Question Number: 30774

Law 5 - The Referee 9/17/2016

RE: Rec Under 13

Greg of Cincinnati, OH USA asks...

After the 1st quarter of our game. Another ref came and switched out with a ref. The other ref did not have an injury or was ill. Is this allowed after a game has already started?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Greg,
a neutral referee with integrity sees what he sees.
there could be any number of reasons for a replacement. I have seen referees who fed up with touchline antics toss the whistle to the loudmouth doing the greatest complaining. Perhaps an unknown injury or a personal issue. I replaced my friend in a recreational men's when his wife went into labour lol. That said if there was civil unrest on the touch lines and a referee felt uncomfortable with the dissent or ridicule I have seen referees reduced to tears or simply so irritated and fed up they were unwilling to continue.
Perhaps a scheduling conflict ,a late start and he was required elsewhere? As to what an association has on their bylaws I can not say other than to hope there is neutrality and accountability to such a switch. One would hope those dedicated to our youth have their best interests at heart regardless of the circumstances.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Greg
Yes this is allowed and the circumstances of these situations are usually reported to the League. The change can be for a myriad of reasons such as injury, feeling unwell, personal circumstances such as work. We have a referee in the Fire Service and if he gets a call he just rushes away. If another referee can take over from him then the game continues. If not it ends at that time.
So there is nothing unusual with a replacement referee. The handover happens with the new referee being informed of scores, cautions etc and the game continues.