Summer gathering
The guidelines were compiled following the recent summer gathering for European referees in Nyon, Switzerland, and referees and their assistants are being asked to apply them in all UEFA competitions (click here for the full guidelines). The match officials were reminded of their responsibility towards the safety of the players on the field. They should identify and punish challenges where a player gives no consideration to an opponent's safety, stay aware of illegal use of arms and elbows, take strong action against holding, pulling and pushing within the penalty area, and take appropriate action if obvious goalscoring opportunities or promising attacking moves are unfairly denied

Advantage rule
As far as the advantage rule is concerned, the referees were advised that the advantage clause should be applied only when it is a benefit for the non-offending team, as it is felt that possession is not necessarily a team benefit. Referees have been recommended to consider delaying the whistle in order to see if a clear advantage develops. Referees and assistants were also urged to protect the image of the game. For example, in instances of mass confrontation, the main aggressors should be punished.

Respect
Furthermore, time-wasting should not be allowed, and the match should restart as quickly as possible. Protecting football's image is linked to the UEFA Respect campaign, whereby everyone involved in football � players, coaches, referees, officials and fans � is being asked to respect each other's roles. Consequently, referees should not accept dissent by word or action, and punish behaviour which is designed to undermine the referee or the assistant referee's authority.

Officials and coaches
Regarding the relationship between match officials and coaches, match officials should permit the occupants of the technical area to fulfil their duties. Any coach behaving in a responsible manner should be left to do his job without unnecessary interference. In cases of irresponsible behaviour by anyone in the technical area, the fourth official should inform the referee, who should give a public verbal warning to the offender. Should such unsporting behaviour persist, the fourth official should inform the referee, who will have the person removed from the technical area. The referee retains the authority to remove a person from the technical area for misconduct who has not previously received a public warning.

Communication system
The seminar agreed that pre-match instructions should clearly assign responsibilities to all match officials. Assistant referees, when in a good position, should give all relevant information to the referee (including serious foul play, violent conduct or offences in the penalty area). The communication system should be used only to supplement the flag signal and/or to give additional information.

Offsides
Assistant referees discussed various offside situations in their own group before reporting back to the plenary gathering. Assistant referees should only signal for offside when absolutely sure about an offside offence. In case of doubt, the flag should not be raised, and assistants were advised to adopt a "wait and see" technique sensibly. Referees, the guidelines concluded, must be courageous and not act upon the signal of an assistant referee in cases of obvious error