mrfunktastick

Does a rule exist where a ref can't officiate a game if he is declared to be from the same county as one of the teams playing?

I always thought there was such a rule and was therefore surprised to see Andy D'Urso (Essex) taking charge of Southampton vs Colchester on Wednesday

retired_dbaguado

Didnt Jeff Winter (stockton) take charge of Boro v Newcastle before?

Something's not right .

retired_christy23

well surely if a referee from essex officiated in a match involving a team from essex then there is no such rule?

retired_claire

Can't remember who it was, possibly Rob Styles, but a ref from Waterlooville has refereed a Pompey match before.

retired_putpo

I know that Mark Clattenberg isn't allowed to referee Newcastle matches. I think it's a case of actually supporting the team during your lifetime that may have an influence although not totally sure.

Just know he only does our friendly matches and they always make a point of how he isn't allowed to do the 'real thing.'

mrfunktastick

i was wondering if they had messed up and made a mistake

cbhoyhern

i was wondering if they had messed up and made a mistake </BLOCKQUOTE>

The FA/Ref's Association? Nooooooooooooooooooooo.

retired_lavely3

Referees have to declare any affiliations when they register - who they support and suchlike. They then won't be given games involving those sides. Being local doesn't make any difference.

retired_prettygirl9156

Can't referee the senior team from the place you live in (eg Living in Leicester, can't referee LCFC)

Can't referee the team you support (which you have to declare to the Football League)

mrfunktastick

so that would mean if i was a ref i couldn't ref a southampton match but could ref a portsmouth match. i may be slightly biased what if Andy D'Urso supports Southend for example and hates Colchester?