Read the text and supply a suitable heading to each paragraph. There is one extra heading that you
do not need to use.

The Soccer Referee Responsibilities

The soccer referee does more than administering the Laws of the Game. He or she is responsible for
the entire event which includes activities before, during and after the game. He works hand in hand
with two assistant referees or even three during big games. Here is a look at the soccer referee
responsibilities, which are focused on ensuring a smooth running of the game.

1 ____________________________________

Prior to the match, the referee must make sure that the players are ready to play and all their
jewellery is removed. The soccer referee must then approve the number of players for each team
before proceeding to start the game. He has to arrive in time to check on players and meet with the
coaches. The time recommended is 15 minutes before the scheduled kick-off time. Finally, he gets to
toss a coin to determine which team starts the play.

2 ______________________________________

There are 17 Laws of the Game to be upheld in every game. The laws cover all aspects of the game
ranging from the match ball specifications to player equipment safety. It is the referee’s
obligation to apply the laws uniformly. He can delay the start of a game until the players conform
to the laws.

3 ______________________________________

With the help of assistant referees, he or she is required to ensure the security of players, other
officials and spectators. The options at hand are suspending the play, addressing the problem or
abandoning the match. Those events interfering with the match are then recorded by the referee. The
referee stops the game if a player is hurt or bleeding to allow for treatment. For team officials
or crowds behaving badly, he can order them to leave the sidelines as a way of maintaining order in
the game. On the other hand, he can stop the game if the crowd is endangered with the continuing of
the game.

4 _______________________________________

The referee starts the game and sanctions corner kicks, goal kicks, offside, handballs, throw-ins,
direct kicks and substitutions at an appropriate time. His main responsibility is to run the whole
match with minimal interruptions allowed.


5. _______________________________

He discourages unacceptable behaviour through disciplinary action. His power lies on a pen and
cards, part of the equipment a referee needs in every game. He should not tolerate provocation of
other players by team officials and players. This is achieved by sanctioning yellow or red cards. A
proper record of these actions is kept as it is the base of investigations into any misconduct.

6. ________________________________

The playing field and the immediate surroundings should be clear of fragments, most importantly the
dangerous ones like glass pieces. The corner flags must be in place, markings on the field should
be unbroken and advertising boards should be over a meter from the playing area.

7. _________________________________

The referee has the responsibility of keeping an eye on the surroundings and determining whether
the conditions are suitable for the match to continue. He can stop or delay the game if the
condition of the field is not acceptable, or there are concerns about lightning storm or such
hazards.

8. _________________________________

Having already stated that assistant referees assist in decision making, it is imperative for the
soccer referee to collaborate with them. The assistants at times see incidents during the match
that the referee might miss. The referee ought to factor in their contribution as he is the head of
this team of officials.

9. __________________________________

Every referee needs to be fit and active on the field, moving with the ball so as to ensure he has
a close eye on all actions. He has to do this without interfering with the play. However, there is
no stoppage in play in case the ball hits the referee but he ought to prevent this from happening.

Division of Responsibility and Cooperation

He Inspects the Playing Area

He Enforces Fair Play

He Makes the Final Decision

He Assumes the Right Positioning During the Game

Weather and Surrounding Environment

Maintaining the Safety of Players, Fans and Team Officials

He is in Charge Of the Rules

Pre-Game Responsibilities

The Game Time keeper