Example wording for reports
In these examples, it has not been the intention to produce a uniform set of facts which every referee can lay before the appropriate body.
It has been the intention to show a variety of ways in which the relevant facts can be clearly and concisely put to those who have to read such reports and to enable them to build up a precise picture of the incident, bearing accurate relation to the requirements of law.
Violent Conduct
I was the referee in the [insert age and division] game between [insert home team] and [insert away team].
In the 40th minute of the game, the ball had gone out for a goal kick when I saw the [insert team name] #[insert the player’s jersey number], [insert player name], deliberately and violently kick a team mate on the right leg with their left leg following an exchange of words.
At the time of the incident, I was about 10m away and had a clear view of what happened.
I showed the player a straight red card and sent her off for violent conduct.
The game was restarted with a goal kick.
Violent Conduct – Assistant Referee
I was the assistant referee in the [insert age and division] game between [insert home team] and [insert away team].
In the 40th minute of the game, the ball had gone out for a goal kick when I saw the [insert team name] #[insert the player’s jersey number], [insert player name], deliberately and violently kick a team mate on the right leg with her left leg following an exchange of words.
At the time of the incident, I was about 10m away and had a clear view of what happened.
I immediately signalled to the centre referee [insert full name of referee] who then showed the player a straight red card and sent her off for violent conduct.
The game was restarted with a goal kick.
Serious Foul Play
I was the referee in the [insert age and division] game between [insert home team] and [insert away team].
In the 89th minute of the game, the [insert team name] #[insert the player’s jersey number], [insert player name], was guilty of a high and very late tackle in the vicinity of the opponent’s thigh and in my opinion he endangered the safety of an opponent.
I was only 15m away from the incident and I had a clear view of the challenge. I dismissed him from the field of play for serious foul play and showed him the red card.
The game was restarted with a direct free kick to [insert team name].
Offensive, Insulting, Abusive or Intimidating Language or Gestures
I was the referee in the [insert age and division] game between [insert home team] and [insert away team].
In the 33rd minute of this game, the [insert team name] #[insert the player’s jersey number], [insert player name], appealed for a free kick following a challenge by an opponent which, in my opinion, was fair. I was about 12m from the play at the time.
Realising that no free kick had been awarded, the player shouted at me “Referee, you’re nothing but a blind fucking cheat”. I immediately stopped play, showed him a straight red card and sent him off from the field of play for abusive language.
Play was restarted with an indirect free kick to [insert team name].
Note: It is important to include in the report the actual words that were said by the player. Do not censor your report.
Denying an Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity
I was the referee in the [insert age and division] game between [insert home team] and [insert away team].
In the 76th minute of the game, the [insert team name] #[insert the player’s jersey number], [insert player name], deliberately held back, by his shirt, an opponent who had a clear and uninterrupted run to his opponent’s goal.
The incident took place just outside the penalty area and an obvious goal scoring opportunity was denied, so I showed the player a straight red card and sent him from the field.
I was approximately 15 metres from the incident and I had a clear view of the offence.
I restarted play with a direct free kick to [insert team name] from where the offence occurred.
Assistant Referee – Offence Not Seen / Heard
I was the assistant referee in the [insert age and division] game between [insert home team] and [insert away team].
In the 49th minute of the game, I saw the referee stop play and then issue the red card to the [insert team name] #[insert the player’s jersey number], [insert player name], and send the player from the field.
I was positioned in the opposite half of the field of play and did not see the offence.
Misconduct after a match
I was the referee in the [insert age and division] game between [insert home team] and [insert away team].
At the end of the game, a spectator who appeared to be from [insert team name, if known] approached me and said “That’s the worst fucking exhibition of refereeing I’ve ever seen, you’re a disgrace, referee.”
I made no response whatsoever, enquired his name and informed him that this incident would be reported to the Association.