Question Number: 15950

Law 7 - Match Duration 7/5/2007

Mike Bawden of Raleigh, NC USA asks...

If only the referee determines how much extra time is added, how does the fourth official find out from the referee how much time to put on the board he holds over his head to indicate additional time added?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Mike, you didn't get the "secret signals" module in your ref certification course?

The fact of the matter these days is that most places where there is a 4th official with a signboard, the refs are wired for sound. The ref simply tells the 4th what number of minutes he's going to be adding.

Without the radio system, the ref would flash a pre-agreeed-upon sign to the 4th - e.g. point at watch, then hold up 3 fingers.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Usually through the wired sound that referee Voshol speaks of. Else, they just communicate to each other in some way.

Answer provided by Referee Jon Sommer

The same way all referees communicate with their assisstants when not wired up, through a secret signal. There are also signals for an AR to tell his centre that a caution of dismissal should be taking place. This signal is relayed through some kind of pre arranged action...a referee will then, most likely, go and have a chat to the AR if he hasn't seen the same thing, or if he has, award the caution or dismissal. Its all very simple, and its all about communicating. Referees that communicate well, will go far.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Me. I'm lazy I'll just yell out to each captain how much is needed. The technical areas get the word at the same time.

Regards,