FUTSAL REFEREE MECHANICS

CO- OPERATION AND POSITIONING BETWEEN THE REFEREES

 Given the fact that FUTSAL has two (2) referees empowered to enforce the Laws of the Game, it is imperative that the referees establish a system of control to enforce the Laws of the Game.  The system of control must be flexible yet rigid enough to clearly define each referee’s position and responsibility throughout the match.  The result of good positioning will be a system of control that enables cooperation and communication.

Laws V and VI provide instruction as to the powers and duties of the Referee and the Assistant Referee.  Prior to the game, the Referee shall communicate and review the system of control with the Assistant Referee and the Timekeeper.  Proper positioning, constant visual contact, and hand signals by the referees will assist understanding through clear communication.

The following summarizes the positioning and mechanics to be utilized by the referees during a FUTSAL match.

GENERAL MECHANICS

With two (2) referees controlling the match, there will always be a “Trail Referee” (TR) and a “Lead Referee” (LR).  The Lead Referee is always in front of the ball on the attacking half of the field leading the attack.  The Trail Referee is always behind and trailing the ball as it moves to the opposite goal.  The referees’ position as trail or lead changes as teams exchange possession of the ball.   Referees should not take stagnate positions.  Referees must always be moving and running.  Referees patrol the entire touch-line on their side of the playing court.  As a result, the referee will need to move along the touch-line to monitor positions for kick-ins, corner kicks, fouls, and other restarts as permitted by the Laws of the Game.  The referee’s position is flexible as the guidelines provided herein are followed.

ENFORCEMENT OF FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

Regardless of the location of an infraction or foul on the pitch, the Laws of the Game require action by the referees.  Hence, it does not matter which referee takes the appropriate action whether it be signaling for a foul or dealing with misconduct.  Prior to making a decision, referees should have visual contact with their partner and consider the following, in particular if the foul or misconduct occurred closer to their partner than them:

1.         Did my partner see it?

2.         Was my partner in position to see it?

3.         What impact will my failure to take action have on the game?

Regardless of which referee has signaled a foul, the referee on whose side the infraction occurred shall move quickly to the spot of the foul to monitor the restart and protect against encroachment.  See Diagram 1.  The other referee shall take a position as the Lead or Trail Referee depending upon the proximity of the foul to the goal.  For indirect free kicks, both referees shall raise their arms to indicate the fact that the kick is indirect.

Diagram # 1