Purton Football Club

Code of Conduct - Match Officials

(Referees, Assistant Referees, Fourth Officials and Substitute Referees)

Index

1. Introduction
2. Obligations towards the game
3. Obligations towards players
4. Obligations towards other Referees, Assistant Referees, Fourth Officials and Substitute Referees
5. Summary

1. Introduction

Under the laws of the game the decisions of a referee on points of fact connected with play are final as far as the result of the game is concerned.

A referee also has wide ranging powers as defined in the laws of the game. The exercising of this power requires a high level of ethics from referees and their assistants.

In addition to the quality of refereeing, the behaviour of the referee has an impact, either directly or indirectly, on the conduct of others in the game.

Respect for referees and their decisions is a fundamental part of the game.

A code of conduct for Match Officials is a proper response to those expectations and is valid for Match Officials at ALL levels of the game.

2. Game

The referee has a duty to the game in its widest sense.

One part of that duty is to help the game to keep moving provided this is compatible with fair play, and to seek to ensure it is attractive and is not subject to unnecessary halts.

The Referee should:

• Make every effort to prepare fully for a match both physically and mentally. On a physical level a referee must be able to keep up with the speed of the game and be alert and close enough to take correct decisions from credible locations on the field of play.
• Not be afraid to take decisions. A referee should be fair and firm and must resist any possible influence from protests by players, team officials or spectators.
• Show respect towards players and team officials.
• Be honest and completely impartial at all times irrespective of the teams, players or team officials involved in the match.
• Decline to be appointed to a match if not completely physically or mentally fit to referee that match because of illness, injury or for other reasons.
• Inform The Football Association or the appropriate County Association or League or Competition responsible if unable to referee a team or teams for any reason.
• Refrain from requesting hospitality of any kind or accepting any offered or considered to be excessive.
• Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including when publicly expressing an opinion about the game or any particular aspect of it, or about others involved in the game.
• Not tolerate inappropriate language from players, team or match officials.

3. Players

The powers of the referee must be used with wise judgement and care. Authority and a firm approach must be combined with respect.

The referee should:

• Have regard to protecting the players.
• Show due respect when speaking with the players even in the event of infringements.
• Set out the true facts in reports and not attempt to justify any decisions.

4. Obligations towards other Referees, Assistant Referees, Fourth Officials and Substitute Referees

It is necessary for the referee's authority to be protected not only for the sake of the game but also in the interests of other referees, assistant referees, fourth officials and substitute referees. This protection should however not influence the overriding regard for the protection of players.

The referee should:

• Refrain from publicly expressing any criticism of other referees, assistant referees or other match officials.
• Assist with the development of less experienced referees and assistant referees and other match officials.
• Assistant referees and fourth officials and should give their total support to the referee but without undue interference or insistence.

5. Summary

• Apply the laws of the game with consistency and impartiality.
• Protect all players well being.

Match Officials agreement with Code of Conduct

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