When a match is still tied after extra time, IFAB Law 10.3 provides the solution: the penalty shootout. This dramatic finale ensures every game produces a winner, but it also follows a very specific process to keep things fair.
Only players who are on the field at the end of extra time may take part. If one team has fewer players because of red cards or injuries, the other team must reduce to equate so both sides have the same number of eligible kickers. This way, no team gains an advantage in the order of shooters.
The procedure begins with the referee selecting the goal and a coin toss deciding which team shoots first. Each side alternates shots from the penalty mark, taking five kicks each. If the score is still level, the contest continues into sudden death, where teams trade one kick at a time until a winner emerges.
Every kick is also bound by Law 14 (the penalty kick). The ball must be placed on the penalty mark, the goalkeeper must stay on the goal line until the kick is taken, and all other players must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is struck. Any infringements are handled by the referee, which may result in retakes or cautions.
How Assessments and Mentors Can Help You Improve as a Referee
Refereeing is more than just enforcing the Laws of the Game—it’s about managing players, staying calm under pressure, and making fair, confident decisions in real time. No matter how long you’ve been officiating, there’s always room to grow. That’s where assessments and mentorship come in. These tools are two of the most effective ways to develop your skills and advance as a referee.
Assessments give you structured, objective feedback from experienced officials who observe your matches. An assessor can highlight what you’re doing well—like maintaining good positioning, signaling clearly, or using your voice effectively—and also identify areas that could be stronger, such as fitness, anticipation, or foul recognition. Instead of being seen as criticism, assessments should be viewed as learning opportunities. Each one helps you understand your performance from another perspective and gives you actionable steps to improve for the next game.
Mentors provide a more personal form of guidance. A mentor is someone who’s been in your shoes and can share their experiences, advice, and encouragement. They can help you prepare for big matches, review key moments afterward, and talk through difficult situations that happen on the field. Having a mentor also gives you a sense of community—you’re not learning alone, and you have someone invested in your growth and success.
When you combine the practical insight of assessments with the personal support of mentorship, you create a powerful foundation for improvement. You start to recognize your habits, gain confidence in your decision-making, and build consistency in your performances. Whether your goal is to move up to higher levels or simply be the best referee you can at your current level, assessments and mentors are key partners in your journey.
