Teamwork The Role of the Fourth Official

General Mechanics Performs any other duties which the referee requests Primary point of contact between the referee team and all persons other than the teams Performs duties under and with the authority of the referee Resolves directly as many matters as possible Calls on the referee only as a last resort

Commonsense

General Mechanics Maintains composure and professional appearance at all times Avoids being distracted from responsibilities Acts early to resolve a situation Involves the coach and other team officials as much and as early as possible in problems within the technical area

Administration

Prior To The Game – Arrival At The Field Checks game balls, substitution board (if available) and substitution tickets Reviews with coaches matters related to substitution, warm-up area and injury procedures Fully prepared to serve as referee or assistant referee in accordance with competition authority requirements Inspects player equipment, uniforms, player passes and team rosters Bring to referee’s attention any issues requiring resolution

Prior to the Game – Pre-game Conference Reviews procedures and mechanics Discusses items not covered in the Procedures Guide Shares and discusses game-related information Performs final check of bench and technical areas Maintains eye contact with referee as necessary

Kick-Off At the 4 th official’s table or designated area with eyes on the field

General Positioning – During Play Remains at table unless performing a specific duty elsewhere Remains standing throughout the match Maintains proper records

General Duties – During Play Notifies the referee as quickly as possible if a player or substitute has: –Been incorrectly cautioned or sent off –Not been sent off, having received a second caution –Committed violent conduct out of the view of the referee and assistant referees Is aware of the position and movement of substitutes, coaches and other team personnel

The Technical Area

Monitors Bench and Technical Areas Keeps benches and technical areas in view Alerts referee/AR to unauthorized persons in area Notes instances where a team official moves off the bench to give tactical instructions but does not return Is prepared to alert coach of improper behavior by team officials or substitutes on the bench

Monitors Bench and Technical Areas Does not allow water containers to be thrown on the field Ensures ball handlers follow referee instructions Monitors substitutes who are warming up and ensures that they do not interfere with the opposing team or the work of the assistant referee

Equipment/Bleeding Problems

Equipment Problems, Bleeding or Blood on the Uniform Monitors players sent off for illegal equipment, bleeding or blood on the uniform Does not permit a player to return to the field until procedures have been followed Ensures that corrective measures are taken

Equipment Problems, Bleeding or Blood on the Uniform If authorized, inspects corrections Follows communication and re-entry procedures outlined by the referee

Injuries

Injuries Prevents people in team area from entering field Monitors behavior in team area to assist with match control Manages return of injured player to field

Goal Records time and circumstances of goals Prevents non-players from entering field Moves celebrating players away from bench area

Confrontations

Fouls and Misconduct Prevents team officials and substitutes from entering field Identifies any persons who do enter the field

Penalty Kick Records pertinent details of the event Prevents team officials and substitutes from entering field Identifies any persons who do enter the field

Misconduct – Player Sent Off or Team Official Ordered Off Records pertinent information Ensures that the player or team official exits the field entirely and follows competition authority requirements

Misconduct – Play Not Stopped Immediately Monitors players to whose misconduct the referee has applied advantage Assists the referee in dealing with the misconduct at the next stoppage Records information for cards issued

Substitutions

Substitutions Confirms substitute Stands at halfway line with substitute slightly behind him and on bench side –Keeps the substitutes on their respective bench sides –Performs substitution procedures for each team separately

Substitutions Displays appropriate numbers Requires substitute to hold pass until entry permitted Makes sure substitute does not enter the field early Takes pass before allowing new player to enter Records the time and players entering/leaving

Timing Assists referee in keeping track of time Ensures that any answer regarding time remaining is clearly understood to be unofficial

Halftime Break If possible, meet at pre-agreed location Exit field together Gathers equipment before joining referee team Unless otherwise instructed, secures game ball and replacement balls

Halftime Conference Focuses on: Significant match events Specific player behaviors and team strategies Adjustments needed for the second half Confirmation of details regarding goals and cards 4 th official checks teams before the end of the halftime break to determine if any substitutes are to be recorded prior to the start of the second half.

End of Game Secures all equipment and other items brought to the field Secures game and replacement balls Moves to join referee team without undue delay

Match Debrief Confer regarding: –Reportable events –Accuracy of all reportable facts –Timely preparation and submission of all necessary reports

Match Debrief 4 th official participates as a member of the referee team in all post-game reviews, discussions and assessments –Significant events not observed by others –Assist referee in confirming, correcting or extending matters in the game report