser divisions. Shouldn't the Referee take some action to prevent such unsporting action?

Answer 2: The Referee has no right to tell teams how to play - there is nothing he can do to prevent a team playing in this fashion, albeit that it is grossly against the 'spirit of the game'.

Question 3: During a local 'park' game, I noticed that the goalkeeper was smoking a cigarette handed to him by a friend who was leaning on the goal post. Is this allowed?

Answer 3: No. Smoking is not permitted on the field of play, and the goalkeeper should be cautioned for unsporting behaviour. The Referee should politely ask the friend to move away from the goal post during the game.

 Go back to the Top of the Page

 Question 4: During a game in the local park - where there was no defined technical (or bench) area - one of the officials was behaving in a disgusting manner by shouting out expletives towards the Referee. What can the Referee do about such bad behaviour when there is no designated technical area to confine officials?

Answer 4: The majority of football matches are played on public grounds that do not have defined technical areas. This does not negate the Referees powers. If the team official is misbehaving, the Referee can order the official behind the boundary fences (if such a fence exists) - and even from the ground if the bad behaviour continues. In reality, it is very difficult for a Referee on his own in the 'middle of the countryside' to deal with such bad behaviour. Nevertheless, it must be dealt with properly. I recall an incident in a local public ground with no defined 'bench' area, or boundary fencing, where a team official threw some vicious swear words in my direction as I was disciplining one of his players. I was standing on the touchline, and the team official walked right up alongside me before venting his spleen. I asked him if he was a team official, to which he replied "Yes". I obtained his name, and asked him to leave the close vicinity of the field of play and go and stand some 50 yards away by the changing rooms. Luckily he obeyed. Of course, I reported the incident to the authorities. At the very very extreme, the Referee can consider abandoning the game if the official has not obeyed your instruction to leave the area, and his behaviour is having a serious effect on the discipline of players during the remainder of the game. Law 5 clearly states that the Referee can stop, suspend or terminate the match at his discretion, for any infringements of the Laws (this includes bad behaviour by team officials). Where there is any danger to the safety of the Referee himself, then the Referee should abandon the match immediately and leave the vicinity by the quickest route possible.

Note: The Referee is also authorised to order a player away from the touchline, if that player has already been sent-off and subsequently provokes further problems. Some competition rules stipulate that players who have been sent off, should return to the changing rooms, or leave the vicinity of the field of play - and this is generally accepted when there is no guidance given.

An amendment to the 2001/2002 Laws included the following "A player who has been sent off must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the technical area."

Question 5: It was noticed on one occasion during the game, that the Referee applied an advantage, but when the advantage did not materialise, he stopped play and penalised the original offence. Is he allowed to do that?

Answer 5: Yes, so long as the anticipated advantage does not ensue immediately (as a guideline within 3 seconds). See the Advantage page for more detail.

 Go back to the Top of the Page

 Question 6: Our local team's floodlights failed in the 86th minute of a game that we were winning 4-0. The electricians were unable to repair the floodlights and the Referee abandoned the match. The match had to be replayed in its entirety, and we lost 1-0. This is not fair!

Answer 6: If for any reasons mentioned under Law 5, the Referee has to abandon a match before normal time has been played out - the match is normally replayed  in its entirety. Unless the competition rules provide for the score to be valid at the time when the match was abandoned. It is the competition authorities and not the Referee who makes such decisions.

Note: The Referee is also authorised to stop play if the floodlights are inadequate.

Question 7: During a match, a spectator threw a coin that injured the Away Team goalkeeper. The Referee stopped the match to allow treatment to the goalkeeper. What action can the Referee take in such instances, and should he allow the game to continue?

Answer 7: The Referee must report such instances to the authorities. If the incident was an isolated case, the Referee may continue with the match. If the Referee has the luxury of security ground personnel, then the incident must be reported immediately to allow for action to be taken against the culprit(s). If spectators continue to throw dangerous items at players (or the Assistant Referees), then the Referee must abandon or temporarily suspend the match. The safety of the players (and the Referees) is paramount in such occurrences.

Question 8: If during the taking of a free kick, an opponent who has not retired the correct distance, intercepts the ball - what action should the Referee take.

Answer 8: None: Play should be allowed to continue. If the team taking the free kick opt to take it quickly, they should not be given another chance just because an opponent has not had enough time to retreat the required distance. The taking of a quick free kick is done to try and gain an advantage - if this advantage does not accrue, that's their hard luck!!

Question 9: During a game, it was noticed that the Red team captain continuously questioned the Referee about his decisions. Does a team captain have special dispensation to question the Referee?

Answer 9: Certainly not. Some captains believe they have a right to question the Referee on their team's behalf. Neither the captain nor any other player has the right to show disagreement with the Referee's decisions. The team captain should be responsible for his own team's behaviour. Neither the captain nor any other player has the right to show disagreement with a decision taken by the Referee.

 Go back to the Top of the Page

Question 10: Just when should the Referee stop play if a player is injured.

Answer 10: Law 5 states that the Referee "should stop the match, if in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that he is treated or removed from the field of play." See the Serious Injury page for more detail.

If a player is only slightly injured, the Referee should not stop play, but await when the ball has naturally gone out of play, before calling for assistance from the trainer. If the player is able to go to the touchline himself for treatment, then he should be encouraged to do so - any treatment given whilst play continues, must be given off the field of play. Beware of trainers treating players who stand just inside the field of play. Players must leave the field completely before treatment can be given. But please use a bit of common sense here - a player who just wants a quick dab of the cold sponge should be able to do so if the trainer throws the sponge on near the field boundary for his use. Referees should err on the side of safety when assessing the severity of injured players. Play should be stopped when goalkeepers are injured, and this is generally accepted (see my Question No. 3 Law 3 page on this subject). An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted.

Question 11: Is there anything that he Referee can do to win over the respect of the players?

Answer 11: Yes. He can learn the Laws inside out!, be fit and most of all be fair and consistent.

Question 12: Can a mistake made by a Referee be rescinded after the game has finished?

Answer 12: As far as the Laws themselves are concerned - Law 5 clearly states that:

"The decisions of the referee connected with play are final".

That's it really as far as referees are concerned.

What the question really alludes to is - how much money could be lost following a (genuine honest) refereeing mistake - as far as the commercial business of that particular Club is concerned?
20 years ago, people would have accepted the honest mistake. Sadly, these days, money and success are the ONLY factors that seem to count. Whatever happened to the spirit of the game"?
Albeit that theses days, there may be some mileage in the sentiments.  - far

Question 13: Is there any way of getting consistency with Referees?

Answer 13: Consistency in human beings is an impossibility. Understand this and you will appreciate that you are no different to us (Referees).

Whatever you may think about Referee inconsistency:

a. Referees strive towards this impossible goal.

b. If Referees were programmable robots, people would not even bother watching football. The same goes if players were robots.

c. If players and Referees were ‘perfection personified’ – there would be no mistakes and no dissent and no red cards etc. Every player would pass the ball to where it was intended. And Referees would never get a decision wrong.

d. Players never get abused or questioned because THEY can’t pass correctly, and neither do their managers or fans berate them in public on the field of play - in the same way that they do to Referees.

e. If we could only have some consistency in the way players, managers and spectators behave towards someone wearing black, compared to the way they behave themselves in their normal day to day lives, then we really would be getting somewhere.

f. Next time you witness abuse to a Referee, just imagine this being done to you personally whilst you were walking down the High Street – and think about your reaction in such a situation.

The inconsistency in Referees is directly proportional to the inconsistency of players.

Question 14: Is the Referee responsible for sorting out a misbehaving parent on the sidelines?

Answer 14:  Generally, it’s best not to approach a parent or a spectator who is misbehaving. It is not the Referee’s responsibility to do this. It can sometimes help, if the Referee consults the manager or anyone else connected with the club, and ask them to have a word with the parent. It’s much the same at the top levels of football, where the crowd pay their money and abuse the Referees to their heart’s content. But the Referee does not take direct action himself. A Referee’s job is to apply the Laws of the game. It is most definitely not his responsibility to directly sort out trouble in the crowd. Nevertheless, if the game is being affected, the Referee can (under Law 5 for whatever reason) suspend the game until the problem has been sorted out. In other words, ask the players to go back into the changing rooms until the parent is sorted out. This is allowable within the Laws, and is a far safer option all round. It is one of the sad aspects of football – that a minority of misbehaving parents is spoiling it for all.

Refereeing in the lower levels very often means that the Referee is on his own. And as such, his first responsibility is to look after himself. Approaching irate parents can only lead to serious trouble, and can in effect escalate the problem. I have known Referees approach irate parents before (and I have done it on the odd occasions where I thought that I could control the situation) but the general advice is "don’t do it" – especially if you are a young Referee.

Question 15: After a match has finished and the players have left the field of play, can a Referee still book players, or does he have to send a report to the disciplinary secretary to deal with the matter?

Question No. 16: If a parent comes up to the Referee before the game seeking leniency for a player who has trouble refraining from swearing - what should the Referee do?

Answer No. 16: Indeed this is a very good question and one that I (webmaster Julian Carosi) have come across several times in my career as a Referee. Only just the other week, whilst I was accompanying one of my young 14 year old Referee to one of his games, the ‘Home’ team manager came up to my young Referee and mentioned that one of ‘his lads’ – "the one with the blond hair", was prone to swearing, but could not help himself from doing this.

Before a Referee begins a game, a number of outside factors will influence him. For example – rivalry between the teams - history of previous bad encounters - last week’s referee’s performance – the type of welcome he receives - personality clashes etc. etc. The fact that you are told that one of the players can’t help swearing is just another outside influence. Before the game starts, the Referee should clear his mind of all prejudices and attempts of gamesmanship. The Referee must be 100% fair to both teams and show no particular favouritism to one team or the other. Doing so will be quickly spotted by the opposing team, and will lead to all sorts of problems.

If someone comes up to you and states that a particular player is prone to swearing – all you need to do is answer

"Thank you, but I treat each player the same. I suggest that you might like to remind this person that swearing can lead to a sending-off".

This does two things. Firstly, it gives a clear message to the person that you are talking to, that you will not be influenced by gamesmanship (and by this, I mean that this so called swearing player will not be treated any different to the other players). And secondly, it puts the onus on that person to make sure this so-called ‘swearing player’ is told in no uncertain terms to behave himself.

OK, you might say that this advice does not really do much to help the Referee control this particular player – and you would probably be correct.

BUT there are little nuances that you can use to help you control this specific player.

(a). During the toss-up with the Captains at the beginning of the game, ask them to remind their players to keep the swearing down. After the toss-up, The captain of the ‘swearing player’ will undoubtedly go straight to his ‘swearing player’ and remind him to behave himself else the Referee may take strong action.

(b). During the early stages of the game, adjust your diagonal slightly to be nearer this ‘swearing player; than you would be under normal circumstances. On the first occasion that you suspect this player to be contemplating swearing out loud, (for example when he makes a foul tackle) blow your whistle as loud and as long as you can to drown any first words, then step in quickly and give this player a quiet but stern bit of advice.

"Please do not even think of swearing else you will be in serious trouble".

You need to do this maybe once or twice early in the game, and the player will very soon get the message.

(c). Making periodic definite eye contact with the ‘swearing-player’ will also let him know that you are keeping a particular eye on him (and nobody else knows you are doing this. This ‘body-language’ imparts a clear message to the ‘searing-player’. And the message to him is "looks like this Referee will not put up with any nonsense!".

These are just three methods you can use without showing favouritism to one team or another.

Of course, if the ‘swearing-player’ does come out with a tirade of abuse before you have had chance to quell it, then you must deal with it as you would with any other player. If you let this player off at this stage, you will need to do the same if another player repeats this misbehaviour later on in the match - and of course, you must not let this happen.

If a child has behavioural problems, the Referee is not the person who is responsible for teaching this child how to behave. And neither is he responsible for diagnosing whether there is any truth in the fact this child has a medically recognised problem (or not). The Referee is there to referee a football match (he is not a medical advisor) and must not show leniency to any particular player for whatever reason.

Refereeing a game of football is about dealing with 22 individual players, each of whom you will have to deal with in an individual way. For example, if one particular player is showing dissent, he will have to be dealt with individually, and cautioned if necessary. This does not mean that you have to caution the other 21 players. The statement "to be influenced in any way by an outside person telling you that a certain player swears a lot is wrong" is true, but when this player starts to spout, you are already aware of problem even though you might think you are not! Therefore (human nature being what it is) it allows you to react quicker that you probably might have done in normal cases. The game is about the players, and how you man-manage them as individuals AND as a whole. This does not impinge on the way a Referee treats players as far as showing any favouritism (or not). It must be remembered that the Laws are written to enable Referees to use their initiative when dealing with players – we are not "a Law book on legs". The aim is not to go looking for trouble, but to use all the means available to you to prevent it.

Question 17:  How have changes in football – for example, the increase in commercialism, media, pressure on officials, professionalism for referees etc affected the role and responsibility of a Referee?

Answer 17: The original Laws have changed only marginally over the years. Today’s 17 Laws continue to be based upon the rules that were first ratified by the Board when it was founded in 1886. Changes have occurred in accordance with the specific evolution and demands of modern-day football, but the key element remains of football being seen as essentially a simple game, with laws that can be applied in the same way at any level from the World Cup Final to a friendly game on a local park.

The role of the Referee is defined in Law 5 (The Referee). This Law includes the Powers and Duties of the Referee.

The Powers and Duties of a Referee are not meant for just the big commercial clubs, they are Powers and Duties that can be applied to all football teams irrespective of their standing. It is not so much the role and responsibility of the Referee that has changed, but more how major Refereeing decisions can effect the commercial viability of the professional football clubs. Making decisions on the field of play, should be no different if it is done at Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground, or on the local recreation field.

It may be a contradiction to understand, but professional Referees are trained to be the best at managing and accepting pressure. It is their job after all – and they are protected by security staff at all times. The Referee who goes out alone on a Sunday mornings and has to contend with 22 animals, suffers far greater pressure, and is much more vulnerable to abuse and assault. It is not so much the pressure at the top that is worrying, - it is the concern about the Referees at the bottom end of the ladder that we are losing in droves because of the abuse and pressure they receive.

New responsibilities for the modern Referee include the ability to deal with the media; adhering to strict fitness training regimes; and being able to Referee International games in countries where the language is virtually unknown. Referees are the representatives of the Football Association, and therefore need to know International protocol, and how to behave properly in foreign countries. Top Referees are also is required to learn new skills to be able to communicate to the multi-national players now prevalent in our top domestic football club teams. Dealing with racial abuse (the scourge of our game) is another skill required. On top of this, our first class Referees are expected to attend numerous meetings and conferences as guest speakers – this is new skill altogether.

(Many thanks to Joe for the question.)

Further good points from Paul Gaskell, on how the modern Referees responsibility has grow follow below.

Numerous tragedies at high profile matches in the past has led to a change of approach by Referees. These days, security and safety of spectators is also an important aspect to consider in conjunction with the security authorities at top level games. Liaison between the Referee and the police in the interests of spectator safety is far more frequent these days.

On the amateur football scene, it was unheard of twenty years ago for a referee to be sued, but we now live in a society in which individuals are far more willing to resort to the law. This has seen a number of high profile cases in which Referees in both football and rugby have been hauled before the courts to defend charges involving alleged negligence. This maybe isn't an extension of the referee's roles and responsibilities, but an extension of the consequences if he doesn't fulfil the latter.

It is imperative that the referee conducts a full inspection of the field of play before every game, irrespective of the weather conditions and how familiar he is with the ground in question. If he neglects to do so and a player severely cuts himself on broken glass on the field, the referee might have big problems. However, if the referee is seen to conduct a pitch inspection to the best of his ability but simply misses one small bit of glass, it is unlikely that he can be shown to have neglected his duties as laid down by the Laws of the Game.

Question 18:

(18a) A player gets fouled close to the touchline. The Referee signals for a free kick to the Blue team. A Blue team player takes the free kick. The Referee now notices his Assistant Referee signalling that the ball went out of play over the touchline, before the foul was committed. Is the award of a fee kick, the incorrect restart, and should Referee stop play and restart correctly - or is it too late?

(18b) A Referee incorrectly awards a free kick to the Blue team, when it should have been awarded to the White team. A Blue team player takes the free kick and the Referee now realises that he awarded the free kick to the wrong team. Should the Referee stop play and restart correctly - or is it too late?

(18c) The ball enters goal legally, but exits the goal net through a small hole close to the bottom of the goal post. The goalkeeper quickly picks up an extra ball lying nearby, and takes a goal kick. The Referee finally sees his Assistant Referee signalling that a goal has been scored. Should the Referee stop play and award the goal, or should he let play continue since there was a restart?

Answer 18: Law 5 states that "the Referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at his discretion, on the advice of an Assistant Referee, provided that he has not restarted play."

It is a 'mind set' thing really. Once you agree with yourself not to criticise Referees, then the rest comes naturally. And you will think of your own phrases. 

Question 22. When were Referees in England allowed to wear an all black shirt?

Answer 22: The 2010/2011 FA Handbook states:

• Referees’ Uniforms
  All Match Officials in Competitions under the jurisdiction of The Association and Affiliated Associations must wear uniforms comprising a plain shirt which shall be almost entirely black with a white or black collar and black shorts. Socks will be black; the sock top will be black or the colour of the shirt collar.

This applies to all leagues except the top leagues, i.e. the Premiership and the immediate leagues below (and International Referees of course!) – in other words, most of the Referees here in England are only allowed to wear black. But this season (2010 / 2011) Referees are also allowed to wear an all black shirt without the white collar! 

The advice below was supplied in the FA Refereeing Magazine of January 2010. 

• Black Collars permitted for Season 2001/2011: The FA Council has approved a rule change, proposed by the FA Referees’ Committee, to allow referees to wear shirts with black collars next season.
  The rule will now read “All Match Officials…must wear uniforms comprising a plain shirt which shall be almost entirely black with a white or black collar and black shorts’.
  Referees are reminded that they are not permitted to wear black-collared shirts before July 1st 2010.

Therefore, the only football teams that are allowed to wear black shirts in England, are the teams in the upper leagues.

The 2010/2011 FA Cup Competition rules state: 

• Clubs’ colours must not clash with the black and white outfit worn by the Match Officials. In The FA Cup Competition Proper, where there is a clash of colour between the Match Officials’ kit and the players kit, the Match Official may, with the prior approval of The Association, change to an alternative colour.
  

This is the end of this Law 5 Referees Jurisdiction page.

 Go back to the Top of the Page