Junior/Youth 2 Finals, 1 day

[ramref]

Hi all, got a bit of a unique day this Sunday.

For context, I ref u12 Sunday mornings, and I've been reffing for just shy of 2 years now. Last year I was AR on u11's final, which I was super happy with. This year I thought I had dropped off a bit, but clearly not as I've been selected to be 4th on u11 final, and middle on u12 final (the league's most prestigious game). The finals happen at a non-league ground, with it being 9v9 the benches are quite a distance away from the pitch.

The first final is at u11s at 11am, I am 4th. Any ideas of what I should do? never been a 4th before, I understand you're there to manage benches and subs, not sure what else though. Is it also recommended that I wear the Nike tracksuit for this because it's what 4th's at PGMOL level do?

The second final is u12s at 2pm, it is the same team of 4 refs, just the ref and me swap so i'm in the middle. How do I approach this day / pre match talk as we will have just done a game together. Any advice for the games themselves and how it adapts to a "normal" day with 1 final?

Cheers.

 

[JamesL]

Having been 4th man for a u12 final I can assure you no one will even notice you are there. Just be ready with a spare ball and don't kick it on

 

[Redref34]

Congrats on your appointments!

I was a 4th last week. There is a huge amount of information that you can find on how to be a 4th. Here is a good video:

To summarise:
-support the referee and ARs in their duties
-manage substitutions in the way an AR would
-help to explain decisions to the benches if they ask - try to stick to factual law rather than guessing what the referee has tried to do
-manage the benches and ensure that the right people are in technical area and conduct is good.
-take a full match record

Listen to the referees instructions on what he wants you to do.

Relax and enjoy! You get to watch the game from a really good position!

 

[Gabriel]

Congrats on getting the appointments! As others have said, 4th at that level is literally just doing what the ref asks, and helping manage the benches. No one will really notice you're there.

 

[ChasObserverRefDeveloper]

Enjoy the game!
Don't bother about what to wear - just need to look smart, e.g. a tracksuit or a training top over your kit.
Make sure you understand the referee's pre-match instructions re tolerance with coaches, management of subs warming up, management of any Sin Bins (hopefully none, but be prepared)
If it goes to a penalty shoot-out, the referee will need to know which players are eligible.
Relax and enjoy.
If you're happy to do so, the instructions for the second game could be "Same as the first game OK by you, gents?"
Have a good day.