WESFA Code of Conduct

The assistance referred to below is best given by NEUTRAL REFEREE’S ASSISTANTS. A limitation is placed upon CLUB REFEREE’S ASSISTANTS, because points (2), (3) and (4) are not usually referred to Referee’s Assistants who are not neutral. In the case of Neutral Referee’s Assistants, they must be used as ASSISTANT REFEREES. It is appreciated that there must be a different attitude adopted by the referees in this case, because in effect, there are THREE officials supervising play. 

The Referee remains as principal official, but the Referee’s Assistants are there to assist him to control the game in a proper manner 

• Signalling when the WHOLE of the ball is out of play.
• Indicating WHICH side is entitled to the corner kick, the goal kick, or the throw-in. 
• Calling the attention of the Referee to rough play or unsporting behaviour.
• Giving an opinion on any point on which the Referee may consult him.
• Substitution. When a substitution is to be made, the Referee’s Assistant nearest to the point of substitution shall attract the attention of the Referee by raising his flag, as shown in the illustration included in “Signals by the Referee’s Assistant”.

To get the most effective co-operation from CLUB REFEREE’S ASSISTANTS, the following procedure should be adopted:

1. BOTH Club Referee’s Assistants should report to the Referee before the start of the match and receive instructions and be informed that, no matter what may be their personal opinion, the decision of the Referee is final and must not be questioned.
2. The work allocated to them as Club Referee’s Assistants is to signal when the ball is ENTIRELY over the touch line and to indicate which side is entitled to the throw-in, subject always to the decision of the Referee.

Keeping in mind their distinctive duties outlined above, Referees should decide beforehand exactly what they want their Club Referee’s Assistants to do and be able to tell them distinctly how they can best help him. It is essential that there should be some conference between these three officials before the match. As the chief of this trio, the Referee must be able to indicate clearly to his assistants how they may best help him. His instructions must be specific, in order to avoid confusion. On their side, the Linesmen must fully appreciate the Referee’s prior authority and accept his rulings without question, should there be any difference of opinion amongst them. Their relationship to him must be one of assistance and neither under intervention nor opposition.