UEFA Referee Programme: Practical Information For Match Officials

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UEFA
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UEFA Referee Programme
CH-1260 Nyon 2 Union des associations Practical Information for Match Officials
Switzerland européennes de football
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Telefax +41 22 707 28 20
uefa.com Edition 2010
© UEFA 2010 All rights reserved.
UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 02 03

Practical Information for Match Officials
Contents Confrontation between players 31

Confrontation with the Referee –
INTRODUCTION 4 Undermining the Referee’s Authority 32
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR UEFA REFEREES 5 Dealing with mass protests (‘mobbing’) 33
General Terms and Conditions for Referees (edition 2003) 6 Communicating and Managing 34
Online Referee Report 7 Advantage Considerations 35
Payment of Referees 10 Management at free kicks 37
At the UEFA match 14 Quick free kick 38
Colour of the players' socks in UEFA competitions 16 Dangerous play with contact 38
Role of officials at half-time and full-time Re-entering the field of play 38
in UEFA competitions 17
Disciplinary sanctions against substitutes 39
Reminder of some additional instructions
to be applied in UEFA matches 18 Positioning 39
Management of Injured Players 20 Identifying offending players 39
UEFA Referee Committee Technical Recommendations 22 Co-operation: The Team of Match Officials 40
Correct decision-making; Fouls and consequences 22 Offside 41
Physical Contacts (use of hands/arms) 26 Ball out of the field of play 43
Illegal challenges with hands/arms 27 Offences 44
Illegal use of the Arms prior to corner kicks / free kicks 27 Obvious incorrect disciplinary decision of the referee 46
Illegal use of the Body 28 Control of the 9.15m distance 46
Penalty kicks 29 Role of 4th Officials 46
Simulation 29 Assistant Referee Positioning 47
Handball Considerations 30 Flag technique 48
Incidents involving players’ reactions/confrontations 31 Appendix 1: Replacement of players on the match sheet 49

Introduction General instructions for UEFA Referees

Since 2002, the UEFA Referees Committee has issued general The following information should provide referees new to the FIFA list
conclusions and recommendations from all its courses and seminars with the necessary knowledge for the procedure and administration that
for elite, new, women, futsal and assistant referees. These conclusions goes hand in hand with refereeing a UEFA match.
and recommendations are the result of open discussions at the course
between referees, assistant referees and members of the UEFA
UEFA Refereeing Services
Referees Committee. All appointments and information referees receive from UEFA will
come from the UEFA Refereeing Services Unit. The Unit works closely
This booklet summarises the conclusions from various summer and in conjunction with the UEFA Referees Committee, which is formed by
winter UEFA referee courses and is updated periodically. the following persons (July 2009 to June 2011):
The contents of this booklet are intended to assist match officials in Referees Committee/ Commission des arbitres/
their implementation of the FIFA Laws of the Game and should not
Schiedsrichterkommission
be seen as contradicting them.
Chairman: Angel María Villar Llona (Spain)
The first section provides a summary of the general instructions given
to referees new to the FIFA list. It provides some further information on Deputy Chairman: Senes Erzik (Turkey)
the administrative procedure from the moment UEFA appoints a referee
1st Vice-Chairman: Borislav Mihaylov (Bulgaria)
to one of its matches. The second section containing some general
instructions and advice once on the pitch and is based on Additional 2nd Vice-Chairman: Geir Thorsteinsson (Iceland)
Instructions for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials
Members: Marc Batta (France)
contained in The Laws of the Game booklet, as well as in the UEFA
competition regulations. Pierluigi Collina (Italy)
Hugh Dallas (Scotland)
The UEFA Referees Committee hopes that this booklet will be useful
David R. Elleray (England)
not only for international referees, assistant referees, observers and
instructors but also all match officials within the UEFA member Bo Karlsson (Sweden)
associations. UEFA also hopes that application of these practices will Jozef Marko (Slovakia)
reinforce the uniform interpretation and application of the FIFA Laws
Volker Roth (Germany)
of the Game.
Vladimir Sajn (Slovenia)
Readers are warmly invited to provide the UEFA Refereeing Unit with Jaap Uilenberg (Netherlands)
their comments, which may help us to improve future editions of this
Kyros Vassaras (Greece)
booklet.
Sergey Zuev (Russia)

General Terms and Conditions for Referees Match Documents

(edition 2003)
In recent seasons, the amount of paper documents sent to referees
A copy of these terms and conditions is given to all European international has decreased. Most are available in FAME and the referee report form
referees. The relationship between UEFA, the match officials and their is now completed and submitted electronically (see below). However,
national associations is described in these terms and conditions. Any when going to a UEFA match, referees will need the following match
referee accepting an appointment to officiate at a UEFA match agrees documents for each match they referee:
to be bound by and undertakes to respect these terms and conditions.
• Referee keycode for the electronic report form
Appointments (found in the original appointment letter sent to your association)
• Referee appointments are prepared by the UEFA Administration • Competition regulations

under the responsibility of the Referees Committee.
• Team sheets (copies found in FAME)
• Assistant referees are, in principle, proposed by the referee’s
national association. However, on occasions, the UEFA • 6 substitution sheets
Administration may make assistant referee appointments directly (3 green for the home team and 3 orange for the away team)
e.g. to prepare refereeing trios for final tournaments.
• 1 sheet for the fourth official’s notes
FAME • 4 UEFA Respect badges
This is UEFA’s match administration database and all UEFA football
referees have access to it via a username and password. Referees may A supply of the regulations, substitution sheets, 4th official notes
update their profiles in it, but more importantly, it is used for submitting card and Respect badges is mailed to each referee once a year via
documents/reports and informing UEFA of availability (see below). their national associations.
Availability Online Referee Report
Referees should inform UEFA directly via FAME of their availability as far Since the beginning of the 2009/2010 season all UEFA referee reports
in advance as possible. By default in FAME referees are not available; have been completed and submitted online via FAME. To facilitate this
therefore the onus is on the referee to enter his/her availability. UEFA will process, UEFA appoints a Venue Data Coordinator (VDC) to every UEFA
make referee appointments based on who appears as available in match. The VDC notes electronically, and often live, all major incidents
FAME. Referees should not wait to be appointed for a match before in a match and then produces an electronic version of the referee report
giving UEFA this information. form for transmission to UEFA. Before this report can be transmitted it
must be validated by the referee. The VDC will visit the referee before
Referees should never referee a match with an injury. the match and then arrange to come to the referees’ changing room
shortly after the match. The referee must carefully check all the data

(particularly cards, goals, substitutions) and when satisfied that all is Flights are usually arranged in Business Class. The referee team should
correct enter the unique match keycode (see Match Documents above) always arrive before 17.00 on the day prior to the match and depart the
to verify the report officially. The VDC does not have access to this code day after in the late morning: 3-day principle.
and thus only the referee can verify the report.
Travel by car or train may be authorised by UEFA in exceptional
Yellow card descriptions should be selected from the drop-down menus circumstances, but only with the prior written permission of UEFA.
on the report form. Direct red cards, however, must still be described in
detail and emailed separately by the referee to the following 2 UEFA Travel arrangements: mini-tournaments
email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected] before
09:00 the morning after the match. The description should be as precise Arranged as above by UEFA. Arrival the day before the first match
as the scenario of a film: (who, where, when, what and how); the reader and departure the day after the last match: 8-day principle.
(UEFA Disciplinary Bodies) should have all the elements required to give
an appropriate sanction. Other travel requirements
• The referee’s national association should arrange visas.
Team sheets
However, the referee must take final responsibility for ensuring
The team sheets (match sheets) still need to be completed by hand he has the necessary visas.
by the team administrators. These should be handed to the referee at
least 75 minutes before kick-off, depending on which competition. • Referees should not be accompanied by any family members
Please take careful note of the procedure for replacing injured players or friends (only the referee team).
after the team sheet has been handed in as this may vary depending
• Referees should not accept or seek excessive hospitality
on the competition. Details of the procedures can be found in Annex 1.
(hotels will usually be 4 or 5 star with meals included).
The team sheets must be faxed to UEFA and referees may give them
to the Delegate who can send them with other documents he needs • A mobile phone is recommended (in case of emergency)
to fax to UEFA.
• UEFA 24 hour emergency number: +41 22 707 27 77
Travel arrangements: single matches
UEFA Administration arranges the international travel for all neutral
referees, assistant referees and fourth officials appointed for any
UEFA match.
Travel arrangements are negotiated directly between the referee’s national

association and the UEFA travel agent Carlson Wagonlit. However, for
“confidential” matches i.e. UEFA Champions League, the latter stages of
the UEFA Europa League and some EURO qualifying matches, where the
names of the referees are not made public until 2 days before the match,
all travel is arranged directly by email with the main referee.

Payment of Referees UEFA competitions – MATCHES Match fees per match per official
Comprises: Referees Assistant referees
European Championship (qualifying matches)

1) daily allowances
UEFA Champions League (third qualifying EUR 1,000 EUR 350
2) lump sum to cover domestic expenses round onwards)
UEFA Cup (as from the round of 16)

3) match fees
European Under-21 Championship
4) category-based bonuses
UEFA Champions League (first and second EUR 700 EUR 250
qualifying rounds)
1) As of 1 January 2007 the daily allowance rate is EUR 200, which UEFA Cup (up to and including the round of 32)
corresponds to the allowance paid by UEFA to its delegates and Youth competitions (U-19 and U-17)
referee observers.
European Women's Championship EUR 300 EUR 150
2) Domestic travelling costs are covered by a lump sum of EUR 200 UEFA Women’s Cup as from the quarter-finals
per match official. Domestic costs include, for example: European Women's Under-19 Championship EUR 200 EUR 100
• the journey from home to the departure airport by car, train UEFA Women’s Cup (qualifying rounds)
or taxi, and return,
• parking, 4) The category-based bonus for male referees depends on the

category to which a referee has been assigned by the Referees
• visa costs, Committee according to various criteria, such as performance
assessment, level of fitness, experience, potential, language skills,
• hotel night(s) in the country of the match officials the night attendance of UEFA courses, domestic ranking, etc.
before departure and/or the night after arrival.
• any other costs which enable the referee team to improve Referee category Bonus per match
their preparation.
Elite referees EUR 3,500
The national association of the referees is invited to cover Premier category referees EUR 2,500
additional costs in excess of the total lump sum allocated by UEFA.
Category 2 referees EUR 1,000
3) Match fees are paid to referees and assistant referees, but not
Category 3 and 4 referees EUR 400
to fourth officials (they receive only daily allowances). Match fees
depend on the competition and the stage of the competition in
question, as follows:

As from 2007/08 season, male assistant referees and fourth officials Additional daily allowance
who are appointed with an elite, premier or category 2 referee will also
be paid the following bonuses: Carlson Wagonlit Travel will inform UEFA every time a trip exceeds three
days for a match or eight days for a mini-tournament due to long travelling
distances or the most suitable flight arrangements. The additional daily
Bonus per match per assistant referee
allowances will be added to the amount paid to each match official.
Assistant referee appointed with elite referee EUR 1,000
Assistant referee appointed with premier referee EUR 650

Press interviews
Assistant referee appointed with category 2 referee EUR 350 On no account should interviews be held with the press on matters related
to the match. The referee is fully responsible for any statements made.
Bonus per match for the fourth official Referees’ equipment

Fourth official appointed with elite referee EUR 350 Referees must wear the adidas kit – the latest version - they received
Fourth official appointed with premier referee EUR 350
from UEFA; nothing from a competitor manufacturer should be visible
on the referees’ equipment. The fourth official should wear the UEFA
Fourth official appointed with category 2 referee EUR 200 tracksuit jacket (with the UEFA logo). If necessary, the referee will lend
his/her UEFA jacket to the fourth official.
As from 2007/08, elite and premier women referees will receive the
following category-based bonuses: Language
English is the international language of communication.
Women referee category Bonus per match
Women elite referee EUR 350 Conclusions

Women premier referee EUR 200 Be well prepared and use common sense. Enjoy the match and your
time away on UEFA duty.
As before, no category-based bonuses are paid to futsal referees.
From 1 January 2007 all payments to match officials are paid directly
to the individual match official’s bank account. It is therefore imperative
that UEFA has the full bank details of each appointed official and that
we are informed of any changes in bank details.

At the UEFA match If space permits, up to five additional technical seats are allowed for
team staff providing technical support to the team during the match
Stadium Clocks (kit manager, assistant physiotherapist, etc.). Such seats shall be outside
the technical area and positioned at least five metres to the side or
Clocks in the stadium showing the amount of time played may run during behind the benches but with access to the dressing rooms. The names
the match, provided they are stopped at the end of normal time in each of all persons occupying these seats and their functions must be listed
half, i.e. after 45 and 90 minutes respectively. This stipulation also applies on the match sheet. These persons occupying these seats may take no
in the event of extra time being played (i.e. after 15 and 30 minutes). part in the game e.g. they may not convey instructions to the players,
assist players who are warming up etc.
Giant screens
Substitutes
Simultaneous transmissions on giant viewing screens are allowed inside
the stadium in which a UEFA match is played. Replays are authorised In UEFA competitions each team is allowed to substitute three players
although stadium managers have been informed by UEFA to avoid per team in the course of the match. The use of numbered substitution
showing potentially controversial replays for security reasons. boards to indicate the substitution of players is compulsory. To allow
good communication, the boards should be numbered on both sides.
Should this rule not be respected, the match officials should report the
facts to UEFA, usually after consultation with the UEFA Delegate. During the game, substitute players are allowed to leave the technical
area to warm up. No other person is allowed to warm up or coach the
Unfit fields of play substitutes during their warming up.
If any doubt arises as to the condition of the field of play after the At the pre-match organisational meeting, the referee will determine
visiting club’s departure from home, the referee will visit and inspect exactly where the substitutes should warm up (behind the first assistant
the field of play and then decide whether or not it is fit for play. It is referee or behind the advertising boards behind the goal) and how
advisable, where possible, to consult the UEFA Match Delegate and/or many substitute players are allowed to warm up simultaneously. It is
UEFA Referee Observer before making and publicising a decision recommended that only three substitutes per team be allowed to warm
relating to the fitness of the field of play. up at the same time; only in exceptional circumstances, and then only
if space so permits, may the referee allow more than three of the seven
Number Officials & Players allowed in the substitutes of each team to warm up simultaneously in the determined
Technical area designated area.
In UEFA competitions only six team officials and seven substitute For UEFA matches when substitutions take place, they shall be supervised
players are allowed to sit on the substitutes’ bench, i.e. a total of 13 by the fourth official in co-operation with the referee. The assistant referee
persons. The names of all these persons and their functions must be does not need to move to the halfway line.
listed on the match sheet.

Colour of the players’ socks in UEFA competitions Role of officials at half-time and full-time in UEFA
competitions
Some players use white strapping (tape, bandages) or even a second pair of
socks over their match kit socks. Some of this strapping radically changes The UEFA Referee Committee recommends the following procedure
the colour of the socks, potentially causing confusion with the socks of the for match officials at the end of each half:
players of the opposing team e.g. in cases of deflection of the ball.
1. The assistant referee closest to the players’ tunnel goes into the
For this reason the strapping (or second pair of socks) must be tunnel immediately at half-time and full-time to supervise that area.
either underneath the socks or of the same colour as the socks.
2. The fourth official remains in his ‘working’ position to monitor the
As a transitional stage, with a view to ultimately eliminating different occupants of the technical areas and to supervise the players’ exit
coloured strapping, the referee can allow one single narrow white strip from the field of play.
of tape or strapping not wider than two centimetres in order to fix
the shin guards. 3. The referee and other assistant referee remain in the centre circle
until all the players have departed the field of play.
Referees in UEFA matches are instructed to check that the colour of the
socks is clearly recognisable. In all UEFA competitions, the referee
should mention this directive at the organizational meeting and enforce
it for all matches.
Checking goal nets

Goal nets should be checked after teams have warmed up and left the
field before the start of the match and again at the end of the half-time
interval (the referee must decide on who will be responsible for this,
assistant referees or fourth official).

Reminder of some additional instructions Half-time / break before extra time

to be applied in UEFA matches
The half-time interval lasts 15 minutes. If extra time is required, there will
(Please refer to the Laws of the Game and to UEFA competitions be a five-minute break between the end of normal time and the start of
regulations) extra time. As a rule, the players remain on the field of play during this
five-minute break, and at half time during extra time, at the discretion
Celebration of Goal of the referee.
A player must be cautioned when: Liquid Refreshments

• in the opinion of the referee, he makes gestures which are Players are entitled to take liquid refreshments during a stoppage in
pro-vocative, derisory or inflammatory; the match but only on the touchline. It is not permitted to throw plastic
water bottles, bags or any other water containers onto the field.
• he climbs on to a perimeter fence to celebrate a goal;
Jewellery
• he removes his shirt over his head or covers his head with
his shirt. Referees are reminded that, in accordance with Law 4, players may
not wear any kind of jewellery. If it is dangerous it must be removed.
• he covers his head or face with a mask or other similar item. It cannot be taped.
Leaving the field of play to celebrate a goal is not a cautionable

Indication of Additional Time Allowed
offence but it is essential that the players return to the field of play
as soon as possible. Fourth officials are reminded that when, on the instruction of the referee,
the minimum additional time to be allowed at the end of each half is
Players must also not reveal undershirts that contain or display any form being indicated, this indication should only be made at the end of the
of slogan or advertising. The basic compulsory equipment must not final minute in each period of play.
contain any political, religious or personal statements. However, referees
should note that removing a jersey to reveal slogans or advertising is not The allowance for time lost is at the discretion of the referee. Referees
a cautionable offence, but the player will be sanctioned by the are reminded that they must allow at least the full additional time
competition organiser. indicated and not stop play before this time expires. If substitution(s),
assessment of injury to players, removal of injured players from the field
Referees are expected to act in a preventative manner and to exercise of play for treatment, time wasting or any other delay occurs during the
common sense in dealing with the celebration of a goal. additional time, the referee must make allowance for this time lost but
it will not be indicated by the fourth official.

Management of Injured Players • An injured player may only return to the field of play after the
match has restarted and he receives a signal from the referee.
The Laws of the Game are clear that the referee should only stop play
if a player is serious injured and that players should not be treated on • An injured player may only re-enter the field from the touchline
the field of play. The referee should assume sole responsibility for when the ball is in play. When the ball is out of play, an injured
stopping the match and players should not be encouraged to put the player may re-enter from any of the boundary lines.
ball out of play. Players who do so should not expect the ball to be
returned to them by their opponents at the restart of play. • The referee alone is authorised to allow an injured player to
re-enter the field, whether the ball is in play or not.
Referees must observe the following instructions below when dealing
with injured players: • However, the referee may give permission for an injured player
to return to the field of play if an assistant referee or the fourth
• Play is allowed to continue until the ball is out of play if a player official verifies that the player is ready.
is, in the referee’s opinion, not seriously injured.
• If play has not otherwise been stopped for another reason, or if
• Play is stopped immediately if, in the referee’s opinion, a player an injury suffered by a player is not the result of a breach of the
is seriously injured. Laws of the Game, the referee restarts play with a dropped ball.
• After questioning the injured player, the referee authorises one • The referee must allow the full amount of time lost through injury
or, at most, two doctors to enter the field to assess the injury and to be played at the end of each period of play.
to arrange the player’s safe and swift removal from the field.
• When the referee has decided to issue a card to a player who is
• Stretcher bearers should only enter the field of play with a injured and has to leave the field of play for treatment, the referee
stretcher following a signal from the referee. must issue the card before the player leaves the field of play.
• The referee should ensure that an injured player is safely removed Exceptions: Exceptions to this ruling are made only:
from the field of play.
• for injury to a goalkeeper;
• A player is not allowed to be treated on the field, unless the injury
is exceptionally serious and may be made worse by the player • when a goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided and
being moved. need immediate attention;
• A player bleeding from a wound must leave the field of play and • when players from the same team collide and need immediate
may not return until the referee is satisfied that the bleeding has attention;
stopped. A player cannot wear clothing with blood on it.
• when a severe injury has occurred e.g. swallowed tongue,
• If the referee has authorised the doctors to enter the field, the concussion, broken leg etc.
player must leave the field, either on the stretcher or on foot. If a
player does not comply he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour.

UEFA Referee Committee technical A tackle may still be considered as reckless (or even involving excessive
recommendations force) even though the ball is played. Where contact is made with the ball
and opponent at speed and without consideration for the potential danger
After discussions between the UEFA Referees Committee and referees to the opponent, it should be punished appropriately – normally with a
and assistant referees attending UEFA referee courses, it was felt that yellow card and, in cases of serious foul play, with a red card.
following advice would reinforce the uniform interpretation and
application of the Laws of the Game. Any challenge involving excessive force, and therefore endangering the
safety of an opponent, must be considered as serious foul play and the
Correct decision-making; Fouls and consequences offender must be sent off. Brutality must always result in a red card.
The following criteria have been established to determine the seriousness If a player uses excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent,
of an offence and when an offence prevents an obvious goal-scoring it does not matter whether the tackle is from behind, the front or from
opportunity or stops a promising attack (as well as the appropriate the side.
punishment in such situations).
Referees are reminded that they must allow hard/fair challenges,
Determining the seriousness of offences and only punish unfair actions, but it must not be forgotten that a player
who exaggerates the effect of a challenge in order to have an opponent
In determining the seriousness of an offence (such as kicking, tripping, punished more severely is guilty of unsporting behaviour.
jumping at, striking, pushing, charging an opponent), referees are
reminded that they should take into account: Circumstances
• The element of intent or malice; In addition to determining of the seriousness of an offence, referees
must take into account the circumstances (including position on the
• The speed of the player’s action (intensity); field of play) in which the offence has been committed:
• The tackler’s chance of playing the ball; • Was an obvious goal-scoring opportunity denied (red-card offence)?
• Direction of the feet and tackling with studs/sole; • Was a promising attacking move prevented (yellow-card offence)?
• Is a player endangering the safety of the opponent? The following criteria should be used to determine if an offence denied
an obvious goal-scoring opportunity:
Particular emphasis should be placed on the elimination of challenges
where a player gives no consideration to the safety and welfare of an • Possibility to control the ball.
opponent, including when contact is made with the ball and opponent
at speed. Referees must take firm action when they identify uncontrolled • Position of the attacker.
physical challenges made at speed and without thought or consideration
for the possible consequences and safety of the opponent. When judging • Overall direction of movement (the attacker and ball).
the element of intent or malice, referees should be especially alert to the
direction of the tackler’s feet and any use of studs.

• Distance to the goal. Other unfair actions (holding, handling the ball…)
• Position of the defenders / goalkeeper. Referees are reminded that the sanction for offences such as holding
or deliberately handling the ball is, according to the Laws of the Game,
• Was the attack very likely to produce a clear goal scoring a free kick only. However, a player must be given a yellow card for
opportunity had it not been stopped by an offence punishable unsporting behaviour if the offence was blatant e.g:
by a free kick (or a penalty kick)?
• blatantly prevents the opponent gaining possession of the ball
The following criteria should be used to determine if there was a or taking up an advantageous position
promising attacking move stopped by an offence:
• prevents a promising attacking move to develop
• Position of the offence.
When the offence denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity the
• The player’s chance of playing ball. offender must be sent-off.
• Position of his teammates.

Offences committed when ball out of play
• Position of the opponents. Offences can be committed when ball is in play or out of play. In both
cases, the offenders must be punished according to the nature /
• Distance to goal.
seriousness of the offence. If an offence occurs when ball is out of play,
the offender must still be punished according to the seriousness of the
• Was the attack likely to develop in next few seconds had it not
offence, only the circumstances of the offence will not be taken into
been stopped by an offence?
account (since promising attack or obvious goal-scoring opportunity
There is no difference if an obvious goal-scoring opportunity is unfairly actually never occurred).
denied by a goalkeeper or an outfield player.

Physical Contacts (use of hands/arms) Illegal challenges with hands/arms

Football is a sport in which physical contact is a natural part of the Improved concentration, enhanced scrutiny and greater awareness
game and only unfair physical contact should be punished. should make referees and assistant referees alert to the possible
occurrence of illegal challenges with hands/arms. By focussing not
In order to achieve greater consistency criteria have been established to only on feet/legs in challenges, referees will be able to identify those
help referees distinguish between fair contact and punishable offences. strong, unfair physical contacts with elbows and arms which must
be punished appropriately and consistently.
A referee's judgement should take into account the following criteria:
Attention is drawn to the particular danger caused by a player jumping
• Did the defender unfairly hinder or impede the movement of the near an opponent and intentionally extending his arm in an unnatural
attacker by his hand/arm contact? manner (e.g. causing danger with the movement of his elbow).
• Did this contact negatively influence the advance of the attacker
Referees should be aware of their responsibility to protect players
or the progress of the team attack?
from unfair play by ensuring that any challenge involving excessive
• Was this contact designed to hinder (or was it accidental)? force (and therefore endangering the safety of an opponent) must be
considered as serious foul play and result in a red card.
• Did the defender use his hands/arms to clearly restrict the chosen
position of the attacker on the pitch? Elbows/arms used deliberately as a weapon against an opponent are,
of course, included in this category.
• Did the attacker initiate the illegal hand/arm contact?
• Did the attacker use the defender's body contact to try to deceive
Illegal use of the Arms prior to corner kicks/free kicks
the referee and gain a free kick or penalty kick? The illegal use of the arms, particularly prior to the taking of corner
kicks and free kicks near goal, has become increasingly apparent.
If after examining all criteria, a referee decides:
Referees should be pro-active prior to play re-starting at a corner
• unfair physical contact (holding, pushing…) - a free kick/penalty
kick or free kick and they should be clearly seen to take preventive
kick is awarded.
action. Conflict can be avoided by taking early preventative action
• the attacker attempted to deceive the referee - the simulation e.g. when players are jostling for positions in or near the penalty area.
must be punished with a yellow card for unsporting behaviour Players identified should be isolated and given a clear public warning.
and play restarted with an indirect free kick to the opposing team. Where possible referees should use their assistants to ensure the ball
does not enter the field of play until he gives a signal for the game to
Attention is drawn to the fact that the initiator (first offender) of unfair be re-started.
physical contact may be an attacker or a defender. If both players use
unfair physical contact, the initiator (first offender) is punished by a free
kick/penalty kick to the opposing team. In addition, both players can be
given a disciplinary sanction.

It is essential that any similar misconduct after a referee’s initial Penalty kicks
preventive actions is dealt with firmly:
Referees are reminded that the Laws of the Game now state that:
• Before the ball is in play it should result in either a yellow card “Feinting in the run-up to take a penalty kick to confuse opponents
or a red card depending upon the seriousness of the misconduct. is permitted as part of football. However, feinting to kick the ball once
the player has completed his run-up is considered an infringement of
• After the ball is in play referees must deal very firmly with Law 14 and an act of unsporting behaviour for which the player must
continued holding, pushing etc. by awarding a free kick/penalty be cautioned.”
kick depending upon which team commits the offence.
In appropriate cases, further disciplinary sanctions may also This applies to penalty kicks during the game and also penalty kicks
be necessary. at the end of the game to decide the outcome of the match.
Considerable improvement has been noticed recently and strict action Simulation
has been taken. However, the referees are reminded to continue to take
strict action against holding, pulling and pushing within the penalty area Referees are reminded that simulating actions, intended to deceive the
and to apply the recommended procedure! referee, committed anywhere on the field of play must be punished with
a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
Illegal use of the Body
Acts of simulation to deceive the referee may occur:
There is a growing trend of the illegal use of the body to halt a promising
attack or prevent a player moving to receive a pass from a teammate. • when there is no contact between players;
While it is pleasing to note that there are fewer fouls involving trips or
shirt pulling designed to stop attacks, many attacking movements are • when a player uses a slight contact with an opponent;
halted by the illegal use of the body (“bodycheck”). In all cases where
• when a player initiates contact with an opponent;
a promising attack is unfairly stopped in this manner, referees are
reminded that a yellow card for unsporting behaviour should be given
• when a player anticipates a possible contact from an opponent.
in addition to the free kick/penalty kick. Where the illegal use of the
body involves excessive force, violence or brutality, then, in accordance Unfortunately, there has been an increase in this type of misbehaviour
with the Laws of the Game, a red card must result. by players making the task of the referee more difficult. Referees must
remain alert to these unsporting actions and punish offenders strictly
to eliminate simulation from the game. When simulation occurs it is not
acceptable for it to be recognised but then go unpunished.
However, where the players’ actions are not intended to deceive the
referee they should not be considered as simulation and play should
be allowed to continue.

Handball Considerations Incidents involving players’ reactions/confrontations

Although football is a game in which players constantly move their arms Confrontation between players
and hands as a natural part of their movement, in deciding if a player is
handling the ball deliberately, it is essential to consider the following Referees should ensure offenders are punished uniformly. There is a
points: clear benefit in going quickly to the point of conflict and being seen to
take immediate disciplinary action (yellow card, red card as appropriate).
• Was it a hand to ball situation or ball to hand?
It has been noted that when a referee does not go quickly to the
• Are the player’s hands or arms in a “natural” position? location of the incident, reactions and retaliations often follow and the
problem escalates.
• Does the player want to “make himself bigger” by using his arms?
If it is not possible to prevent the escalation of a confrontation between
• Does the player try to avoid the ball striking his hand? players immediately, the referee should observe what happens in detail and
he should avoid being physically involved in separating fighting players.
• Distance the ball travelled before striking the player’s hand
Physical contact by a referee or assistant referee when intervening
• Is the player able to avoid the ball striking his hand? between players should normally be avoided. Strong use of the whistle
might be helpful, but shouting at players should also be avoided.
• Does he use his hand or arm to intentionally touch the ball?
Referees should not only punish the initial offender(s) where the offence
Referees should also consider possible additional circumstances and
warranted it (recklessness, brutality), but also players involved in further
consequences, e.g. how and where did the offence occur (stopped a
confrontation. The main aggressor(s) should be punished appropriately
promising attack? denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity?) and they
and it is recommended that at least one player from each team is
must then punish fully in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
cautioned. Yellow cards are not considered sufficient punishment where
fighting (excessive physical contact etc) is involved. Any player
approaching or joining such an incident from some distance must be
identified and cautioned.
One assistant should monitor and record events and the other assistant
should remain close to the referee. The fourth official should maintain his
position between the technical areas while also monitoring the situation.
The referee and assistant referee(s), and 4th official if necessary, should
communicate with each other before the match re-starts.
Referees should not allow time-wasting and ensure the match re-starts
as quickly as possible.

Confrontation with the Referee – Undermining the Dealing with mass protests (‘mobbing’)
Referee’s Authority
When managing heated situations (such as mass protests/confrontations)
The UEFA President has endorsed the UEFA Respect campaign the referee must remain calm and focussed. He should try to defuse/calm
encouraging all people involved in the game to respect the roles of each the situation by quickly identifying the main protestor/aggressor, who
other. With this in mind, referees are expected to maintain respect and to should then be conducted to (and isolated in) a neutral zone, away from
punish behaviour which is designed to undermine the referee’s authority. the group of players, as soon as possible in order to be given a yellow
card for his unsporting behaviour. Dialogue should be kept to a
According to the Laws of the Game, players who show dissent to the minimum; the referee must remain calm, firm, maintain eye contact with
referee or assistant referee by word or action must be cautioned. the player concerned and be in total command. Where a serious offence,
such as unsporting physical contact with the referee, is committed, the
Players express dissent or undermine the referee’s authority in many red card should be shown with calmness and dignity.
ways, such as:
In such situations the nearest assistant referee may assist the referee.
• by gestures or by running towards the referee or assistant referee The other assistant and fourth official should observe and record the
in protest details of the incident. The fourth official must remain between the two
technical areas.
• by crowding around the referee (mass protest / mobbing) - in this
case it is expected that at least one player is given a yellow card Play should be re-started as quickly as possible. The time lost by the
• by verbally or physically demanding a yellow card for the opponent delay must be allowed in the normal way.
Referees should gain full respect and maintain it throughout the game.
For this purpose the referees should:
• express strong personality if player(s) show first signs of disagreement;
• administer a caution if they consider the player’s action as dissent!
• administer a caution to a player who requests a yellow or red card

for an opponent
A timely caution may have a preventative effect and stop other players
showing dissent.
UEFA expects referees to deal firmly with dissent and the offenders to
be cautioned.
UEFA is determined to stop dissent and the harassment of referees

on and off the pitch.

Communicating and Managing In principle, therefore, the coach, acting responsibly, should be totally
free to do his or her job, but that where he openly criticises the referee or
Positive body language other match officials, action should be taken to curb his behaviour.
It can sometimes be beneficial to use discreet explanatory signals If problems arise in the technical area or near the benches, necessitating
appropriately to clarify an incident not apparently understood by some the attention of the referee, the two assistant referees should retain their
participants. This is a positive means of communicating with players normal positions and be aware of anything that happens on the field of
and gives decisions credibly and conviction e.g. indicating simply that a play, to report subsequently to the referee.
yellow card is being given for a series of offences (persistently infringing
the Laws of the Game) can be useful so that the players realise that the Advantage Considerations
yellow card was not just the final offence.
Players, coaches and spectators want the game to flow but sometimes
However, such additional discreet signals (e.g. shirt pulling, etc) should allowing advantage can threaten control.
only be used to clarify decisions and not to justify them.
When thinking about the possible use of advantage (or whether to stop
The Technical Area play), it is essential that referees consider whether the team offended
against would actually benefit from allowing play to continue – “team
The fourth official should be alert to his duties, in accordance with the benefit” – as possession of the ball is not always a benefit for the team. If
referee’s expectations (as discussed before the match), but ensure that possible, referees should adopt a “wait and see” approach by delaying
the coach can carry out his role responsibly without interference. In the whistle in order to assess whether the non-offending team really has
general, a ‘low profile’ approach is recommended. a clear attacking possibility.
Referees are reminded that one person at a time is allowed to remain at However, many teams now practise taking free kicks near their
the edge of the Technical Area as long as he acts in a responsible manner. opponents’ penalty area, so it is very often of greater team benefit to
award a free kick, especially for a physical offence, rather than risk the
In case of inappropriate reactions of the person(s) in the technical area, use of advantage.
the fourth official should use his personality and try to calm down the
person(s) in question. He should avoid becoming involved in Referees should remember that whenever advantage is applied it is
confrontation or lengthy conversations with these persons. important to indicate this immediately by VOICE and the approved ARM
SIGNAL so that players are aware that the foul had been seen and not
However, in cases of irresponsible behaviour the fourth official should just missed.
inform the referee, during a suitable stoppage in play, who will then issue
a public warning to the person(s) concerned (or in more serious There is rarely any advantage just to keep the ball in its current position,
circumstances remove this person from the technical area). In cases of to pass the ball backwards or to be put under pressure by defenders
repeated irresponsible behaviour, the fourth official should again inform even when the ball is under control. In principle, advantage should
the referee who will then remove the person(s) concerned from the normally only be played when a promising attack or an obvious goal
technical area. scoring opportunity would occur.

In addition the referee should take into consideration: Management at free kicks
• Where on the field the offence occurred. The following procedures should benefit the control and management
of free kicks:
• Should the player committing the foul be cautioned?
• Once any disciplinary measures have been dealt with, ensure
• Should the player committing the foul receive a second yellow card? that the ball is positioned where the offence occurred as quickly
as possible.
• Should the player committing the foul receive a direct red card
and be dismissed from the field? • If the attacking team has decided not to take a ‘quick’ free kick,
then clearly advise them (by showing the whistle to the kicker) that
If the referee considers an offence to be reckless or serious, he should they must wait for a signal. If the kick is taken before the signal
stop the game unless there is a very significant attacking opportunity i.e. the free kick must be retaken in all cases, regardless of the
the benefit of keeping the game under control must outweigh the ‘team outcome of the premature kick. The offending kicker will be
benefit’. given a yellow card.
In those circumstances where the referee considers that the offending • Manage and remove any defending players in front of the ball.
player should receive a second yellow card or a direct red card for the
original offence, advantage should not be considered (except in the • Manage the ‘wall’ by measuring the distance, not through the wall
cases of obvious goal-scoring opportunities) and a free kick or penalty but to the side and also simultaneously controlling the position of
should be awarded immediately. the ball. Any player who refuses to retreat the required minimum
distance should be given a yellow card.
In summary:
• Take up a correct position (monitoring the ball, wall and assistant
• Referees must have a wider perspective and not focus just on referee).
the foul (its punishment and location).
• Signal that the free kick may be taken. If the defenders advance
• Where advantage is played, the correct disciplinary sanctions from the wall while the kick is being taken, re-take the free kick if
must still be taken once play stops. a goal is not scored and yellow card the offending player(s).
• Too much advantage may cause more serious offences. • Ensure that the ball is placed in same position for the re-take and
follow the same procedure.
• It should be very rare to play advantage for defenders in or near
to their own penalty area (only if they have full control of the ball; In cases of misbehaviour of the players in the wall, the referees are
there are no opponents in the vicinity of the defender etc). advised that after issuing an initial warning any further misbehaviour
should be punished by disciplinary sanction i.e. yellow or red card(s) -
another warning is not appropriate.

Quick free kick Disciplinary sanctions against substitutes

A free kick may be taken quickly – without the referee's whistle – When taking disciplinary sanctions against a substitute, the referee must
provided that: give a clear indication by using a yellow or red card.
• no disciplinary sanction is to be taken Positioning

• the free kick is taken quickly after play is stopped (i.e. few seconds…) Good positioning and a side-on view are crucial for optimum judgment of
the manner (seriousness) and the circumstances of an offence. The
• the ball is stationary at the place of the offence assistant can also often provide valuable information to the referee.
• the free kick requires no management by the referee UEFA’s top referees recognise the benefit of using a flexible and wide
diagonal as recommended by the UEFA Referee Committee. The key
• the referee has not yet started to control the wall / the opponents principle of positioning (keeping play between referee and assistant
to get them back the appropriate distance referee) should be respected whenever possible, in order to improve the
angle from which incidents are viewed, whilst maintaining eye contact with
If an opponent deliberately prevents a quick free kick being taken he
the assistant referee.
must be cautioned.
At free kicks near the penalty area, the referee should be seen to measure
Dangerous play with contact the 9.15m distance and then take a position, in principle to the left and not
to the right with the exception of the free kicks near the left side (i.e. he
If a player acts in a dangerous manner and also makes contact with an
once again moves on to his diagonal or other convenient position to
opponent, the referee should punish the more serious offence, i.e. the
monitor the incidents in the penalty area). It is felt that by taking up this
contact and thus award a direct free kick. If necessary, disciplinary action
position there is less chance of misjudging or missing incidents.
should be taken e.g. a yellow card if the challenge is reckless.
Re-entering the field of play Identifying offending players

Lack of concentration or being too hasty can cause mistakes in identifying
After a player is given a signal by the referee to re-enter the field of play,
offending players. The following procedures should be beneficial when
the player can take part in play immediately.
issuing disciplinary sanctions:
Referees must carefully take into consideration the position of the ball
• Isolate and identify the player(s) to be disciplined
and other players before signalling for a player to re-enter the field.
• All four match officials should note the identity of the player and
check if the player has already been cautioned
Play should only be re-started once these procedures have been completed.

Co-operation: The Team of Match Officials Offside

Pre-match discussions Assistant referees should only signal for offside when absolutely sure
about an offside offence. If an assistant referee is not totally sure about
Only by practising techniques and ensuring that every member of the an offside offence the flag should not be raised (i.e. the benefit of any
team of officials has a common knowledge and interpretation of the doubt must be given to the attacking team).
Laws can teamwork improve. Team members should also respect their
different roles. They can only be successful if the referee takes the In deciding whether an attacking player is nearer to the opponent’s goal
responsibility for open and honest pre-match instructions and line than the second last defender, consideration should be given to the
discussions, and is open for questions and the team agree the position of the attacker’s head, feet and body in respect to that of the
conclusions. second last defender i.e. the attacker’s arms should not be considered.
Teams of officials are reminded of the benefit and necessity of detailed To ensure correct judgement of offside offences, an assistant referee
pre-match discussions concerning the role of each member so that should not raise the flag but use the “wait and see” technique to consider
there is no doubt about their duties and responsibilities. the following criteria:
Referees should help prepare assistant referees and the 4th official to a. Movement of the ball (direction, speed, distance, any deflection, etc.)
co-operate fully in a match by giving detailed pre-match instructions
even if the team of officials has worked together on many earlier b. Involvement of the player in active play by:
occasions. Following the standard approach will ensure greater • interfering with play or
consistency in the application of the Laws of the Game and, in
particular, with offside. As the leader of the team in any match, the • interfering with an opponent or
referee must accept the final responsibility for decisions taken.
• gaining an advantage.
Efficient communication from the referee to his team before and during
the match is essential (improved awareness). Referees and assistant referees are reminded of the definitions in the
“Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and guidelines for the referees”
Eye contact and mutual awareness with two-way communication is in the Laws of the Game booklet.
essential.
“The definitions of elements of involvement in active play are as follows:
It is also recommended that the Team of Officials finds time for a post
match evaluation of the teamwork. • Interfering with play means playing or touching the ball passed or
touched by a team-mate.
• Interfering with an opponent means preventing an opponent from

playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the
opponent’s line of vision or movements or making a gesture or
movement which, in the opinion of the referee, deceives or distracts
an opponent.

• Gaining an advantage by being in that position means playing a In the rare situation where the referee is convinced that a player is in an
ball that rebounds to him off a goal post or the crossbar having offside position and involved in active play, and the assistant does not
been in an offside position or playing a ball that rebounds to him raise his flag, the referee must take the ultimate responsibility to punish
off an opponent having been in an offside position.” the offside offence. Similarly in the rare situation where an assistant
raises his flag for an offside offence and the referee is of the opinion that
Referees and assistants should be aware of the following situations the player is not involved in active play, the referee should acknowledge
which fall within the category of "making a gesture or movement which, the flag signal and allow play to continue. Referees must be
in the opinion of the referee deceives or distracts an opponent": courageous and not act upon the signal of an assistant referee in cases
of obvious error.
• A player in an offside position, by his manner and direction of
movement, on or near the path of the ball interferes with an
opponent by contributing to / provoking the opponent’s
Ball out of the field of play
uncontrolled clearance of the ball or other action). 1. Assistant referees are reminded that, whenever the ball leaves the
field of play, the flag signal of the assistant referee should show
• A player in an offside position and clearly in the goalkeeper’s line
clearly the correct restart and direction. In clear throw-in situations,
of vision (between him and the kicker) interferes with the
the assistant referee can directly show the direction (along the whole
goalkeeper (distraction).
touch line). But if he has any doubt about the direction, the assistant
In connection with interpreting and applying the Offside Law concerning referee should simply raise his flag, make eye contact with the
“gaining an advantage by being in that position”, assistant referees are referee and follow the referee’s signal.
reminded of their responsibilities to be alert in situations where the ball
On very tight decisions, when the ball stays in play, a discreet hand
rebounds from a goal post or cross bar or goalkeeper, to a player who
signal could give valuable support to the referee.
was in an offside position when the ball was last played by his team-mate.
2. Whenever an assistant referee signals the ball out of the field of play
Assistant referees are also reminded that: (even if players continue to play the ball) he must retain the signal
until acknowledged by the referee taking action.
• When making judgements concerning offside, it is better to be
slightly late and correct, than to be too quick and wrong. 3. When the ball enters a goal:
• If a flag signal for offside is given and is not seen immediately by To confirm a valid goal has been scored, an assistant referee should
the referee; the assistant referee must keep signalling until it has display clear movement down the touchline towards the centre line.
been recognised or the ball is clearly in control of the defending In borderline cases - to signify the ball has completely crossed the
team (the electronic beep signal is used to alert the referee to the goal line - the assistant should raise the flag (but not wave it), seek
flag signal). eye-contact with the referee and only then display clear movement
towards the centre line.
• For very tight judgements where an assistant referee decides “not
offside” a discreet hand signal may give valuable support to the If in his opinion a goal has not been scored correctly, the assistant
referee when the referee makes eye-contact. referee should stand still, retaining any signal already given. The referee
may then choose to consult further if he needs additional guidance.

Offences • Eye-contact and discreet hand signals from an assistant referee

may be helpful in passing information to a referee e.g. type of
An assistant referee should: offence, next action etc. This would reduce the need for him to
come across to the assistant referee for consultation.
• use a raised flag signal to advise the referee that he has seen
a foul committed (or unsporting behaviour or violent conduct). • Where direct consultation is necessary between the referee and
in his immediate vicinity or out of the referee’s vision. The flag assistant referee, the information should include, as concisely as
should be unfurled and waved/agitated to distinguish from the possible, exactly what happened, which players were involved,
signal for offside. the precise location, recommended action and the re-start of play.
It is recommended that in such cases the assistant referee
• make eye contact with the referee and raise his flag when he is advances towards the referee by 4 to 5 metres.
better positioned than the referee and the referee has not taken
any action i.e. it is clear that the referee was unable to identify • During consultation, the assistant referee and referee should both
the offence. face the field of play. It is usually appropriate to avoid the
consultation being heard or understood by others.
If the assistant referee has additional information concerning the offence
for the referee or, if the referee has not seen his flag signal, the • Offences of violent conduct seen and signalled by an assistant
communication system or/and electronic beep signal should be used, referee must be acted upon in accordance with the Laws of the
but only to supplement the flag signal already given. Game by the referee. If play has been stopped for the disciplinary
action (even if the signal has not been seen immediately and play
It should be emphasised that such action by an assistant referee must has continued), the restart must also be in accordance with the
be taken for all appropriate offences including those committed inside Laws (free kick / penalty kick). However, if the assistant referee’s
the penalty area. signal is not seen immediately and play has been re-started for a
subsequent situation only the appropriate disciplinary action can
In other cases discreet help should be given if sought by the referee.
be taken against the offending player.
It is also important to remember that:
• Where a referee seeks guidance from an assistant referee
concerning the exact location of an offence near the boundary
• Before signalling for an offence, the assistant must determine that
of the penalty area the action of the assistant referee should be
the referee would not have applied advantage if he had seen an
as follows:
offence; he should use the “wait and see” technique and make
eye contact with the referee.
a. If the offence is inside the penalty area – the assistant referee
moves visibly down the touchline towards the corner flag.
• If a flag signal for any offence is not seen immediately by the
referee, the assistant referee must keep signalling until he is
b. If the offence is outside the penalty area – the assistant referee
acknowledged by the referee or he recognises a clear advantage
stands still having moved to be in line with the edge of the
to the team against which the offence has been committed.
penalty area.

Obvious incorrect disciplinary decision of the referee Assistant Referee Positioning

If the fourth official and either of the assistant referees are aware that the Free kick close to the penalty area
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 At free kicks close to the penalty area, the assistant referee should
player etc), they must intervene immediately (flag and beep or even enter position himself in line with the second last defender (controlling the
the field of play). It is essential that errors are not made in connection offside), but also with an awareness of the goal line. The referee should
with these responsibilities and the team of match officials must identify control the ball and the wall.
clearly offenders to be disciplined and make appropriate written notes at
the time. After an offside
Control of the 9.15m distance Ideally, after a free kick for offside has been awarded the assistant referee
who gave the signal should position himself in line with the place where
When a free kick is awarded very close to the touch-line near the the ball should be positioned to re-start the game. He should then
assistant referee, the assistant referee may enter the field of play to immediately take up a position to judge offside (level with the second-last
control the 9.15m distance from the ball. It is recommended that the defender), which is his priority.
assistant referee does not physically measure the 9.15m but rather
asserts his control from the position of the ball. Goal kick and goal clearance
Role of 4th officials For goal kicks and when the goalkeeper is in possession of the ball
inside his own penalty area, it is advised that the assistant occasionally
As from 1st June 2010, the role of the 4th official has been extended checks that the ball is correctly positioned or that the goalkeeper does
beyond violent conduct, mistaken identity or a second yellow card not not cross the 16 metre line before releasing the ball from his hands. This
resulting in a dismissal. The Laws of the Game now state: “He assists the should be done in convenient situations (e.g. second last defender near
referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game. the penalty area). Judgment of offside from subsequent play is the priority.
The referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points
connected with play.” Corner kick
It is important that the referee in his pre-match instructions establishes For corner kicks, it is recommended that the assistant involved takes a
what assistance is expected from the 4th official. position behind the flag in line with the goal line.
Penalty kick
For a penalty kick 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, Appendix 1: Replacement of players on the
one assistant should be positioned on the goal line where it meets the match sheet
goal area boundary line, with the other assistant controlling the players
within the centre circle. The referee must determine and agree the role UCL / UEL / UWCL / EURO qualification / WEURO
of the assistant referee on the goal line and his own role in detecting any qualification:
forward movement from the goal line by the goalkeeper. Referees and
assistant referees are also reminded that the "inactive" goalkeeper After the match sheets have been completed and signed by both teams
should remain positioned on the goal line where it meets the penalty and returned to the referee, and if the match has not yet kicked off:
area boundary line, behind the assistant referee.
Replacement of a player (or players) of the starting 11
Flag technique
1. if any of the first 11 players listed on the match sheet are not able to
It is recommended that an assistant referee holds the flag in his hand start the match due to unexpected physical incapacity: please cross
nearest to the field of play by switching hands whenever he changes his out this player on the match sheet
direction of movement so that the flag is always visible to the referee.
2. the player may only be replaced by any of the seven substitutes listed
When the assistant referee raises his flag for a foul or misconduct, on the initial match sheet: please draw an arrow on the match sheet to
he must use the hand that will be used to indicate the direction of the show which substitute replaces the player of the starting 11
free kick.
3. the substitute in question may then only be replaced by a player not
It is recommended that UEFA member associations instruct new listed on the initial match sheet: please write the name and date of
assistant referees in this way. birth of this player (or ask the team responsible to write) in the part
“additional players” on the match sheet
The referee observer shall continue to assess the performance of the
assistant referee according to the accuracy of his decisions. 4. the player which cannot start the match cannot sit on the
substitutes’ bench or additional technical seats
Throw-In responsibility
5. the quota of substitutes is not reduced (7 players on the bench)
Assistant referees are reminded that the responsibility for ensuring a
correctly-taken throw-in is shared by referee and assistant referee, with 6. during the match, three players may still be substituted
the referee normally checking the correct throwing action with the hands
7. inform the UEFA Match Delegate and, if applicable, the UEFA Venue
and the assistant referee observing compliance with the Laws of the
Director about the change
Game in respect of the position of the feet (on or behind the line and
touching the ground). However, referees have an overall responsibility
to act accordingly if, from their position, they identify a foul throw.
UEFA Referees Committee May 2010


Replacement of a substitute (or substitutes) 4. the quota of substitutes is not reduced (7 players on the bench)
1. if any of the seven substitutes listed on the match sheet are not able 5. during the match, three players can still be substituted
to be fielded due to unexpected physical incapacity: please cross
out this substitute on the match sheet 6. inform the UEFA Match Delegate and, if applicable, the UEFA Venue
2. the substitute may only be replaced by a player not listed on the
initial match sheet: please write the name and date of birth of this Replacement of players on the match sheet
player (or ask the team responsible to write) in the part “additional
players” on the match sheet U-17 / U-19 / WU-17 / WU-19 / Regions Cup
3. the substitute which is replaced cannot sit on the substitutes’ After the match sheets have been completed and signed by both teams
bench or additional technical seats and returned to the referee, and if the match has not yet kicked off:
4. the quota of substitutes is not reduced (7 players on the bench) Replacement of a player (or players) of the starting 11
5. during the match, three players can still be substituted 1. if any of the first 11 players listed on the match sheet are not able to
start the match for any reason: please cross out this player on the
6. inform the UEFA Match Delegate and, if applicable, the UEFA Venue match sheet
2. the player may be replaced by any of the seven substitutes listed on
Replacement of goalkeepers the initial match sheet: please draw an arrow on the match sheet to
show which substitute replaces the player of the starting 11
1. If none of the goalkeepers listed on the match sheet are able to be
fielded due to unexpected physical incapacity: please cross out the 3. such replacements reduce the quota of substitute players
goalkeepers on the match sheet accordingly
2. they may be replaced by goalkeepers not listed on the initial match 4. the player which cannot start the match can sit on the
sheet: please write the name and date of birth of these goalkeepers substitutes’ bench, but cannot take part in the match anymore
in the part “additional players” on the match sheet and draw arrows
to show which added player replaces which goalkeeper 5. during the match, three players may still be replaced
3. the goalkeeper which cannot start the match and the substitute 6. inform the UEFA Match Delegate and, if applicable, the UEFA Venue
goalkeeper(s) which is/are replaced cannot sit on the Director about the change

Replacement of a substitute (or substitutes) Replacement of the goalkeeper of the starting 11

1. if any of the seven substitutes listed on the match sheet are not able 1. if the goalkeeper listed first on the match sheet is not able to be
to be fielded for any reason: please cross out this substitute on the fielded for any reason: please cross out this goalkeeper on the
match sheet match sheet)
2. the player may not be replaced 2. the goalkeeper may be replaced by the substitute goalkeeper listed
on the initial match sheet
3. the quota of substitute players is reduced accordingly
3. the substitute goalkeeper in question may then be replaced by
4. the substitute which cannot play can sit on the substitutes’ another goalkeeper not previously listed on the match sheet: please
bench, but cannot take part in the match anymore write the name and date of birth of this goalkeeper (or ask the team
responsible to write) in the part “additional players” on the match
5. during the match, three players may still be replaced sheet
6. inform the UEFA Match Delegate and, if applicable, the UEFA Venue 4. the goalkeeper which is not able to be fielded cannot sit on the
Director about the change substitutes’ bench or additional technical seats
Replacement of a goalkeeper 5. during the match, three players may still be replaced
exchange of goalkeeper and substitute goalkeeper 6. inform the UEFA Match Delegate and, if applicable, the UEFA Venue
1. if the goalkeeper listed first on the match sheet is not able to start
the match for any reason
Replacement of a substitute goalkeeper
2. the goalkeeper may be replaced by the goalkeeper listed under the 1. if a substitute goalkeeper is not able to be fielded for any reason:
substitutes please cross out this goalkeeper on the match sheet) the substitute
goalkeeper may be replaced by another goalkeeper not previously
3. the original starting goalkeeper may, however, still be used
listed on the match sheet: please write the name and date of birth
as a substitute goalkeeper and, consequently, may sit on the
of this goalkeeper (or ask the team responsible to write) in the part
substitutes bench
4. during the match, three players may still be replaced
2. the substitute goalkeeper which is replaced cannot sit on the
3. during the match, three players may still be replaced

Replacement of players on the match sheet Replacement of a substitute (or substitutes)

1. if any of the seven substitutes listed on the match sheet are not able
WOWC / U-21 qualification:
to be fielded due to unexpected physical incapacity: please cross
After the match sheets have been completed and signed by both teams out this substitute on the match sheet
and returned to the referee, and if the match has not yet kicked off:
2. the substitute may only be replaced by a player not listed on the
Replacement of a player (or players) of the starting 11 initial match sheet: please write the name and date of birth of this
player (or ask the team responsible to write) in the part “additional
1. if any of the first 11 players listed on the match sheet are not able to players” on the match sheet
start the match due to unexpected physical incapacity: please
cross out this player on the match sheet 3. the substitute which is replaced cannot sit on the substitutes’
bench or additional technical seats
2. the player may only be replaced by any of the seven substitutes
listed on the initial match sheet: please draw an arrow on the match 4. the quota of substitutes is not reduced (7 players on the bench)
sheet to show which substitute replaces the player of the starting 11
5. during the match, three players can still be substituted
3. the substitute in question may then only be replaced by a player not
listed on the initial match sheet: please write the name and date of 6. inform the UEFA Match Delegate and, if applicable, the UEFA Venue
birth of this player (or ask the team responsible to write) in the part Director about the change
4. the player which cannot start the match cannot sit on the
5. the quota of substitutes is not reduced (7 players on the bench)
6. during the match, three players may still be substituted

UEFA Referee Programme: Practical Information For Match Officials

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Ref prog Booklet_2010:Layout 1 24/6/10 16:07 Page 1

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 02 03

Contents Confrontation between players 31

Management of Injured Players 20 Identifying offending players 39

Correct decision-making; Fouls and consequences 22 Offside 41

Physical Contacts (use of hands/arms) 26 Ball out of the field of play 43

Illegal challenges with hands/arms 27 Offences 44

Illegal use of the Body 28 Control of the 9.15m distance 46

Penalty kicks 29 Role of 4th Officials 46

Simulation 29 Assistant Referee Positioning 47

Handball Considerations 30 Flag technique 48

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 04 05

Introduction General instructions for UEFA Referees

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 06 07

General Terms and Conditions for Referees Match Documents

• Referee appointments are prepared by the UEFA Administration • Competition regulations

Availability Online Referee Report

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 08 09

Travel arrangements are negotiated directly between the referee’s national

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 10 11

Comprises: Referees Assistant referees

European Championship (qualifying matches)

UEFA Cup (as from the round of 16)

• parking, 4) The category-based bonus for male referees depends on the

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 12 13

Assistant referee appointed with premier referee EUR 650

Bonus per match for the fourth official Referees’ equipment

Women elite referee EUR 350 Conclusions

As before, no category-based bonuses are paid to futsal referees.

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 14 15

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 16 17

Checking goal nets

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 18 19

Reminder of some additional instructions Half-time / break before extra time

A player must be cautioned when: Liquid Refreshments

Leaving the field of play to celebrate a goal is not a cautionable

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 20 21

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 22 23

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 24 25

• Position of his teammates.

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 26 27

Physical Contacts (use of hands/arms) Illegal challenges with hands/arms

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 28 29

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 30 31

Handball Considerations Incidents involving players’ reactions/confrontations

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 32 33

• express strong personality if player(s) show first signs of disagreement;

• administer a caution if they consider the player’s action as dissent!

• administer a caution to a player who requests a yellow or red card

UEFA is determined to stop dissent and the harassment of referees

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 34 35

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 36 37

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 38 39

Quick free kick Disciplinary sanctions against substitutes

• no disciplinary sanction is to be taken Positioning

Re-entering the field of play Identifying offending players

UEFA Referee Development Programme 2010 40 41

Co-operation: The Team of Match Officials Offside