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Report Writing Tips

Referee Report Writing Tips

  • Use terminology/language from IFAB LOTG and FIFA considerations.
  • Use names (and NOT pronouns (he, she, they, them, etc) to avoid any confusion.
  • In order for Disciplinary Committees to evaluate serious misconduct, match reports must include:
    • The name of (and additional identifying information for) the player / technical staff who was sent off
    • The time of the send off
    • The specific reason in the IFAB Laws of the Game for the send off (Law 12)
  • In addition, the referee must supply sufficient detail regarding the circumstances of the misconduct to aid in evaluating its level of seriousness.
  • Among the factors that should be addressed, where relevant, are:
    • Whether the action occurred during a challenge for the ball
    • Whether the misconduct occurred at a stoppage of play or during play
    • If anyone was injured as a consequence of the misconduct
    • Whether there was any prior incident that may have led to the player’s actions
    • The demeanor of the player during the send-off (including any difficulties in implementing the player’s removal from the field)
    • The location of the action in relation to the goal line and penalty area being attacked at the time
    • The subsequent intrusion of any other players (teammates or opponents) during the time the referee is managing the send off
    • The specific words or gestures which were determined to be insulting, offensive, or abusive
    • The identity of the opponent or official toward whom the misconduct was directed
    • A summary of the prior misconduct (or a reference to the section of the report which detailed the prior caution) preceding the second caution for which the player was sent off
    • The identity of the assistant referee, fourth official, or reserve assistant referee who provided independently observed facts to the referee regarding the misconduct
    • All other details of the action which materially shaped the decision to send the player off

Supplemental Reports are required for the following:

  • RED CARDS
  • SERIOUS INJURIES
  • TECHNICAL AREA DISCIPLINE
  • FIELD INSPECTION ISSUES
  • BREACH OF COMPETITION RULES
  • SPECTATOR INCIDENTS
  • WEATHER DELAYS

Supplemental reports should be submitted immediately following the game but no later than 24hrs after the game. State only the facts of what happened.