Referee Guidelines

Around 150 referees register with the Southern Amateur League each season. Referees Secretary Mark Freedman controls appointments for all officials from Senior Division 1 right down to Southern Division 15. Below is a step by step process of how appointments work, as well as how to fulfil your duties to the League:

1. Appointment

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

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 the Referees Secretary, so that he can follow up for you.

3. Meet and Greet

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

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

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

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

7. Payment

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

8. Hospitality

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

Log in the RefSec to complete your post match report. If you come across any issues with this then please contact Steve Rawlinson at [email protected]

10. Misconduct

If you have the need to report any misconduct please do so using the Referees Portal. 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 please contact us via the Join the SAL page Join the SAL for Referees. You will be put in touch with the relevant Referees Secretary for your location.