Steps of Refereeing a Match
1.2: Ping the staff to claim the match you want to referee
• Go to your assigned match channel
• Ask if managers are ready 10 minutes before match
• Start the stage once both teams are ready
• Ask one player to stream the match
• If neither can stream, tell them to film the goals and stream it to the audience
• When match ends, head to the #match-results channel
• Write all statistics in the format that is pinned in that same channel
• Include: Final score, cards issued, significant events
Potential Match Situations
Player Disconnects During the Match
The game will not be paused during the attack. The match will only pause when the ball goes out of play (e.g., for a corner, goal kick, or throw-in).
Once the ball goes out of play:
- Pause the timer with :sbpause
- Notify both teams about the disconnect
- Allow a maximum of 5 minutes for the player to reconnect
- Reassign the goalkeeper role to the player with :gk (user) home/away if they reconnect
If the player does not reconnect within the 5-minute window:
- Substitute the player with :stm (user) home/away
- Resume the match with :sbstart
Ball Gets Stuck
- Anchor the ball using :anchor
- Roll the ball to the nearest appropriate team/player with :b (user)
Server Lag or Technical Issues
- Pause the timer with :sbpause
- Notify both teams and assess if the match can continue
- If the issue persists and affects gameplay, consider rescheduling the match
Last Man
Rule: Fouling the last attacker in a 1-on-1 situation results in a red card and suspension. Clearing the ball with a tackle is exempt.
Ball is Interfered with by a Non-Player
- Pause the timer with :sbpause
- Anchor the ball and remove the interfering entity using :kick (user) if it’s a spectator
- Resume play by awarding a drop ball (:b (user)) to the team that last had possession
Improper Goal Claims & Referee Decisions
Rule: Challenging referee decisions without valid proof or using disrespectful language is prohibited.
Time-Wasting by a Team
- Warn the team about the behavior
- If they continue, stop the timer and anchor the ball using :anchor
- Award an indirect free kick to the opposing team at the spot of the time-wasting
Goal Disputed (Lag or Glitch)
- Anchor the ball immediately with :anchor
- Review the situation if possible (replays or team captain confirmation)
If the goal is invalid, reset the match to the previous state:
- Award a free kick or appropriate restart to the opposing team
- Remove the goal from the scoreboard
- Use :sbtime to adjust the time
Unauthorized Player on the Field
Stop the match and anchor the ball with :anchor
- The referee removes the unauthorized player using :kick (user)
- The player is issued a red card (:rc (user)) and their team continues with one less player
- Resume the match once the issue is resolved
- This is not the referee’s responsibility to enforce proactively but the team manager’s responsibility to ensure compliance
- The match is declared an automatic forfeit for the team fielding the unauthorized player
Unsure Decision During the Match
- Pause the match using :sbpause
- Announce to the audience or participants that clips are being requested for review (e.g., “Referee is requesting clips for clarification of an unclear situation.”)
- Review any clips submitted by the audience, focusing only on factual evidence and not on their opinions or commentary
- Make a decision based solely on the evidence from the clips
- Communicate the final decision to both teams using :m (message) and resume the match with :sbstart
Delay
Rule: Goals resulting from server bugs or delayed ball mechanics may be disallowed unless caused by goalkeeper lag.
IFA Referee Rules
Extra Time Rule for Referees
In situations where there is significant time-wasting or time loss during the game, referees are required to restrict extra time to a maximum of 9 minutes.
If there is minimal time-wasting or time loss, referees may add less extra time as appropriate.
The referee’s decision on the amount of extra time added is final and must be communicated clearly to both teams before the extra time begins.
- If the referee exceeds the 9-minute extra time limit, any goals scored after the 9th minute (unless the attacking phase began before the 9th minute) will not be counted, and the match will end immediately
- Teams must provide a clip of the disallowed goal(s) to verify the time at which the goal(s) occurred
- Referees who repeatedly exceed the 9-minute extra time limit will face disciplinary action, including potential strikes or removal from officiating duties
Purpose: This rule ensures that matches do not drag on unnecessarily due to time-wasting or delays, while maintaining fairness and accountability for referees.
Professional Conduct
Referees must remain unbiased and professional throughout the match. Personal opinions or favoritism are prohibited.
Punctuality and Preparation
- Referees must arrive at least 15 minutes before the match to ensure readiness
- Review all necessary commands and game rules prior to starting
Command Usage
Referees must use approved commands as outlined in the Referee Command Guide. Misuse of commands, such as rolling players incorrectly, will result in review.
Rule Enforcement
Referees must strictly enforce IFA rules without exceptions unless directed by the league management.
Examples:
- Time-wasting penalties must be issued promptly
- Illegal players must be removed immediately
Communication with Teams
- Maintain clear communication with team captains for any decisions, stoppages, or disputes
- Use announcements (:m) to notify all players of match updates or decisions
Appeals and Clips
- Ensure that any disputed decision is supported by a replay or clip
- Accept appeals if valid clips are provided within league deadlines
Match Abandonment
If a match cannot continue due to extreme circumstances (e.g., server issues, mass disconnects):
- Resume only if the issue is resolved within a reasonable time
- Pause the timer
- Notify both teams and league management
Match Outcome
Submit a full match report after every game, including:
- Final score
- Cards issued
- Any significant events or incidents
Integrity in Decision-Making
Referees must make decisions based on game rules and match events, not external pressures.
Focus and Conduct
Referees must remain fully attentive to the game they are officiating. Engaging in distractions such as eating, playing other games, or multitasking during the match is strictly prohibited.
Respect for All Participants
Treat all players, managers, and staff with respect, regardless of circumstances.
Conflict of Interest
Referees are strictly prohibited from officiating matches involving their own teams, including any team they are managing, coaching, or playing for.


