Question Number: 27112

Mechanics 1/17/2013

RE: Select Under 13

Danny Bacic of Plano, Texas US asks...

What are the mechanics of an international walk-on before a game?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

While there are some variations, this is generally true.

1. During the meet and greet with coaches, the referees indicate that all teams will meet at a specific location ten minutes before the match begins. (Coaches often program their pregame routine and appreciate knowing when it must end.) The location is often one of the goals, but some leagues begin the walk in at the halfway line near the technical area.

2. Coin toss is conducted.

3. Referees line up for walk in. AR R FO AR

4. Each team will follow one AR in single file. Captains, then keeper, then field players (in any order). Some leagues have only the starters walk in. For youth divisions, the norm is all players.

5. Walk in ends when teams are in a line facing and parallel to the touchline with referee at halfway line. TEAM1 AR R FO AR TEAM 2.

6. If there is a national anthem, it is usually played at this point.

7. For youth with parents on both touchlines, allow pictures with teams facing one touchline. Then, turn and fact the other touchline.

8. It is common for home team to cross in front (and shake hands with) referees then opponents. After they are done, the visiting team crosses in front of and shakes hands with referees.

8. With youth teams, they will then run to their coach. So, most concerns about having teams end up in a particular half after shakings hands end up going awry.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Danny
At the very highest level the procedure is quite detailed and precise with each item timed to the exact minute. The procedure is provided to the referee in written form and he then implements that in line with the help of a match commissioner
http://de.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/51/53/95/guidelines_match_officials_en_38398.pdf

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Danny,

I often find myself having to apply this procedure (or a modified version, such as having the coin toss after the handshake) to teams that aren't used to this procedure - such as at tournaments.

Communicating with the coaches beforehand is important, and you may well find that, if the players aren't used to the procedure, you may have to discretely instruct the players as your'e going through the procedure.

Try to find a few videos from international matches to see if you can watch how it's done and pay attention.

Also, just a minor thing - the AR's should carry their flags on the outside, and I also believe it's important for the referee team to shake hands before the AR's separate to check the nets.