Things A Referee Must Know Before He Goes to A Match

A football referee must be familiar with all 17 laws of the game. Before a match can start it is the referee's duty to take care of all participants and inspect the pitch and players to ensure a safe game. Here is a to-do list for the referee before he or she allows game play:

• Field of play - Size of the field must be standard (Length: minimum 120m (130 yards) & maximum: 90m (100 yard) - Width: maximum 90m (100 yards) & minimum 45m (50 yards)).
  
  
• There must not be any dangerous elements on the pitch.
  
  
• The pitch must be safe and clean (Bad weather must not affect the field).
  
  
• Pitch markings and corner flags must be checked by the referee, boundaries of the field have to clearly marked. The lines should not be more than 12cm (5 inches) wide.
  
  
• The center line should be clearly marked as it helps the referee to see that all players are in their half at kick-off and to decide on offside.
  
  
• The corner arc must be clearly marked in each corner. The player taking the corner kick is allowed to put the ball any place inside the quarter circle.
  
  
• Goalposts and the crossbar must have the same width and depth (12cm - 5 inches). They must not be dangerous to players. If the crossbar falls down or breaks, the referee must stop the game until it's been fixed or replaced then the referee can restart the game with a dropped ball at the place where the ball was stopped. If it was near to the goal area the ref should take the ball to the nearest point on the goal area and drop it on the edge of the goal area. If repair is not possible, the match cannot continue.
  
  
• The Ball. The ball must have the FIFA logo on it to ensure that it has the standards to play in an official match. If the ball is burst or becomes soft during the game and the referee stops the match to replace it, he should restart the match with a dropped ball. If this happens while the ball is out of play, the game will start with the usual restart.
  
  
• Players. A match may not start if either team has less than seven players. Neither should it not continue if there are fewer than seven players in either team. Before kick-off and before a player is substituted, the referee should check the players to see if they wear anything that may create a dangerous situation for other players or themselves. Rings and jewellery should be removed or taped. Religious symbols are allowed if they are not dangerous.
  
  

Source: Football Referee game