As far as I'm concerned, you have every right to change it. I'm not saying that you should do but you can if you want. The Laws only say that the ball pressure has to be within the specified range. It is entirely within the referee's remit to check the ball pressure and to make a decision as to what the pressure should be.The home team gives me three balls, and I always check the pressure. In most cases it is too low, so I will inflate to just over minimum, say about 9 psi (legal is from 8.5 - 15.6). But if the home team have massively inflated the ball to (say) 15 psi, this is a completely legal ball and I as referee have no right to change or alter it.
As far as I'm concerned, you have every right to change it. I'm not saying that you should do but you can if you want. The Laws only say that the ball pressure has to be within the specified range. It is entirely within the referee's remit to check the ball pressure and to make a decision as to what the pressure should be.
The Laws give the referee "full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match" and further state that the referee "has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the Laws of the Game." I can't see any way that these broad and comprehensive decision-making powers do not allow the referee to decide on the pressure of the ball.
On the other side of the coin, there is absolutely nothing I am aware of in the Laws that even remotely or indirectly implies that the teams have the right to determine the ball pressure. If you can show me something that gives them the authority to make this decision, I'll be happy to eat my words.
When people say "I will alter the pressure" - what do they mean by that? If the pressure is low, will you sit there with a hand pump increasing it? I've always felt that my role is only to say "No, that's too low" and then give the balls back to be sorted out. Sitting at the side of the pitch pumping away isn't quite the dignified, in-control image I'm usually trying to give off in the first few minutes after arriving!
I just give the ball a squeeze and a bounce. Should I be doing more? Do I need a pressure gauge? If so, can anyone recommend one (not too pricey!)
Thanks
J
https://www.networld-sports.co.uk/football-pressure-gauge.html?gclid=CKmNhbjW9c8CFU06GwodtzAPLAI just give the ball a squeeze and a bounce. Should I be doing more? Do I need a pressure gauge? If so, can anyone recommend one (not too pricey!)
Thanks
J
What a load of faffing about, hold ball both hands press firmly should be slight give, if not too hard, if so just right ...... job done
Except ....if you're a NAR, you might get asked to check the match balls by the referee - some might want a more precise check than that!
Never had that in 11 years...........Except ....if you're a NAR, you might get asked to check the match balls by the referee - some might want a more precise check than that!
Never had that in 11 years...........