The role of the match commissioner in the football game
The roles of match commissioners in modern football cannot be compromised due to their importance to the success of the game. From their recruitment down to their individual character, care must be taken to ensure that the right people are assigned to commission the match.
As part of their traits, they must have a good knowledge of the laws of the game and the rules that govern any competition. The ability to make a quick and accurate decision and maintain proper behavior are the hallmarks of a good match commissioner. He/she must also be brave and daring especially when the game is out of control.
Five specific roles
- Conduct a joint field-of-play check before the start of the game
- Ensure that there is a proper security arrangement by the home team
- Presides over the meeting of the referees and officials of both teams before the start of the match
- Ensure that unauthorized persons or objects do not enter the field or stadium
- Provide a detailed report
Football field condition is very important in soccer game. A water-logged or unmarked field may not be suitable for a standard football game. The playground must also have perimeter fencing to avoid trespassing.
Security is one of the most important aspects of the game of football as violence can break out during play. Therefore, the presence of mobile and regular policemen cannot be compromised. The match commissioner shall insist that the match be stopped if there is insufficient security for the match officials.
A meeting of all stakeholders is usually held in the morning before the start of the match. Some of the issues commonly discussed include security, medicine, shirt colors to be used by both teams and general guidance by match officials on the need to observe the spirit of fair play before, during and after the match. This meeting is usually chaired by the match commissioner.
It is the duty of the match commissioner to ensure that the match venue is free of persons and objects not authorized in the course of the game. He watches the match in a good position and monitors the performance of the referee and his assistants.
Provides a detailed match report to the relevant football authority within 48 hours after the match. The report will include virtually everything that happened before, during and after the match. In conclusion, he must ensure that the match officials are given their entitlements by the organizers in accordance with the provisions and regulations of the game.
