R
T
C
eferees
echnical
ommittee
2014
Victorian Referees Handbook
.
This booklet has been designed by the Referees Technical Committee. Materials from this source may be
used for educational purposes provided that acknowledgement is provided.
Last updated 19 May 2014
FOOTBALL FEDERATION VICTORIA
PO Box 7488, St Kilda Road, VIC 8004
Level 3, 436 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004
T (03) 9474 1800
F (03) 9474 1899
www.footballfedvic.com.au
info@footballfedvic.com.au
ABN 97 592 993 965
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTACTS ................................................................................................................................. 3
YOUR DUTIES IN BRIEF ............................................................................................................ 4
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 5
GETTING STARTED ................................................................................................................... 5
REGISTRATION .......................................................................................................................... 7
TRAINING .................................................................................................................................... 7
REGIONAL MEETINGS ............................................................................................................... 7
UNIFORM & GEAR ...................................................................................................................... 8
APPOINTMENTS ......................................................................................................................... 8
GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 10
PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT – DRESS CODE ................................................................... 10
GAME PREPARATION .............................................................................................................. 11
CANCELLING GAMES BEFORE PLAY .................................................................................... 12
ARRIVAL AT THE GROUND ..................................................................................................... 13
DURING THE GAME ................................................................................................................. 17
HALF-TIME ................................................................................................................................ 18
AFTER THE GAME ................................................................................................................... 18
ABANDONED GAMES DURING PLAY ..................................................................................... 19
REPORTING.............................................................................................................................. 19
CAUTION CODES/SEND-OFF CODES .................................................................................... 21
TRIBUNALS AND APPEALS ..................................................................................................... 22
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 23
2
FOOTBALL FEDERATION VICTORIA
PO Box 7488, St Kilda Road, VIC 8004
Level 3, 436 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004
T (03) 9474 1800
F (03) 9474 1899
www.footballfedvic.com.au
info@footballfedvic.com.au
ABN 97 592 993 965
CONTACTS
Head Office:
Level 3, 436 St Kilda Road
Melbourne VIC 3004
Melway Ref: 2L A4
Website: www.footballfedvic.com.au
Postal Address:
PO Box 7488
St Kilda Road VIC 8004
Phone: (03) 9474 1800
Fax: (03) 9474 1899
Results Line: (03) 9474 1888
Customer Feedback: feedback@footballfedvic.com.au
General Enquiries:
info@footballfedvic.com.au
Referees Team: referees@footballfedvic.com.au
Thanks:
Special thanks go to Carlo Graser and Jim Weir for their contribution to the guide.
3
YOUR DUTIES IN BRIEF
Registration &
Accreditation

Ensure you register with Football Federation Victoria and
Football Federation Australia on an annual basis through
‘My Football Club’.

Keep your referee accreditation up to date.

Ensure your ‘appointment officer’ is aware of you match
availability through Schedula.

Accept or reject your appointments promptly.

Only accept official appointments from FFV otherwise notify
your appointments officer before you accept them or if
unable to do so, then ensure you contact them ASAP.

Obtain and wear the current official uniform.

Wear appropriate clothing to and from the matches.

Check the field for safety and compliance with the Laws of
the Game.
Collect Match Records
Keep sufficient records of the match to allow you to
accurately complete the referee’s report for the match.
Send Match Records and Incident reports to FFV as soon
as possible.
Availability
Appointments
Appearance
Match Day



Send-offs
Skill retention
and
development
Loyalty

Promptly report to FFV any send-offs on the appropriate
forms by no later than 2 working days after the match date.

Be prepared to attend or be available by phone, any tribunal
hearings with regard to your send-offs.

Attend the monthly branch meetings.

Attend the weekly physical training session.

Attend the annual Referees Seminar

Support your fellow referees whether you are in uniform or
not.
4
INTRODUCTION
Few people started out saying that they wanted to be a Football Referee when they were
young. Despite that, it is one of the most important roles in the game.
With the powers of a referee comes responsibility. Like any skill, each person requires
experience to referee effectively and in time, they also develop their own style. As time
passes, you will encounter more difficult scenarios that challenge you in new ways and it’s
natural to be frightened. Some decisions you make will be the correct ones, others won’t.
This article and the support of your senior referees, we hope, will enable you to feel a little
more prepared for the challenges you face as a new referee.
Take a second to read through the Referees ‘Code of Ethics and Conduct’ that you should
have received, or can find just as easily on the FFV website.
GETTING STARTED
To become a referee, you must first attempt the ‘Level 4 Junior Referee’ Accreditation Course.
The course aims to teach you the 17 Laws of the Game and to ensure that you can apply them
properly. For this reason, the course is split up into two parts. The first is a theoretical exam that will
test your knowledge of Law.
The second part is an actual assessment of your performance at a match. The assessment usually
takes place over multiple matches. This is because you will have to act as a Referee and as an
Assistant Referee (linesman) at different points in your career and be competent in both positions.
Once you complete the course, you may then officiate at the junior levels of competition.
Obviously it doesn’t end there though. People become referees for different reasons, and the
commitment can be substantial. Some people eventually decide it is not for them. However, for those
remain there are opportunities to advance to a higher level.
The ‘Referee Pathway Diagram’ on page 6 shows you the pathway referees will need to go through in
order to progress through the ranks and ultimately achieve a FIFA Badge.
5
REFEREE PATHWAY
FIFA
BADGE
Level 3
SENIOR
GAMES
Metro and
regional
Referee
Assistant
Level
referee4
Part 2
JUNIOR
GAMES
Based on
ability
Referee
Assistant
Level 4
referee
Part 1
Budding
referees
Club
experience
STARTING
POINT
Pathway
Levels 2 & 1
courses by
invitation
Level 3
course
by
invitation
Level 2
(min 1 year)
National
Youth
League
Senior
ranking
1-200
National
W League
BY INVITATION
High Performance
Refereeing (HPR)
NPL
NPL1
State
Inspection
reports
Level 1
Elite
National
A League
Talented
Officials
Program
(TOP)
Graduate
to
State
level
seniors
National
Championships
Junior boys,
girls, senior
boys
Victorian
Champions League
Level 4 Part 2
course
Competency
assessment as
Assistant Referee
and as Referee
Practical Refereeing
LOTG Exam (70%
req)
Level 4 Part 1
Skills course
developed -
practical
refereeing
Skills developed
–
Knowledge of
Laws of the Game
(LOTG)
Method of
promotion
Instruct
or
Thirds
Veterans
Juniors
U18
U11
Boys &
Inspect
or
Level 2
Inspect
or
Level 3
Girls
Level of
games
Talented Officials
6
REGISTRATION
There are a number of administrative steps to be taken before you can start refereeing.


Complete your online registration through MyFootballClub.
Get in touch with your regional branch and attend your next regional meeting
Links & References
FFV website:
My Football Club
Schedula
Lawbook:
www.footballfedvic.com.au
www.myfootballclub.com.au
www.schedula.com.au
2014 FIFA Laws of the Game
Accredited referees are required to register with FFV and FFA on a yearly basis, this ensures that you
are covered under our insurance policy and also keeps your accreditation valid.
Referees will be using the national database MyFootballClub to register themselves online.
The club that referees will be registering under is called ‘FFV Referees’
You can read through the self-registration guide and follow the 16 steps.
SCHEDULA
Once you have registered on MyFootballClub and your registration has been approved you will
receive login details to the appointment management system Schedula. The getting started guide will
help you learn your way around the system. The system is used to communicate your availability to
your appointment officer and also to receive and accept your appointments.
TRAINING
It is strongly recommended that referees attend training. Fitness is important and these sessions also
give you the opportunity to meet with experienced referees who are pleased to assist with any
questions you may have.
A list of physical training venues is on the FFV website under Referees  ‘Training’.
REGIONAL MEETINGS
Each referee region holds a monthly meeting to discuss current issues, new techniques and for
general support. ‘Meeting information’ can be found on the FFV website under Referees.
7
UNIFORM & GEAR
The approved uniform consists of several items;

By 2015 referee will be required to purchase and wear the new Adidas referee gear, invitations
to purchase the gear will be sent out to referees email during the 2014 season.

The referee alternative strip is the Covo sky blue shirt and black.

Shorts- Black FFV shorts

Socks- Long black plain socks with no insignia are required. Purchase multiple pairs as a
reserve.

Whistle- Fox 40 whistles are preferred. There are several models to choose from, and the
purchase of each is an individual preference.

Cards and Match Pad- You will need 2 sets of cards and some way of recording match details.
Specially designed pads are available, or you are welcome to create your own.

Boots- Although these can be bought, it’s advisable to do your own research and purchase
your own boots from an outlet. Keep in mind that referees must wear predominantly black
boots. If you find your appointments frequently take place on synthetic turf, you may require
synthetic-specific-boots.

Pressure Gauge and Ball Pump- These are relatively inexpensive and should be purchased.
Clubs do not always provide their own.

Stopwatch- Special “Referee watches” are available for purchase, but any stopwatch is
suitable for use, so long as you can remember the correct half lengths.

Bag, Coins & Markers- Provide your own.
APPOINTMENTS
On registering complete the availability section in Schedula and advise your region of any specific
restrictions.
Maximum refereeing/assistant refereeing time that will be allocated to any one referee is 180 minutes.
Appointment times for refereeing/assistant refereeing will vary.
All appointments for National Men’s Premier and State leagues, Women’s Premier and Women’s
State league 1 are done by Football Federation Victoria.
All Junior, Thirds, Masters and other Women’s League appointments are done by Regional
Appointments Officers.
As a referee you will be appointed to specific game at a specific time. When you receive an
appointment you MUST respond by return email to accept the appointment.
If the reply is not received within 48 hours you will be removed from the appointment and replaced
and your records will indicate it as a “Call off”.
It is understandable that the occasional technical hiccup may hinder this process. However as the
referee, it is your duty to find a way to communicate your availability. The FFV Referee Department
will no longer chase referees for games acceptances.
8
Your access to your own records allows you to put on file your unavailability or any particular note for
a certain date and this must be done at least 2 weeks in advance.
If an appointment is sent to you and you do not accept it you MUST again respond within 72 hours (in
writing with the reason).
Please Note that
YOU MUST NOT OFFICIATE AT ANY GAME YOU ARE NOT OFFICIALLY APPOINTED TO.
You cannot swap games with other referees or arrive at grounds with your uniform and officiate at
games that do not have a referee allocated. The legal implications are significant. Each referee has
their own “duty of care” to the clubs they are appointed to. You may also be excluded from insurance
cover if you referee a match you were not assigned to.
Only as a last resort should it become necessary to swap games with another referee. If this situation
does occur, you MUST immediately contact the person who allocated you to that particular game. You
must notify them and gain their express permission to do so.
Please heed the warnings above. Failure to act in such a manner may result in disciplinary action
from the FFV or give rise to Civil Liability.
For regional appointments, if you do not receive an appointment by Thursday midday, then contact
your local appointments officer.
9
GENERAL INFORMATION
Be aware of the ‘Rules of Competition’.
There are also a number of directives and advices in the Referees’ section of the FFV website under
‘Laws and Policies’.
These include:
 Game Day Check List (Article)
 Pre-match instructions (Article)
 Headwear and Undergarment (Policy)
 Jewellery (Policy)
 Shin Guards (Directive)
 The Technical Area (Directive)
 Ceremonial coin toss (Directive)
 Issuing of Yellow and Red Cards (Advice)
 Penalty Kicks (To determine the winner of a match) (Directive)
 Wearing a Plaster Cast (Advice)
 Extreme Weather (Policy)
 Eyewear (Policy)
 Junior Playing Conditions
 Attending the Tribunal (Advice)
 Pitch Inspections
 Social Media (Advice)
 Conflict of Interest Policy
 Advice on Offensive Language and Taunts
PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT – DRESS CODE
Junior Appointments
If you are officiating at a series of junior matches or going to a ground where you are aware that the
facilities are of a debateable quality then a track suit is acceptable. However, you must ensure that
your attire is clean and presentable.
Your referee uniform and boots must also be clean and footwear should be primarily black. Do not
wear soccer club shirts or track suits. A referee should be and appear to be impartial to observers.
Personal responsibilities
It is up to each individual member to be responsible for their own actions. You should check the match
details well in advance of match day. Check kick off time, sometimes they may vary. Check ground
location. Due to current grounds’ availability games may be re allocated.
Work out your travel time to the ground, particularly if you have not been to that venue previously.
Also suggest that you check on web sites, such as VicRoads, for any major roadworks that might
impact on your travel time. There should be NO EXCUSE for a late arrival.
Referees may be subject to disciplinary action if they do not:
 Turn up for games (assists and centres) they are appointed to,
 Give late notice (less than 48 hours) to the appointments officer of their unavailability,
 Fill in team-sheets properly,
Referees should also be aware of the “Conflict of Interest” Policy and the Advice on “Social Media”.
10
GAME PREPARATION
Refer to the FFV website Referees Resources  Laws & Policies  Advice 
(update to 2014)
Game_Day_Check_Li
st_-_Updated_.doc
Make sure you know the ground location of your game.
Check the “Melways” - this can be done days earlier to avoid any problems on game day.
Most importantly, check that you have all your equipment in your bag prior to leaving home.
This should include:
 Uniform (appropriate top, black shorts and socks – make sure that they are clean and tidy),
 Predominately Black boots (make sure that they are clean),
 Bag
 Whistle (It is preferable to have a Fox 40 and it is wise to have a spare),
 Yellow and Red cards,
 Assistant referee flags,
 Pens or marker pens,
 Notebook (or writable cards)
 Stopwatch,
 Coin
 Handkerchief
 Laws of the game book
 Copy of the rules of competition
 Sun block cream, bandaids, soap and shower items, towel, a drink for hydration and Warm
clothing such as a jacket.
11
CANCELLING GAMES BEFORE PLAY
In some instances, it may be impossible to play a game at a ground.
Games may be cancelled due to:
 Poor ground conditions eg waterlogged goal areas.
 Adverse weather eg lightning storm in the area.
If, in the opinion of the referee, a pitch is unplayable due to adverse weather or ground conditions,
then the following actions steps are be taken:
1. Inform both coaches at the same time that the pitch is unplayable and the game cannot be
played.
2. Collect team sheets from both teams, fully signed by all involved.
3. Send team sheets and incident report to FFV as normal.
4. Inform your appointment officer as soon as possible.
5. Collect 50% of the normal match fee from the home team.
If games are cancelled due to:




Team having no team sheets or passports.
Teams having same coloured strip.
Teams not turning up or having less than 7 players.
Grounds being unable to be marked correctly,
The following steps are to be taken:
1. In all circumstances, you will wait for 15 minutes maximum beyond the agreed starting time to
allow them to try to meet any requirements.
2. If the problem/s cannot be resolved, then inform both team managers and collect signed team
sheets from them. These team sheets should be sent along with an incident report to FFV within
48 hours.
3. FFV will decide what the outcome will be. Referees should not offer an opinion here, just submit
your report.
4. Inform your appointment officer and regional coach as soon as possible.
5. Collect the full match fee from the home team.
Below is a list of fees that can be claimed from the FFV when fixtures are affected by various
circumstances.
Refer to the Article ‘Can I claim my match fees?’
2014 Referee Fee Schedule
12
ARRIVAL AT THE GROUND
“YOU ONLY GET ONE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION”
Arrive at the ground AT LEAST 30 minutes before kick off time:
 Introduce yourself to officials from both teams.
 Request team sheets from both teams. Clubs should supply the team sheets 30 minutes prior to
the kick off time. This will give you enough time to verify team details.
1. Make sure that there are no more than 16 names on the team sheet. Names cannot be
added at half time.
2. Make sure that all players have a shirt number against their name.
3. Make sure that there is a FFA registration number against everyone’s name.
4. Make sure that the team officials (coach, assistant coach, team manager etc) are listed on
the team sheet.
5. Obtain the players’ ID Passport ID cards from both teams. Remember, for juniors all
players are required to have Passport ID cards. Players without Passport ID cards are not
permitted to play.


When you leave the dressing rooms avoid leaving your valuables in there. If you arrived by car
leave them there, otherwise give them to someone you trust.
Ensure you do some form of warm up or stretching before the game, to protect your muscles
from damage.
GROUND MARSHALS
Request that Ground Marshals be ready to escort referee to and from the ground. Clubs must
supply at least two marshals to escort the referee onto and from the field of play at the
appropriate times. Each Club, home and away, is required to provide 50% of the required
marshals for all FFV fixtures. It is no longer the sole responsibility of the home team.
Insist that these ground marshals come to your rooms before the game. Do not leave your
dressing room unless the ground marshals are in attendance.

INSPECTING THE PITCH
If due to wet weather the ground is heavy, and is only suitable for one game or the referee is in
doubt, priority must be given to next or most senior game being played that day.

Check that the corner flag posts and goal nets satisfy the rules of competition. Corner flag posts
must not be spring loaded or have any nationalistic emblems.

Check that there are clear markings (boundary lines, goal areas & penalty areas). If you find any
problems approach the ground official politely, and ask for the problem to be corrected. If player
safety is compromised, do not start the game. Submit a report to Football Federation Victoria.

Referees have a duty of care to the players and themselves. Do a pitch inspection (by yourself –
use a figure 8 as a guide) by walking across the entire field of play ensuring that the playing
surface is safe for the game to go ahead. Make sure that there is no problem with broken glass,
sprinkler heads, large sticks etc.

Make sure that the technical area is properly marked and that there is sufficient seating available.
Where there is little or no seating available, notify the home team to supply chairs to cater for the
bench personnel. Where the technical area is not properly marked out, you should utilise cones.


Ensure that there is a stretcher available on the sidelines.
Ask yourself if the all the required markings are present.

If any corrections must be made, be polite but firm when requesting the club to rectify any
problems.
13
INSPECTING PLAYERS
Inspect the players’ equipment before the game. They must NOT wear:

Bibs are not permitted to be worn in any competition fixture. All playing shirts must have a visible
number on the back of the shirt.

Undergarments that are a different colour to the shorts or jerseys.

Taping on top of the socks that are a difficult colour to the socks.

Any form of jewellery (earrings, studs, chains etc) and no covering of jewellery with tape. This
applies to ALL Jewellery, irrespective of whether it is a personal or religious item. See Jewellery
policy.

In the event of a colour clash it is the onus of the AWAY team to change strip. If no solution can
be found, the match is to be abandoned and an incident report filed. Teams may NOT wear bibs
as a replacement strip.

Female players are permitted to wear a Hijab (religious attire for covering of the head) so long as
it is the same colour as the jersey. See Headwear and Undergarment policy.

If a player has his arm or hand in a cast or splint, even if covered, he/she shall not be able to play
in the game, regardless of how many referees have previously allowed it.

Ensure the players are wearing shin pads that provide a reasonable degree of protection. If
any more than 5cm (around one boot-width in most cases) is uncovered, then the guards may
prove to be inadequate.
Otherwise;
o
o
o
o
o
Shirts must not match other team or referee
All socks to cover up to just below the knees
All players with glasses must be checked and ensure they comply with requirements.
Only goal keepers should be allowed to wear caps unless raised prior to start of game
Goalkeepers cannot wear tops that are predominantly black in colour.
A team manager or coach has approval to check the other teams ID cards. This must be done prior
to game start and checks must be done in the dressing room and cards must not be removed. If the
referee cannot resolve the issue the player or players involved must be allowed to play and a report
must then follow to FFV.
MATCH BALLS

Request the three match balls from the home team.

Ensure that the ball meets the requirements of Law 2. Are they pumped up and are they the
correct size for the particular age group? Remember that players 13 & under use smaller
footballs.
Up to Under 9’s a size 3 ball (22-23 inches circumference) is used,
Under 10’s to Under 13’s a size 4 ball (24-25” circumference) is used.
Under 14 upwards use a size 5 ball (27-28” circumference).
As most of us do not carry a set of scales or a pressure gauge, a good rule of thumb may be
the following - the ball should be firm with only a slight amount of give, and should bounce
freely.
However, it is wise to buy a pump and pressure gauge.
14
CLUB ASSISTANTS
Request that both teams have someone to run the line for you.
You should give instructions to both assistants at the same time and cover the following:
 The assistant is to run the line for the whole game (preferably),
 The assistant is NOT to talk to players/spectators or coach while doing the line,
 The assistant is not to indicate fouls during the game.
 Should the assistants run their own forward line?
This is a contentious issue. Some teams provide assistants so honest that referees are left
wondering why they aren’t also wearing a uniform. Others will abuse their position to the utmost.
Irrespective of your personal evaluation, treat them respectfully, but retain your own authority and
make your own decisions.
The decision of which line a club assistants runs, relates to the Offside rule. When they are
allowed to run their opponents’ line, they can easily savage a legitimate goal attempt and your
authority by raising a flag. Whilst teams can neglect offside for their own attack, a central referee
with a good position will be able to detect a blatant offside without any help. For that reason, it’s
recommended that “Club Assistants” run their own forward line.
KICK-OFF:

Before the game, check the technical area to ensure that only authorised personnel are seated
within this area.

All persons within the Technical Area must wear colours that clearly distinguish them from all
players and Match Officials on the field of play eg a bib, jacket.

Remind the occupants of the required behaviour expected from them (the coach and team
manager are role models for their players).

Any occupants of the technical Area must wear attire that clearly distinguishes them from the
players.

No smoking or alcohol is permitted within the technical area or field boundaries.

No one other than the players and team officials are to remain within the technical area. If a
serious problem arises with the team manager and/or coach, then you must provide a report
written to the FFV.

Make sure that you start on time and play exact match times when officiating junior or reserve
games. The duration of junior matches are listed in the ‘Rules of Competition’.

Call the teams on to the field five minutes before the scheduled kick-off. To do this one should
walk on to the field. When you are almost at the centre of the field, blow the whistle loudly.
While you may interpret this as a call to start the game, many coaches see it as the call to
gather their players for a last minute pep talk.

Allow them a short talk before blowing your whistle a second time. (If there is anyone near
you, ask them to cover their ears, a whistle blown in someone’s ear is not a pleasant
experience).

Do not enter the field unless two ground marshals (one from each club) are in attendance.
If one of the clubs cannot supply a ground marshal, then obtain two ground marshals from the
other club.

Make sure you take three balls with you.
15

To start the game on time, call the captains to the middle of the pitch (use whistle). Refer to the
FFV website  Referees  Laws & Policies  Directives  ‘Ceremonial Coin Toss’.

Toss the coin and record who kicks off first

If you don’t have one, borrow one. There is no law governing who tosses the coin and who calls.
A common etiquette is for the visiting team to get to call and for the referee, to toss the coin. It is
a good habit for you to catch the coin, rather than allowing the coin to fall to the ground. This
looks far more professional. Remember the team winning the toss chooses direction and the
team who loses the toss – kicks off.

Once the players have taken up position on the field, it is time to commence the game.

Do a quick count to ensure there are no more than eleven players on each side, and that all
additional persons (coaches, managers, interchange / substitutes) have either left the field or if
allowed are now situated in the technical area.

Ensure all players are in the correct half of the field. While it is polite to notice whether the
goalkeepers are ready, do not call out or gesture to them. The only people you should signal to
are your Assistant Referee(s).

Check that assistants are correctly positioned

Make sure players are in their own half.

Play is started when the ball is kicked and moves forward.

There is no encroachment until the ball is in play – ball moves forward.

Do not allow players to encroach after the whistle is blown and before the ball is kicked forward.

Ensure the game is played with two equal halves and if game has to be reduced then ensure
time is taken equally off each half.
16
DURING THE GAME

Keep a full record of the game, including goals scored, the scorers’ number and the match
time.

For a cup game, if it finishes in a draw after extra time, then kicks will be taken from the
penalty mark to decide a winner.

If you caution or send-off a player, ensure you write down the player’s number, the team they
belong to, the time the incident occurred and the nature of the incident. If you are cautioning a
player, do NOT rely on memory.

Check your Notebook! Mistakes have been made before. Sending a player off after one yellow
card, or failing to expel one after two cards, does nothing for our image as referees.

Interchange process. Players must be ready at the half way line before you allow any
changes.
o Interchange can only take place when play is stopped
o Interchange only when approved by referee. Not the team coach
o Interchange occurs at half way line only
o Teams should have players ready for interchange
o Always ensure players go off before allowing interchanging player onto the field of play.
o There is not interchange allowed in the last five (5) minutes of all junior games unless
approved by the referee and it is due to an injured player.

Qualities of a good referee.
o Integrity
o Impartiality.
o Consistency.
o Positioning
o Knowledge of the Laws of the Game.
o Foul Identification

Qualities of an Assistant Referee.
o Listen carefully to instructions.
o Ask questions if unsure of role.
CONTROL OF INJURED PLAYERS (Juniors Only)


At the first sign of an injury to a player, stop the game and call on the coach or team
manager.
If a player is required to be stretchered off, allow the relevant team to take care of their player.

If a player is deemed by their team doctor to be too injured to be moved off the pitch, they do
not move. It is NOT your place, or the place of anybody else to contradict the doctor’s verdict.

If you or any other person acts to overrule the physician, and the injured player’s condition
deteriorates for it, you will be severely punished.

Restart the game correctly with a “drop ball”, unless the player was injured by a foul.

If a player goes off for treatment, that player can only come back onto the field when given
approval by referee.

Any player under the blood rule must leave the field and can only return if bleeding has
stopped, and has been checked by the referee (during a stoppage in the game). The player
cannot re-enter if the shirt/top etc have blood on them.
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
A report to FFV must be sent for severely players who leave the field of play and do not return
to the game.
HALF-TIME
At half time ground marshals should come to meet you to escort you to the dressing rooms.
Leave the teams to their own devices. The coaches may have something important to say to the
team, and your presence may inhibit that. Have some fluid, relax a little, but only speak to the teams if
they approach you. Bring your paperwork up to date, to save having to do it all after the game. For
example write down the half time score on the team sheet. If you have an Assistant Referee confer
with them.
The players are entitled to a minimum five minutes break. This is to ensure that games following do
not start late, no more that than five minutes “whistle to whistle”.
Call the players on to the field. Ensure the player count is still correct, and that the goalkeepers have
not been changed without the teams telling you. Some referees ask loudly if there have been any
interchange / substitutes, rather than wait until a problem arises.
AFTER THE GAME
Ground marshals must escort you back to dressing rooms
After the completion of the game make sure that you complete the respective team sheets with:
 The half time and full time scores,
 The names, numbers, offence codes, and times of occurrence of all send-offs and cautions
must be recorded on the team sheet. For a player sent off for a second caution, simply write
in “R7”. If there has been a send-off, ensure you record the details on a notepad. Note: Do not
obtain the ID of any player(s) you have sent-off.
 Goal scorers.
 Ensure your name is recorded.
 Full team names
 If a Club disagrees with any of the details set out on its own team's Match Record, the Club
must sign and indicate any disputed information by circling that specific detail. Only the
following details can be disputed - goal scorers, and red & yellow cards.
Make sure that both team sheets have been duly signed by the home and away team officials. The
referee collects the original (white) copy, which the referee retains and keeps these for them; the
yellow copies are exchanged between the team officials. Do not remove match record books from the
club premises even if they are left behind by the visiting team. Hand them to the home club when
leaving.
If a team wishes to contest details of the match recorded on their own team sheet, they must circle
and sign the relevant information on the sheet. Only information relating to goal-scorers and the
recipients of red & yellow cards may be challenged.
You need to collect your fees (cash only) from the home team.
The referee should request his match fee from the home team official who signs the team sheets.
Once you have refereed your last game, cover up your uniform. This is especially so if you stay
around to watch a later game, protecting yourself from being harangued later.
All grounds run a canteen. Some clubs allow referees free refreshments. Others set a limit of one
item. Others insist the referee’s pay like anyone else.
NEVER presume that the clubs will provide you with food or drinks for nothing. They are in no way
obliged to do so. If you go the canteen, offer to pay. If the person serving declines to accept your
money, accept their generosity graciously.
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Even if you were there the previous week, the staff in the canteen could be different, and you should
not presume the policy of the previous week still applies.
ABANDONED GAMES DURING PLAY
If, in the opinion of the referee, a game needs to be abandoned during the normal course of a game
for the following reasons:
 Fighting amongst spectators.
 Fighting amongst players that cannot be controlled.
 Continued offensive, insulting or abusive language from spectators, players and or coaches that
is not dealt with by club or crowd marshals.
 Heavy rain that causes a waterlog pitch in a short period or lightning storm suddenly occurs.
The following action steps are to be taken:
 Inform the crowd marshals and have them escort you to the dressing rooms.
 Have them stay until you leave the grounds.
 Fill out both team sheets with the details to that stage in the game.
 Send an incident report to FFV.
 Inform your appointment officer and coach as soon as possible.
 If a parent is with you, determine if it is OK to leave safely.
 Collect the full match fee from the home team.
REPORTING
Referees are required to send the team sheets to the FFV to arrive no later than 48 hours after the
match date. Any yellow cards issued must be recorded on the team sheet. A Misconduct Report must
be completed if a player is sent off. An Incident Report must be completed and sent in with team
sheets if any other incidents occurred before, during or after the match. This includes when a game
has been abandoned for any of the following reasons:



Spectator invasion
A player refusing to leave the field of play after being sent off
A club official, coach, manager, etc, coming on to the field of play and refusing to leave.

Personal assault. Note: the referee should NEVER continue a game if assaulted. Make sure that
the police are called by either a club official or yourself.

Any other reason
These forms can be found on the FFV website in Referees  Forms & Documents.
All reports on physical assaults on referees MUST be sent to the FFV.
PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW AFTER AN INJURY






Obtain the names and position of any witnesses
Report injuries to the FFV as soon as possible after the completion of the game.
Refer to FFV Insurance Program with JLT Sport; this can be found on the FFV website under
Competitions & Football.
Contact JLT and ask them how to lodge a claim.
Complete the JLT Sport Personal Injury Claim Form
It is highly recommended that all match officials consider their own personal insurance cover.
It should also be noted that any serious injury to a player should be reported on an Incident Report in
addition to notes on the team sheet.
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PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW AFTER AN ASSAULT:
Whilst football is an exciting game, people do lose their tempers at times. Referees will always have
to contend with jeering, but whilst this is part and parcel of the job, they in no way deserve to be
assaulted.
In the event that you are attacked in the course of your duties as a referee, it is advised you act in the
following manner.








IMMEDIATELY abandon the match.
Return to the dressing room with the cover of your marshals. Do Not move anywhere on your
own.
Call the police yourself, or have a club official contact them for you.
Wait for the police and comply with their instructions.
Contact any relatives or guardians if you require their support.
Even if no obvious injury is sustained, it is advisable to see a Doctor for a thorough examination
Visit the local Police Station and make an Official Statement
Submit an Incident report to the FFV detailing exactly what happened.
From there you should be advised by the Police and the FFV as to how to proceed.
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CAUTION CODES/SEND-OFF CODES
The following codes are used to differentiate between conduct that results in a caution or a dismissal.
Code
Name
Y1
Unsporting behaviour
Y2
Y3
Y4
Y5
Y6
Y7
Dissent by word or action
Persistent infringement
Delays the restart of play
Failing to respect the required distance
Enters or re-enters the field of play without the referee’s permission
Deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee’s permission
R1
R2
R3
R4
Is guilty of serious foul play
Is guilty of violent conduct towards a Team Official, Spectator, Player or Referee
Spits at or on another person
Denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity via “hand-ball”
R5
Denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity by committing an offence worthy of a
direct free-kick
R6
Uses insulting / abusive language or gestures at an official.
R7
Receives a second yellow card in the same match
A more comprehensive list of offences can be found on the FFV website under the “Discipline”
section. The ‘GDT By-Law’ details them.
If you have sent somebody off during a match, do not entertain angry team officials afterwards. Do not
comment on the validity of the decision, or on the length of the sentence they might receive.
That is the jurisdiction of the tribunal alone.
Misconduct Report Writing
Referees’ Misconduct Reports must be professional and concise, yet complete. Supplemental reports
should be filed when necessary to provide a complete description of an incident.
The misconduct report should include:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
The Teams (the full and correct names of the competing teams)
The venue and Date of the match
The competition (league, tournament, etc.)
Player's name, Jersey number, FFA Registration number and Team
Reason for the report (i.e., specific Law 12 reason)
action taken
The incident (A purely factual description. No opinions and no recommendations.)
The incident report must be written:
o As you saw it (there is no substitute for the facts)
o Brief, but containing enough evidence and information to enable a disciplinary committee to
understand what happened.
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Additionally;
o Make certain that your assistant referees have all the above details before leaving the field.
o Remember that each incident meriting a report must have a separate report; e.g., two players
who are sent off will result in two separate reports.
o Present your report in the most legible manner. If your handwriting is difficult for others to read,
then print it or type it if at all possible.
o Check your spelling.
o File the report within forty-eight (48) hours.
o Make certain you have your name on it. (Your address and phone numbers should be on a
separate cover page.) Remember to retain a copy of the report for future reference.
o The report, completed online, is sent to the FFV and your local regional administrator or coach.
TRIBUNALS AND APPEALS
Misconduct reports must be sent to the appropriate authorities within the stipulated time (48 Hours after
the match). Members may be asked to attend a Tribunal or an Appeal Hearing. It is vitally important that
you make yourself available to attend these requests.
It is your duty to respond to all correspondence relating to the misconduct report and to advise the
hearing panel of your availability to attend a disciplinary hearing or committee meeting when requested.
Such requests are not made lightly and if you are invited to appear before the disciplinary committee,
you should make every effort to attend.
The Tribunals take an extremely dim view of serious offences.
ALWAYS keep a copy of relevant reports that you submit.
The FFV has a representative in attendance that will help referees present their case.
Remember to:
o Take a copy of the misconduct report and the match record card to the meeting. This will help
you to recall the incident clearly.
o Take pride in your personal appearance, since this will be an indication of your professionalism
and will enhance your credibility as a witness.
o Arrive in plenty of time and introduce yourself.
o Answer all questions clearly and briefly.
o Remain cooperative throughout the proceedings.
o Do not become involved in discussion, debate or argument with any other party who may be in
attendance. Only address the tribunal members.
o Remember that the final decision taken by the Tribunal will be its judgment based on all the
evidence presented. It is not for you to pass opinion or judgment on the decision reached.
o Claim the $25 to which you are entitled.
Please read through the document “Advice on Attending the Tribunal” for further information.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What If I make a mistake?
You will. All referees will make mistakes; it’s a part of the game. If you make a minor mistake during
the game, don’t worry about it and move on.
DO NOT try to compensate for an error against one side, by penalising the other team. Learn from the
mistake, and get on with the game. Don’t allow a mistake to affect the way you referee the remainder
of the game.
Remember once you restart play, you cannot go back on your decision. So leave it behind you.
If the mistake is serious, do what you can to remedy it. Provided you have not restarted play, admit
the mistake and restart the game appropriately.
If you make other mistakes such as caution or send off the wrong player then contact your local
branch officer, explain the situation and put it down in writing. Action can be taken to correct the
mistake.
DO NOT cover it up! Be honest and fix it.
What if one (or both) of the teams don’t turn up?
If one team does not turn up, wait until 15 minutes past the kick-off time; inform the attending team the
game has been abandoned. Obtain a copy of the team sheet and write a report to the relevant
authorities. You will be paid the full match fee.
What if one (or more) player(s) does not have an ID Card?
The rules of competition states that NO player may take the field of play until his/her identity can be
proved by an ID card. If this results in one team having less than the minimum required number of
seven (7) players, the game shall not proceed.
As the referee you shall write a report and submit it with the relevant team sheets. DO NOT referee
the game as a “friendly.”
What if the crowd abuses me?
Unfortunately abuse is in the nature of the job. In most cases ignore them. If the abuse is obscene or
continuous you can ask a ground official to try and alter the situation. Significant abuse of a match
official should be reported on an Incident Report. If you are unsure on reporting abuse, contact your
referees’ regional coach as soon as is practical.
I’ve just been asked to referee a game I have not been appointed to do?
You must be careful in these cases as you may not be covered under work cover or from the FFV
insurance.
You must contact the Appointments Officer so they can give you consent. Do not be persuaded by a
Team or club official. If you do not have permission then you could be subject to disciplinary
procedures.
What do I do in case of Assault or Other Serious Incident?
The highest priority is to get you to safety. Get to your change room or the club canteen if possible. If
there is a senior referee go to them (even if they are in the middle of a game) and tell them what has
happened. Call the Police immediately and then your appointments officer.
That night, write a report identifying everything that occurred. State the facts only and submit it to the
relevant authorities. Provide a copy to your local branch secretary.
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What if the field is unplayable; can the game be moved?
Yes, the referee is able to ask if there is an alternative field to play on, providing the alternate field is
playable.
I have been told that a player from one team is over age / ineligible - What do I do?
It is not the job of the referee to adjudicate on player eligibility. Inform the person they should
complain in writing to the FFV. It is important not to involve yourself in these matters and only stick to
the facts.
What do I do in bad weather?
If the weather is bad enough that you need to suspend or terminate the game, then inform both clubs.
Collect half the match fees and write a report stating the relevant facts. Examples of this would include
rain so heavy that lines became washed away, lightning occurring in the immediate vicinity, hail, or lack
of light due to darkness. Refer to the FFV website.
What do I do if I have to abandon a game, and one side was leading?
The referee must submit a match report as to why the game was abandoned (eg. inclement weather,
spectator interference, insufficient players), and let the FFV decide.
What do I do if a player has broken his leg?
Player safety is paramount. If you suspect a serious injury, call on the team trainers. They have the
final say on the treatment of their players. Nobody, including you should contest their decision. It is
better to err on the side of caution/concern and safety.
What do I do if a player has blood on them?
Instruct the player to leave the field to have it attended to. No player can remain on the field with a
fresh (i.e. bleeding) wound exposed. In addition, a player cannot return to the field with blood on his
clothing – the clothing must be changed. It is your job, or that of your Assistant to advise when the
player can return.
When do I get paid?
You should be paid prior to the start of the game. However, most referees prefer to receive payments
after the game due to possible security issues and the suspicion that silent transactions often arouse.
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