TeamworkTeamwork

The Role of the Fourth OfficialThe 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

CommonsenseCommonsense

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

AdministrationAdministration

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 4th 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 AreaThe 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 ProblemsEquipment/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

InjuriesInjuries

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

ConfrontationsConfrontations

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

SubstitutionsSubstitutions

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 4th 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 4th 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