Law 5 – The Referee, 2. Decisions of the referee states that:
\n‘Decisions will be made to the best of the referee’s ability according to the Laws of the Game and the “spirit of the game” and will be based on the opinion of the referee, who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the Laws of the Game. The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final. The decisions of the referee, and all other match officials, must always be respected.’
Despite the expectations underpinning Law 5, decisions by referees and other match officials are regularly subjected to verbal and/or physical dissent and sometimes result in players running at the referee and surrounding or mobbing them. This behaviour shows a lack of respect for the referee, harms the image of the game and can be intimidating and upsetting. It is a common reason given by match officials for resigning. Action is needed to reduce such behaviour and to protect referees.
The following procedure will apply:
\n*It is strongly recommended that competition organisers have sanctions in place to deal with situations where more than one player from a team enters the captain-only zone.
","model":{"apiKey":"news_html"},"apiKey":"news_html"},{"id":"DatoCmsProtocol-cfdZde7yR7S2sB4Tsac-fw-en","model":{"apiKey":"protocol"},"protocolA":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/43623/1711111456-ifab_only-the-captain_trial-information_en.pdf"},"protocolB":null,"protocolADesktop":{"alt":null,"height":649,"width":2007,"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/43623/1711103313-en.jpg?auto=format"},"protocolAMobile":{"alt":null,"height":649,"width":2007,"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/43623/1711103313-en.jpg?auto=format"},"protocolBDesktop":null,"protocolBMobile":null,"apiKey":"protocol"},{"id":"DatoCmsNewsHtml-aRL4qz4yQGi-zXcjyIwdYA-en","htmlContent":"This trial is available only to competitions that do not involve teams from the top two domestic levels or senior ‘A’ international teams.
\nThis protocol must be used in its entirety. No variations are allowed, unless approved in writing by The IFAB.
\nCompetition organisers must apply to The IFAB, through their national FA or confederation (whichever is appropriate), for permission to take part in the trial, indicating which competition(s) will be involved. Other information may be requested by The IFAB.
\nPermission to take part will usually be given by The IFAB, as long as competition organisers complete the necessary undertakings, which will include a requirement to supply feedback and information/data (whenever requested by The IFAB) to allow the evaluation of the trial.
\nFor further details or to apply to take part in the trial, please contact trials@theifab.com.
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