4th Official

 

THE TECHNICAL - THE ROLE OF THE FOURTH OFFICIAL

Role of fourth official

• The Technical area extends 1m (1yd) on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of 1m (1yd) from the touch line.
• Recommended that markings define the area.
• The number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area is defined by the competition rules.
• The occupants of the technical area are identified before the beginning of the match in accordance with the competition rules.
• Only one person at a time is authorised to convey tactical instructions and he must return to his position after giving these instructions.
• The coach and other officials must remain within the confines of the technical area except in special circumstances, for example, a physiotherapist or doctor entering the field of play, with the referee’s permission. To assess an injured player.
• The Coach and other occupants of the technical area must behave in a responsible manner.

 The Role of the Fourth Official

• The fourth official may be appointed under the competition rules and officiates if any of the three match officials is unable to continue. He assists the referee at all times.
• The fourth official assists with any administrative duties before, during and after the match, as required by the referee.
• He is responsible for assisting with the substitution procedures during the match.
• He supervises the replacement footballs, where required. If the match ball has to be replaced during the match, he provides another ball, on the instruction of the referee, thus keeping the delay to a minimum.
• He has the authority to check the equipment of substitutes before they enter the field of play. If their equipment does not comply with the laws of the game he informs the referee.
• He must indicate to the referee when the wrong player is cautioned because of mistaken identity or when a player is not sent off having been seen to be given a second caution or when violent conduct occurs out of the view of the referee and assistant referees. The referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points connected with play.
• After the match, the fourth official must submit a report to the appropriate authorities on any misconduct or other incident that has occurred out of the view of the referee and his assistants. The fourth official must advise the referee and his assistants of any report being made.
• He has the authority to inform the referee of irresponsible behaviour of any occupant of the technical area.

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