Question Number: 20238

League Specific 10/13/2008

RE: rec Under 14

Bub of mont., Al. United States asks...

how many officials are in a professional soccer game

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Four.

One referee. (With the power of the whistle)
Two assistant referees. (With the power of the flags)
and one Fourth Official. (With the power of... er... umm... electronic substitution signs!!!)

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Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Aw, you left out all those folks in the stands! Everyone knows they are professionals - they always want to help, too! :-)

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Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

And don't forget the official added in the World Cup - the reserve assistant referee. Someone standing by in case one of the AR's is unable to continue. At the international level, referees are on separate tracks for centers and AR's; they wanted someone familiar with being an AR ready to step in if needed.

IFAB has also recently approved an experiment for two additional officials, to watch for fouls in and around the penalty area and for balls over the goal line. This will be tested in several leagues or international competitions. I don't know if the new position has a name, nor if it would be considered a referee or assistant referee position.

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