Question Number: 17094

League Specific 10/5/2007

RE: pro Adult

tuncer of istanbul, turkey asks...

what are the rules to become a fifa assistant referee. does FIFA have some rules for this or it is just under the control of national committees. for ex a 20 year man, if turkey says this will be the fifa assistant referee, does fifa have some more objectives for this or says o.k. whatever

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

FIFA referees are submitted by their national associations. Whether or not FIFA uses them is a different story.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If Turkey has a 20 year-old assistant referee on the international panel, good on him. He must be very good at what he does. I wonder how good he'll be when he matures...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Tuncer,
while 20 seems a bit young, however, if he was fast tracked perhaps he established himself early in the eyes of his peers, has that special ability to STAY FOCUSED and he can run as fast or faster then the players at the elite level? The national association picks those they feel will be able to participate effectively so it is no small feat to be selected! Only by watching him perform will we know if he was truly ready for the challenge. It certainly makes no sense to shove an AR into the elite sphere before those training him felt he was capable!

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Does your man have 20 years experience, rather than being 20 years old? If so, and if he started reffing while in his teen years, he would have about a decade of being on the list before he had to retire.

Most major events, like the World Cup or Euro, have training sessions for the referees. The refs get additional learning and must pass fitness tests. Sometimes one doesn't meet the standards, and is sent home.