Prematch

General Pre - Match Instructions What is the referee going to say to his team of officials? Well it could go along the same lines as Ian Brown's crib sheet (with some minor amendments to cater for change in law etc.) which is replicated below as a guide only. You should of course adopt your instructions to match your own style and preferences:

	Seniority: Joe Bloggs, as you are the senior assistant, please take out all of your equipment just in case you have to take over from me as the referee, complete the match record, and stop your watch when I do. Tommy Smith, be the eyes and ears at all times, particularly when Joe and I are recording match incidents and let your watch run through.
	Your Station: Please do left backs, Joe Bloggs, as the senior assistant, I would like you to take the bench side both halves. (Normally the referee will have a preference on the side his official would patrol - left or right wings / backs).
	Offside: Offside is yours at all times; I will reserve the right to play advantage where possible particularly when the ball is going back to the keeper with no apparent danger , but in all cases I will be looking for your flag. Hopefully, I will see it every time, but if I don’t, then keep it up until either I have seen you or the danger has passed.
	Throw–ins: Let's split the touchline into three sections. The section closest to you, I will expect you to make the decision and I (the referee) will go with you. In the middle third, look at me (the referee) and go the same way, sometimes I (the referee) may not be sure, in which case you (the assistant) then lead giving a positive signal. In my third (the referees) I expect you to go with me (the referee) and indicate direction all the way down the line.
	Corners: Give me a flag at all times, unless it is really obvious that the ball has clearly gone out for a corner. (Note: Some referees may not want a flag if the ball has clearly gone out of play for a corner; they may say just run around the flag on to the goal-line.) If it is in anyway contentious then lets have a flag. Before the kick is taken please make sure that the ball is spotted correctly. Stay behind the corner flag on both sides unless I indicate for you to come in field on the far side, in which case come in level with the penalty area.
	Goal kicks: Again give me a flag at all times, unless it is really obvious that the ball has clearly gone out for a goal kick. (Note: Some referees may not want a flag when it is clear the ball has gone out for a goal kick, and just ask the assistant to just go level with the goal area and turn their backs on the goal line.) If it is in anyway contentious then give the flag. Please make sure the ball is correctly placed inside the goal area before it is kicked. Having made sure it is correctly placed then get up with the second rear most defender and watch for offside.
	Free kicks: In your area of the pitch please referee as though you were the referee, you know what a foul is and for your own credibility I expect you to indicate it. Just in case I haven't seen it please give me some indication as to what your signalling for (tug, kick or pull etc.). Once again, I may opt to play advantage.
	Penalties: You know what is a penalty is and I will expect you to flag for one, unless you can see or hear me clearly indicating and shouting "No Play On" because I have had a more credible and different view of the incident. Once we have been congratulated on our contentious decision please take up your position on the goal line and act as goal judge and watch encroachment by the goal keeper. (Note: Referees all have different thoughts on penalties, some may want a flag straight away, some may say "wave your flag until eye contact is made, then indicate").
	Goalkeepers: I will take care of all pass backs, parrying the ball, six second rule, throw in back to keeper etc., and all I want you to monitor is that the keeper, when distributing the ball or kicking out of hand, does not carry the ball out of the penalty area.
	Substitutions: Please take the names of the substitutes out with you from the team sheets and ensure that only those named are used as substitutes. All substitutions are to take place at the half way line; make sure the player leaves the field before the other player enters, having checked the players boots and ensured that they are not wearing any jewellery.
	Time Signals: Could you please both give me five down as we approach half and full time? I will acknowledge by signalling how long I have left providing there are no other stoppages. (Note: The final whistle will be at the Referees' discretion).
	Technical Area: Joe Bloggs, can you look after the benches and ensure that there is only one official standing, and that only the five subs, two coaches and the physiotherapist are in the area. Naturally, I would prefer for you to handle any issues that arise yourself, using your own management style, but if you need to call me over to rectify the matter then please do so. (Note: League and Competition rules stipulate how many people are allowed in the technical area. The senior assistant or 4^th official, when one is appointed, will be asked to patrol & control this area. If something occurs which cannot be handled by the assistants, the referee should be called over to deal with any problems).
	Confrontations: Should there be any confrontations please stay back and observe which player is responsible for what. You are there to assist me. Watch for instigators and the "peace maker" who runs forty yards to "calm things down". Once things do actually calm down I will deal with any reds / yellow I have spotted, and then ask both of you if I have missed anything else. All I want you to give me is player shirt colour and number, what happened, and your recommendation (red or yellow), and then I will act upon it.
	Finally: The most important thing is to enjoy the match. Give me plenty of eye to eye contact, thumbs up, and smiles. Don't be too officious! All I ask is that you do your best and let's work as a team.
	Any questions? (Note: Always give your team the opportunity to ask any questions and clarify any points they raise; it is very important that they comply with your instructions).

Copyright © 2006 Grantham & District Referees' Association
Last modified: June 27, 2006
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