Pre-Match Process

In the build-up to the day or the game and on the day itself there will be several things that you need to be aware off. 

Before the day of the game

Pre-Match Communication

At least 5 days before the game, you should receive confirmation from the home team giving you full details of the game, venue and confirming the KO time. If you do not receive communication from the home team at least 5 days before the game, please email countycups@middlesexfa.com straight away to let us know so that we can ensure that we chase the team/s. 

Communication with Assistant Referees

For some fixtures, Assistant Referees maybe appointed or even a 4th Official. It is the responsibility of the Referee to make contact with the Assistants/4th Official to confirm details and arrange a time to meet at the venue to ensure that everyone knows what is expected of them. 

Plan your journey

It's important that you plan your journey and base the timings on the day that your actually travelling to ensure that you arrive in good time.  

On the Day of the Game

Arrival at the Ground

We would advise that all youth fixtures, officials should be arriving at least 45 minuets before kick off, all Adult games should be 60-90 minuets before kick off. Upon arriving at the ground, be sure to identify the team managers and introduce yourself, first impressions always count! Also if it's your first time at the ground its a chance for you to relax a little before the game starts.

Team Sheets

This year we are taking a different approach to team sheets. We can confirm that unless you as the referee gets a copy of the team sheets before the game you should NOT kick off and start the game. Clubs have been advised of this and all teams must supply these too you before you start. It may be a good idea to remind the clubs when they send you the pre-match notification that you must have one before you kick off and then if there are issues on the day at least you know that you have done all you can. If you wish to accept the team sheet via email this is fine as long as you can clarify you have it before the match starts.  

Kick Off

It's time to kick off, please remember the importance of kicking off on time, any games that kick off late MUST be reported in the post-match form on Centre Circle and a reason given as to why there was a late kick off.

Should after 30 minutes the game has not commenced, you should inform the teams that the game is not going ahead and abandon the fixture and report this on the post match form. You will be entitled too your full fee should this happen.