Referee Guidelines

Around 150 referees register with the Southern Amateur League each season. Referees Secretary Daryl Ann controls appointments for all officials from Senior Division 1 right down to Junior Division 5 South. Below is a step by step process of how appointments work, as well as how to fulfil your duties to the League:

1. Appointment

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The League Referees Secretary will notify you via the FA Full-Time system to inform you of your appointment for the coming weekend.

2. Confirmation

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The Referees Secretary from the host club will contact you to confirm the appointment and give you details of the ground and kick-off time. ​If you don't hear anything by Thursday contact Referees Secretary, Daryl Ann, so that he can follow up for you.

3. Meet and Greet

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A member of the host club should meet you and show you to your changing room, give you the match ball and also show you whiich pitch is to be used.

4. Arrival at the ground

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You should arrive at least 45 minutes prior to kick-off. All teams are required to submit teamsheets to you 20 minutes before the match begins.

5. The Pitch

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Once you are changed check that the pitch is fit for play and that goals, flags and other equipment are all in good, safe condition.

6. The Match

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Enjoy the match but be sure to report any shortcomings in behaviour, facilities or organisation on your match report.

7. Payment

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The home team pays the referee and (where appointed) 1 assistant. If necessary the home team will pay all 3 officials and settle up with opponents.

8. Hospitality

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It is customary in SAL football to accept hospitality in the form of a post-match meal and perhaps a drink. Try not to shoot off immediately after the game.

9. Report card

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Complete Referee Match Report Form [RL-REF-52] to report the result and any other issues such as poor behaviour or problems with facilities, etc. This goes straight to Referees Secretary Daryl Ann, who will take up any issues raised.

10. Misconduct

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If you have the need to report any misconduct please do so using the Whole Game System. For more information about this please contact the Amateur Football Alliance.
Questions?
If you need any more information about refereeing in the Southern Amateur League contact Referees Secretary Daryl Ann by telephone on ​07732 475 910 or by email at refereesecretary.sal@gmail.com.