DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
RateTheRef
HTML https://ratetheref.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: General Discussion
*****************************************************
#Post#: 100275--------------------------------------------------
Just a polite enquiry......
DIR By: robbieg
Date: January 17, 2026, 6:20 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
A few nights ago I was out with some male friends for dinner.We
support two different clubs.
Over our food amongst other topics we got into a discussion
about behind closed doors friendlies when two clubs agree a game
whilst there is an international break or if both clubs are not
involved in a cup competition.
Question we were asking was who referees this type of fixture ?
Is it current SG or NL refs with a full complement of
assistants and a fourth official or maybe a recently retired ref
and a couple of local ones to run the line.
Any responses will be gratefully received.
I mentioned that I contribute to this website and I am sure
learned ladies and gentlemen will be able to assist.
#Post#: 100277--------------------------------------------------
Re: Just a polite enquiry......
DIR By: El Referee
Date: January 17, 2026, 6:40 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: robbieg link ---
>
> A few nights ago I was out with some male friends for
dinner.We support two different clubs.
>
> Over our food amongst other topics we got into a discussion
about behind closed doors friendlies when two clubs agree a game
whilst there is an international break or if both clubs are not
involved in a cup competition.
>
> Question we were asking was who referees this type of fixture
?
>
> Is it current SG or NL refs with a full complement of
assistants and a fourth official or maybe a recently retired ref
and a couple of local ones to run the line.
>
>
> Any responses will be gratefully received.
> I mentioned that I contribute to this website and I am sure
learned ladies and gentlemen will be able to assist.
>
--- End Quote ---
There’s not an official ruling behind this. I’ve done Liverpool
& Everton behind closed doors games as a L4 & L3.
Ideally they aim for the highest level possible. So sometimes
you’ll have SG1. But it can dip a fair bit lower.
#Post#: 100284--------------------------------------------------
Re: Just a polite enquiry......
DIR By: NoComment1105
Date: January 18, 2026, 2:56 am
---------------------------------------------------------
I ran the line for Ipswich U21 Vs Norwich U21 in a friendly
earlier this season and I'm a Level 6, both PL2 which I believe
is officiated by National List middles and L2 assistantss. An
excellent experience it was. It was midweek so maybe they just
asked the county for anyone who was available
#Post#: 100297--------------------------------------------------
Re: Just a polite enquiry......
DIR By: Acme Thunderer
Date: January 18, 2026, 5:55 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Talking of retired referees, did Dermott Gallagher not abandon a
game behind closed doors because of the behavious of one of the
sides?
#Post#: 100308--------------------------------------------------
Re: Just a polite enquiry......
DIR By: rustyref
Date: January 18, 2026, 7:45 am
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: Acme Thunderer link ---
>
> Talking of retired referees, did Dermott Gallagher not abandon
a game behind closed doors because of the behavious of one of
the sides?
>
--- End Quote ---
Yes, QPR against a Chinese team, and that brought about the FA
bringing in minimum requirements for friendly appointments, and
as far as I am aware they are still valid today.
HTML https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=bcf8d1f02da9b2f43b41479da90bb8993843a2a86043c436fa315506f708f3beJmltdHM9MTc2ODY5NDQwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=198cda8d-015a-6af7-3841-c9f000446b91&psq=fa+non+competition+referee+appointments&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGhlZmEuY29tLy0vbWVkaWEvY2ZhL2hhbXBzaGlyZWZhLzIwMjAvcmVmZXJlZS9hcHBvaW50bWVudC1vZi1tYXRjaC1vZmZpY2lhbHMtdG8tbm9uLWNvbXBldGl0aW9uLW1hdGNoZXMtanVseS0yMDIwLmFzaHg
*****************************************************
Page 1 of 1