Question Number: 27995

Law 5 - The Referee 11/11/2013

RE: rec/select Adult

CT of Abbotsford, BC Canada asks...

for games where referees do not have AR's, are there any laws/guidelines as to what kind of referee jersey should be worn - do they have to be 'official'.

If a ref were to wear a long sleeve jersey (any colour) that could be purchased in any sports store that wasn't an official referee jersey is that an issue?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi CT
In all official assigned games the referee must wear the official referee uniform and his current badge. It makes no difference if the referee is on his own or part of a team.
Wearing non official uniforms is an issue and in general it should not happen without good cause.
For example if a referee turned up a match and found that he had left behind a colour change of the official uniform and the uniforms that he had available were to clash with a team's colour then he would be justified in wearing a non official uniform.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The issue isn't the number of referees, but whether the league is affiliated with the Canadian Soccer Association or a Provincial Association (such as BC Soccer). If so, the match requires a referee in the standard black uniform unless there is a conflict with the teams (and then, one of the approved alternate uniforms).

In an unaffiliated league, the referee should check with the assignor to see what is required. My experience, however, is that players respond better to a referee who wears the official uniform. It enhances the perception of credibility and professionalism.