LAW 5 - THE REFEREE

LAW 5	MORE INFORMATION
GENERAL MECHANICS	HOME PAGE

PREGAME CONFERENCE

WHO - The entire referee team participate in the pregame conference. This would include a fourth official, if available. The referee generally leads the discussion but the other officials are expected to ask questions for clarification and to request any information that was left out by the referee.	Click on this picture for a video about pre-game activities
WHEN - The pregame conference should happen no later than 5 minutes prior to the start of a match but can start days in advance for professional or other high level matches	Click on this picture for a video about pre-game activities
WHERE - A common practice is to have the pregame conference while doing the field inspection. If the referee team is traveling to the field together, the conference can take place in the car on the way to the field.
WHAT - The content of the pregame conference should include all aspects of the referee teams roles and responsibilities throughout out the match. Do not accept comments like "you know what to do", "do what the book says", or "make me look good". The conference should cover the following areas, at a minimum: Handling substitutions (when, where, who, etc.) Back up on time and bookings Balls in- and out-of-play in referee's quadrant and assistant referee's quadrant Assistant referee's responsibilities during set plays (e.g., corner kicks, free kicks, goal kicks, etc.) Fouls and misconduct in assistant referee's quadrant Fouls and misconduct not seen by referee Penalty kick positions and responsibilities
WHY - The pregame conference is when the referee team makes major decisions on the roles and responsibilities of each member and to clarify any potential points of confusion to give the team a professional appearance and a confident feel that will lead to match control and a free-flowing, exciting, and in control match