One of the functions of a central referee after the completion of any football match is the drafting of the match report. This is a document that is very important both for the football authority and for the referees’ association, due to its importance. The ability to write a good and accurate report is the hallmark of a competent match official.
What constitutes a standard match report?
start time
The actual kick-off time must be clearly stated, including the duration of the match. Extra time awarded at the end of each half, including the date of the match, must also be included in the match report.
Name of both teams
Soccer is usually played between two teams with their own sets of players and officials. The match report usually contains the name of both the home team and the away team. The local computer name usually comes first.
Name of the party venue
The name of the place where the game was played must be written in the report. Matches are generally played at the stadium, except in cases where other facilities are used, such as school fields and hotel and organization training grounds. In any case, the name of the place is very important. The behavior of fans and officials at match venues is also included in the report.
Name and position of the referees of the match
There are usually four match officials in a standard game of football. They include: the central referee, the assistant referee 1, the assistant referee 2 and the fourth official. Each of these officials has a column where their names, association, position and signature are attached. The name of the match commissioner must be inserted in your report.
Substitutions, bonds and dismissals
All substitutions made by both teams must be recorded in the match report. Warnings and ejections issued to any of the teams must also be recorded. Remember to clearly indicate the offense committed by the player for which he was cautioned or sent off as stated in the Laws of the Game.
The difference between the second and the first lies in the recording of the incident that led to the warning and expulsion issued. When documenting these incidents, consultations are made with the other match officials to ensure that the reports are as accurate as possible.
Weather and pitch conditions
Weather conditions may result in a match being cancelled, especially when the weather is inclement. A vivid description of the condition of the pitch and the weather conditions should be included in the report.
goals scored
The number of goals scored and the name and jersey number of the player who scored the goal must be well documented. The final score between both teams and the eventual winner will also be included in the draft.
The full report is usually sent to the football authority responsible for organizing the game, either by post or email. The standard timeframe for submitting such a report is usually 48 hours after the match. It is important to note that all off-field incidents must also be recorded, especially in cases of intimidation by team officials against match officials. At the end of the report, your name, referee association and signature must be attached to the report.