Question Number: 30366

Law 5 - The Referee 4/29/2016

RE: Under 11

Scott of ALTON, VA USA asks...

In various programs, I've noticed inconsistency in the number of officials managing the game. In rec AYSO, club / travel, middle school and high school, I've seen one referee only covering the entire field, two refs splitting the field and sharing duties, center ref with two club linesman, and only in very rare matches have I observed what I've read in laws of the game as one center refs with an AR on one side and a linesman on the other. In professional matches, I notice one center ref and four assistant refs. Should a game ever be abandoned due to insufficient number of managing officials (ref, ARs, linesman)?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Scott
No. As long as there is one referee available the game can be played or for that matter continued. Unless of course the competition rules mandate otherwise. The referee on the day has to make a call on what is allowed and acceptable. Indeed where there are shortages of referees at lower levels most games are covered by one referee.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Most rules of competition state what to do if the specified number of referees do not show up. In some cases the game can not be played; in others you do the best you can with volunteer helpers. Some lower level games will even allow a volunteer to be the center referee.

I say specified number of refs because many competitions do not assign 3 (or 4 or 6) like they do in the pros. There simply aren't enough referees to go around, and the younger ages simply do not require the use of AR's.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Scott,
unfortunately there is a shortage of officials! Occasionally the leagues' monetary resources to entice reluctant non volunteers are somewhat limited. Often these associations try to force those teams participating to volunteer their personal to officiate or be banned from playing. There is also a wide disparity of skills and experience within those pool of officials. Not all matches are suited to the confidence level or age of those available. As a battle tested referee I have officiated thousands of matches many as a single official. In tournaments and at certain levels of play the country or state or provincial district officials are MANDATED to ensure a proper contingent of competent referees are available. In the day to day league or regulation recreational levels sometimes the grab who and what they can to officiate a match. The thinking is FUN and respect for the volunteer will undo the disappointment of bad or poor decisions as being equally distributed between the two teams. Many volunteer their time and do not even accept money or donate them back. I recall a group of teens ragging such a gentlemen who was a bit odd and informal. I pointed out that without his efforts they do not play! I also reminded them that respect for his efforts and their conduct required some serious re-evaluation

The association bylaws usually state what the minimum requirements by the neutral assigned officials to make a match count in the standings. I like when a newer referee steps up but I understand their reluctance to suffer abuse if they lack confidence and to not accept a push to fill in if a scheduled CR fails to show. I recall as a coach refereeing my own team in some circumstances it was deemed as ok in others we got a non sanctioned match and practise.
Cheers