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LAWS OF THE GAME Q&A

In response to various questions, the following are the responses from the National Referee Program Office:

Goalkeeper changing places with a field player

Question: Is it permissible under the Laws of the Game for the goalkeeper and a field player to change places? If so, what are the requirements?

Answer: There is nothing wrong with the goalkeeper changing places with a field player as long as it is done in accordance with the requirements of Law 3, which are:

(a) The referee is informed before the change is made.

(b) The change is made during a stoppage in the match.

Delay or time wasting during the exchange process are not acceptable. The game will not be held up to allow for a complete change of equipment by either player. The former goalkeeper must leave the field to correct his equipment. The equipment may not be done on the field. The change of positions is complete at the moment the new goalkeeper is given a goalkeeper shirt or jersey -- which should be ready for him when the exchange is requested. If the former goalkeeper, who is now a field player, is not ready to play in the basic compulsory equipment (same color jersey or shirt, socks, and shorts; shinguards and footwear) as the other field players on his team, he may not re-enter the field to play until his equipment and uniform conform with Law 4. During that interim period, his team must play short, just as when a player leaves the field for treatment of bleeding. When the player is ready to re-enter the game, the referee will beckon the player on at the next stoppage of play and check the former goalkeeper's uniform and equipment. If satisfied with the player's condition, the referee may permit him to play.

Responsibilities of the Referee

Question: What are some of the responsibilities of the referee?

Answer: Among the responsibilities which all referees must perform are: 
1.   Pre-game duties, including acknowledgment of game assignment, field inspection, etc.;
2.   Mental and physical preparation to carry out all duties during the match;
3.   Following the match, accurate preparation and timely submission of completed reports to appropriate authorities.

While the execution of the first two of these requirements is usually acceptable, experience has shown that many referees are deficient in the performance of the last of them. It cannot be over-emphasized that the official's obligations are not fulfilled until the proper paperwork is completed and submitted to the appropriate authorities.

Clear, legibly written (preferably printed), grammatically correct reports written on authorized forms and submitted in a timely manner to the proper authorities are the basic requirements. Relevant training has been provided. Correct forms are available from the State Referee Administrators. There are adequate explanatory materials and personnel available to answer questions. Despite all of this, game and supplementary reports are seriously deficient, both in presentation of what is included as well as significant data that are being omitted. Specific areas needing attention follow: 

1.   Cautionable and Sending-Off Offenses must be recorded under only one of the categories as defined in Law 12 and listed in the "7+7" Memorandum previously distributed (and presently posted on the Federation website Referee Page).

2.   A player who receives a second caution in the same match will be recorded separately for both misconduct offenses in the "Cautions" section, as well as in the "Send-Offs/Dismissals" section.

3.   Names and numbers of disciplined players must coincide with data on the team's official roster.

4.   A Supplemental Report for each separate unusual incident or Send-Off offense must be submitted.

Respect hard-won on the field is done a disservice when the referee does not complete the administrative responsibilities correctly. Your attention to detail is demanded.

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