Question Number: 22567

Law 5 - The Referee 11/22/2009

RE: Rec Adult

Amir of Baltimore, MD USA asks...

Question: Referee apparel
My question is. Under the FIFA rules is the Referee allowed to wear
tights when is very cold like players are?
Thank You
Amir

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Amir
There is nothing to prevent the referee from wearing black tights, however IMO it would need to be particularly cold. I would doubt as well that if it was that cold whether the game should be going ahead.
I recall reading David Elleray's autobiography, a respected FIFA referee, where he recounted a game in arctic conditions how a FIFA match observer insisted that all officials had to wear tights and other cold weather gear that was provided despite their reluctance to do so. After 10/15 minutes he understood why the official was so adamant that they wear such gear as without it they could not have done the game.
My only concern about wearing such apparel is that it may attract unwanted comments from players etc and draw attention to the referee which is always unwelcome. But nothing in the Laws to prevent this except maybe a local referee rule that states otherwise.
It would also look a bit strange if every player on the FOP was in normal equipment and the referee was not.
In this part of the world it gets pretty cold and I wear cold-gear undershorts along with a thermal vest and a second jersey. The only exposed area is the knees and a good application of a proprietary brand of muscle warming rub usually sorts that.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There are a lot of things that one would almost never see at a top-level professional game, or in a game between national sides.

But in the local games we all do, we make compromises. We often spend hours at the field, so that the kids may play their hour. Without special weather gear, we just wouldn't make it through. This especially goes for AR's who might spend a lot of time in one position. I'd much rather my AR be warm and thinking about the game, rather than being cold and thinking about going home.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

At the highest levels, this would never be seen. At other levels, common sense should apply.

If the referee isn't happy, then no one will be happy.