JOINT PUBLICATION OF FA EDUCATION AND THE REFEREES ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 27 MAY 2016

Mark
Clattenburg
The 2016 FA Cup
and UEFA Champions
League Final Referee

Game Changers
A guide to the latest changes
to the Laws of the Game

National Referee Strategy

A framework for
countrywide success

Standing on the biggest stage

Martin Atkinson and his team
reflect on officiating the
Europa League final
 STANDING ON GAME CHANGERS:
THE BIGGEST STAGE LAWS OF THE GAME 16/17
PAGE 10 PAGE 18

Editorial team & contributors:

David Elleray, Michael Oliver, Martin Atkinson,
Neale Barry, Paul Field, RA-FA Youth Council,
Aldershot Referees Association

Design:
Charterhouse

Image recognition:
Getty Images, FA Education, FIFA via Getty Images,
The Noun Project

Acknowledgements: RATIONAL REFEREE STRATEGY

The contents of 'Refereeing' are copyright of
The Football Association. No articles, features or PAGE 40
any aspects can be reproduced or photocopied
without written permission of The Football
Association. The views of this journal are not
necessarily those of The Football Association
or The Referees Association

Published by:
RA-FA LIAISON COMMITTEE FA Learning, Foreword David Elleray 4
The Football Association
Chairman St. Georges Park, Newborough Road Hello, Santiago! Michael Oliver 6
Needwood, Burton-Upon-Trent, DE13 9PD
Standing on the biggest stage Martin Atkinson 10
David Elleray Chairman FA Referees Committee Website:
TheFA.com/Refereeing
President The Referees Association History in the making Neale Barry 14
Email:
education@TheFA.com Game changers David Elleray 18
The FA Referees Committee ra@footballreferee.org
Wise words (Law 12) David Elleray 38
The FA Crest is a registered trademark
David Horlick Vice Chairman of The Football Association.
The Football Association 2004
National Referee strategy 40
The FA Refereeing Department Adams & Eves Paul Field 58

Neale Barry Head of Refereeing How to deal with match fixers 60

Daniel Meeson National Referee Development Manager Lets talk social Neale Barry 61
Gemma Gale-Watts National Referee Recruitment and Retention Manager
Richard Glynne-Jones National Referee Workforce Manager A weekend of learning RA-FA Youth Council 62
Laurence Jones Senior National Game Business Support Manager RA-FA Council update RA-FA Youth Council 65

The Referees Association Eve of Final Rally Referees Association 66

Come to the conference RA-FA Youth Council 67
Paul Field RA Chairman
David Crick RA Representative on The FA Council and RA Referees Committee Referee Development Fund RA-FA Youth Council
Vince Penfold Chair of External Affairs Back in the game Aldershot Refs Association 68
The RA-FA Youth Council RA member benefits Referees Association 71

Will Finnie Chairman Interview with Paul Field 72

3
FORWARD
Mark Clattenburg will officiate
the 2016 FA Cup Final along
with assistant referees John
Brooks and Andrew Halliday,
fourth official Neil Swarbrick
and reserve assistant referee
Michael Salisbury.
4 5
FOREWORD
As we approach the end of the season, it feels right to look forward.
Ive no doubt that season 2016/17 will be a very interesting one indeed.
As we approach the end of the season, it
is appropriate to look forward. I have no
doubt that season 2016/17 will be a very
interesting one indeed.
Domestically, The FAs National Referee
Strategy will come into effect which will
benefit refereeing at all levels throughout
the country. Never before has The FA
set out its refereeing structures and
philosophies so clearly. Our goal is to create
both a structure and a development
philosophy that benefits all referees. As a
result, they will enjoy what they do much
more and will feel more equipped to face
their on-field and off-field challenges.
Much of what is being proposed uplifts
work previously done but there are also
some important changes, not least the
change from assessor to observer.
This may seem small but it is significant
and indicative of how we see the future.
The term assessor often has negative
connotations someone who is a fault
finder, who stops people being promoted
or getting top appointments. This
perception undermines and undervalues
the exceptional work of many assessors.
The change to observer will hopefully
change the role (and perception of the
role) to being more of a coach who helps
the referee perform better in the future. It
is easy to find fault, but not so easy to give
advice as to how to improve this is what
we want the focus of our observers to be.
Refereeing at all levels throughout the
world will be affected by the major revision
of the Laws of the Game, which comes into
effect on 1 June 2016. The IFAB Technical
STOP PRESS Congratulations to Mark Clattenburg and his colleagues Simon Beck and Jake Collin (assistant referees), Anthony Taylor
and Andre Marriner (AARs), and Stuart Burt (reserve assistant referee) on being appointed to the 2016 UEFA Champions League final.
Sub Committee has been working on this
for some time and you will find the new
Law book very different in style, layout,
language and content. In particular:
The interpretation for each Law is now
included within each Law at the front
of the book.
The language has been simplified;
repetitions have been removed and the
masculine language has been removed so
that the text is gender neutral to reflect the
important role of women in refereeing
and football.
Laws have been amended to bring them
up to date, make them consistent and fair
and to reduce the benefit a player may get
by breaking the Laws.
The Law section has been reduced by
some 10,000 words and two new sections
have been introduced:
One that explains each major Law
change by giving the old text, the new
text and the reason(s) for the change
And a Glossary that defines key words
(this is especially important when the
Laws are translated into other languages).
One very important change relates to the
sanction for some DOGSO offences in the
penalty area and an explanation of this,
and other changes, is in this issue.
As well as approving this major revision, the
130th AGM of The IFAB in Cardiff on March
6 also gave approval for experiments with
video assistance for referees, continuing
experiments with sin bins in youth football
by UEFA, and experiments with a 4th
substitution in extra time in approved
competitions. These are exciting and
challenging times for the newly constituted
IFAB and Gianni Infantino, attending his first
meeting as FIFA President, enthusiastically
supported all The IFABs proposals.
Since our last edition, there has been much
focus on the dreadful abuse suffered by
some referees in football and in rugby. This is
something that The FA takes very seriously
and much needs to be done to support
those who have been abused or assaulted.
The RA has a major role to play in
supporting referees at grassroots, not just
by mentoring but through formal support
should an assault or abuse occur. The RA is
a family and looks after its family members
the support, help, guidance and
development RA Societies can offer will be
a key part of tackling the cancer which
blights refereeing in football, and sadly all
sports, in this country.
As we near the end of the season, good luck
to everyone with a Cup final including Mark
Clattenburg (referee), John Brooks and
Andy Halliday (assistant referees), Neil
Swarbrick (fourth official), and Michael
Salisbury (reserve assistant referee) for the
2016 FA Challenge Cup final.
I wish you all an excellent end of the season
and I am sure you will be supporting the
three England teams led by Roy Hodgson,
Martin Atkinson and Mark Clattenburg at
the EURO finals in France. We have a better
chance of having a team in the final than any
other country, so lets hope for great success.
Very best wishes
David Elleray
Chairman, FA Referees Committee
President, The Referees Association
FIFA U17 final in Chile

HELLO,
SANTIAGO!

The FIFA U17

World Cup 2015
Fact File
We all came back as
better officials The tournament was
played across eight venues
in Chile
Twenty-four teams
(from six Confederations)
took part
Michael Oliver, Stuart Our story began on Thursday 6 August We had eight weeks to prepare, which separate flights to Paris CDG, where Fifty-two matches were
2015 at our pre-season training camp consisted of a large number of matches we met up, and then a 14-hour flight played
Burt and Gary Beswick at St Georges Park. Michael received an both at home and in UEFA competitions. to Santiago.
email direct from FIFA informing him of We spoke at length to David Elleray and One-hundred-and-fifty-one
had the honour of the proposal to invite him to the FIFA
Upon arrival, we were transported to goals were scored in the
our colleagues who had officiated in FIFA
our hotel and given the programme.
officiating at the FIFA U17 U17 World Cup in Chile along with two tournaments about what to expect upon tournament (which is an
FIFA tournaments are extremely
World Cup, culminating in assistants. The invitation was subject to arrival, how to deal with tournament life
well structured and you receive the average of 2.9 goals a game)
approval after submission of the names and the general experiences we would
taking charge of the Final. of the Assistant Referees and completion encounter. These discussions were
programme for the next day on a daily Nigeria won the tournament.
basis. After arriving on Saturday 10 This is the fifth time theyve
Top: The Estadio Sausalito of the relevant fitness checks. invaluable and we would like to place on
in Vina Del Mar provided Their epic story is certain record our thanks to David, Howard Webb,
October, our tournament training began
triumphed
a spectacular backdrop We had known that this tournament was the following day, which allowed us our
for the tournament final to inspire you. a possibility, as had been the FIFA U20
Mike Mullarkey and Steve Child.
first day to explore Santiago. Ecuador were awarded
in which Nigeria ran out
2-0 winners over Mali.
World Cup tournament earlier in the year We completed the necessary fitness
Our first week consisted of physical and
the Fair Play Award
in New Zealand. However, as Michaels and medical checks, co-ordinated by
Right: Michael Oliver technical training each morning, followed
wedding coincided with the later stages Simon Breivik and the team at St Georges
led the English refereeing by lunch, and then classroom technical
in New Zealand, we knew that the U17 Park and travelled to Santiago on Friday
team, also included Stuart training sessions each afternoon. >>
Burt and Gary Beswick. tournament was a more realistic target. 9 October 2015. Our route consisted of

6 7
FIFA U17 final in Chile
These morning sessions were part of
our programme for 28 of the 33 days
and they consisted of a group of local
players taking part in either full matches
or match situations. Each referee team
was expected to officiate as if it was a real
game and then received feedback and
advice on their performance.
The Assistant Referees also had offside
training that consisted of a number of
offside situations that were recorded
and the visual feedback was immediate.
All this training proved invaluable as
it allowed us an insight into how FIFA
expected the tournament to be officiated
as well as the opportunity to develop
with the instantaneous feedback.
Our afternoon classroom-based
theoretical sessions provided training on a
different topic each day, covering a variety
of topics including offside, tactical fouls
and positioning. We also undertook video
tests on fouls, misconduct and offside.
The tournament was close to beginning
and the first appointments were made two
days before any match. As the tournament
started on Saturday 17 October, the first
appointments were released on the
Thursday. The following day we were
delighted to be appointed to Honduras v
Ecuador on Sunday 18 October.
After a light training session, we travelled
by car for around three hours. There were
two matches in Talca and we were joined
by the New Zealand refereeing team
along with the fourth official from Tahiti.
We were met by Peter Mikkelsen, our
8 9
Danish observer. After a short walk around
Talca and some dinner, we returned to our
rooms to rest.
The following day we relaxed in the hotel
before making the short journey by car
to the stadium. The New Zealand referee
team was officiating in their match when
we arrived. Our match began at 7pm local
time, but the weather was still 25 degrees
with around 75% humidity. The match
went well for us with Ecuador winning 3-1.
The second goal of the game was scored
after we awarded a penalty for handball.
It was a good situation for us as it was
extremely similar to the handball clips
we had discussed during our theoretical
training sessions. The rest of the match
passed without incident and we were
happy with our performance.
Main image: The team
poses with the Mexico
and Chile captains
Jose Esquivel and
Marcelo Allende
ahead of the round of
16 tie at the Estadio
Nelson Oyarzun Arenas
Left: Ecuadors Joan
Cortez celebrates
after scoring in their
group D match against
Honduras at Estadio
Fiscal de Talca
We trained at
the highest
level to
continue to
make a good
impression.
After returning to the hotel, we received our
post-match debrief from the observer who
was very pleased with our performance.
He agreed with our decision to award
the penalty and had no advice to offer
us. Indeed, he complimented the three
of us, and the New Zealand team, saying
his report would not prevent us from
receiving another appointment.
The following day we went back to our
Santiago base where we received very
positive feedback from the Instructors.
The next day was the official debriefing
of matches 1-8 in the tournament. It
consisted of the whole group attending
a review of all eight matches, with positive
and developmental clips from the
matches. We were delighted that they
only showed positive clips from our match.
We did not receive another group-stage
appointment, which was frustrating, but
we ensured we trained at the highest level
to continue to make a good impression.
Our second appointment was Mexico v
Chile in the Round of 16. On paper it was
also the tie of the round. Our travel
consisted of a one-hour flight and then a
45-minute drive. We were met at the venue
by the observer, Hector Vergara. Our
preparation was similar to the first match,
although there was one big difference:
the noisy fans situated outside our hotel.
The match went well and finished 4-1 to
Mexico, however Chile had taken an early
lead and it was still 1-1 after 65 minutes.
Wed been informed by 3 different Referee
Committee members before leaving
Santiago that this would be a difficult
match and that our game plan should
be to penalise lots of physical contact
and not worry about taking disciplinary
action. We attempted to implement this
and did so successfully, however when
we had issued six yellow cards after 30
minutes we were concerned. Thankfully,
the players responded positively and
the remaining 60 minutes only saw one
more yellow card. After the match our
debriefing was hugely positive.
We made the return journey to Santiago
and arrived in the hotel during lunch.
The reaction from the committee when
walking into the room was something
we will never forget: everyone was
extremely pleased and impressed with
our performances and we were knighted
by one of the Instructors.
We were not appointed in any capacity
in the quarter-finals but ensured we
continued to train hard. The release of
some match officials, allowing them
to return home, would be made after
the quarter finals. We sat in the room
with our colleagues while the group
debriefing of the quarter final matches
took place, knowing that our fate had
been decided but that we had to wait
until the announcements at the end of
the debriefing. We were delighted to be
retained, along with eight other trios.
Further to this, we were not appointed in
any capacity to a semi-final. This meant we
still had an opportunity to be appointed to
the final or the 3rd/4th place match.
The next few days dragged as we trained
as hard as we could, knowing that we had
a realistic chance of being appointed to
the final, while also knowing we could be
going home with no further matches.
Thankfully, the news we had hoped for was
announced after the debriefing. We had
been appointed to the final, Nigeria v Mali. In
our opinion, they were the two best teams
in the tournament. None of us heard the full
announcement, only Michaels name as the
rest of the announcement became a bit of a
blur. We were congratulated by all in the room
before quickly returning to our rooms to call
our family, despite it being 11pm UK time.
We followed the same routine for the final
travelling the day before the match this
time a 90-minute drive and rested at the
hotel overnight and prior to kick-off. On this
occasion, we were advised by the committee
that the match should be played in a good
spirit and they were keen for us to give the
players a chance with regard to disciplinary
action, and allow the teams the platform to
perform to the best of their abilities.
We arrived at the stadium a little earlier
than planned and were able to watch some
of the 3rd/4th place play-off. The remaining
officials had travelled to watch both games
and it was good to know we had their
support in the stands. We then began our
preparations to ensure we delivered the
best performance. The match was played
in a good spirit, finishing 2-0 to Nigeria. We
awarded a penalty for handball to Nigeria
after three minutes, but the goalkeeper
produced a fantastic double safe.
We finished the match with only one
yellow card, for persistent infringement
having previously been warned. After
the match we remained on the field for
around 20 minutes to receive our medals
and watch the trophy presentation. FIFAs
Head of Refereeing, Massimo Busacca,
met us on the field to congratulate us.
After the match, we travelled back to
Santiago to enjoy the final party. Our
colleagues met us. They gave us a
fantastic reception and we received a very
pleasing speech from Massimo. It was safe
to say that we had performed well and
that our efforts had been appreciated.
The tournament was a fantastic
experience. It was difficult at times being
away from friends and family for what
was a total of 33 days, along with living in
a hotel with the same food, surroundings
and people. However, the support we
received from our wives proved essential.
We all came back as better officials,
delighted with our performances and
knowing that had we not refereed the
final, we would not have changed a thing
with how we operated. /
UEFA Europa League Final

Main Image: 2015 UEFA Europe

League Final referee, Martin Atkinson
Right: Martin Atkinson and his team shake hands
with FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk Ruslan Rotan I must admit I was emotional about
and FC Sevillas Jose Antonio Reyes
receiving this honour. The hard work
and sacrifice had paid off

STANDING The UEFA Europa League I honestly thought it was a wind-up, laughs Martin. When he
called me to say I'd been appointed to referee the UEFA Europa

BIGGEST
Final is one the biggest
football matches in Europe.
And youve just been told
League final I must admit I was emotional about receiving this
honour. The hard work and sacrifice had paid off.
The phone call involved a discussion about my team for the

ON THE
game, something which had played such an important role in
youre going to referee it. the seasons success. I am a firm believer that the team gets
recognised for their performances, not the individuals. I was

STAGE
Acclaimed Premier League
Referee, Martin Atkinson
and his colleagues tell the
story of what happened after
Martin took that call from
Pierluigi Collina.
delighted when the team was finalised by Pierluigi: Assistants
Mike Mullarkey and Steve Child, AARs Anthony Taylor and Andre
Marriner, Reserve Assistant Jake Collin, and the 4th official Pavel
Kralovec from the Czech Republic.
When the news broke around 5pm on the Monday, my
phone went into meltdown! The number of texts, emails and
phone calls was overwhelming. I was shocked that so many
friends and colleagues had taken the time to acknowledge
our appointment. >>

1010 11
UEFA Europa League Final

UEFA asked me to do an interview for their website which
involved a half-day of filming and talking about the game. This
showed me the full extent of the appointment and hit home
what an achievement this was for us to be involved in such a
prestigious game.
Assistant Steve Child recalled the messages he received:
The build-up to travel day was a blur, with so many well wishes
from the UK and around the world. This was very humbling with
so many kind words of support.
The logistics for the final were a slightly unusual for one
member of the team, as Andre Marriner explains: The travel
arrangements proved a little challenging for me as I had actually
closed the date because of a family holiday to Spain. I informed
UEFA, who explained they could fly me out of Malaga to Warsaw
and return me back on the day after the game.
This meant I would only miss three days of my family holiday.
My wife Lisa was very understanding and told me that I couldnt
miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is the kind of
support that often goes unrecognised. At the highest level, you
have to be committed.
On arrival in Warsaw, the team received their training and
match kit, specially embroidered with details of the big match.
A visit to the stadium followed, allowing the officials to gain a
feel for the environment and to undertake a gentle training
session. This was also the perfect opportunity to snap a few
photographs. Of course, this isnt an option on match day.
On the morning of the Final, the seven officials enjoyed
breakfast as a team, alongside a hefty legion of UEFA Referee
Committee members and staff. After receiving the appointment,
Martin was keen to ensure that, despite being a Final,
preparations remained as normal as possible. I had to ensure
the build-up to the game was the same as any other trip", he
explains. I had requested videos of the semi-finals to study
the teams, tactics and anything that could benefit our team on
the night". As normal, following breakfast, we had a short team
meeting to discuss our tactics and approach.
The evening of the game had arrived, and UEFA had kindly
arranged for tickets for the officials. My wife Julie and youngest
daughter Olivia were at the game. To see them before kick-
off as we finished our warm-up was an immensely proud
moment. The game was a thoroughly entertaining spectacle
for the supporters. Dnipro, despite being the underdogs, stayed
in contention for the whole match before Sevilla edged the
contest to seal a 3-2 victory.
The game couldnt have gone any better, eight cautions in
a hard-fought memorable European final, recalls Martin.
"Our team had delivered it, which was a massive relief as we were
aware of the focus on this game from not just Europe but the
world". Walking up the steps to receive our medals is definitely
the highlight of my refereeing career.
Having eventually left the pitch, the sense of achievement in the
dressing room was overwhelming. The messages of support from
home and abroad were so kind. We had made a lot of people proud.
Following the match, the normal de-brief took place with
Match Observer, Marc Batta, from France. His comments were
entirely positive and an endorsement of a job well done. With
formalities over, it was time to eat, drink and celebrate with family
and friends, before returning home with fantastic memories that
will last a lifetime./

Top left: Sevillas Carlos Bacca

seals victory with a kiss
Bottom left: The team walk out
for their pre-match inspections
Main image: Martin Atkinson (C)
and his assistants warm up
prior to the UEFA Europa
League Final

The 2015 UEFA Europa LR

League Final Fact File
The messages of support from home This was the first time a UEFA club final
and abroad were so kind. We had had been hosted in Poland
made a lot of people proud. The attendance for the game was 45,000
Ever Banega of Sevilla (right) was named
Man of The Match

1212 13
History in the making
The 130th AGM of the IFAB was almost
certainly the most historic gathering in
the organisations history.
1414
HISTORY
IN THE
MAKING
Neale Barry, FA Head of Refereeing, explains how the
decisions made at the recent IFAB gathering in Cardiff
are set to revolutionise football forever.
The 130th AGM of the IFAB was almost The following is a summary of the
certainly the most historic gathering in key decisions. Thats not all. There
the organisations history. It featured then follows an extensive section
far-reaching decisions that will not outlining the main Law changes. This
only affect football at the highest includes a thorough explanation of
level (for example, video assistance these changes. >>
for referees), but also every match
played throughout the world. In other
words, there has never been a more
comprehensive revision and re-
organisation of the Laws of the Game.
15
History in the making
REVISION OF THE LAWS OF THE GAME
(Effective from 1 June 2016)
The IFAB AGM unanimously approved the most comprehensive revision of the
Laws of the Game in its history to make them more user-friendly. By almost
halving the word count, the new format improves the structure, layout, terminology,
phrasing and consistency to increase the universality and understanding of the Laws.
The major areas of change are:
1. A simpler structure
Law and interpretation have been
combined. This means key information
for each Law is in the same place.
2. Updated titles
Some Laws have been renamed to
reflect their content and allow inclusion
of text not previously assigned to a
Law. For example: Law 6: The Assistant
Referees have become The Other
Match Officials to allow the inclusion
of Fourth Officials, Additional Assistant
Referees and so on.
1616
3. English and phraseology
Unnecessary words have been
removed. There is now a more
consistent use of words and
phrases which, as well as making
the Laws easier to read, will assist
translation, reducing confusion
and misunderstandings.
Contradictions and unnecessary
repetitions have been eliminated.
Also, the Laws are now gender neutral,
which this reflects the importance of
women in football today.
4. Updated content
Some changes bring the Law
up-to-date for modern football
for example, the increased number
of substitutions, formal entry to
the field and so on.
 his revision makes the Laws of the
T were for the experiment, and how the data was collected
Game more accessible and more easily
understood by everyone involved or
interested in football. This should lead to
increased consistency of understanding,
interpretation and application. As a
result, greater clarity should lead to fewer
disputes and controversies resulting from
conflicting interpretations.
decided to use it in the 2016 Rio Olympics).
MODIFICATIONS: SIN BINS
In 2014, UEFA were given permission to run an experiment
in their U16 Development Tournaments. In the first year of
the experiment, only 24% of coaches felt that the Sin Bin
had a positive impact on players behaviour. In the second
year, this had increased significantly to 89%.
There was a discussion around what the terms of reference
and measured. The view was that the experiment should
have a conclusion at some point and not be open-ended.
The IFAB approved the UEFA experiment for one more
year and said that they must supply the IFAB with all data
collected. This meant 2017 AGM could decide whether
Sin Bins should be included as a modification to the Laws
of the Game for youth (and possibly grassroots) football.
LAW 3: NUMBER OF PLAYERS
4th Substitution in Extra Time
The IFAB agreed to examine this in more detail and
undertake research in some competitions to see how it
affects the way the game is played in extra time (FIFA has
The areas considered were:
How many games are currently decided by penalty kicks?
How many goals are scored in extra time?
What impact would this increase in substitutions have
in extra time?
Would this give an even greater advantage to teams with
big squads of quality players?
FIFPro had undertaken a survey of their members and 81%
were in favour of this change.
The decision taken was that we should look to run an experiment
in a closed tournament to see what the effects were.
VIDEO ASSISTANCE FOR MATCH
OFFICIALS (VAR)
As expected, this item was discussed at length. There was
a unanimous decision to approve live testing but only to
correct a clear error.
The IFAB decided that any league/national association/
confederation that wishes to conduct an experiment can only
do so if it uses the approved IFAB Protocol. This limits the use of
video assistance to four major match-affecting situations:
Goals
Penalty and non-penalty
Red cards (excluding second yellow cards)
Mistaken identify (for disciplinary sanctions).
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will review incidents. If
there appears to have been a clear error, they should offer
advice to the referee. Consequently, the referee will have the
option of accepting the VARs advice or going to look at the
replay on the side of the field of play.
LAW 4: THE PLAYERS EQUIPMENT
Electronic Performance & Tracking Systems (EPTS)
The IFAB AGM received an update on the on-going process
to introduce a global standard for electronic performance
and tracking systems. The consultation process with key
stakeholders such as leagues, clubs, national teams, FIFPro
as well as industry experts is continuing. The AGM received a
recommendation for the development and introduction of a
Global Standard which included the following areas:
Minimum standard
Safety standards for players
Data standard (data safety, security, transfer, storage,
IP and so on).
Standard for professional football (incl. minimum standard)
Accuracy of collated data
Interoperability of data (different technologies)
Further research
Scientific analysis of injury reduction
Potential benefits of live data for coaches
Maximum tolerance for latency, delay of live data
LAW 12: FOULS & MISCONDUCTS
Triple Punishment (DOGSO)
At the IFAB AGM in 2015, it was decided to ask the FIFA
Executive Committee to consider removing the automatic
one-match ban for a Denial of a Goal Scoring Opportunity
(DOGSO) sending-off. However they were not in favour
and returned the issue to IFAB to find a better solution.
UEFA had submitted wording that was modified by The
IFAB Technical Sub-Committee (TSC) and agreed as
outlined below:
Denial of a Goal Scoring Opportunity
Where a player denies the opposing team a goal or an
obvious goal-scoring opportunity by a deliberate handball
offence, the player is sent off wherever the offence occurs.
Where a player commits an offence within their own
penalty area, which denies an opponent an obvious goal-
scoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick,
the offending player should be cautioned unless:
The offence is holding, pulling or pushing or
The offending player does not attempt to play the
ball or there is no possibility for the player making the
challenge to play the ball or
The offence is one which is punishable by a red card
regardless of where it occurs on the field of play (for
example, serious foul play, violent conduct and so on.)
In all these circumstances, the player should be dismissed
from the field of play.
Additionally, it is made clear that:
Where a player denies the opposing team a goal or
an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by a deliberate
handball offence, the player is sent off wherever the
offence occurs. /
17
Law Changes for 2016/17 explained

The authority for the

current revision of the
Laws of the Game is found
in the minutes of the
127th, 128th and 129th
AGM of The IFAB. The IFAB
Technical Sub Committee
(which includes Neale

GAME
Barry and David Elleray
from The FA) started work
in Autumn 2014.

LAWS REVISION
The minutes of the 129th AGM on misunderstanding. In addition, the Laws

CHANGERS
28 February 2015 state that:
The aim of the revision is to make
the Laws of the Game more accessible
and more easily understood by
everyone in football, and to increase
consistency of understanding,
interpretation and application.
The revision has focused on making
the Laws more appropriate for the
modern game at all levels. The key
The Laws of the Game are changing changes include:
for season 2016/17. A simpler structure
Technical Director of The IFAB, David Elleray, Law and Law Interpretation have been
combined so all the information for each
guides you through the details. Law is in the same place.
Updated titles
Some Laws have been renamed to reflect
their content and to include text that
hasnt been assigned to a Law in the
past. For example, Law 6: The Assistant
Referees has become The Other Match
Officials to include Fourth Officials,
Additional Assistant Referees and similar.
English and phraseology
Unnecessary words, repetitions and
contradictions have been removed. At
the same time a more consistent use
of words and phrases has made the
Laws more readable. This has helped
translation, and reduced confusion and
are now gender neutral, reflecting the
importance of women in football today.
Updated content
Some changes have brought the Laws
up to date with modern football e.g. the
increased number of substitutes.
Two important new sections have
been introduced:
Law changes explained
This section shows the old text and the
new text along with an explanation for
each Law change.
Glossary
This list defines the important words
or phrases that are sometimes
misunderstood or difficult to translate.
The IFAB believes these revisions have
made the Laws of the Game more
accessible to everyone involved. This
should lead to increased consistency
of understanding, interpretation and
application so there are fewer disputes
and controversies resulting from
conflicting interpretations.
You can download the full Laws of the
Game 2016/17 book from The IFAB
website: theifab.com from 20 May.
In the meantime, the following pages are
an explanation of the main changes. >>

18 19
Law Changes for 2016/17 explained
A SUMMARY OF LAW CHANGES
Take a look at this
simple, clear outline
of the main changes
and clarifications.
None
20
LAW 1: The field of play
Artificial and natural surfaces may not
be combined on the field
Competitions may determine field size
for their competitions (within Law)
All commercial advertising on the
ground must be at least one metre
from boundary lines
Logos/emblems of FAs, competitions
are allowed on corner flags (no
advertising)
LAW 2: The ball
LAW 3: The Players
A match may not start/continue if a
team has fewer than seven players
Substitutes may take a restart but must
first step onto the field
Clarifies situation when a player is sent
off before/after kick-off
Direct free-kick (or penalty) if a
substitute/team official interferes
with play
If something/someone (other than a
player) touches a ball as it goes into the
goal the referee can award the goal if
the touch had no impact on
the defenders
If a goal is scored with an extra person on
the field and referee has restarted play
the goal stands and match continues
LAW 4: The players equipment
Any tape or other material on/covering
socks must be same colour as the sock
Player losing footwear/shinguard
accidentally can play on until next
stoppage
Undershorts must be colour of
shorts or hem. Team must all wear
same colour
Electronic communication with
substitutes is forbidden
Player can return during play after
changing/correcting equipment, once
equipment has been checked (by
referee or other match officials) and
referee signals
LAW 5: The Referee
Decision cannot be changed if play
restarted or referee has left the field
If several offences occur at the same
time, the most serious is punished
Referee can send a player off from
pre-match pitch inspection onwards
Referee can only use red card and
yellow cards after entering the field at
start of the match
Player injured by a red card or yellow
card foul can be quickly assessed/
treated and stay on-field
The equipment a referee can or may
be allowed to use is listed
Diagrams of referee signals included
(from Guidelines section)
Law 5: The Referee
LAW 6: The other match officials
More details about the duties of the
assistants, other match officials,
fourth official
Diagrams of other match officials
signals included (from Guidelines
section)
LAW 7: The duration of the match
More reasons for additional time
(for example, medical drinks breaks)
LAW 8: The start and
restart of play
All restarts included (previously only
kick-off and dropped ball)
Ball must clearly move to be in play for
all kicked restarts
Ball can be kicked in any direction at
kick-off (previously had to go forward)
Referee can not manufacture outcome
of a dropped ball
Player who first kicks a dropped ball
cannot touch it again until someone
else touches it
LAW 9 : The ball in and out of play
If a ball rebounds off a match official, it
is in play unless it wholly passed over a
boundary line
LAW 10: Determining
the outcome of a match
Kicks from the penalty mark:
Referee will toss a coin to choose the
goal (unless weather, safety and so on)
Player temporarily off the field (for
example, injured) at final whistle can
take part
Both teams must have same number
of players before and during the kicks
Clear statement of when a kick is over
Kicks not delayed if player leaves the
field; if not back in time, kick is forfeited
LAW 13: Free-kicks
Difference between stopping
a free-kick and intercepting
the ball after free-kick taken
LAW 14: The penalty kick
Indirect free-kick and yellow card
if wrong player deliberately takes
the penalty
Indirect free-kick if ball kicked
backwards
If illegal feinting occurs it is
Law 15: Throw in always an indirect free-kick
(and yellow card)
Goalkeeper cautioned if infringes
and the penalty kick is retaken
LAW 11: Offside
Halfway line neutral for offside; LAW 15: The throw in
player must be in opponents half
New wording makes it clear that ball
Players arms not considered when
must be thrown with both hands
judging offside position (including
goalkeeper) LAW 16: The goal kick
Offside free-kick always taken where
If goal kick is kicked into own goal,
offence occurs (even in own half)
it is a corner kick to opponents
Defender off the field only active until
An opponent in the penalty area
defending team clears ball or play stops
when the goal kick is taken can not
Same for attacker returning; before that play the ball first
re-entry point is the offside position
LAW 17: The corner kick
Law 12: Fouls and misconduct
If corner kick is kicked into
Foul with contact is a direct free-kick
own goal, it is a corner kick
Advantage for a red card indirect to opponents
free-kick if offender then gets involved
in play Law Changes in detail >>
Change of wording for handball so that
not every handball is a yellow card
Some denial of goal-scoring
opportunity offences in the penalty
area are punished with a yellow card
Attempted violent conduct is a red
card, even if no contact
Striking on head/face when not
challenging an opponent is a red card
unless negligible
Offence against substitutes, team
officials, match officials is now a direct
free-kick
Foul off the field penalised with a direct
free-kick on boundary line (penalty in
own penalty area)
21
Law Changes for 2016/17 explained
LAW CHANGES IN DETAIL
Details of all Law Changes
(in Law order)
The following are the main
changes to the Laws of the
Game that are not related
to English/phraseology. For
each change, the old wording
(where appropriate) and the
new/changed/additional
wording are given followed
by an explanation for
the change.
22
The text shown in the old text boxes
may be the exact previous text or a more
general outline of the meaning of the
previous text.
LAW 1: The field of play
1.1: Artificial and natural surfaces may
not be combined
Old text
Matches may be played on natural
or artificial surfaces, according to
competition rules.
New text
The field of play must be a wholly natural
or, if competition rules permit, a wholly
artificial playing surface, except where
competition rules permit an integrated
combination of artificial and natural
materials (hybrid system), which must
extend throughout the field of play.
Explanation
Clarifies that for safety reasons mixing
natural and artificial surfaces is not permitted
on the field of play. A different surface is
permitted on the surrounding areas (for
example, artificial turf for the other match
officials patrol area). An integrated mix of
natural and artificial material throughout the
whole field is permitted.
1.2: Competitions may determine
length of boundary lines
(within Law 1 parameters)
Additional text
Competitions may determine the length
of the goal line and touchline within the
above dimensions.
Explanation
Clarifies that competitions have the
authority to determine the length of
the touchlines and goal lines for their
matches within the dimensions of Law 1.
1.3: The technical area
Technical Area information moved from
end of Laws section.
1.4: Goal Line Technology (GLT)
GLT information moved from Law 10
1.5: Commercial advertising on
the ground
Old text
No form of commercial advertising, whether
real or virtual, is permitted on the field of play,
on the ground within the area enclosed by
the goal nets or the technical area, or within
1m (1 yd) of the touchline from the time
the teams enter the field of play.
New text
No form of commercial advertising,
whether real or virtual, is permitted on
the field of play, on the ground within
the area enclosed by the goal nets or the
technical area, or on the ground within
1m (1 yd) of the boundary lines from the
time the teams enter the field of play.
Explanation
Clarifies that restrictions on commercial
advertising on the ground relate to the
area behind the goal lines as well as the
touchlines.
1.6: Logos and emblems on
corner flags
Old text
The reproduction, whether real or virtual, of
representative logos or emblems of FIFA,
confederations, member associations,
leagues, clubs or other bodies is forbidden
on the field of play, the goal nets and the
areas they enclose, the goals, the flagposts
and their flags during playing time.
New text
The reproduction, whether real or virtual,
of representative logos or emblems of
FIFA, confederations, national football
associations, competitions, clubs or
other bodies is forbidden on the field of
play, the goal nets and the areas they
enclose, the goals, and the flagposts
during playing time. They are permitted
on the flags on the flagposts.
Explanation
'National Football Associations' replaces
Member Associations, 'competitions'
replaces 'leagues' as cup competitions are
not covered by the current wording. These
logos are already widely used and allowing
them on the flags is consistent with Law 2,
which permits them on the ball.
LAW 2: The ball
None.
LAW 3: The players
3.1: Title change
Old title
The Number of Players
New title
The Players
Explanation
New title reflects that the content
includes reference to substitutes etc.
3.2: Minimum number of players
Old text
A match may not start if either team
consists of fewer than seven players.
Although a match may not START if either
team consists of fewer than seven players,
the minimum number of players in a
team required for a match to CONTINUE
is left to the discretion of member
associations. However, it is the opinion of
the International F.A. Board that a match
should not continue if there are fewer than
seven players in either team.
New text
A match may not start or continue if
either team has fewer than seven players.
Explanation
The IFAB recommendation of the
minimum number of players for a
match to continue becomes Law. This
is consistent with the minimum to start
the match.
3.3: Restarts by substitutes
Old text
A substitute who has not completed the
substitution procedure by entering the
field of play cannot restart play by taking
a throw-in or corner kick.
New text
Substitutes can take any restart provided
they first enter the field of play.
Explanation
Clarifies that a substitute who steps onto
the field of play can then take any restart,
including a corner kick or throw-in; some
wrongly interpret the old wording as
requiring play to be restarted before a
substitute can take a restart.
3.4: Named substitute starts instead
of named player
Old text
If a named substitute enters the field of
play instead of a named player at the
start of the match and the referee is not
informed of this change:
The referee allows the named
substitute to continue the match
New text
If a named substitute starts a match
instead of a named player and the
referee is not informed of this change:
The referee allows the named
substitute to continue the match
Explanation
Clarifies that if a named player is replaced
by a substitute before the match, the
player can be a substitute on arrival. It is
more logical that this takes effect when
the match kicks off rather than when the
substitute enters the field.
3.5: Extra persons on the field of play
status of sent off player
Old text
Anyone not indicated on the team list
as a player, substitute or team official is
deemed to be an outside agent, as is a
player who has been sent off.
New text
Anyone not named on the team list as
a player, substitute or team official is
deemed to be an outside agent.
Explanation
It is more logical to treat a sent off player
like a substitute so that a player who
returns to the field (having been sent off)
is penalised with a free-kick.
3.6: Infringements by substitutes and
team officials
Old text
If a substitute or substituted player enters
the field of play without the referees
permission:
If the referee has stopped play, it is
restarted with an indirect free-kick
If a team official enters the field
of play:
If the referee stops the match, he must
restart play with a dropped ball
New text
If play is stopped and the interference
was by:
A team official, substitute or substituted
player play restarts with a direct free-
kick or penalty kick
Explanation
There is a growing problem of substitutes/
team officials entering the field to
interfere with play or an opponent (for
example, stopping a goal). This is clearly
unfair and a direct free-kick (or penalty
kick if in own penalty area) is more
appropriate.
3.7: Player who is sent off before or
after kick-off
Additional text
A player who is sent off:
Before submission of the team list can
not be named on the team list in any
capacity
After being named on the team list
and before kick-off may be replaced
by a named substitute (who can not
be replaced)
After the kick-off can not be replaced
Explanation
Clarifies whether a sent off player can be
replaced.
3.8: Impact of substitute/team official
outside agent touching a ball which is
going into the goal
Old text
In the situations outlined in 3.6 above,
the referee must stop play if the intruder
interferes with play or touches the ball. If
an outside agent enters the field of play:
The referee must stop play (although
not immediately if the outside agent
does not interfere with play) >>
23
Law Changes for 2016/17 explained
LAW CHANGES IN DETAIL (continued)
New text
If a ball is going into the goal and
the interference does not prevent a
defending player playing the ball, the goal
is awarded if the ball enters the goal (even
if contact was made with the ball) unless
the ball enters the opponents goal.
Explanation
This fair play change means that if an
attempt to stop a goal is unsuccessful the
referee can award the goal (see 3.9).
3.9: Goal scored with an extra person
on the field of play
Old text
If, after a goal is scored, the referee
realises, before play restarts, that there
was an extra person on the field of play
when the goal was scored:
The referee must disallow the goal if:
T  he extra person was an outside
agent and he interfered with play
The extra person was a player,
substitute, substituted player or
team official associated with the
team that scored the goal
New text
If, after a goal is scored, the referee
realises, before play restarts, that there
was an extra person(s) on the field of
play when the goal was scored:
The referee must disallow the goal if
the extra person was:
An outside agent and they interfered
with play unless a goal results as
outlined above in extra persons on
the field of play
A player, substitute, substituted
player, sent off player or team official
of the team that scored the goal
Play is restarted with a goal kick or a
corner kick
If, after a goal is scored and play has
restarted, the referee realises an extra
person was on the field of play when
the goal was scored, the goal cannot be
disallowed. If the extra person is still on
the field the referee must:
Stop play
Have the extra person removed
Restart with a dropped ball or indirect
free-kick as appropriate
24
The referee must report the incident
to the appropriate authorities.
Explanation
Incorporates principle outlined in
3.8 (above)
Clarifies how to restart if a goal is scored
when there is an extra person on the
field and play has not restarted.
Clarifies that if a goal was scored when
there was an extra person on the field
and play has restarted the referee has
to allow the game to continue and
cannot disallow the goal or nullify
the period between the goal and the
discovery of the extra person.
3.10: Reference to team captain
(from Law 12)
Additional text
The team captain has no special status
or privileges but has a degree of
responsibility for the behaviour of
the team.
Explanation
More logical to have this statement in
Law 3 rather than Law 12
LAW 4: The players equipment
4.1: Tape/material on/covering socks
Old text
The compulsory equipment of a player
comprises the following:
Stockings if tape or similar material is
applied externally it must be the same
colour as that part of the stocking it is
applied to.
New text
Socks tape or any material applied
or worn externally must be the same
colour as that part of the sock it is
applied to or covers.
Explanation
Clarifies that non-tape material must be
the same colour as the sock it covers
as some players wear ankle socks (or
similar) which are a different in colour
to the sock.
4.2: Loss of footwear and shinguard
Old text
If a player loses his footwear accidentally
and immediately plays the ball and/or
scores a goal, the goal is awarded.
New text
A player whose footwear or shinguard is
accidentally lost must replace it as soon
as possible and no later than when the
ball next goes out of play; if before doing
so, the player plays the ball and/or scores
a goal, the goal is awarded.
Explanation
It is clearer to specify that footwear
must be replaced quickly and no later
than when the ball next goes out of play.
It is logical to apply the principle
to shinguards.
4.3: Colour of undergarments
Old text
The basic compulsory equipment
of a player comprises the following
separate items:
A jersey or shirt with sleeves if
undergarments are worn, the colour
of the sleeve must be the same main
colour as the sleeve of the jersey
or shirt
Shorts if undershorts or tights are
worn, they must be of the same main
colour as the shorts
New text
The compulsory equipment of a player
comprises the following separate items:
A shirt with sleeves
Shorts
Undershirts must be the same colour
as the main colour of the shirts sleeves;
undershorts/tights must be the same
colour as the main colour of the shorts or
the lowest part of the shorts - players of the
same team must wear the same colour.
Explanation
Undershirts replaces undergarments.
Manufacturers now make shorts with
a different coloured lower part (hem).
Law change allows the undershorts/
tights to be the same colour as the
shorts or the hem but the team must
all wear the same colour.
4.4: Caps
Old text
Non-dangerous protective equipment
is permitted, as are sports spectacles.
New text
Non-dangerous protective equipment is
permitted, as are Goalkeeper caps and
sports spectacles.
Explanation
Reference to caps included so their use
is permitted within the Laws.
4.5: Electronic communication with
players (including substitutes)
Old text
The use of any form of electronic
communication systems between
players and/or technical staff is not
permitted.
New text
The use of any form of electronic
communication between players
(including substitutes/substituted and
sent off players) and/or technical staff
is not permitted.
Explanation
Clarifies that electronic communication
with substitutes is not permitted
4.6: Player returning after changing/
correcting equipment
Old text
In the event of any infringement of
this Law:
Any player required to leave the field
of play to correct his equipment must
not re-enter without the referees
permission
The referee checks that the players
equipment is correct before allowing
him to re-enter the field of play
The player is only allowed to re-enter
the field of play when the ball is out
of play
New text
A player who leaves the field of play to
correct or change equipment must:
Have the equipment checked by a match
official before being allowed to re-enter
Law 4.4: Protective Caps
Only re-enter with the referees
permission (which may be given
during play)
Explanation
Law was unclear about whether a player
who chooses to leave the field of play
(e.g. to change boots) can return during
play. New wording allows the fourth
official/other match officials to check the
equipment and, regardless of the reason
for leaving the field, the player is treated
the same as if returning after an injury.
This is better for the game and reduces
conflict/irritation.
LAW 5: THE REFEREE
5.1: Decisions of the referee
opinion and discretion
Additional text
Decisions will be made to the best of the
referees ability according to the Laws
of the Game and the spirit of the game
and will be based on the opinion of the
referee who has the discretion to take
appropriate action within the framework
of the Laws of the Game.
Explanation
Throughout the Laws there is reference
to in the opinion of the referee and at the
discretion of the referee so this statement
removes the need to use in the opinion
of/at the discretion of regularly. The
concept of the spirit of the game now
appears in the Laws.
5.2: Decisions of the referee
when decisions cannot be changed
Old text
The referee may only change a decision
on realising that it is incorrect or, at his
discretion, on the advice of the other
match official or the fourth official,
provided that he has not restarted play
or terminated the match.
New text
The referee may not change a decision
on realising that it is incorrect or on the
advice of another match official, if play
has restarted or the referee has signalled
the end of the first or second half
(including extra time) and left the field
or terminated the match. >>
25
Law Changes for 2016/17 explained
LAW CHANGES IN DETAIL (continued)
Explanation
Clarifies that once the referee signals
the end of a half and leaves the field a
decision can not be changed even if
information then comes to light
e.g. during the half-time interval.
5.3: Several offences committed
at the same time
Old text
Punishes the more serious offence
when a player (or players from the
same team) commits more than one
offence at the same time
 Offences committed by players from
different teams: the referee must stop
play and restart it with a dropped ball
New text
Punishes the more serious offence, in
terms of sanction, physical severity and
tactical impact, when more than one
offence occurs at the same time
Explanation
It should not matter if it is one or several
players or from which team(s) as the most
serious offence should be penalised.
Same change included in Law 14.
5.4: Authority to take disciplinary
action from pre-match inspection of
the field (see 12.8)
Old text
The referee has the authority to take
disciplinary sanctions from the moment
he enters the field of play until he leaves
the field of play after the final whistle.
New text
The referee has the authority to take
disciplinary action from entering the field
of play for the pre-match inspection until
leaving the field of play after the match
ends (including kicks from the penalty
mark). If, before entering the field of play
at the start of the match, a player commits
a sending-off offence, the referee has the
authority to prevent the player taking part
in the match (See Law 3.6); the referee will
report any other misconduct.
Explanation
New wording identifies exactly when the
referees authority to take action starts.
26
5.6: Player may have quick on-field Explanation prevent a defending player playing the Explanation
assessment/treatment after It is widely seen as unfair that a player ball, the goal is awarded if the ball enters Emphasises the referees leadership role.
YC/RC offence who is injured by a serious foul and the the goal (even if contact was made
Old text trainer/doctor comes on, the player has with the ball) unless the ball enters the
to leave the field giving the offending opponents goal 6.3: Assistance given to the referee by
The referee stops the match if, in his
team gains a numerical benefit. This is other match officials
opinion, a player is seriously injured and Explanation
ensures that the player is removed from consistent with other fair play changes Additional text
This makes Law 5 consistent with the
the field of play. An injured player may (see Practical Guidelines). The match officials assist the referee
change in Law 3 (see 3.8).
not be treated on the field and may only with inspecting the field of play, the
return after the match has restarted. balls and players equipment (including
5.7: Impact of an outside agent
Exceptions to the requirement to leave 5.8: Referees equipment if problems have been resolved) and
touching a ball that is going into
the field are only when: Additional text maintaining records of time, goals,
the goal
A goalkeeper is injured Compulsory equipment misconduct and so on...
Old text
A goalkeeper and an outfield player Whistle(s) Explanation
An extra ball, other object or animal
The current Law 12 wording relates to have collided and need immediate Watch(es) Statement early in the Law of the
enters the field of play during the match,
when there was no pre-match warming up, attention Red and yellow cards usual assistance given to the referee
the referee must:
teams did not enter the field together etc. Players from the same team have Notebook (or other means of keeping avoids repetition in sections on each
Stop play only if it interferes with play.
It is logical that if, for example, two players collided and need immediate attention a record of the match) match official.
Play restarts with a dropped ball
fight in the tunnel, or in the pre-match A severe injury has occurred Other equipment
warm up, they can not be allowed to play New text Referees may be permitted to use:
Addition text An extra ball, other object or animal Equipment for communicating with 6.4: Procedure if an official is unable
as this would risk match control and not be to officiate
A player is injured as the result of enters the field of play during the match, other match officials buzzer/bleep
good for the image of the game. During his
a physical offence for which the the referee must: flags, headsets etc Old text
inspection of the field of play the referee
opponent is cautioned or sent off Stop play (and restarted with a EPTS or other fitness monitoring Prior to the start of the competition,
can have the markings changed etc. so it
(for example, reckless or serious dropped ball) only if it interferes with equipment the organiser states clearly whether,
is logical that this is when the authority to
foul challenge), if the assessment/ play unless the ball is going into the Referees and other match officials are if the referee is unable to continue, the
send off a player starts. Non-sending-off
treatment is completed quickly goal and if the interference does not prohibited from wearing jewellery or any fourth official takes over as the referee
offences will be reported so yellow cards
cannot be issued prior to the match or other electronic equipment. or whether the senior assistant referee
carried into the match. (See also 12.8). or senior additional assistant referee
Explanation
takes over as referee with the fourth
Moved from Law 4. Wording clarifies what
official becoming an assistant referee.
equipment a match official is or may be
5.5: Authority to show red and New text
permitted to use.
yellow cards Competition rules must state clearly
Old text who replaces a match official who is
The referee has the power to show yellow unable to start or continue and any
LAW 6 : The other match officials
or red cards during the half-time interval associated changes. In particular, it must
and after the match has finished as well 6.1: Title change be clear whether, if the referee is unable
as during extra time and kicks from the Old title to continue, the fourth official or the
penalty mark, since the match remains The Assistant Referees. other match officials takes over.
under his jurisdiction at these times.
New title Explanation
New text The Other Match Officials. Wording simplified so each scenario does
The referee has the power to show
Explanation not need to be listed. >>
yellow or red cards from entering the
The duties of all the other match officials
field of play at the start of the match until
(assistant referees, fourth official, additional
after the match has ended, including
assistant referees and reserve assistant
during the half-time interval, extra time
referee) are now included in this Law.
and kicks from the penalty mark.
Explanation
6.2: Referees authority over other
Clarifies (in light of 5.4) that the referee
match officials
may only use red and yellow cards
from entering the field at the start of Additional text
the match. The match officials operate under the
Law 5.6: On field assessment
direction of the referee.
27
Law Changes for 2016/17 explained
LAW CHANGES IN DETAIL (continued)
6.5: Duties of the fourth official
Additional text
A fourth official [...] assists the referee at
all times:
Checking a players/substitutes
equipment
Indicating the minimum amount of
additional time the referee intends to
play at the end of each half (including
extra time)
Explanation
Tasks usually performed by fourth officials
have been added.
LAW 7 : The duration of the match
7.1: Additional time
Additional text
Allowance is made by the referee in each
half for all time lost in that half through:
Assessment and/or removal from the
field of play of injured players
Stoppages for drinks or other
medical reasons permitted by
competition rules
Explanation
These frequent causes of additional time
have been added. In particular, approved
Law 10.2.1: Choosing the goal for the kicks from the penalty mark
28
drinks breaks have been added so that
they have validity in the Laws.
LAW 8: The start and restart of play
8.1: Inclusion of reference to
all restarts
Additional text
Free-kicks (direct or indirect), penalty
kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks and corner
kicks are other restarts (see Laws 13-17).
Explanation
Illogical (especially to non-referees) that
the Law about restarts only includes the
kick-off and dropped ball so reference to
other restarts of play has been added.
8.2: Infringements when the ball is
not in play
Additional text
If an infringement occurs when the ball
is not in play this does not change how
play is restarted.
Explanation
Clarifies that the restart is not changed
for an incident when the ball is not in play
e.g. holding before a corner kick; violent
conduct after a free-kick is awarded etc.
8.3: Kick-off ball must clearly move to
be in play; can be kicked in any direction
Old text
The ball is in play when it is kicked
and moves forward
New text
The ball is in play when it is kicked
and clearly moves
Explanation
Not requiring the ball to go forward at the
kick-off means an attacker does not need
to stand in the opponents half (which is
not permitted) to receive the ball. As with
other Laws the ball must clearly move to
stop the practice of a player just touching
the ball and then unsportingly pretending
the kick has not been taken.
8.4: Dropped ball position
Addition text
The referee drops the ball at the
position where it was when play was
stopped, unless play was stopped inside
the goal area in which case the ball is
dropped on the goal area line which
is parallel to the goal line at the point
nearest to where the ball was when play
was stopped.
Explanation
Clear statement here removes the
many other times this appears in the
current Laws.
8.5: Referee cannot determine the
drop ball contest
Old text
Clarifies that the referee should not
manufacture dropped ball situations.
New text
Any number of players may contest
a dropped ball (including the
goalkeepers); the referee cannot decide
who may contest the dropped ball or
its outcome.
Explanation
Clarifies that referees should not
manufacture dropped ball situations.
LAW 10: Determining the outcome
Old title
Law 6.5: Duties of the fourth official
8.6: Dropped ball kicked directly
into the goal
Old text
If the ball enters the goal directly.
New text
If a dropped ball enters the goal without
touching at least two players.
Explanation
Replacing directly with without touching
at least two players is clearer and
consistent with wording in other Laws.
LAW 9: The ball in and out of play
9.1: Ball rebounding off a match official
Old text
The ball is in play at all other times,
including when:
It rebounds off a goalpost, crossbar or
corner flagpost and remains in the field
of play
It rebounds off the referee or an
assistant referee when they are on the
field of play
Old text
New text
The ball is in play at all other times,
including when:
It rebounds off a match official,
goalpost, crossbar or corner flagpost
and remains in the field of play
Explanation
Change confirms that the ball is still in
play if it rebounds off an official who is
just off the field of play (other match
officials) and the ball does not wholly
pass over the line.
Explanation
of a match
10.1: Title change
substitute who replaces a goalkeeper.
The Method of Scoring.
New title
Determining the Outcome of a Match
Explanation
Kicks from the Penalty Mark, Away goals,
etc. now included in this Law.
10.2.1: Choosing the goal for the kicks
from the penalty mark
Old text
The referee chooses the goal at which the
kicks will be taken. The penalty area where
the kicks from the penalty marks are taking
place may be changed only if the goal or the
playing surface becomes unusable.
New text
Unless there are other considerations (e.g.
names and stop the order being changed).
ground conditions, safety etc.) the referee
tosses a coin to decide the goal at which
the kicks will be taken, which may only be
changed for safety reasons or if the goal or
playing surface becomes unusable.
Explanation
Referees find it difficult to decide which
goal to use with home supporters at one
end and away supporters at the other
end. Subject to over-riding considerations
(security, condition of the field etc) the
fairest method is to toss a coin.
10.2.2: Eligible players (including
those temporarily off the field)
With the exception of the foregoing case,
only players who are on the field of play at
the end of the match, which includes extra
time where appropriate, are eligible to take
kicks from the penalty mark.
New text
With the exception of a substitute for an
injured goalkeeper, only players who are
on the field of play or are temporarily off
the field (injury, adjusting equipment
etc) at the end of the match are eligible
to take kicks from the penalty mark.
Clarifies that a player temporarily off
the field legitimately (injury, changing
equipment etc.) can take part, as can a
10.2.3: Naming and order of
penalty takers
Old text
Each team is responsible for selecting the
players from those on the field of play
at the end of the match and the order in
which they will take the kicks.
New text
Each team is responsible for selecting
from the eligible players the order in
which they will take the kicks. The referee
is not informed of the order.
Explanation
Clarifies that the names and/or the order
of kickers do not have to be given to the
referee (some incorrectly ask for the
10.2.4: Same number of players
Old text
If at the end of the match and before
kicks start to be taken from the penalty
mark one team has a greater number of
players than its opponents, it must reduce
its numbers to equate with that of its
opponents and the captain must inform
the referee of the name and number of
each player excluded.
New text
If at the end of the match and before or
during the kicks one team has a greater
number of players than its opponents,
it must reduce its numbers to the same
number as its opponents and the referee
must be informed of the name and
number of each player excluded.
Explanation
This applies the fair play principle at the
start of kicks from the penalty mark, i.e. one
team should not benefit from having fewer
kickers than their opponents, as this could
mean their best kicker taking a second kick
against the opponents last/worst kicker. >>
29
Law Changes for 2016/17 explained
LAW CHANGES IN DETAIL (continued)
Law 11.5: Position of free kick
10.2.5: Goalkeeper unable to continue
Old text
A goalkeeper who is injured while kicks are
being taken from the penalty mark and is
unable to continue as goalkeeper may be
replaced by a named substitute provided
his team has not used the maximum
number of substitutes permitted under
the competition rules.
New text
A goalkeeper who is unable to continue
before or during the kicks and whose
team has not used its maximum
permitted number of substitutes, may
be replaced by a named substitute, or a
player excluded to equalise the number
of players, but the goalkeeper takes no
further part and may not take a kick.
Explanation
Clarifies that a goalkeeper can be
replaced at any time by a substitute (or
by a player excluded to make the number
equal) but may not take a kick.
10.2.6: When penalty is completed
(see 14.3)
Additional text
The kick is completed when the ball
stops moving, goes out of play or the
referee stops play for any infringement
of the Laws.
30
Explanation
Clarifies when a referee should decide a
kick is over (see also 14.3).
10.2.7: Sequence of kickers
Additional text
Each kick is taken by a different player
and all eligible players must take a kick
before any player can take a second kick
The above principle continues for any
subsequent sequence of kicks but a
team may change the order of kickers
Explanation
Clarifies that all team members must take
the same number of kicks before a player
can take another kick; the order can be
changed for new round of kicks.
10.2.8: Player leaving the field
Additional text
Kicks from the penalty mark must not be
delayed for a player who leaves the field
of play. The players kick will be forfeited
(not scored) if the player does not return
in time to take a kick.
Explanation
Clarifies that the referee must not delay
kicks from the penalty mark when a player
leaves the field of play; if the player is not
back in time the kick is missed (forfeited).
It is important to stop this potentially
unfair conduct (instructions from the
coach, deliberate delay, match fixing, etc).
LAW 11: Offside
11.1: Status of halfway line
Old text
A player is not in an offside position if:
He is in his own half of the field
of play
New text
A player is in an offside position if:
Any part of the head, body or feet is
in the opponents half excluding
the halfway line
Explanation
Clarifies that the halfway line is neutral
for offside, i.e. a player must have part of
the body in the opponents half to be in an
offside position.
11.2: Status of players arms
New text
A player is in an offside position if:
Any part of the head, body or feet is
nearer to the opponents goal line than
both the ball and the second-last
opponent. The hands and arms of all
players, including the goalkeepers, are
not included.
Explanation
Clarifies that the hands and arms of
defenders, attackers and goalkeepers
are not included when judging offside.
11.3: Position not offence judged at
the moment the ball is played
Old text
A player in an offside position is only
penalised if, at the moment the ball
touches or is played by one of his team,
he is, in the opinion of the referee,
involved in active play by
New text
A player in an offside position at the
moment the ball is played or touched
by a team-mate is only penalised on
becoming involved in active play by
Explanation
Clarifies that it is the players (offside) position
that is judged when the ball is played. The
offence occurs after the ball is played (for
example, an offside player who scores after
a save by a goalkeeper commits the offence
after the ball was played.
11.4: Offence following a
rebound or save
Old text
Gaining an advantage by being in that
position by playing a ball:
That rebounds or is deflected to
him off the goalpost, crossbar or
an opponent
From a deliberate save by any
opponent
New text
Gaining an advantage by being in that
position by playing the ball or interfering
with an opponent when it has:
Rebounded or been deflected off the
goalpost, crossbar or an opponent
Been deliberately saved by any
opponent
Explanation
Clarifies that interfering with an
opponent after a rebound, deflection or
save is an offside offence.
11.5: Position of free-kick
Old texts
P. 36 In the event of an offside offence,
the referee awards an indirect free-kick to
the opposing team to be taken from the
place where the infringement occurred;
P. 111 When an offside offence occurs,
the referee awards an indirect free-kick
to be taken from the position of the
offending player when the ball was last
played to him by a team-mate.
New text
If an offside offence occurs, the referee
awards an indirect free-kick where the
offence occurred, including if it is in the
players own half of the field of play.
Explanation
The current Law and the interpretation are
contradictory. Throughout the Laws, the
general principle is that a free-kick is awarded
where an offence occurs, so this now
applies to offside. A quick free-kick can be
awarded in a players own half if the player
moves from being in an offside position in
the opponents half to commit an offside
offence in the players own other half.
11.6: Defending player off the field
Old text
Any defending player leaving the field of
play for any reason without the referees
permission shall be considered to be on his
own goal line or touch line for the purposes
of offside until the next stoppage in play. If
the player left the field of play deliberately,
he must be cautioned when the ball is next
out of play.
New text
A defending player who leaves the field
of play without the referees permission
shall be considered to be on the goal line
or touchline for the purposes of offside
until the next stoppage in play or until
the defending team has played the ball
towards the halfway line and it is outside
their penalty area. If the player left the field
of play deliberately, the player must be
cautioned when the ball is next out of play.
Explanation
It is unfair that an injured defending player
off the field plays everyone onside until
play stops. The new wording defines
the end of the phase of play when the
defender is no longer considered to be on
the field for the purposes of offside.
11.7: Attacking player off the field
Old text
It is not an offence in itself for a player
who is in an offside position to step off the
field of play to show the referee that he is
not involved in active play. However, if the
referee considers that he has left the field
of play for tactical reasons and has gained
an unfair advantage by re-entering the
field of play, the player must be cautioned
for unsporting behaviour. The player
needs to ask for the referees permission
to re-enter the field of play.
New text
An attacking player may step or stay off
the field of play not to be involved in active
play. If the player re-enters from the goal
line and becomes involved in play before
the next stoppage in play or the defending
team has played the ball towards the
halfway line and it is outside their penalty
area, the player shall be considered to >>
31
Law Changes for 2016/17 explained
LAW CHANGES IN DETAIL (continued)
be positioned on the goal line point for
the purposes of offside. A player who
deliberately leaves the field of play and
re-enters without the referees permission
and is not penalised for offside and gains an
advantage, must be cautioned.
Explanation
Clarifies how to deal with an attacking
player who leaves or stays off the field
of play and then returns.
11.8: Attacking player in the goal
Old text
If an attacking player remains stationary
between the goalposts and inside the
goal net as the ball enters the goal, a
goal must be awarded. However, if the
attacking player distracts an opponent,
the goal must be disallowed, the player
cautioned for unsporting behaviour and
play restarted with a dropped ball.
New text
If an attacking player remains stationary
between the goalposts and inside the
goal as the ball enters the goal, a goal
must be awarded unless the player
commits an offside offence or Law 12
offence in which case the goal must be
disallowed and play restarted with an
indirect or direct free-kick.
Explanation
Consistent with updated offside wording
(i.e. removal of distracts) and the ability
to penalise an offence off the field with a
free-kick when the ball is in play.
LAW 12 : Fouls and misconduct
12.1: Infringements when the ball is
not in play
Additional text
Direct and indirect free-kicks and penalty
kicks can only be awarded for offences
and infringements committed whilst the
ball is in play.
Explanation
A definitive statement (from the
interpretations section) that the ball must
be in play for misconduct to be penalised
with a free-kick or penalty kick.
32
12.2: Direct free-kick
add challenges
Old text
A direct free-kick is awarded to the
opposing team if a player commits any of
the following seven offences in a manner
considered by the referee to be careless,
reckless or using excessive force
Tackles an opponent
New text
A direct free-kick is awarded if a player
commits any of the following offences
in a manner considered by the referee
to be careless, reckless or using
excessive force
Tackles or challenges
Explanation
Tackles implies a challenge with the
foot but some challenges can be with
other parts of the body (e.g. knee) and
technically were not covered.
12.3: Contact means direct free-kick
Additional text
If an offence involves contact it is
penalised by a direct free-kick or
penalty kick.
Explanation
Clarifies that a direct free-kick must be
awarded if an offence involves contact.
12.4: Reckless
removal of complete from definition
Old text
Reckless means that the player has acted
with complete disregard to the danger
to, or consequences for, his opponent []
must be cautioned.
New text
Reckless is when a player acts with
disregard to the danger to, or
consequences for, an opponent
and must be cautioned.
Explanation
There were legal concerns about the
meaning/relevance of complete.
12.5: Serious foul play
removal of far from definition
Old text
Using excessive force means that the
player has far exceeded the necessary
use of force and is in danger of injuring his
opponent [] must be sent off.
New text
Using excessive force is when a player
exceeds the necessary use of force and
endangers the safety of an opponent
and must be sent off.
Explanation
There were legal concerns about the
meaning /relevance of far.
12.6: Direct free-kick
add impedes an opponent with contact
Additional text
A direct free-kick is awarded if a player
commits any of the following offences:
Impedes an opponent with contact
Explanation
Confirmation that impeding an opponent
with contact it is a direct free-kick.
12.7: Impeding without contact
means indirect free-kick
Old text
An indirect free-kick is also awarded to the
opposing team if [] a player impedes the
progress of an opponent.
New text
An indirect free-kick is awarded if []
a player impedes the progress of an
opponent without any contact
being made.
Explanation
Confirmation that impeding an opponent
without contact is an indirect free-kick.
12.8: Authority to take disciplinary
action from pre-match inspection of
the field (see 5.4)
Old text
The referee has the authority to take
disciplinary sanctions from the moment
he enters the field of play until he leaves
the field of play after the final whistle.
New text
The referee has the authority to take
disciplinary action from entering the
field of play for the pre-match inspection
until leaving the field of play after the
match ends (including kicks from the
penalty mark). If, before entering the
field of play at the start of the match, a
player commits a sending-off offence,
the referee has the authority to prevent
the player taking part in the match (See
Law 3.6); the referee will report any
other misconduct.
Explanation
Same change as outlined and explained
in Law 5 (see 5.4).
12.9: Advantage played for a red
card offence and player then
becomes involved
Additional text
Advantage should not be applied in
situations involving serious foul play,
violent conduct or a second cautionable
offence unless there is a clear Law 12.10: Handball
opportunity to score a goal. The referee
must send off the player when the ball
is next out of play but if the player plays away from the ball or preventing the a promising attack (as with other
the ball or challenges/interferes with opponent from getting to the ball offences which have the same effect).
an opponent, the referee will stop play, Handles the ball to prevent an Clarifies that a player who tries
send off the player and restart with an opponent gaining possession or unsuccessfully to handle the ball to
indirect free-kick. developing an attack stop a goal being scored should receive
Handles the ball in an attempt to score a yellow card.
Explanation
Clarifies that on the rare occasion that a a goal (irrespective of whether or not
referee plays advantage for a red card the attempt is successful)
12.11: Denial of an obvious goal-
offence (only if a goal-scoring opportunity New text scoring opportunity in the penalty area
is imminent) if the red card player then There are different circumstances when a
Additional text
becomes involved in play, the game must player must be cautioned for unsporting
be stopped as it would be against fair play Where a player denies the opposing
behaviour. For example, if a player:
if the player scored, contributed to a goal team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring
Commits a foul or handles the ball to
or stopped the opponents scoring. opportunity by a deliberate handball
interfere with or stop a promising attack
offence the player is sent off wherever
Handles the ball in an attempt to score
the offence occurs.
12.10: Cautions for handball a goal (whether or not the attempt
Where a player commits an offence
is successful) or in an unsuccessful
Old texts against an opponent within their own
attempt to prevent a goal
There are different circumstances penalty area that denies an
when a player must be cautioned for Explanation opponent an obvious goal-scoring
unsporting behaviour, e.g. if a player: Preventing an opponent gaining opportunity and the referee awards
Commits a foul for the tactical purpose possession is removed as a yellow card a penalty kick, the offending player
of interfering with or breaking up a offence as it causes some referees to is cautioned unless: >>
promising attack yellow card every handball.
Holds an opponent for the tactical Handling is included as a yellow card
purpose of pulling the opponent offence when it stops/interferes with
33
Law Changes for 2016/17 explained
LAW CHANGES IN DETAIL (continued)
The offence is holding, pulling or
pushing or
The offending player does not attempt
to play the ball or there is no possibility
for the player making the challenge to
play the ball or
The offence is one which is punishable
by a red card wherever it occurs on
the field of play (e.g. serious foul play,
violent conduct etc.)
In all the above circumstances the player
is sent off.
Explanation
When a denial of goal scoring
opportunity offence is committed by
a defender in the penalty area, the
penalty kick effectively restores the
goal-scoring opportunity, so the
punishment for the player should be
less strong (a yellow card) than when
the offence is committed outside the
penalty area. However, where the
offence is handball or clearly not a
genuine attempt to play or challenge
for the ball (as defined in the wording)
the player will be sent off.
12.12: Serious foul play
inclusion of challenge
Old texts
A tackle that endangers the safety of an
opponent must be sanctioned as serious
foul play.
New text
A tackle or challenge that endangers
the safety of an opponent must be
sanctioned as serious foul play.
Explanation
Same change as in 12.2 - challenge
includes offences with the arms,
elbows etc
12.13: Violent Conduct
no contact
Old texts
A player is guilty of violent conduct if he
uses excessive force or brutality against
an opponent when not challenging for
the ball or excessive force or brutality
against a team-mate, spectator, match
official or any other person.
34
New text
Violent conduct is when a player uses
or attempts to use excessive force or
brutality against an opponent when
not challenging for the ball, or against a
team-mate, team official, match official,
spectator or any other person, regardless
of whether contact is made.
Explanation
Clarifies that attempted violence is
punished by a red card even if unsuccessful.
12.14: Violent Conduct
contact with the head/face
Additional text
In addition, a player who, when not
challenging for the ball, deliberately
strikes an opponent or any other person
on the head or face with the hand or arm,
is guilty of violent conduct unless the
force used was negligible.
Explanation
Clarifies that a player who deliberately
hits/strikes an opponent on the head/
face (when not challenging for the ball)
should be sent off (unless negligible force).
12.15: Offences against substitutes,
team officials, match officials etc..
Old text
If the ball is in play and a player commits
an offence inside the field of play:
Against an opponent, play is restarted
with a direct free-kick from the position
where the offence occurred (see Law
13 Position of free-kick) or a penalty
kick (if inside the offending players
own penalty area)
If the ball is in play and the offence
Against a team-mate, play is restarted
with an indirect free-kick from the
position where the offence occurred
(see Law 13 Position of free-kick)
Against a substitute or substituted
player, play is restarted with an indirect
free-kick from the position of the ball
when play was stopped (see Law 13
Position of free-kick)
Against the referee or other match
official, play is restarted with an
indirect free-kick from the position
where the offence occurred (see Law
13 Position of free-kick)
Against another person, play is restarted
with a dropped ball from the position of
the ball when play was stopped, unless
play was stopped inside the goal area, in
which case the referee drops the ball on
the goal area line parallel to the goal line
at the point nearest to where the ball
was located when play was stopped
New text
If the ball is in play and a player
commits an offence inside the field
of play against:
An opponent - indirect or direct
free-kick or penalty kick
A team-mate, substitute, substituted
player, team official or a match
official a direct free-kick or
penalty kick
Any other person - a dropped ball
Explanation
The punishment for an offence against
another participant reflects the
seriousness of such an action e.g. football
sends out a weak/poor message if an
offence against a match official is only
an indirect free-kick.
12.16: Fouls off the field of play
(see 13.3 and 14.1)
Old text
If the ball is in play and the offence
occurred outside the field of play
If the player leaves the field of play to
commit the offence, play is restarted with
an indirect free-kick from the position of
the ball when play was stopped (see
Law 13 Position of free-kick).
New text
occurred outside the field of play
However, if a player leaves the field of
play as part of play and commits an
offence against another player, play is
restarted with a free-kick taken on the
boundary line nearest to where the
offence occurred; for direct free-kick-
offences within the offenders penalty
area a penalty kick is awarded.
Explanation
Law is changed as football would expect
that if two players leave the field as
part of normal action and one fouls the
other off the field, a free-kick should be
awarded. No one would understand if the
referee gave a red card/yellow card and
restarted with a dropped ball (or indirect
free-kick). The free-kick is awarded on the
touchline/goal line nearest to where the
foul occurred; if this is in the offenders
penalty area a penalty is awarded.
LAW 13: Free-kicks
13.1: Free-kicks are awarded to the
opposing team
Old text
Free-kicks are direct or indirect.
New text
Direct and indirect free-kicks are
awarded to the opposing team
of a player guilty of an offence or
infringement.
Explanation
Stating that a free-kick is awarded to the
opposing team at the start of the Law
allows the removal of the many uses of
the phrase to the opposing team.
13.2: Position of free-kicks
Addition text
All free-kicks are taken from the place
where the infringement occurred except:
Explanation
Clear statement at start of this Law
allows the removal of specific reference
to the position of the free-kick in many
of the Laws.
13.3: Fouls off the field of play
Old text
Free-kicks awarded for offences involving
a player entering, re-entering or leaving
the field of play without permission are
taken from the position of the ball when
play was stopped.
New text
Free-kicks for offences involving a player
entering, re-entering or leaving the field
of play without permission are taken from
the position of the ball when play was
stopped except where a player leaves the
field of play as part of play and commits
an offence against another player, play
is restarted with a free-kick taken on
the boundary line nearest to where the
offence occurred; for direct free-kick
offences, if this is within the offenders
penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded.
Explanation
Consistent with change outlined in
12.16 and 14.1.
13.4: Ball must clearly move to be
in play
Old text
The ball is in play when it is kicked
and moves.
New text
The ball is in play when it is kicked
and clearly moves.
Explanation
Change consistent with kick-off (8.3),
penalty kick (14.2) and corner kick (17.2).
13.5: Stopping/intercepting free-kicks
Old text
If a player decides to take a free-kick
quickly and an opponent who is near
the ball deliberately prevents him taking
the kick, the referee must caution the
player for delaying the restart of play.
If a player decides to take a free-kick
quickly and an opponent who is less
than 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball
intercepts it, the referee must allow
play to continue.
New text
If a player takes a free-kick quickly and
an opponent who is less than 9.15 m
(10 yds) from the ball intercepts it, the
referee allows play to continue.
However an opponent who deliberately
prevents a free-kick being taken must
be cautioned for delaying the restart
of play.
Explanation
Paragraphs reversed; clearer distinction
between preventing a free-kick being
taken and intercepting a quick free-kick
after it has been taken.
LAW 14: The penalty kick
14.1: Penalty for foul off the field
of play (see 12.16 and 13.3)
Old text
A penalty kick is awarded against a team
that commits one of the ten offences for
which a direct free-kick is awarded inside
his own penalty area.
New text
A penalty kick is awarded if a player
commits a direct free-kick offence
inside their penalty area or off the field as
part of play as outlined in Laws 12 and 13.
Explanation
Repeat of Law 12 and 13 changes that
a penalty is awarded for an offence by
a defender off the field of play with the ball
in play if the nearest point to the offence is
inside their own penalty area.
14.2: Stationary position and
movement of the ball
Old text
The ball:
Must be placed on the penalty mark
The ball is in play when it is kicked
and moves
New text
The ball must be stationary on the
penalty mark
The ball is in play when it is kicked
and clearly moves
Explanation
Consistent with other changes. >>
35
Law Changes for 2016/17 explained
LAW CHANGES IN DETAIL (continued)
14.3: When penalty is completed
(see 10.2.6)
Additional text
The penalty kick is completed when the
ball stops moving, goes out of play or the
referee stops play for any infringement
of the Laws.
Explanation
Clarifies when a penalty kick is over.
14.4: Some offences are always
punished with an indirect free-kick
Old text
If the referee gives the signal for a penalty
kick to be taken and, before the ball is in
play, one of the following occurs:
The player taking the penalty kick
infringes the Laws of the Game:
The referee allows the kick to be taken
If the ball enters the goal, the kick is
retaken
If the ball does not enter the goal,
the referee stops play and the
match is restarted with an indirect
free-kick to the defending team from
the place where the infringement
occurred the goalkeeper infringes
the Laws of the Game:
The referee allows the kick to
be taken
If the ball enters the goal, a goal is
awarded
If the ball does not enter the goal, the
kick is retaken
A team-mate of the player taking the
kick infringes the Laws of the Game:
The referee allows the kick to be taken
If the ball enters the goal, the kick is
retaken
if the ball does not enter the goal,
the referee stops play and the match
is restarted with an indirect free-kick
to the defending team from the place
where the infringement occurred a
team-mate of the goalkeeper infringes
the Laws of the Game:
The referee allows the kick to be taken
If the ball enters the goal, a goal is
awarded
If the ball does not enter the goal,
the kick is retaken
36
New text
Once the referee has signalled for a
penalty kick to be taken, the kick must
be taken. If, before the ball is in play,
one of the following occurs:
The player taking the penalty kick or
one of his team mates infringes the
Laws of the Game:
if the ball enters the goal, the kick
is retaken
if the ball does not enter the goal, the
referee stops play and restarts with an
indirect free-kick
Except for the following, when play
will be stopped and restarted with an
indirect free-kick regardless of whether
or not a goal is scored:
A penalty kick is kicked backwards
A team-mate of the identified kicker
takes the kick; the referee cautions the
player who took the kick
Feinting to kick the ball once the kicker
has completed the run-up (feinting in
the run-up is permitted); the referee
cautions the kicker
Explanation
Emphasises that the standard re-take/
goal/indirect free-kick decision does not
apply to these situations, especially the
wrong player taking the kick or illegal
feinting that are deliberate acts of
unsporting behaviour.
14.5: Offences by the goalkeeper
Additional text
If the ball does not enter the goal the kick
is retaken; the goalkeeper is cautioned if
responsible for the infringement.
Explanation
As the Law has been changed to deal more
strongly with a penalty kicker who illegally
feints, it is consistent that a goalkeeper
who infringes the Law causing a retake
is cautioned. This should encourage
goalkeepers not to infringe this Law.
14.6: Several offences committed
at the same time
Old text
A player of both the defending team and
the attacking team infringes the Laws of
the Game the kick is retaken.
New text
A player of both teams infringes the Laws
of the Game the kick is retaken unless a
player commits a more serious offence
(e.g. illegal feinting).
Explanation
Repeat of change in Law 5 where the more
serious offence is penalised (See 5.3).
LAW 15: The throw-in
15.1: Ball is thrown with both hands
Old text
At the moment of delivering the ball,
the thrower:
Faces the field of play
Has part of each foot either on the
touch line or on the ground outside
the touch line
Holds the ball with both hands
Delivers the ball from behind and
over his head
Delivers the ball from the point
where it left the field of play
New text
At the moment of delivering the ball,
the thrower:
Faces the field of play
and if the throw-in has been taken an
Has part of each foot either on the
indirect free-kick is awarded.
touch line or on the ground outside
the touch line
Throws the ball with both hands from
behind and over the head
Delivers the ball from the point where
it left the field of play
Explanation
Throws is a more logical word to use
than delivers
Combining bullet points 3 and 4
emphasises that the one handed
foul throw (ball thrown with one
hand and guided with the other) is
not permitted.
15.2: Encroaching within 2m (2 yds)
Old text
If an opponent unfairly distracts or
impedes the thrower
He is cautioned for unsporting
behaviour
New text
An opponent who unfairly distracts or
impedes the thrower (including moving
closer than 2m (2 yds) from the place
where the throw-in is to be taken) is
cautioned for unsporting behaviour
Law 16.2: Ball must be stationary
Explanation
Clarifies that not respecting the 2m
(2 yds) distance is considered unfairly
distracting or impeding and an indirect
free-kick is the restart if the throw-in
has been taken.
LAW 16: The goal kick
16.1: Corner kick if kicked directly
into own goal
Additional text
A goal may be scored directly from a
goal kick but only against the opposing
team; if the ball directly enters the
kickers goal a corner kick is awarded
to the opponents if the ball left the
penalty area.
Explanation
Clarifies the correct restart if a player
scores an own goal directly from a goal
kick (e.g. in strong wind).
16.2: Ball must be stationary
Old text
The ball is kicked from any point
within the goal area by a player of
the defending team.
New text
The ball must be stationary and is
kicked from any point within the
goal area by a player of the
defending team
Explanation
Clarifies that the ball must be stationary as
this was not in the old wording.
16.3: Opponent in the penalty area
when goal kick taken
Additional text
If an opponent who is in the penalty
area when the goal kick is taken touches
or challenges for the ball before it has
touched another player, the goal kick
is retaken.
Explanation
Clarifies that any opponent(s) in the
penalty area when the goal kick is taken
cannot touch/challenge for the ball until
another player has touched it so that
the player does not gain an advantage
from having not left the penalty area as
required by Law.
LAW 17: The corner kick
17.1: Corner kick if kicked directly into
own goal
Additional text
A goal may be scored directly from
a corner kick but only against the
opposing team; if the ball directly
enters the kickers goal a corner kick
is awarded to the opponents
Explanation
Clarifies correct restart if a player
scores an own goal directly from
a corner kick.
17.2: Ball must be stationary and then
clearly move to be in play
Old text
At the moment of delivering the ball,
the thrower:
The ball must be placed in the
corner arc
The ball must be kicked by a player
of the attacking team
The ball is in play when it is kicked
and moves
New text
The ball must be placed in the
corner area
The ball must be stationary and is
kicked by a player of the attacking
team
The ball is in play when it is kicked
and clearly moves
Explanation
Area replaces arc
Clarifies that the ball must be
stationary
Reflects changes to other Laws, but
which is especially important for
corner kicks to stop a player just
touching the ball then unsportingly
pretending that the corner has not
been taken. /
37
Law Changes for 2016/17 explained
WISE WORDS
Law 12 is changing.
The IFAB have agreed
new wording for denial
of an obvious goal-scoring
opportunity (DOGSO)
offences in the penalty
area. David Elleray
explains what its
all about.
38
The 130th AGM of The IFAB in Cardiff on
5 March 2016 approved a major revision
of the Laws of Game to take effect from
1 June 2016. One important change
relates to the disciplinary sanction for
some denial of an obvious goal-scoring
opportunity (DOGSO) offences
committed in the penalty area.
The main reason for the change is that a
penalty kick is an excellent opportunity to
score a goal. So when a penalty kick is
awarded, it restores the goal-scoring
opportunity that was lost.
Therefore, the punishment of the player
should not be as severe as the
punishment for a DOGSO committed
outside the penalty area. The red card is
deserved for DOGSO outside the penalty
area as a free kick is not as good a scoring
opportunity as a penalty.
This means, Law 12 has been changed.
As a result, DOGSO offences in the
penalty area where the defender is
penalised for an offence which was an
attempt to play the ball or challenge
the opponent for the ball, will lead to
the player being cautioned (yellow
card) rather than sent off (red card).
However, The IFAB does not want to
encourage unfair play. So for DOGSO
offences inside the penalty area which
are not an attempt to play the ball or
challenge the opponent for the ball,
the offending player will still be sent
off (red card).
The new wording for DOGSO
offences is:
Where a player denies the opposing
team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring
opportunity by a deliberate handball
offence the player is sent off wherever
the offence occurs.
Where a player commits an offence
against an opponent within their
own penalty area which denies an
opponent an obvious goal-scoring
opportunity and the referee awards
a penalty kick, the offending player is
cautioned unless:
The offence is holding, pulling or Summary
pushing or The change in the DOGSO wording in Law 12 does not
The offending player does not attempt mean that every DOGSO offence in the penalty area is
to play the ball or there is no possibility sanctioned with a caution (yellow card).
for the player making the challenge to
The reduction from sending-off (red card) to caution
play the ball or (yellow card) is only intended for DOGSO offences in the
The offence is one which is punishable penalty area which the referee decides are a clear attempt
by a red card wherever it occurs on the to play the ball or challenge an opponent for the ball.
field of play (e.g. serious foul play,
Where this is not the case (and especially for the offences
violent conduct etc...)
mentioned) the sanction remains a sending-off (red card).
In all the above circumstances, the player
is sent off. All DOGSO offences outside the penalty area are
sanctioned with a sending-off (red card) as there is no
In practical terms, what does change in the Law for these offences. /
this mean?
Handball
For all handball DOGSO offences, there Chelseas Thibaut Courtois was sent off
is no change. for this DOGSO challenge on Manchester
Citys Fernandinho. Next season, similar
Deliberate handling of the ball is not challenges might mean only a caution if it
part of a normal attempt to challenge is deemed a clear attempt of the ball.
an opponent for the ball so for all
DOGSO handball offences (inside and
outside the penalty area) the player
will be sent off (red card).
Holding, pulling and pushing
An offence where the defending player is
penalised for holding, pulling or pushing will
still be sanctioned with a sending-off (red
card) as these offences are not part of a fair
challenge of an opponent for the ball.
Not attempting to play the ball and
No possibility to play the ball.
An offence where the defending player
is penalised by the referee for an
offence where:
It was clear that the player did not
attempt to play the ball or
It was clear that the player did not have
the chance/possibility to play the ball will
still be sanctioned with a sending-off (red
card) as these offences are not a fair
challenge of an opponent for the ball.
Non-DOGSO offences
Offences such as serious foul play and
violent conduct must still be sanctioned
with a sending-off (red card) in the
penalty area as they are not affected by
the change in the DOGSO wording. >>
39
WELCOME TO THE NEW
FA NATIONAL REFEREE STRATEGY
FOREWORD FROM MARTIN GLENN

In our daily work at Wembley Stadium, St. Georges Park and As such, initiatives like those outlined in this strategy become
across the country, we have set ambitious targets as part of ever more important. We need to ensure an environment that
a positive plan to rebuild The FA as a world-class organisation. attracts new referees from all backgrounds and equally is mindful
of the need to retain the dedicated individuals we already have.
In many ways, refereeing at the elite end of the game is one
Tailored coaching and development is fundamental.
area where we can safely say we regularly hit those standards
of high performance. As with all aspects of our work, we will combine this strategy with
constant monitoring and evaluation to ensure we can best meet the
At home, the game is faster than it has ever been but our
needs of referees and match officials in these ever-changing times.
officials demonstrate time and time again that they are rising
to the challenge and keeping pace. Abroad, English refereeing Over the coming months and years we will doubtless hear a lot
teams gain a disproportionate share of appointments for more about the potential and push for video technology but you
tournaments and handed duties at showpiece matches. can rest assured our first thought and our priority will always
That is to the immense credit of all involved. be to support those dedicated men and women in the middle.
However, this is not to say we are complacent when it comes
Martin Glenn, CEO
to refereeing in this country. We know we have to maintain
such progress and with every professional game particularly
those with high camera coverage the officials are under
intense scrutiny from all quarters.
More and more the spotlight is being turned on to the
grassroots as well. The success of the Respect programme
over recent years has intensified focus on behaviours, from
participants and spectators alike, and as we grow different
forms of the game, so the demands on those prepared to
take charge increase.

41
National Referee Strategy

NATIONAL REFEREE
STRATEGY
The FAs restructuring has created an
opportunity to review and improve the
recruitment, retention and especially
the development of referees at all levels
in England.
In simple terms, there are two broad groups
of referees in England:

The Majority
Referees who provide a consistent service
to football at all levels of the game. They are
happy where they are and have little or no
desire for promotion. These are often the
forgotten referees who should be offered the
opportunity to improve, which will increase
their enjoyment (and improve retention)
and benefit the football they referee.

The Ambitious
Referees who would like to progress to higher
levels not all have the potential, but there
should be development opportunities to
maximise their potential.

42 43
National Referee Strategy

VISION MISSION VALUES

Unite the Game, To grow, enhance and Progressive

Inspire the Nation maintain high standards Respectful
across all areas of refereeing
Inclusive
throughout the game
Determined
Excellence

WHAT DOES ENGLISH REEREEING

LOOK LIKE?

PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT

Match OfficialsObservers Training

Tutors Education Development
Administrators Support
NATIONAL REFEREE STRATEGY (NRS) Volunteers Mentoring
It will be important to change the mind-set of active match officials and those who Mentors FA CORE International
are developing match officials, so that better learning environments are created not Coaches Exchange
only through a greater use of modern education mediums but also in the relationship
between the teacher and the learner. This is especially true of the assessor: Referee RDO's
relationship. Crucial to all success will be that referees and educators are receptive
to constructive criticism and learning.
Having started the consultation process, the aim is to introduce much of the change
(especially the outline frameworks and structures) for Season 2016/17 with some
further changes for Season 2017/18. These changes represent important and PARTICIPATION GOVERNANCE
effective upgrading and modernisation and will lead to improvements in all
aspects of refereeing in England, with concomitant benefits to all levels of football.
Recruitment Appointments Registration
David Elleray
Chairman FA Referees Committee Retention Discipline
Neale Barry Female Referee Liaison
FA Head of Refereeing BAME Assessment Scheme
Coverage International
Support
Disability
Frutsal

44 45
National Referee Strategy

NATIONAL REFEREE
STRATEGY (NRS)
Refereeing at all levels will benefit from a National Referee
Strategy consisting of eight strands:
The DNA of English refereeing

The Structure of English refereeing

National Referee Curriculum (NRC)

Recruitment and Retention

Participation and Coverage Development

Pathways and Opportunities

Governance and Administration

Raising the profile ofEnglish refereeing

THE DNA OF ENGLISH

REFEREEING
The DNA of English refereeing consists of seven core values
which underpin all aspects of English refereeing and are all
required for success to be achieved, on and off the field:

RESPECT
EMPATHY
FITNESS
EVALUATION
RELIABILITY
EDUCATION
EXCELLENCE

 or further details, see additional document

F
The DNA of English refereeing'.

4646 47
National Referee Strategy

The following proposed classification pathway is being discussed

for season 2017/18 onwards:

Level 1 National List Referee Unchanged

Level 2a Panel Select Referee Unchanged

Level 2b Panel Referee Unchanged

Level 3 Contributory League Referee Unchanged

Level 4 Supply League Referee Unchanged

* Youth and Trainee referee levels
re-named as they are not part of
Level 5 County Referee Former Levels 5, 6, 7 the pathway.
** Level 10 will be renamed and all
Level Y Youth Referee * Former Level 8 FA/CFA observers, mentors, coaches
and tutors will be required to register
(without charge) annually with their
Level T Trainee Referee* Former Level 9
CFA to ensure appropriate
safeguarding checks, and so they
Level D Referee Developer ** Former Level 10 can have access to CPD opportunities.

THE STRUCTURE OF SPECIALISATION OBSERVERS

ENGLISH REFEREEING
Having reviewed the current structure and classification
of referees, it is proposed that:
There are separate classification pathways for the
different types of football, namely: Men, Women, Futsal,
Small Sided, Disability.
Referees can be on more than one pathway and will be
classified (and promoted) based on their ability/
performance on each pathway. There will be no direct
comparison of, or transferability from, one pathway
to another.
The current Mens football pathway has too many levels.
This inhibits progress and restricts the ability of County
Football Associations (CFAs) to give promising referees
higher levels of matches without it being clear that a
lower level referee is being used. It is proposed that Levels 5,
6 and 7 are combined as Level 5 (County Referee).
There are arguments for extending the specialist assistant FA and CFA referee assessors will be renamed observers
referee pathway below Level 3. This proposal will be (in line with FIFA, UEFA, PGMOL) to change the perception
CFAs will, naturally, have unofficial grading within Level 5, revisited in the future, but is not an immediate priority. of this important role from fault finding to developmental.
but this change will allow CFAs greater flexibility for This will increase appreciation of the observers work and
appointments. There will be a minimum number of games improve relationships between referees and observers.
that must be completed at Level 5 for promotion to Level 4.
Consideration will be given to creating a developmental
A major benefit is that CFA observers/assessors will focus
pathway for observers to motivate and encourage them
on developing referees, rather than the narrow, less
beneficial role of whether a referee is ready for promotion. to strive for ever higher levels of performance.
This will make the observer a developer/coach, who should
be more appreciated, by improving relationships and
hopefully, persuading more referees to become observers
when they retire.

4848 49
National Referee Strategy
NATIONAL REFEREE
CURRICULUM
The design and implementation of a National Referee
Curriculum (NRC) will tackle the problems caused by
different methods of education being delivered in
different parts of the country. The NRC will improve
the quality of refereeing at all levels, ensure greater
consistency, and offer clear educational support,
dependant on the referees level.
The content of the curriculum will be determined
following consultation by The FA refereeing department,
but it is anticipated that key elements will include:
Different content for The Majority and
The Ambitious, with the latter having more detailed
and challenging content.
Using the refereeing magazine as a major
delivery tool.
Filming referees at all levels of the game to ensure
clips used for education are up-to-date and relevant
to the referees level.
5050
RECRUITMENT
AND RETENTION
Referee recruitment has been very successful in recent
years in terms of overall numbers, and while this must
be maintained, there are three areas which need
specific focus:
Referees from BAME backgrounds
Female referees
Encouraging players in to refereeing through a viable
exit/entry strategy and involving them in refereeing
whilst they are still playing (especially younger
players and those towards the end of their careers)
 major priority for each individual CFA will be to meet
A
BAME, Female and Disability targets by 2020.
Consideration should be given to recruiting referees via
national league system, clubs/community clubs, along
the lines of the Scandinavian model, where clubs have to
produce referees. This could become part of the Charter
Standard requirement.
51
National Referee Strategy

PARTICIPATION DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYS

AND COVERAGE
Maintaining high referee numbers and coverage
levels will remain a priority and, in time, the focus
should be to enable more competitions to have
neutral assistant referees, which will benefit those
competitions and the development of referees
and assistants.
More significantly, we now have the opportunity
(primarily by using online learning) to raise all
referees knowledge and skill levels, which should
mean that they will give a better service to football
and will enjoy their refereeing more. This should lead
to high retention rates and more referees wanting
to become observers, tutors, coaches or mentors
when they retire.
An exit strategy will be designed to ensure that
referees who are approaching the end of their
active careers have options and development
opportunities to stay in refereeing through coaching,
observing, tutoring etc. In this way, the skills of
experienced referees will be retained, and should
not be lost, they should be retained and used to
benefit other referees.
AND OPPORTUNITIES
Crucial to the future of refereeing (and football) in England
is the identification and development of referees with
the potential to perform at higher levels. The current
development pathways (YRDP, NRDP; FADG) will be
combined to create The FA Centre of Refereeing Excellence
(FA CORE), a development pathway based on the UEFA
model which is used by many countries worldwide.
The focus will be on potential, as opposed to talent:
a misleading and unhelpful label.
Referees with potential (regardless of location, age,
background etc...) will have opportunities to realise their
potential. This is a critical area of focus if The FA is to
continue to produce high quality referees at all levels,
and especially at PL/FL and UEFA/FIFA, where our current
reputation is envied worldwide.
A pyramidal CORE structure is outlined below, and
regional centres will form an important part of the
structure, as will selection days:
FA CORE 5
Level 2B Referees
FA CORE 4
Level 3 Referees
FA CORE 3
Level 4 Referees

FA CORE 2
Level 5
2-3 years minimum experience

FA CORE 1
Level 7/6
2-4 years minimum experience

FA COUNTY CORE
Level 7
1-2 years minimum experience

The CORE concept focuses on both on-field technical performance (including player and event management)
and off-field behaviours and attitudes.

5252 53
National Referee Strategy
GOVERNANCE AND
ADMINISTRATION
Integrity must underpin everything that relates
to refereeing. This means that governance and
administration by all those involved with refereeing
(active or non-active) must be of the highest order.
5454
THE REFEREES
ASSOCIATION AND THE
RAFA YOUTH COUNCIL
The Referees Association (The RA) and the RAFA
Youth Council (RAFAYC) will play an important role in
the National Referee Strategy. This is because their
nationwide structure will allow them to supplement
The FAs development work and, mainly through local
RA groups, will provide important support, guidance
and mentoring (both formal and informal). Their work
is especially important for new referees, young referees
and all referees operating at grassroots.
RAISING THE PROFILE
OF ENGLISH REFEREEING
A proactive communication strategy will be developed
to create a positive perception of refereeing. This will
publicise, in particular:
English refereeing success (at all levels)
Career opportunities available within refereeing
(notably professional refereeing opportunities)
Important life skills that come from refereeing,
in e.g man management, conflict resolution
PROFESSIONAL GAME
MATCH OFFICIALS
LIMITED
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) is
pleased to support the introduction of the NRS, which
will benefit the development of refereeing in the years
ahead. The NRS creates a pathway for referee education
and training, from first taking up a whistle or flag through
to the very highest levels of the game. Through to the
provision of high quality training and coaching support,
the NRS will create the opportunities for referees and
assistants at all levels to maximise their potential. We
look forward to working closely with The FA on this
exciting initiative, which will result in more opportunities
for top quality match officials to progress from the FA
CORE programme into the PGMOL Professional Referee
Development Programme.
Mike Riley, General Manager
55
National Referee Strategy

REFEREEING AT THE FA

David Elleray & FA Referees' Committee

Chairman of the FA Referees' Committee

Neale Barry Laurence Jones SUMMARY

Head of Head of League These are very exciting times and the response
Refeering & Club Services from everyone so far has been excellent. It is clear
there is a real desire for this controlled evolution
building on what is already good and raising the
quality of every area of English refereeing.

Gemma Richard
Chris Wildey Peter Elsworth Daniel Meeson Gale-Watts Glynne-Jones
Contrib. League Senior Referee NRM NRM Recruitment NRM
Admin Officer Admin Manager Development & Retention Workforce

The FA Group Postal address St. Georges Park

Newborough Road
Chris Kay Adam Kenton Mark Mayor Sarah Levy Farai Hallam Wembley Stadium Wembley Stadium
Needwood
Wembley PO Box 1966
Burton-Upon-Trent
London London
Contrib. League Contrib. League Referee Referee Referee DE13 9PD
HA9 0WS SW1P 9EQ
Appointments (N) Appointments (S) Co-ordinator Co-ordinator Project Officer

5656 57
History of the eve of the final rally
ADAMS
& EVE'S
Without the controversy of the 1913 FA Cup Final
surrounding referee Arthur Adams, the Eve of Final Rally
may never have existed. Paul Field, RA Chairman,
tells the story.
19
The first mention were suspended from taking part in the
of the Eve of Final following seasons Charity Shield.
rally in the Referees
13
More significantly, for the refereeing
Union official
world, Arthur Adams, the Cup Final referee
records was in
from Nottingham was also suspended
1914. Interestingly,
for allowing seventeen minutes for
its origins can be
stoppage time.
traced back to the
In September 1913, Charles Sutcliffe
1913 FA Cup final between Aston Villa and
wrote: That the first publication of 'The
Sunderland. Staged at Crystal Palace (with
an impressive attendance of 121,919), the Football Referee' was not ill-timed, I
1913 Cup Final made history for two reasons: maintained that the FA Council has been
guilty of the biggest blunder it has ever
Charlie Wallace missed a penalty been guilty of. The union is saddened that
(something that would not happen Arthur Adam has resigned and stands by
until 1988) his resignation. The union honours him
Seventeen minutes of stoppage time and public opinion is decidedly with Mr
were played. Adams. There is no appeal, and now there
is only one appeal: and that is an appeal
There was a history of trouble between
to the public.
Sunderlands Charlie Thomson and Villas
Harry Hampton. This feud led to both Charles Sutcliffe continued: I am not
players being suspended for a month at the countenancing neither a strike nor a
start of the following season. Sunderland mutiny, but if the FA ask me to referee
58
a cup tie I should accept on one condition
only that I was to be the referee and not
the FA Council sitting in the pavilion 150
yards away.
The story rumbled on. In October 1913,
the Referees Union passed a resolution
of support for Arthur Adams and cited
11 points. These included:
It was the FA Council who appointed
Mr Adams
He received approval from the
national press
The unwritten rule that The FA should
never be discredited in the eyes of the
elite to those who are not conversant
with the game and football law.
The FA thought the resolution was
couched in unwarrantable terms. Mr F.
J. Wall, at the time Secretary of the FA,
replied: There was general consensus of
the opinion that the last final tie, as regards
Main image: 1914 FA Cup final in progress
between Burnley and Liverpool at Crystal
Palace. Burnley won 1-0.
Above: Liverpool supporters on their way to
Crystal Palace in the back of a horse-drawn
bus for 1914 The FA Cup Final.
The origins of the Eve of Final
Rally can be traced back to the
1913 FA Cup final.
the play and its incidents, was the worst In April that year, The Referees Union
conducted since the institution of the meeting in conjunction with London
competition, the statement of discredit Referees, recorded: Readers of this column
is a myth. who propose to assist at the final tie, an
annual meeting will be held at the Holborn
He concluded: If there are members
Restaurant at 7.30 on Friday evening, April
of the union who have failed in their duty
24th you are cordially invited this will
by observing this fiction they act wisely
be a most interesting night and the list
if they discontinue the practice. This
of speakers will include C. Sutcliffe of the
tone continued for many months.
Football League, J. Catton President of the
19
In January 1914, Referees Union, and a wealth of talent
The Referees Union including unions from France, Belgium,
reported that: Holland and Germany. The union vow
14
The Football never again will a union member go
Association flatly without a medal.
declined to award
So began the Eve of the Final Rally. The
medals to the
first one was for Herbert Bamlett from
referee who is
Gateshead, who was 32 years old when
placed in charge of the final tie of the
he refereed the FA Cup final between
Association Cup. The Union urges the FA
Liverpool v Burnley. The rest, as they say,
to reconsider their decision not to award
is history.
Arthur Adams a gold medal. The Union
calls on the FA to award a medal.
59
 HOW TO DEAL WITH
MATCH
FIXERS
The FA is committed to providing all participants in the game, including Match
Officials, with the relevant education and advice to guard against the risk that
match fixing presents.
The fixing of football matches in
England is rare. This article is written
with the intention of:
Raising awareness of match-fixing
Demonstrating what an approach to
become involved in match-fixing may
look like
Identifying which games have an
increased risk of being fixed
Clarifying what a Match Official
should do if they are approached.
The FA operates a bespoke intelligence
system that gathers information from
global sources to identify individuals
who pose a risk to the game. They may
be operating within The FAs jurisdiction.
The risk is real. In several countries,
those seeking to fix football games
have approached Match Officials in an
attempt to corrupt them.
With the global and indigenous increase
in the amount of money that is gambled
on football, coupled with the cultural
acceptance of gambling within our
society, the risk of fixing has increased
significantly in recent years.
6060
What does an approach look like?
Soft Approach
Fixers could approach Match Officials in a
number of ways:
A direct approach through social media
An approach in a hotel in the build-up to
a game
An approach from somebody theyve game that may seem insignificant or low
known in football circles for some time.
Any approach would come with the offer
of financial inducement. The bottom line
is that even if you are not sure if it is a
genuine approach, you should report it to
The FA to protect yourself.
Threat
You may be threatened directly or a
member of family is threatened.
What to do?
Contact The FA or police. Trained staff are
available to manage these situation with
law enforcement.
Blackmail
If youre in trouble with gambling debts,
caught in a compromising situation or
vulnerable in any other way, a fixer may
seek to blackmail you. If youre in this
situation, do not attempt to deal with it
alone. You must report it in confidence. And
you can rest assured, you will be dealt with
in a sensitive and confidential manner.
What games are more at risk of fixing?
Gambling operators are offering ever-
increasing markets on football matches. It
is the biggest sport gambled on globally,
especially in Asia.
Asian betting operators offer many football
matches every day to their customers. A
level in England may attract a large-betting
market in Asia purely due to the time/day
of the week it kicks off, especially if there are
few games being played at the same time
around the world.
Matches which are offered with in play
betting are significantly more at risk. Football
matches in the Southern League, Isthmian
League and Northern Premier league are
regularly offered with in play betting.
Premier League U18 and U21 games as
well as Womens Super League games are
also offered for live in play betting.
What if youre concerned by a game
youre officiating?
If the behaviour of anyone, including
another match official or someone
from either of the teams/clubs involved
arouses your suspicions, please contact
The FA. Your information could be
valuable intelligence and help us protect
the integrity of the sport.
If in doubt, always report FA Integrity
Reporting Line: 0208 795 9640
Or email : Integrity@thefa.com
LETS TALK
S CIAL
Whether youre a fan of Facebook, a member of the Twitterati or a Snapchat superstar,
as a referee it pays to tread carefully on social media. Neale Barry, FA Head of Senior
Referee Development, explains why.
These days, social networks are a part of
everyday life for billions of people across
the planet. Of course, it is an individuals
right to use such sites as they wish, within
the bounds of legal acceptability.
However, where football and refereeing
matters are concerned, there are
reasonable expectations associated
with your position and standing within
the game as a Match Official.
You might be surprised to read that The
FA has to regularly take disciplinary action
against referees from all levels of the
game. The reason? Referees using social
media to criticise, insult and even abuse
other referees, clubs, managers, players,
assessors and County FA officials.
If its posted, its public
As a referee you need to understand
that every comment, or opinion posted
on social network sites instantly enters
the public domain. In other words, what
you post on social is no different from
comments published in a newspaper or
quotes reported on television or radio.
If you place potentially sensitive or critical
comments about colleagues, players or
clubs on social media (or e-mail for that
matter), you essentially lose control of
where it goes or who might see it.
Almost every time The FA contacts a
referee about an inappropriate social
media comment, the response is:
It was only a playful chat with friends.
It wasnt meant to become public.
Take note: if its posted, its public.
This means its out there.
It seems theres always someone
prepared to forward critical comments to
the football authorities. The motive isnt
always clear, but the consequences are.
As a Match Official at any level of the
game, you have a responsibility to
conduct yourself in a professional
manner, on and off the field of play.
Inappropriate use of any social media
site (or email service) could leave you
open to criticism, comment, ridicule
or even a disciplinary charge.
The message is simple: enjoy social
media, but always use it wisely. Think
carefully before posting on any social
network site.The FA doesnt want you
to jeopardise your position as a
Match Official by a moment of social
media madness. It happens. Dont let
it happen to you.
61
Keep Calm and Manage workshop

KEEP
CALM
Join us for an inspiring weekend of training and
development. This is your chance to learn new skills,
gain greater insight as you strive to contribute to

AND
the beautiful game. With new elements, a stellar line-up
of guests and quality sessions, 2016s gathering will

MANAGE
be amazing and rewarding.
The FA and the PGMOL,
including senior coaches and
SATURDAY 16 JULY '16 PROGRAMME
Select Group match officials,
will again be supporting the PRACTICAL TRAINING THE NEW RA QUIZ
event and delivering content
over the weekend. The Referees SESSIONS This new, free-to-attend event sees

A WEEKEND OF LEARNING &

Association will also be working in teams of up to six compete in a round-
The ever-popular outdoor practical
partnership with the RA-FA Youth table-style format. With a host of
workshops return with the aim of assisting
Council to deliver a weekend of interactive rounds on a range of football
your management of football matches.

DEVELOPMENT FROM THE interactive and engaging content topics, not just refereeing, can your team
Several of the countrys top referees win the inaugural title? Attendance is
for members of The Referees
and tutors will deliver the sessions

REFEREES' ASSOCIATION
Association.
designed to enhance your refereeing.
They seamlessly link with the sessions and
content delivered during the Referees
Association Conference on Sunday.
free and partners are welcome. This
light-hearted event will bring together
attendees and offer a fun, relaxing way
to learn and develop.

16 - 17 JULY 2016 This year the event returns to Leicester

Road Football Club, just ten minutes
from the Hinckley Island Hotel. If you
ASSOCIATION
AWARDS DINNER
LEICESTER ROAD STADIUM HINCKLEY wish to attend this event as a spectator
This is an evening that celebrates the
and not participate, you are more than
& THE HINKLEY ISLAND HOTEL welcome. Youll have the opportunity
to learn from some of the best on
achievements of our match officials and
workforce. Theyll be awards For on-field

the field.
appointments, development projects and
best practice. The bill also features a
high-quality guest speaker who will offer
WWW.PARTICIPANT.CO.UK/TRA/KEEPCALMANDMANAGE
first-hand insight around the theme of
Keep Calm and Manage. With added
entertainment and dinner, you wont
want to miss out. >>

62 63
Keep Calm and Manage workshop

We asked three Referees

News RA-FA YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATE
SUNDAY 17 JULY '16 PROGRAMME Association members to
share their experiences
2016 REFEREES' ASSOCIATION of previous events:
CONFERENCE
Keep Calm and Manage is the theme for this years event. The emphasis To learn from
is on match control and managing football matches. With some of the your colleagues and
countrys finest tutors delivering workshops, alongside FIFA and Premier to be able use their
League match officials offering insight and knowledge, you will leave with
a wealth of ideas to take into your games.
experience is invaluable. I
learnt so much from the more
There will be an important update on the extensively revised Laws of the
Game and a keynote address. This event also offers a fantastic opportunity senior referees at my RA. As
to network with colleagues from across the country and develop your own a result, I was well equipped
refereeing and the refereeing of others. to cope with all manner of
This year, all attendees will attend workshops on the same topics, ensuring a refereeing challenges.
collective learning experience. But dont worry, were tailoring workshops around
the level at which you referee or that your workforce role is associated with.
John Brooks, FIFA Assistant Were also proud to be working with
Referee and 2A Referee, The RA for the third successive year in
This event is FREE for Referees Association members. delivering the RA Conference.
Leicestershire
The 2016 Conference weekend is
Ive attended the last packed with learning and development.
We look forward to seeing you there.
two RA Conferences and
 OOK YOUR TICKETS
B both have been hugely This time of year is The last few months have been
hugely successful for our Referee
Youll find a full breakdown of what the
weekend offers, and how you can book
& ACCOMMODATION beneficial to me. Its a great a busy time for the Development Fund. your place, elsewhere in this issue.
opportunity for young referees RA-FA Youth Council, Many applicants have had their project Finally, June brings our annual
For all the weekends events: in particular because youre with a number of plan accepted and funding agreed. County Youth Council (CYC) National
www.participant.co.uk/tra/keepcalmandmanage being tutored by some of the Whats more, there are many more Development Conference.
Once youve completed your booking, well send you a best officials in the country. key programmes projects in the pipeline. The day offers young people who are
confirmation email setting out your booking and the culminating in end- And heres some exciting news: its not members of Youth Councils the chance
information youve provided. James Naisbett, Cheshire too late to apply. You can submit your to take part in interactive, informative
of-season events. application up until 31 May. Visit sessions where they can network with
If you have any questions, please contact us on social media Attending the RA www.rafayc.co.uk/rdf to find out more. colleagues from across the country. Go
or email the Referees Association Head Office at: conference is a to page 57 for more information about
contact@the-ra.org great opportunity how Youth Councils can secure their
places at the Conference.
to meet fellow referees
from across the country
Keep up-to-date with and to share experiences. You can obtain regular updates
from the RA-FA Youth Council
all the latest news Also, meeting referees at at our website www.rafayc.co.uk
about the event the top of the pyramid or on Twitter @RAFAYthCouncil
through social media: #KeepCalmandManage inspires you upwards. Its a If you prefer, email us at:
The Referees Association fun and informative event info@rafayc.co.uk
where everyone learns from
@RefsAssociation
everyone else. The people
RA-FA Youth Council and organisers are friendly Highlights

and approachable.
from the 2015 RA
@RAFAYthCouncil Conference, which
Paul Botterill, Suffolk the RA-FA Youth
Council will once
again support in
delivering.

64 65
FA news
RA-FA YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATE
EVE OF FINAL RALLY 2016
The RA-FA Youth Council and The RA
are delighted to announce the details
of the 2016 Eve of Final Rally.
This is an evening like no other. It gives
referees the chance to meet The FA Cup
Final 2016 match officials. Remember, this
is the night before the biggest game of
their domestic careers. Expect excitement
and anticipation all the way.
The years event looks every bit a winner.
It takes place on:
Friday 20 May, 6:15pm,
1 Great George Street, London.
Henry Winter, the Chief Football
Writer of The Times, will be the events
guest speaker.
For over 100 years, the Eve of Final Rally has
played a pivotal role in the Cup Final officials
build-up to the game. Its an occasion
where they look ahead to the next day and
celebrate their prestigious appointment
with colleagues, family and friends. And, it
also gives you an unforgettable chance to
be part of their big weekend.
6666
A key feature of the night will be an
interactive development opportunity
with several of the countrys finest
match officials. Do not miss it.
This year, the Eve of Final Rally 2016
is FREE to all RA members
(15 to non-members).
You can also pick up the famous Match
Day programme signed by the match
officials for just 1.
Get your tickets today by emailing:
contact@the-ra.org
But hurry, they will go fast.
You can also read all the latest news
in the build-up to the big night at:
@RAFAYthCouncil and
@RefsAssociation on Twitter.
COME TO THE CONFERENCE
Its almost time for RA-FA Youth Council to hold its annual County
Youth Council (CYC) National Conference. This year it takes place
on Sunday 26 June at St. Georges Park.
Representatives from Youth Councils
and Young Referees Groups from
across the country will descend upon
the hub of English football for a day
of fun and interactive sessions.
The CYC National Conference forms
part of the framework of the RA-FA
Youth Councils CYC Development
Programme. Its designed to empower
young people by providing high-
quality continuous development for
delegates to apply to Youth Council
activities within their county.
If you come along, youll benefit from
the superb St. Georges Park facilities.
2016 FA
Cup Final
Refereeing
Team
The Eve of Final Rally will
honour the team who
will this year officiate the
world's biggest domestic
cup final.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Assistant Referees: John Brooks
and Andy Halliday
Fourth Official: Neil Swarbrick
Reserve Assistant Referee:
Michael Salisbury
The CYC Conference is ideal for any young referee who wants to learn
and network with other young people.
They provide the perfect environment
to learn and network with other
young people.
Following the success of last years
conference, we plan to deliver even
more relevant and topical content.
This will help your county to engage
with and develop the refereeing
workforce.
Booking for the 2016 CYC National
Conference is now open.
Your county can book its delegates
at: www.rafayc.co.uk/events
applications has been the mentoring
APPLICATION
ACROSS THE NATION
An update on RA-FA Youth Council
Referee Development Fund.
Were immensely proud to support
many County FAs, Referees
Associations and County Youth
Councils with projects and schemes
that are supporting referees
throughout the country. To date,
weve invested over 3,000 in projects
to support referees.
For 2015/16, weve already received ten
high-quality applications for assistance
from the Referee Development Fund.
These range from development days
to mentoring schemes.
2015/16 applicants:
AFA & Lonsar
Bromsgrove RA
English Colleges FA
Gloucestershire FA
Kent FA
Leicestershire FA Youth Council
London Referee Academy
Northumberland/Durham/
North Riding FA
Wirral RA
Worcestershire FA
For the first time,
the Referee
Development
Fund is open to
local Referees
Associations.
HOW DIFFERENT PROJECTS
ARE USING THEIR FUNDING
Bromsgrove RA
One of the many successful
programme run by the Bromsgrove
Referees Association. This will help
referees at Level 9 and Level 7 to
receive mentoring support from their
local Association.
The aim is to help retain these referees
and support more referees to be
nominated to be part of the County
Development Groups. Bromsgrove RA
will also work to upskill and qualify
members as FA Mentors to ensure
support and guidance is offered in line
with current best practice guidelines.
67
FA news
RA-FA YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATE
ALDERSHOT BACK IN THE GAME
For a number of years, Aldershot lacked a support network for its 350 referees after Aldershot
RA disbanded due to dwindling numbers. Following an event held by Hampshire FA in November
2011, the need for local referees to meet up and discuss refereeing was identified. As a result, Aldershot
RA was reborn from the ashes in April 2012. Four years have passed since a small group of referees
decided to embark on their journey.
Aldershot RA was built
around three key words:
LOCAL RA SUCCESS
For us, this is exactly what a local RA
should be about.
It shouldnt obsess about tablecloth
colours for a top table or how much
money is in the bank account. Weve
worked hard to put bulletins together
before monthly sessions. This means
members are kept up-to-date with the
committees work and upcoming
events, which leaves more time to
discuss and debate the one thing we
have in common the love of
the game.
We want to help our members to improve
as referees. Making monthly sessions
relevant and interesting assists this. We
mix development sessions run by FA
Level 2 tutors with some excellent guest
speakers, including local contributory
league referees, Ray Olivier, Liam Slack
and three Premier League referees in as
many years.
68
1 DEVELOPMENT
2 EDUCATION
3 SUPPORT
In April 2015, we held our biggest meeting
to date, where over 65 referees heard
Kevin Friend give a thought-provoking
presentation to an audience packed
with our own members, first timers and
members from neighbouring RAs. The
presentation focused on important values
of refereeing including dedication, goal
setting and skills that good match officials
possess. Meetings such as this are vital for
Aldershot RA. They set out how a referee
can progress up the officiating ladder.
This keeps local referees motivated
and driven for success.
forms of social media helps us engage
in an age of digital technology.
PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH
NEXT GENERATION
REFEREEING
Initially we struggled to connect
with young referees. We realised
we needed to develop a product
that appealed to everyone. Holding
specific Youth RA sessions before the
main monthly focus has been a great
success. Theyve played a pivotal role
in developing our young referees,
discussing issues relating to them,
whether this is mini-soccer or their first
steps into open-age football. Using all
with our referees emails are all too
easily deleted, ignored or forgotten
Sometimes going back to basics by
picking up the phone (or texting) is
the right approach.
We also want to provide our young
referees with the support to achieve
their potential. The Aldershot RA
Academy is being launched this season
As referees, we improve through practice. We also organise development nights
At Aldershot RA, we supplement our visiting local grassroots and supply-
theory-based sessions with practical league football matches, watching our
development. How can you learn to colleagues in action. It can be easier to
communicate effectively with players referee from the touchline.
if you only ever watch PowerPoint
Focusing on specific areas of strength
presentations?
and development helps develop our
We decided to organise regular practical own skills as a match official.
development sessions focusing on
various difficulties that members face
positioning in open play, dealing with
conflict, effective assistant refereeing
and selling decisions.
for talented, aspiring young referees
in the Aldershot area to refine their
skills and hopefully progress through
the County and National Academy
structures. Open to all referees under
25, the Academy will provide one-to-
one coaching and development.
These ambitious referees receive
practical monthly training on areas
of concern, structured mentoring on
challenging games, and the opportunity
to referee at international youth football
tournaments in the UK. Young referees
are the future of our game.
It is crucial we support them to achieve
their potential.
69
FA news

RA-FA YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATE

OUTSIDE THE BOX
We also feel its our duty to develop
and educate referees beyond our
membership. What better way to
introduce future members to Aldershot
RA than by helping with local
refereeing events?
The Aldershot RA Development Team,
supported by the Hampshire FA RDO, led
the Aldershot District Match Official Cup
Final evenings, held in two parts. First
we ran two indoor workshops, split into
youth league and adults.
The successful officials not only
received their appointments but also a
development session on co-operation
and responsibilities. This included the
responsibilities of the Cup Final officials,
building the team ethos and dealing with
issues that they may face.
The second part, held on a wet evening
in April, was a practical development
session for all youth league Cup Final
officials. Based around duties of an
assistant and teamwork, the match
officials were put through their paces
in various scenarios covering signals,
movement, making a decision as a team
and communication.
Just as people were getting used to the
idea that the football season was about
to kick off, the Aldershot RA Development
Team rolled out the Aldershot District
referees pre-season meetings. As a break
from the norm, we decided to pool the
experience in one room and conduct
joint youth and adult events. This created
a good balance for the main session
presented by Development Officer, Steve
Scott. The theme was Getting It Right a
grand title, but in essence it was all about
setting goals and achieving them to
constantly improve. The blend of youth
and experience led to valuable exchange
of ideas.
Both these events led to members
joining the RA. This is a testament to the
quality of training provided and the focus
on development, education and support.
WHERE
NEXT?
Our membership has grown
every year.
We put this down to the blank
canvas we started with. It helped
us attract referees into a secure,
welcoming environment. When
we launched, we had 12 referees
at that first meeting. We now have
a membership of 53 referees and
counting. Encouragingly, over half
of our members are under the age
of 25.
Without the loyal support of
Hampshire FA, other local RAs
and the dedication of our core
members, we would not have
achieved what we have today. But
what next for Aldershot RA? The
fact is were only reaching a small
proportion of our local referees. We
need to continue listening to our
members as we strive
to grow our membership.
We also want to see those young
referees who join our Academy
achieve their potential to become
highly regarded Premier League
referees. Above all, we will continue
to develop, educate and support our
referees because we never stop
learning from each other.
ENJOY EVEN
MORE BENEFITS
The RA Board recently
commissioned a review of insurance.
We benchmarked against other
competitive products and
discovered that our purchasing
power is significant.
Working with our brokers we are
determined to increase benefits,
while maintaining the same cost
base. The policy has to encompass
all members of the RA, from local
parks to Wembley Stadium.
Things have certainly evolved over
the years from the first insurance
policy to what is now the 2016/17
revamp of member benefits. Several
key areas were identified such as
referees equipment and physio.
Basically our thought process was to
get any referee back doing what he
or she loves as soon as possible
should an incident occur.
You will be delighted to know
we have delivered on both these
areas. Referees equipment is being
increased to 350 as will Personal
Effects. Physio is extended to include
injuries while refereeing, where
previously a valid temporary
disablement claim needed to
applicable.
Without the hard work of the RA
Board and the feedback of the
members, nothing would evolve or
progress. To that end, we welcome
Click on the image (above)
all feedback to help us make things
to view a larger version of
better for our members.
the members benefits table.

Aldershot RA meets on the second

Thursday of the month at: Aldershot
Conservative Club, GU11 1PE
Visit for more information:
www.aldershotra.com
Or follow on Twitter: @aldershotra
You can also email our Secretary,
Richard Honey:
secretary@aldershotra.com

7070 71
Paul Field reports
INTERVIEW WITH
PAUL FIELD
RA CHAIRMAN
We recently caught up What made you get involved with
the RA?
with Paul Field, Chairman
I became a member 22 years ago
of the RA, on the agenda: when I first qualified as a referee in
The organisations recent Worcestershire. The RAs been a constant
source of valuable help and support to me
history and his vision for over the years. As a result my experience
the future. has always been universally positive. Ive
made many friends. Of course, when you
study the RAs history, it wasnt without
its problems.
Who have been your main
influences in the RA?
My earliest refereeing influence was a
work colleague called Ernie Thompson.
He was a qualified match official who had
refereed me the previous Sunday. To be
honest he had a bit of a nightmare. The
next day I gave him some feedback, only
for him to return with an application form
for me to go on a Referees Course. The
rest is history.
From an RA aspect, Arthur Smith
(ex-RA Secretary) and Alan Poulain
(ex-RA Chairman) first encouraged me
to get involved nationally. Its proved
a roller-coaster experience. Ultimately
I feel a responsibility towards those
whove helped me on this journey
to ensure that the progress of the past
108 years continues into the
next generation.
More recently, Albert Astbury, David
Elleray and David Crick have been a
great source of advice. They have a
wealth of historical knowledge and
understanding of our stakeholder
interfaces. The current RA Board
has a diversity that keeps me
in check.
7272
Has the recent history been
damaging to The RA?
The short answer is yes. Some poor
decision-making has not helped the
Association. Lets be under no illusion
that the actions that had to be taken in
2012 distracted the organisation. In some
ways, it was our FIFA moment.
Every organisation has the need for
a business correction at some stage.
At previous AGMs, people have asked
me when will the Board stop blaming
previous regimes. That culture stopped
in July 2015, once all the issues had been
dealt with.
Youve been connected to the
RA Board for almost five years.
What gives you satisfaction?
I can reflect on a few issues with some
pride. What do they say? Success has
many fathers, but failure is an orphan.
First, working with others to reshape and
build a sustainable platform. This has
now ensured that the RAs immediate
future is secure.
Second, the RA-FA Youth Council. This is a
strong partnership with The FA, providing
a positive engagement with an important
group of talented young people. In my
view, the future of our organisation is in
their hands. Any failure to engage will
ultimately impact that future.
Third, QUEST. To me its critical to the
long-term success of this Association.
Its vital that we deliver a Quality
Product and Experience to all our
current members and all our future
members, based on sound governance
and a holistic view of our development.
Whats difficult?
Three things come to mind. Balancing
work life with being a volunteer. Having
a vision and communicating this to those
of different eras. This is an issue that
impacts on football as a whole.
Finally, balancing modernisation and
progressive thinking so that these
aspects reflect the present-day
wishes of the majority against any
traditional views.
What is The RA planning over the
next 12 months?
We held a highly successful County RA
meeting in which we shared our thinking
for the future. This was a positive event
during which we launched Project
Sutcliffe, plus, amongst other initiatives,
a restructured Conference weekend in
Success has many fathers, but
failure is an orphan!
July and a revitalised Eve of Final Rally
in May. We also launched membership
enhancements, including members-
only discounts from the RA shop and
improved insurance cover.
The next 12 months will be critical to
the organisation, particularly regarding
the development of our brand-new
training and education portal. Take a
look at the recent poll (result below).
There is huge support throughout our
membership for our goal of delivering
on-line training that has something
for everyone.
Online poll
results in
favour of
a training
and
eductional
portal
Courtesy RWT Photography
Where do you see The RA 10 years
from now?
A great question. As a membership
organisation we have to respect the
wishes of our members, but I do have
the benefit of a rounded perspective.
The next few years are critical. The RA
must maintain a Quality Management
System, support the Development Fund,
offer free events to members, introduce
enhanced member benefits, supply
'meeting' material via DVDs and memory
sticks, and deliver training via a portal. Our
delivery too must meet the expectations
of our members, whilst also enjoying the
benefit of our efforts and progress being
correctly perceived and recognised.
My view is that within the next 10 years
the RA will need to have one central
membership set-up. This should be
supported by QUEST-accredited LRAs
delivering practical training and CPD
events as part of the FAs designated
programmes for the development of
match officials.
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