Guidelines for Referees
The table below lists all the league rules applicable to referees and clubs during any match in addition to the normal rules of the game. For any concerns or queries relating to any fixtures or after any games please contact the referee's secretary. Failing that, you should contact the league chair or general secretary.
In addition to the rules below, please pay special attention to the following points before, during and after each game:-
Before the game begins:
The fully completed match cards from both teams MUST be collected BEFORE the game begins. If any teams delay kick off as a result of not having their card ready within ten minutes of the kick-off time, rule 10(g) should be applied and the appropriate match card marked accordingly.
If a club does not provide a match card within a further five minutes a 0-0 forfeit should be awarded to the opposition.
Only the players named on the match cards will be allowed to play in the game. Additional players can not be added to the list once the card has been received and the match has started.
Check that corner posts are installed. If not, this should be marked on both of the match cards before the game begins.
During the game:
All substitutions, cautions and sending-off's should be recorded on the match cards as the game progresses.
After the game has ended:
The sportsmanship mark for both clubs should be given in their respective match cards.
The results should be entered on both cards.
Your name entered on both cards and signed.
Both of the match cards should be returned to the respective club managers.
Finally, any cautions or sending-offs MUST be reported to the LFA. This is crucial for maintaining proper discipline and respect for the match officials.
| Rule |
Description |
| 8(i) |
Match shall be forfeit by any team refusing to honour a request to inspect their player ID cards either by league officials or opposition manager. |
| 9(c) |
No player shall be entitled to wear black or very dark shirts or shorts. |
| 9(e) |
In the event of two clubs having similar coloured kits (in the opinion of the referee), the away club shall bear responsibility to change their colour. |
| 9(g) |
All club strips must be numbered and be of sufficient contrast against the kit colour to be clearly distinguishable. |
| 9(h) |
All players must wear the same full team kit. This includes shirts, shorts and socks. |
| 9(h) |
Long legged shorts may be worn provided it is worn as an undergarment to the official shorts in use at the fixture. |
| 10(c) |
Unless otherwise informed, all matches must begin at 10:30am or 1:30pm |
| 10(g) |
Any club delaying kick off by more than 15 minutes from the designated time shall forfeit the game with a 0-0 score line. |
| 10(g) |
Any club delaying kick off by more than 10 minutes (but less than 15 minutes) from the designated time should be marked as delaying the game on the match card. |
| 10(n) |
All clubs are allowed 3 substitutions during any match from a maximum of seven named players on the match card. |
| 10(s) |
No extra time will be played in cup rounds except in the semi-final and final. |
| 10(v) |
All clubs must provide corner flags in their home fixtures. |
| 13(b) |
If the referee does not attend at the designated kick-off time, a 10 minute allowance shall be given after which time 13(c) will apply |
| 13(c) | If the referee does not attend within 10 minutes of the kick-off time, the home club must liaise with the away club manager and nominate a referee within ten minutes. A referee thus appointed must referee the whole game (not any small portion of it) and have the full powers, status and authority of a registered Referee. The home club manager should inform the appointed referee that in such cases that game should be played 35 minutes each half. The game, in these circumstances should begin no later than 25 minutes from the original kick-off time. |
| 13(d) |
A referee not keeping his engagement, and failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to his non-appearance, shall have his name removed from the League List of Referees, and the fact reported to the Football Association with which he is registered. |
| 13(e) |
Referees not sending in match cards will be summoned before the LEC and failing to give a satisfactory explanation may have his name removed from the list and reported to the association with which he is registered. |
| 13(f) |
In the event of a match not being played because of circumstances over which the Clubs have no control, the match Officials, if present, shall be entitled to their full fee from the home club. |
| 13(g) |
The home Club shall offer the match officials their fees before the match. The fees have been agreed at the AGM and shall be £30.00. |
Updated: 12/08/2007