Overview Authority and Equipment of Referees
Referees are an indispensable part of every football match. They ensure that the rules are followed, fairness is upheld, and players’ safety is maintained, all while contributing to the excitement of the game.
To better understand FIFA’s regulations regarding the number of referees per match, the roles and responsibilities of each referee, or where to learn how to become a football referee, let JiliAce guide you through this detailed breakdown of the authority and equipment of referees!
How Many Referees Are There in a Football Match?
Amid the fiery action on the pitch, where breathtaking plays and roaring cheers echo, the presence of those who uphold the game’s balance β the referees β is irreplaceable. They play a pivotal role in ensuring fairness and excitement in every match.
According to FIFA rules, there are four referees in every football match: one main referee, two assistant referees (linesmen), and one fourth official.
The Main Referee

The main referee is the one you often see running alongside the players with the ball. This position demands excellent physical fitness, often matching the speed and stamina of the players on the field. The main referee must also possess keen observation skills, endurance, decisiveness, and an in-depth understanding of the rules of football.
Holding complete authority on the field, the main referee’s decisions are final. They are responsible for enforcing the laws of the game, and all rulings must adhere to their judgment. Despite their significant role, the main referee’s decisions often attract criticism from teams and fans alike.
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The Assistant Referees

The assistant referees, or linesmen, are stationed on either side of the pitch. They run along the sidelines to monitor play and detect infractions, particularly when the ball crosses the boundaries. Their flags signal fouls or out-of-bounds plays to the main referee, who then makes the ultimate call.
Unlike the main referee, assistant referees have a more limited area to cover. While they don’t require the same level of physical stamina, they must possess exceptional vision to accurately observe offside calls and other critical moments near the sidelines.
The Fourth Official
The fourth official, often positioned off the field, plays a supportive role. They monitor incidents that the main referee or assistant referees might miss and relay this information for consideration.
Additionally, the fourth official oversees the accuracy of goals scored and manages the substitution process for both teams. They are also responsible for calculating and announcing stoppage time for each half.
Referee Decisions
Referees make decisions based on their objective interpretation of the Laws of the Game and the “spirit of the game.” Their judgments rely solely on their perspective, granting them full authority to manage the match.
A referee cannot change a decision once play has restarted, unless advised by another match official. Similarly, decisions cannot be altered once the referee has signaled the end of a half (including extra time) and left the field or abandoned the match.
In the event that a referee is incapacitated, the match may proceed under the supervision of other match officials until the next stoppage in play.
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Authority and Responsibilities of Referees
The Referee
- Enforcing the Laws of the Game:
Referees are tasked with ensuring the game adheres to all established rules and regulations. - Match Oversight:
They manage the game in collaboration with other match officials, keeping a record of events and submitting detailed match reports to the appropriate authorities. These reports include disciplinary actions and any incidents occurring before, during, or after the match. - Restarting Play:
Referees supervise and signal the restart of play, allowing the game to continue after interruptions. - Advantage Rule:
Referees allow play to continue after a foul if the non-offending team stands to benefit. If the anticipated advantage does not materialize within a few seconds, the foul is penalized.
Disciplinary Measures
- Addressing Serious Offenses:
Referees handle severe infractions based on their physical intensity, tactical impact, and seriousness, even when multiple offenses occur simultaneously. - Issuing Cards:
Referees issue yellow or red cards to players for warnings or expulsions. They maintain disciplinary authority from the pre-match inspection until after the match ends, including penalty shootouts. - Expulsion Pre-Match:
If a player commits an expellable offense before the game starts, the referee has the authority to prevent their participation and will report any other misconduct. - Team Officials:
Referees can take disciplinary actions against team officials for irresponsible behavior, including issuing yellow or red cards. If the offender cannot be identified, the head coach present in the technical area is penalized. For medical personnel, expulsion is allowed only if no other medical team members are available to assist injured players. - Acting on Advice:
Referees can rely on information from other match officials about incidents they did not witness.
Injury Management

- Managing Minor Injuries:
Referees allow play to continue if injuries are minor, stopping the match only for severe cases. - Removal and Return of Injured Players:
Players with serious injuries are taken off the field. They can only re-enter with the referee’s signal, ensuring no active bleeding or blood-stained equipment. - Special Cases:
Referees may make exceptions to the requirement to leave the field for:- Goalkeeper injuries.
- Collisions involving goalkeepers and other players.
- Severe injuries.
- Injuries caused by fouls where the offender is penalized.
- Penalty-takers were injured just before taking the kick.
- Treatment Regulations:
If medical staff or stretcher-bearers enter the field, the player must leave via stretcher or walk off. Noncompliance results in a caution for unsporting behavior. - Restarting After Injuries:
If the match isn’t stopped for another reason, or the injury isnβt foul-related, the game restarts with a dropped ball.
External Interference
- Halting or Abandoning the Match:
Referees may suspend or abandon the match for external disruptions, such as insufficient lighting, thrown objects from spectators, or pitch invasions. - Non-Match Personnel:
Only authorized personnel are allowed on the field. Referees ensure no unauthorized individuals enter the pitch.
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Referee Equipment

- Mandatory Equipment:
- Whistle
- Watch
- Red and yellow cards
- Notebook (or an alternative recording method)
- Optional Equipment:
- Communication devices like buzzers, bleeps, or headsets.
- Electronic Performance Tracking Systems (EPTS) or other health monitoring tools.
- Prohibited Items:
Referees and on-field officials cannot wear jewelry or electronic devices, including cameras.
Referee Signals
Approved signals are detailed in graphics provided by official guidelines, ensuring standardized communication during matches.

Conclusion
Understanding the authority and equipment of referees calls for the realization of how important they are in implementing fairness and order in every sport. It is not all about the rules being implemented, for it is also about protecting the spirit of the sport and preserving its integrity.
On the other hand, their special equipment, ranging from whistles to communication devices, grants them the ability to function well. These details give us a deeper respect for referees and the essential contribution that they make to every match.