How to write a football match report

One of the functions of a central referee after the completion of any football match is the drafting of the minutes of the match. This is a document that is very important for both the football authority and the referee association, due to its importance. The ability to write a good and accurate report is the hallmark of a competent match official.

What constitutes a standard match report?

start time

The actual kick-off time must be clearly indicated, including the duration of the match. Extra time awarded at the end of each half, including the date of the match, must also be included in the match report.

Name of both teams

Soccer is usually played between two teams with their own sets of players and officials. The match report usually contains the name of both the home team and the away team. The home team name usually comes first.

Party venue name

The name of the place where the match was played must be written on the report. Matches are generally played at the stadium, except where other facilities are used, such as school grounds and hotel and organization training grounds. In any case, the name of the place is very important. The behavior of fans and officials at match venues is also included in the report.

Name and position of the match referees

There are usually four match officials in a standard soccer game. They include: the central referee, assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and the fourth official. Each of these officials has a column where their names, association, position and signature are attached. The name of the match commissioner must be inserted in his report.

Substitutions, bails and dismissals

All substitutions made by both teams must be recorded in the match report. Warnings and expulsions issued to either team must also be recorded. Remember to clearly indicate the offense committed by the player for which he was cautioned or sent off as indicated in the Laws of the Game.

The difference between the second and the first lies in the recording of the incident that led to the warning and expulsion issued. When documenting these incidents, consultations are made with the other match officials to ensure that the reports are as accurate as possible.

Weather and field conditions

Weather conditions may result in the cancellation of a game, especially when the weather is inclement. A vivid description of the condition of the pitch and weather conditions must be included in the report.

goals scored

The number of goals scored and the name and jersey number of the player who scored the goal must be well documented. The final score between both teams and the eventual winner will also be included in the wording.

The full report is usually sent to the football authority responsible for organizing the game, either by post or email. The standard duration for sending such a report is usually 48 hours after the game. It is important to note that all incidents that occur off the field of play should also be recorded, especially in case of intimidation by team officials against match officials. At the end of the report, your name, arbitrator association, and signature must be attached to the report.