The Fourth Official

When watching a football match, most fans focus on the players, the referee, and maybe the assistant referees running on the touchlines. But have you ever noticed the official standing near the team benches with a board in hand? That’s the fourth official — and while their role might not be as visible, it’s incredibly important for keeping the game running smoothly.

Let’s break it down.

Before the Whistle Blows

Before the match even kicks off, the fourth official is already busy. They check the players’ gear, the match balls, and make sure the field is ready. They also meet with both teams and ensure the coaching staff understands the rules for substitutions and technical area behavior.

It may not seem exciting, but these small checks help prevent big problems later on.

During the Match: Managing the Chaos

Once the game starts, the fourth official becomes the match’s organizer-in-chief off the pitch. Here’s what they handle:

Timekeeping

When the match nears the end of each half, the fourth official signals how much stoppage time will be added — the familiar board you see raised is their tool. In youth games they would usually just tell each head coach.

Technical Areas

They also monitor the team benches. Coaches getting too loud? Players leaving the bench without permission? The fourth official steps in — usually with a calm word, but they can call over the head referee if things get out of hand.

Communication Hub

They keep backup records of:

• Goals
• Yellow/red cards
• Substitutions

They’re also a link between the referee crew, stadium staff, security, and even ball kids. Basically, if anything goes wrong behind the scenes, the fourth official handles it.

Substitutions

They control the flow of player changes.

1. Preparing the Substitution

• • A team official (usually the coach or team manager) informs the fourth official that they want to make a substitution.
  • They provide:

• The number of the player going off

• The number of the player coming on

• • Any necessary paperwork (in some leagues) 
• The substitute must be ready: fully dressed, properly equipped, and wearing a bib or jacket until called.

The fourth official checks:

• The substitute’s shirt number

• Their equipment (shin guards, cleats, jewelry, etc.)
• Whether the team still has available substitutions (in competitions with a set limit, like 5 subs max)

If anything’s wrong — like missing gear or a sixth sub in a 5-sub match — the sub is delayed or denied.

2. Waiting for the Right Moment

• The fourth official must wait until the ball is out of play (goal kick, throw-in, foul, etc.) before the substitution can happen. Some rules of completion dictate that only certain stoppages can be used for substitutions.
• They then alert the referee that a substitution is ready by signaling.

The referee has the final word and can delay a substitution if there’s a tactical reason to wait (e.g., during a penalty or in a fast counter-attack).

3. Making the Switch

When the referee gives the green light:

• If applicable, the fourth official displays the electronic substitution board, showing:
  • The number of the player coming off (usually in red)
  • The number of the player coming on (usually in green)
• The player being substituted must leave at the nearest boundary line, unless the referee allows them to exit at the halfway line (varies by league or situation, in youth always make them to their bench).
• Only after the player has fully left the field does the substitute enter.
  • This helps avoid 12 players on the pitch — which would be a major infraction. If a substitute enters early or without permission, the player can receive a caution (yellow card) and the play can be restarted with an indirect free kick.

4. After the Substitution

• The fourth official records the substitution:
  • Time it happened
  • Players involved
  • Team making the change
• This helps keep accurate match records and ensures no team exceeds their sub limit in some leagues.

In Summary

The fourth official ensures that every substitution:

• Happens only when the ball is out of play
• Follows competition rules
• Includes the correct players
• Doesn’t disrupt the game
• Is clearly communicated and recorded

Extra Eyes for Fair Play

While the referee and assistant referees watch the main action, the fourth official watches everything else — like off-the-ball incidents or coaching staff misbehavior. If something serious happens (like violent conduct), they can alert the center referee.

They don’t make final decisions, but their input can influence major calls.

Ready to Step In

Injured referee? Assistant referee can’t continue? The fourth official is the backup plan. They’re warmed up and ready to jump in, making sure the match continues without delay.

Handling the Heat

One of the toughest parts of the job? Managing emotions.

Coaches get passionate. Players get frustrated. The fourth official is often the first line of defense — listening, calming things down, and keeping order without adding fuel to the fire.

It takes patience, confidence, and clear communication.

What to say as a 4th Official