Question Number: 20690

Other 12/22/2008

RE: Competitive High School

Steve of St. Louis, MO USA asks...

Phil Brown, Manager of Hull City in the EPL wears a headset during the match. I thought FIFA prohibited this - any idea who he's communicating with? Also - are the refs and ARs speaking during the matches?

Love the site - keep up the great work!

Answer provided by Referee Jon Sommer

FA rules say that managers may have contact with all their backroom staff during the match. Phil Brown will often start games in the stands, where a better view is often the case and he therefore has the right to communicate with his team on the bench, or they with him. there aer a few managers that do this, and some that prefer the good old fashioned phone, as you would have seen Sir Alex Ferguson usind during his touchline ban.

Centres and ARs should be speaking during all games of football. I presume you are referring to the headsets EPL and Championship officials are using...yes they absolutely are. A referee will often give a decision and is about to dismiss someone and you will often see a hand going over mouth and he will be saying to the closest AR or even the 4th 'opinion please Joe' to which the simple call will come back 'Red' 'Yellow' 'unsighted boss'. Its a quick and easy way to be in contact without having to jog across for a chat.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The earpieces FIFA referees use date back to 2004 when they were first being tested for use in upcoming World Cup competition.