- The fourth official may be appointed under the competition
rules and officiates if any of the three match officials is
unable to continue.
- Prior to the start of the competition, the organiser
states clearly whether, if the referee is unable to
continue, the fourth official takes over as the match
referee or whether the senior assistant referee takes over
as referee with the fourth official becoming an assistant
referee.
- The fourth official assists with any administrative duties
before, during and after the match, as required by the
referee.
- He is responsible for assisting with substitution
procedures during the match.
- He supervises the replacement footballs, where required.
If the match ball has to be replaced during a match, he
provides another ball, on the instruction of the referee,
thus keeping the delay to a minimum.
- He has the authority to check the equipment of substitutes
before they enter the field of play. If their equipment does
not comply with the Laws of the Game, he informs the
referee.
- The fourth official assists the referee at all times. He
must indicate to the referee when the wrong player is
cautioned because of mistaken identity or when a player is
not sent off having been seen to be given a second caution
or when violent conduct occurs out of the view of the
referee and assistant referees. The referee, however,
retains the authority to decide on all points connected with
play.
- After the match, the fourth official must submit a report
to the appropriate authorities on any misconduct or other
incident which has occurred out of the view of the referee
and the assistant referees. The fourth official must advise
the referee and his assistants of any report being made.
- He has the authority to inform the referee of
irresponsible behaviour by any occupant of the technical
area.
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