Question Number: 24968

Law 5 - The Referee 5/17/2011

RE: Competitive Adult

ADB of Pierrefonds, QC-Quebec Canada asks...

Are Referees allowed to wear track pants whilst officiating a match??

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

The Laws Of The Game do not stipulate uniform for referees.

As such, this is an issue for your local association to determine.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
Referees must look professional at all times and wearing the correct attire is vital.
Each referee association stipulates the attire that can be worn by match officials. In general track pants is not acceptable match attire yet there can be a genuine one off reason for this such as the referee forgot his shorts and no proper shorts were available or adverse weather conditions.
I recall reading in David Elleray's autobiography where a FIFA official insisted that the referee crew wear black leggings under their shorts due to the cold weather. While he did not agree with this decision and it is not proper attire for a referee he was mightily glad during the game that he did so with freezing conditions.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Not normally, but I see you are from one of the colder parts of the planet. In youth and amateur play where a referee might have multiple matches, being on the field far longer than the players are, some accomodation for weather conditions is often allowed. Better to wear sharp-looking warmups with minimal decorations than to suffer frostbitten knees because of prolonged exposure.