- 2a. Although competition rules should state exactly who is allowed in the "Technical Area", invariably they don’t - and you will have to use your common sense. Luckily, most ‘Benches’ can only ‘just
about’ contain the substitutes and a manager.
- 2b. Again, use your common sense if there are no markings to define the "Technical Area".
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2c. A Referee - from the moment they step onto the field of play before the start of a game, to the end of the game, including any half-time or extra-time intervals - can Red/Yellow card a substitute. They can also report - at any time - misconduct committed by a Club Official, who can then be instructed (under the Referees' Powers, Law 5) to leave the ‘dug-out’ to an area away from the touch-line and the near vicinity of the field of play. If a person responsible for treating the needs of the players is disciplined, they may be allowed to stay within the ‘Technical Area’ - to administer any treatment during the game.
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2d. It can sometimes be very difficult to identify whether a person within the "Technical Area" is an official or just a supporter. Be polite when enquiring.
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2e. The Referee can make the ‘Fourth Official’ responsible for ‘looking after’ the ‘Bench’, this could include
the management of substitutions throughout the game, and controlling and bringing to the Referee’s attention any misconduct emanating from the ‘Bench’. If the Referee wishes to make the Fourth Official’ responsible
for the ‘Bench’, then they should inform the substitutes and officials of this decision. This then allows the Assistant Referee on that side of the field of play to concentrate fully on the game and allows for greater observation and control of the "Bench" area by the Fourth Official.
The Fourth Official assists the Referee at all times. He must indicate to the Referee if a 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. This increases the authority of the Fourth Official and allows him to take action in situations not concerned with actual play. The Referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points connected with play.
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2f. Tell the ‘Bench’ to let you (the Assistant Referee) know when a substitution is required. Raise and hold your flag above your head, when the ball goes out of play, to attract the Referee’s attention. The outgoing player must be off the field of play before the substitute can enter at the half-way line. Ensure that you have
a list of the nominated substitutes before the game commences. Make a note of the ongoing substitutes names and numbers.
Courtesy Julian Carosi |
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