PGMO Dir

I recently got a copy of the Directives given to all Elite Referees in UK by the Professional Game Match Officials Board for season 2007-2008. Keith Hackett has kindly given me permission to reproduce these directives in their entirety here for some bedtime reading.

Many thanks to Keith for his kind co-operation and also to Jeff Pettitt from A&H International. who helped me here.. THANKS!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Safety & Security Briefing of Match Officials Safety
2. The Role of the Fourth Official
3. Players Equipment Safety
4. Entry to and Departure from the Field of Play
5. Tunnel Experiment
6. Control of Trainers Benches and Technical Area
7. Substitution Procedures
8. Treatment of Injuries
9. Fair Play Convention for dealing with Injured Players while game is in Progress
10. Goal Scoring Celebrations
11. Disciplinary Procedures
12. Allowance for Time Lost
13. Multiple Ball Supply System
14. Mass Confrontation
15. Extraordinary Incidents
16. Reporting of Misconduct
17. Review of Sending�s-off
18. Protocol for Dealing with Racist Abuse
Protocol for Managing Pitch Inspections, Postponements & Abandonements
20. PGMO � Standard Pre-Match Instructions

1. Safety and Security Briefing of Match Officials

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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2. The Role of the Fourth Official

� 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.

3. Players Equipment - Safety

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 must be removed.
� 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.

4. Entry to and Departure from the Field of Play

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

5. Tunnel Experiment

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.

6. Control of Trainers Benches and Technical Area

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.
�Trainers Bench�
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 trainer�s 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 seated on the trainers bench
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 11 persons named on the team sheet, 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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7. Substitution Procedures

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

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.

8. Treatment of Injuries

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.

9. Fair Play Convention for dealing with Injured Players while game is in Progress (Premier League Only)

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.

10. Goal Scoring Celebrations

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.

The Football Association

Goal Scoring Celebrations

Players who leave the playing area

____________________________ v ______________________________ Date _________

Competition ________________________________________________________________

Detail of the Player(s) involved

Time of the incident and scoreline

Direction of movement of the player(s)
(to be confirmed on the diagram of the field of play on the reverse of this form)

Other Relevant Facts or Information surrounding the incident

Name _____________________________________ Signature________________________

To be forwarded to the Chief Executive, The Football Association and the FA Premier League or Football League where appropriate within 48 hours of the completion of the game

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11. Disciplinary Procedures

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.

12. Allowance for Time Lost

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.

13. Multiple Ball Supply System

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:

The ball must remain with the ball boy and they must not play with the ball, either with their feet or their hands
If possible the ball boys should be located behind the perimeter advertising boards
The ball boy in the most appropriate position will, having established eye contact with the player, hand or throw the spare ball to him
If towels are used to dry the ball, both sides must receive the same consideration
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.

14. Mass Confrontation

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:

The instigators
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

Even where disciplinary action is not taken, reports of mass confrontation should still be made to The Football Association as an extra-ordinary incident in the PA report, where used, or by e-mail to [email protected]

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15. Extraordinary Incidents

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

The report should 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

The report must be notified immediately to The Football Association on 08001 382615 (voice), 08001 382619 (fax) or e-mailed to [email protected]

It is not possible to comprehensively list or categorise the nature of what may or may not be regarded as an Extraordinary Incident, but should be understood to include any situations involving safety aspects, security breaches, spectator misbehaviour, in addition to those serious incidents on or off the field of play involving players.

16. Reporting of Misconduct

Misconduct reports for The FA Challenge Cup (1st Round Proper onwards � 4Q where a Conference National team is involved), The FA Premier League, The Football League, The Football Conference National Division and the FA Trophy where a Football Conference National Division Team is involved are to be submitted by the Referee to the Football Association as follows:

Telephone: 08001 382615 by 12 noon day following game

Misconduct reported by the Referee on The Panel Competitions are to be notified to The Football Association as follows:

Telephone: 08001 382615

The Referee must indicate in his report the following:

Whether anything has been brought to his attention which he had not seen during the match and if so by whom
Whether or not there will be reports from the assistant referees, or fourth official � if so who and why
Whether or not there will be a report from the match assessor or delegate � if so why
Whether there was anything not fully seen by the match officials and not acted upon which he considers The Football Association should review

The Referee will be required to confirm that there have been no other incidents witnessed by the MOs first hand.

Assistant Referees, Fourth Officials and Match Assessors or Delegates must confirm with the Referee the requirement to submit reports.

In general Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials will be required to telephone misconduct reports to The Football Association on 08001 382615 by noon the day after the match in the following circumstances:

Where they have instigated a caution or a dismissal
Where offensive, abusive or insulting language and/or gestures are made to any assistant referee or fourth official after the game has been completed
Where acts of misconduct occur towards the Assistant Referee or Fourth Official after the game has been completed

Match Assessors will be required to telephone reports to The Football Association on
08001 382615 by 12 noon on the day after the match in the following circumstance

Where they have witnessed an incident, not seen by the match officials, which they subsequently bring to the referee�s attention post-match

Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials must submit to The Association by 12 noon on the day following match reports of extraordinary incidents and provide a description of any incident they witnessed. If a Match Official believes that an extraordinary incident has taken place which they did not witness, a report confirming that they witnessed nothing at first hand must be submitted within the same timescales.

Codes Required for Disciplinary Offences: DELETED XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

17. Review of Sending�s-off

The decision of the referee is final concerning matters of fact relating to the game. There are only two situations which give players an opportunity to have the punishment against them reviewed and possibly overturned, transferred or withdrawn, they are:

1. Mistaken Identity

2. Wrongful dismissal

The match officials will NOT be included in the procedure for these reviews and as such Referees are to note that they are not to agree to a request from a club official or player to review video evidence. Clubs have been told that they must not approach Match Officials directly with regard to Misconduct reports. Such requests by the Club or correspondence from a Club with regard to misconduct reports must be reported to The Football Association.

Charges of Misconduct based on video evidence

As television coverage has increased in recent years, both in terms of the number of matches broadcast and the number of cameras at each match, so the available evidence on which The Football Association may act has increased. The more that television analyses a game, the greater the likelihood of such incidents being identified. Players and Officials must recognise that fact. At the same time, there is an increasing need to reinforce the position and authority of the Referee.

The Football Association will take action under the Rules when video evidence confirms that a breach of the Rules has occurred. Video evidence is only one form of evidence and The Football Association will always consider other evidence brought to its attention as to a possible breach of Rules.

The Football Association will only consider acting under the Rules in relation to an incident on the field of play where it is satisfied that the Match Officials did not see a matter. Referees are to report to The Football Association all other matters for it to act under its Rules.

Examples of the type of incidents (but not exclusive to) which will be subject to action are:-

Mass confrontation
Incidents such as attempting to Kick or Strike,
Kicking or Striking another player,
Insulting or abusive gestures to Match Officials or supporters,
Spitting or similar unseemly behaviour directed at an opponent or any other person,
Head to Head Butting,
Attempting Head to Head Butt and
Butting other parts of the body

Reconsideration of a decision

If, after cautioning or dismissing a player, the referee subsequently believes that the decision may have been in error he is to report the relevant facts to The Football Association in his post-match report indicating he intends to review the decision.

Such consideration should only be given following the post-match de-briefing with match colleagues, or a realisation that he was incorrect in Law when compiling his report and where he has indicated that he intends to review the decision confirmation must be made to The Football Association by fax number 0207 287 5182 or email: [email protected] within 24 hrs following the reporting deadline.

He should give reasons and confirm that no pressure had been brought to bear and that the amendment to the report has been made on his own volition following full consideration of all the facts.

18. Protocol for Dealing with Racist Abuse

As a result of high profile incidents where players have been the targets for racial abuse from spectators at stadiums it was felt that guidelines needed to be drawn up containing advice for dealing with similar situations were they to occur at matches in this country involving Premier League and/or Football League Clubs.

As a result of consultations amongst relevant organisations it has been agreed that incidents of racist abuse targeted at players, managers or match officials (�Participants�) by spectators should be dealt with in a similar manner to the way in which threats of physical attack on Participants are handled.

For example if missiles were being thrown on to the field of play the referee would be expected to draw the matter to the attention of the police and safety officer who would then have responsibility for dealing with the issue.

If the issue could not be dealt with in such a way that the safety of the Participants remained at risk then the referee could in liaison with the police and safety officer remove the players from the field. A further opportunity could then be given for the situation to be resolved. If it could not then ultimately the referee would have the right to abandon the game.

A similar response should occur where incidents of racist abuse take place.

The incident should be brought to the attention of the referee
The referee should report the matter to the police and safety officer.
The police and safety officer should seek to identify the person/people responsible and take appropriate action while the match continues
If, after a reasonable amount of time, the problem continues then the referee in consultation with the police and safety officer may remove the players from the field and suspend the match allowing the police and safety officer a further opportunity to deal with the problem.
Only if the matter cannot be dealt with satisfactorily, warnings have gone unheeded and the welfare of the Participants, in terms of their facing the threat of continued racist abuse, remains at risk should the referee consider abandoning the game.
Any decision to suspend or abandon a game should be taken by the referee after full consultation with the police and safety officer.

The above protocol has been agreed by the Premier League, Football League and Football Association in the knowledge of and after consultation with the following organisations:

The Professional Footballers Association
The League Managers Association
The Professional Game Match Officials Board
The Safety Officers Association
Kick It Out
The Association of Chief Police Officers
Match Commanders.

19. Protocol for Managing Pitch Inspections, Postponements & Abandonments

Postponements and Abandoned Matches

Standing Order 5 � Maintain liaison with Home Club for 24 hours prior to kick-off
Be aware of content of Football League letter attached to these instructions, with regard to Football League matches

POINTS TO NOTE � THREE MAIN CONSIDERATIONS!

SAFETY OF PLAYERS
SAFETY OF, AND CONDITIONS FOR SPECTATORS
THE MATCH AS A SPECTACLE

Report to the SECRETARY on arrival at the ground
Speak to the Groundsman � and solicit his advice
If there is doubt � ask for the local weather forecast and speak to the meteorological office personally
Speak to the Club Safety Officer - latest possible time for turnstile opening
Inspect pitch regularly to assess progress � water, frost fog or snow
With EARLY PITCH INSPECTIONS, ensure that any remedial work required is with you monitoring / supervising; to ensure that the work is being carried out
Liaise with Managers BUT the decision as to whether the match is played is yours
Inspect thoroughly � use a ball, and playing staff if necessary
Be seen to be active! Adhere to deadlines, keep all informed; especially the away Team Manager if he is on route and can be contactable (home club will have the Secretary�s mobile number); or if the away Club are in a hotel locally. If they are within a reasonable time/distance from the ground it is only courtesy that you await their arrival
Fog creates its� own problems. Use perspectives from ground level and the back of a stand � check forecast (remember that there is a responsibility to paying spectators)
When dealing with such elements as frost or ice � remember that the highest temperature of the day is usually around mid-day. Get a forecast if necessary of the projected temperature for the time when the match is due to conclude
Make a considered decision and inform all parties
Question � would you require advice from the Match Assessor or PGMOL Observer?

ABANDONMENT

It is Essential that you give the Safety Officer sufficient time to prepare Stewards. Clarify in pre-match briefing
If necessary liaise and review at half-time
DO NOT BE INFLUENCED BY THE SCORE
If completion of the game is in doubt, confirm your policy with the Club Managers
COMMUNICATE! Be resolute and your PARAMOUNT consideration is for the Safety of the Players � protect the Integrity of the Competition.
Following the Postponement or a Match being Abandoned, liaise with the home Club Secretary, to ensure that an announcement is made to the media.(see following letter regarding Football League matches)

When matches are in doubt because of spectator safety rather than player safety the decision should be taken in conjunction with the Match Commander/Safety Officer. It is not a decision that should be taken solely by the match referee.

The following letter is issued annually by the Football League to all Clubs, National List Referees, Assistant Referees and Assessors and provides useful information hence the reason for incorporating it in these instructions.

Dear Secretary

Procedure for Early Pitch Inspections

With the potential for surfaces to start deteriorating as winter months approach, I set out below the procedure regarding early pitch inspections as follows.

Contact should be made with the visiting club at least 24 hours prior to Kick-off to ascertain the travelling arrangements of their team and supporters because it is essential for everyone to have these arrangements in mind.

Contact the Fixtures Department on 0870 443 9214 with an �early warning� and seek advice.

Contact the match referee, informing him of the Situation and that he may be required to perform an early inspection of the ground on match day prior to the visiting club and supporters commencing their journey.

If a very early inspection is considered necessary (e.g. Friday morning for a Saturday afternoon match) contact the Fixtures Department. This is also true when a morning inspection is required for an evening match. In such cases, the League might well arrange for a local referee to make an inspection.

If anyone other than the match referee is authorised by The League to inspect the ground, he will report to the League Office and a decision will be taken in the office, based on his report.

Whilst responsibility for the initial action rests with the home club, it is not permissible for a club to make a decision to postpone a match. Neither is it allowed for a club to invite anyone other than the match referee to make an inspection. It also needs to be stressed that the match referees� decision to play or postpone is final.

At all times, should ensure that news of any pitch inspection or postponement is relayed to BBC Radio Five Live. Regular bulletins will be broadcast with news of matches affected by the weather so that supporters are kept informed. The telephone numbers are 0208 624 9200 for weekend matches and 0208 225 7035 for midweek matches.

Regardless of weather conditions prevailing at the time, it is recommended that, during the months of December, January and February the home club makes contact with the match referee at least 24 hours prior to the time of Kick-off so as to be aware of his plans and travelling arrangements.

Select Group Referees are to ensure that any request by a club for either an early inspection or attendance at the stadium is given priority over the pre-match arrangements in place for select officials.

S M Whiteside
Head of Fixtures, Events & Competitions

20. PROFESSIONAL GAME MATCH OFFICIALS LTD

STANDARD PRE-MATCH INSTRUCTIONS
SEASON 2006-2007

Referees will ask their Assistant Referees to carry out their duties in accordance with the following instructions, based on the requirements of Law 6.

Pre-Match

Referees must instruct the assistant referees to operate on the right wing

The Referee will determine the time and routine for warming up which the assistant referee will be expected to take part

Player�s equipment shall be checked by the assistant referee prior to entry to the field of play.

Goal nets will be checked by the assistant referee in his half of the field of play prior to the coin toss and immediately prior to the second half.

Electronic equipment, where used, will be tested prior to entry to the field of play, re-tested immediately prior to kick-off and again immediately prior to the start of the second half.

During the Match

It is important that the assistant referee offers assistance at all times and not interference to the referee. Assistant referee priorities include the assessment of offside situations, the determination of the ball in and out of play, and support to the referee in all other situations where their advice and input can improve and enhance the decision making and control of the game. Positive eye to eye contact between the referee and assistant referee is essential.

Flag technique

It is recommended that an assistant referee holds the flag in his hand nearest to the field of play by switching hands whenever he changes his direction of movement so that the flag is visible to the referee at any time. When facing the field of play the flag should be in the hand closest to where the referee is positioned.

Offside

To ensure correct judgement of offside offences, an assistant referee should not raise the flag before considering the following criteria, so called �wait and see� technique:

Movement of the ball (direction, speed, distance, any deflection, etc.)
Involvement of the player in active play by:
interfering with play or
interfering with an opponent or
gaining an advantage.

It is better to be slightly late and correct, than to be too quick and wrong.

Having determined that a player is in an offside position the assistant referee is to indicate this to the referee using the appropriate flag signal as shown in the Laws of Association Football. The flag should be in the hand closest to the goalkeeper when raised and the assistant referee should stand �square-on� to the field of play.

If a flag signal for offside is given and is not seen immediately by the referee; the assistant referee must keep signalling until it has been recognised or the ball is clearly in control of the defending team (the electronic beep signal may be used to alert the referee to the flag signal).

Ball out of the field of play
Whenever the ball leaves the field of play, the flag signal of the assistant referee should show clearly the correct restart and direction. In clear throw-in situations, the assistant referee can directly show the direction (along the whole touch line). But if he has any doubt about the direction, the assistant referee should simply raise his flag, make eye contact with the referee and follow the referee�s signal. On very tight decisions, when the ball stays in play, a discreet hand signal could give valuable support to the referee.
Whenever an assistant referee signals the ball out of the field of play (even if players continue to play the ball) he must retain the signal until acknowledged by the referee taking action.
When the ball enters a goal
To confirm a valid goal has been scored, an assistant referee should display clear movement down the touchline towards the centre line but maintaining eye contact into the field of play. In borderline cases, this movement should be a clear sprint to be recognised by the referee, the flag may be used to supplement this decision by pointing towards the centre line parallel to the ground.
If in his opinion a goal has not been scored correctly, the assistant referee should stand still, retaining any signal already given. The referee may then choose to consult further if he needs additional guidance.
Positioning
Free kick close to the penalty area

At free kicks close to the penalty area, the assistant referee should position himself in line with the second last defender (controlling the offside), but also with awareness of the goal line. The referee should control the ball and the wall.
After an offside

When possible an assistant referee, after a free kick for offside has been given, should position himself in line with the spot where the ball should be positioned to restart the game. He should then immediately take up a position to control the offside line (level with the second-last defender), which is his priority.
Goal kick and goal clearance

For goal kicks and when the goalkeeper is in possession of the ball inside his own penalty area, the assistant will occasionally check that the ball is correctly positioned or that the goalkeeper does not cross the edge of the Penalty Area line before releasing the ball from his hands. This should be done in convenient situations (e.g. second last defender near the penalty area). Control of offside from subsequent play is the priority concern.
Corner kick

For corner kicks, the assistant involved will take a position behind the flag in line with the goal line.
Penalty kick

When a penalty kick is awarded during the normal course of play, the assistant should be on the goal line where it meets the penalty area boundary line.

For kicks from the penalty mark to determine the winner of a match, one assistant should be positioned on the goal line where it meets the goal area boundary line, with the other assistant controlling the players within the centre circle. The referee must determine and agree the role of the assistant referee on the goal line and his own role in detecting any forward movement from the goal line of the goalkeeper. Referees and assistant referees are also reminded that the "inactive" goalkeeper should remain positioned on the goal line where it meets the penalty area boundary line.

Obvious incorrect decision of the referee

If an assistant referee knows that a referee has made an obvious disciplinary error (e.g. two yellow cards to the same player without sending him off, red or yellow card to the wrong player, player kicked the ball twice at free kick, etc.) he must intervene immediately (flag and beep or even enter the field of play). The other assistant referee (or 4th official) should if necessary, also assist in such case.

Offences
An assistant referee must use a raised flag signal to advise the referee that he has seen a foul committed (or unsporting behaviour or violent conduct) when he is better positioned than the referee and the referee has not clearly acted on the offence. If the assistant referee has additional information, concerning the offence, he wishes to give to the referee or if the referee has not seen his flag signal the electronic beep signal should be used, but only to supplement the flag signal already given.
Such action by an assistant referee must be taken for all appropriate offences including those committed inside the penalty area.
When a flag is raised for Law 12 offences, it should be unfurled and waved to distinguish from the signal for offside.

Substitution

Assistant referees are to signal in the approved manner to indicate a substitution. 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

Control of 9,15 m and 2m

When free kick or throw-in has been awarded close to the assistant referee he should assist the referee in ensuring that the defenders retreat the required distance, but should not enter the field of play in order to do this.

Post Match

The match officials will leave the field of play in accordance with the PGMOL Directives.

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