Question Number: 22970

Law 5 - The Referee 3/20/2010

RE: none Adult

david banks of manchester, none england asks...

if the referee and his assitant get injured in the same match... who then referees?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

A game can continue with just the referee. If the referee is injured or unable to continue, normally it is either the fourth official or the first assistant who will take over. Depending on the level of play, there may or may not be replacements available for the empty position, but as long as there is a referee, and the competition rules do not specify otherwise,either a single referee is sufficient to continue the game, or a referee with one assistant.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi David
It all depends on the level of the game. In the Premier League the 4th official takes over from an injured referee or assistant referee. If there is no 4th official the senior assistant referee takes over and if possible the referee acts as a touchline assistant as does the other assistant with the refeee taking over all offside decisions. If the referee cannot act as a touchline assistant a replacement is sought from suitably qualified persons at the game.
At the lower levels it is unlikely that a replacement is available and the match is abandoned.