Game Day and Post-Match Requirements

GAMEDAY & POST-MATCH REQUIREMENTS

You have now viewed your referee appointments on MatchRef, and it is game day. The following are some basic requirements for each match day. It is important that all match officials follow these procedures.

Game Day Equipment Checklist

• Uniform - Umbro Referees Shirts, Shorts and Socks (Green Shirt for First Year Referees) • Predominately or all black boots or shoes with black laces • Whistle, flag, watch, stopwatch, red and yellow cards, notebook, coin and pens

Game Day Tips

• Know the exact location of your ground • Leave home early enough to arrive at the ground at least 45 minutes before kick-off • Dress appropriately when arriving at and departing from the ground

Game Day Procedure

• Arrive at the ground 45 minutes before kick-off • Introduce yourself to the other match officials, club officials, players and coaches • Locate the referees’ room at the ground • Inspect the field of play to ensure it is suitable for play • Get changed into your referee’s uniform • If not already given to you, locate the team sheet and match balls • Ensure that the team sheet has been filled out with all the correct information • Deliver your pre-match instructions to the other match officials appointed • Carry out the team walk-out procedure (if required) on time and commence the match on time

First Year Referees

In your first matches as a referee or assistant referee, an assessor or mentor will be appointed to your match to help you get started as a match official. The assessor or mentor will be there to meet with you prior to the game and go through any questions, issues or concerns you may have. Your assessor or mentor will provide support, coaching and feedback at half time and after the match. The main role of the appointed assessor or mentor will be to ensure your matches are enjoyable as well as providing some coaching and feedback to help you gain confidence and knowledge.

GAMEDAY & POST-MATCH REQUIREMENTS

Post-Match Requirements

Once back in the dressing room, you must complete the team sheet for that fixture, including: • correct half-time score • correct full-time score • goalscorers’ player numbers and minutes of the match when the goals were scored • recipients and minutes of all yellow and red cards shown • player numbers and minutes of all substitutions (if required) • ticking a box if an Incident or Send-Off Report is being submitted • the names of the referee, assistant referees and fourth official • signing the team sheet as the referee

It is also advised that all match officials take a photo of the team sheet after a game involving an incident or send-off, as this will assist in you having the correct details for the submission of an appropriate report.

The team sheet (and any other completed team sheets from matches played earlier in the day) will need to be provided to a club official at the conclusion of the matchday.

Referees are requested to retain all of their match record cards used during the season in case the NNSWF Referee Department or NNSWF Football Operations Department directly contacts them during the season regarding previously played fixtures. This will assist in providing key information on final scores, cautions, dismissals and important incidents.