The aim of this presentation is to offer guidance on issues that match officials

may encounter on match days in respect to safety at the lower levels of

football.

Law 1 – The Field of Play

Law 4 – Players Equipment

Take a couple of minutes in groups to think of safety issues

connected with Law 1 before and during the game.

What did we consider were the safety issues connected with

Law 1?

• Inspection of the FOP especially if it is unfamiliar.

• Dangerous objects on the FOP e.g. broken sticks or glass etc.

• Hidden objects e.g. holes, sprinkler covers etc.

• Conditions caused by the weather e.g. frost or standing water

• Inspect goalposts and flags etc.

• Animal fouling

• Vomit

• Blood

• The above list is not exhaustive you must be observant

• Dangerous objects – have them removed

• Hidden Objects – Have holes filled and metal covers protected

• Animal Fouling – Have the home club remove it

• Vomit – If during the game stop play and check on the players well-being and treat. Have the vomit removed and the residue covered with earth etc. or washed away

• Blood – Take similar action as you would for vomit

• Proximity of the spectators – move them back if possible and use barriers.

• Bags etc. along the touch line have them removed to a safe distance.

• Substitutes warming up behind the Assistant Referee.

Take a couple of minutes in the same groups to think of some

safety issues connected with Law 4 – Players Equipment

So what did we think the safety issues were connected with Law 4?

• Jewellery

• Vapour rub (eye contact)

• Glasses (eye conditions)

• Lightweight supports

• Blood

• Jewellery (remove but consider religious items)

• Vapour rub (apply to skin not clothing)

• Lightweight supports (Make sure they do not constitute a danger and do not conceal metal support bars)

• Glasses (made of poly-carbonate material)

• Blood (correct treatment of blood injuries and removal of contaminated clothing)

QUESTIONS?

Remember to take nothing for granted where safety is

concerned

Thank-you for listening