In most if not all professional football fixtures there are at least four match officials that take charge of the game.
The team comprises the main referee, two assistant referees and a fourth official. The main referee is the one in charge and has full authority in the game, usually with the whistle.
One of the main referee roles in football is enforcement of rules during the match and can penalise players or teams at large for breaching any football law.
TeamKenya takes a look at what the match officials do before a match kicks off.
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Inspecting of the Field
Before a match starts, the referee takes it to the field to inspect the condition of the ground to ensure that there are no unwanted objects lying around.
The referee has to ensure the net is well fastened to the goal posts and that they do not have any holes, and calls for necessary action.
The officials must ensure that the corner flags are well positioned and that the field is properly marked.
The referee is mandated to record any issue within the field on the match report.
Meeting up with the Coaches from both teams
After checking on the pitch conditions the referees head to the various team bosses to introduce themselves.
The referees explain to the managers what they should expect from them and how the match will be officiated.
Checking in the Players(team inspection)
The officials conduct the team inspection after meeting the team bosses.
Before the start of any match, the referees check the players’ equipment, to ensure they are in line with the requirements stated in the football laws.
Brief Assistant Referees
The main referee during their briefing asks for his assistants to carry out their roles in accordance with existing regulations.
The main match official will also determine the time and routine for warming up which the Assistant Referees and him will take part through before the match.
The final task before the match kicks off, the referee calls up the two team captains where he tosses a coin to decide on team's position in the field as well as who starts the match.