Assistant Referee Entering the Field

The relevant clause of the playing rules concerning the Assistant Referee is "The referee will tell the assistant referee where he would like him to be positioned. During the game the assistant referee shall be positioned in the playing area (§ 2) and outside the field of play."

In the paragraphs giving clarification of this rule it states "The assistant referee is allowed to enter the field of play for a short period of time but only after he has been given permission to do so by the referee."

Another relevant sentence in the rules concerning the Assistant Referee is "The referee may ask the assistant referee to assist him with other pre-defined tasks."

From this it should be clear that an assistant referee is only allowed to enter the field of play when the referee has specifically informed him that he may do so. An assistant must not take it upon himself to enter the field of play without such permission.

Unless the referee so desires, this does not, however, mean that permission needs to be given on each and every occasion. The assistant can be asked to assist the referee with other pre-defined tasks (see wording above) and if certain situations are clearly clarified in advance then the referee can request that his assistant enter the field for a short period whenever such a situation occurs.

The assistant needs to remember that he is present to assist the referee under the terms laid down by the referee and the playing rules. Any other actions over and above those specifically requested by the referee could be deemed to be undesirable and could, in certain circumstances, lead to the referee replacing him.

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