An NCAA soccer match is a beautifully intricate dance of players, coaches, and officials. While the referees and their assistants expertly oversee the action on the field, there's a sentinel between the benches that ensures the game runs smoothly and maintains its integrity: the fourth official. This position goes far beyond merely holding up a substitution board. 

Historically referred to as the "alternate official," the title has been updated in the latest rule book to reflect the essential nature of the fourth official’s contributions as a full-fledged member of the officiating team. Mastering the various responsibilities and subtleties of this role is a pivotal step on the path to refereeing at an NCAA Final Four. 

Before the Game

Your journey as a fourth official starts long before the opening whistle. Your pre-match preparations lay the groundwork for a seamless game.

Pre-Arrival & Logistics

If you haven’t heard from the referee within 72 hours of the match, reach out to confirm your assignment and discuss their plans. If you're a local official who has been to this school several times before, be a valuable resource for any visiting officials by providing crucial information such as parking details, locker room locations, and the best routes to the field.

Arrival

Aim to arrive in the locker room 60-90 minutes before the match, depending on conference policy or your referee’s instructions. Dress in the attire approved by your conference assignor. If changing facilities are limited, adapt by being prepared to change in public spaces as needed, taking cues from the referee (which may require you to come dressed for the field). 

The Locker Room

Control the Door

The locker room is the crew’s safe haven, but to keep it that way the 4th official must ensure the door is locked once the crew is inside. If a key is provided, the 4th official should hold on to it, unless this is delegated to another crew member. When someone knocks, confirm their identity before letting anyone in. Access to the room should be limited to the referee crew members. If home team representatives have keys, this may be difficult but do your best.

Pre-Game Checklist

Upon arrival at the field, the referee will assign various tasks to members of your team. Typically, the 4th official is tasked with responsibilities including: 

Assisting the referee with field inspection

One of the first things the referee team should do after arriving is the field inspection. It is usually best to do this as a team of four, and if any problems are discovered, you may be the primary point of contact to coordinate with the host institution groundskeepers, and you may be asked to act as a liaison between the college and the referee. If changes are made, the referee may ask you to re-inspect the item yourself depending on how much time remains until kick-off.

Due to last year’s rule change, some schools have not yet fully integrated the new bench area markings. If there is no team/coaching area, it is strongly recommended that these areas are marked with cones before the game begins.

Keep the Crew On-Time

Find the match day timing sheet or ask a home team representative. The 4th official should ensure the referee is always aware of how much time is left before the next item listed on the agenda. The crew should never be the cause of a delay to any of the pre-match events or, worse still, the kick-off.

Match Balls

There must be a minimum of five (5) match balls. Some of the bigger Division I programs may opt to utilize more than this. After verifying that the ball is safe (e.g. no missing or cracked panels, etc.). Next, check the air pressure in the ball using a gauge. If the pressure is outside of the manufacturer’s recommendation, inflate or deflate the ball accordingly. Each ball should be at (or close to) the same pressure so the players have a consistent experience throughout the game. Then, after approving the ball for play, use a marker that won’t damage the ball, and draw a small, unique mark near the valve so you can quickly identify if a ball was approved or not. Make sure the acceptable match balls are delivered to the field so they aren’t mixed up with non-approved ones.

Radios

If there are communication headsets, test them early and verify that they are working. Give yourself enough time to resolve technical problems.

Rosters 

The referee will collect a roster from each team. Take these and snap a photo of them on your phone for backup, then bring the rosters out to the field with you during the match so you can quickly resolve questions of player eligibility.

During Warmups

Identify & talk to these people: 

Team trainer(s)
Introduce yourself and review your injury protocols and let them know what to expect from you on the day.

Timekeeper
Reviewing the timing rules and referee signals. If the stadium clock must be adjusted mid-game, ask how this should be communicated.

Scorekeeper
Find out how they would like you to verify the box score at the end of the game.

Ball Retrievers
Let them know what is expected of them and that their actions must be equal for both sides. 

Coaches (typically done with the referee)
Discuss how you intend to handle subs, injuries, and how to approach you during the match if they have questions.

Video Review Operator
Finally, if a video review system is in place, you should be available to help the referee test the system.

Game On!

Once the match kicks off, the fourth official's attention shifts to managing the team and coaching areas and handling game administrative details with finesse.

Ready at a Moment’s Notice
First, be ready to step onto the field, so wear cleats or appropriate footwear that enables you to substitute for an injured official without delay. Keep a whistle in your pocket and consider having an extra can of vanishing spray at your table.

Timekeeping
You should have a watch that is easy to reset, so your time is always accurate. This way, the referee can rely on you to provide them with an accurate match time in case any corrections are required. 

Record Keeping
Meticulous tracking of the goals, cards, and times of other significant incidents is critical in your mission to support the referee. Your attentiveness prevents situations where a player mistakenly remains on the field after receiving a second yellow card.

For Division I Men’s matches be sure to track the substitution moments. For all other NCAA games, it’s a good idea to track each player's “entry”.

Bench Decorum
Ensure substitutes and coaching staff stand out visually from the players on the field, and that players leaving the pitch quickly don a bib. Subs should remain in the designated bench area unless actively warming up or cooling down, and all other equipment and extra balls must be stored under or behind the bench.

Substitutions
Managing the substitution process in college is nuanced and different from matches played under the IFAB laws of the game. Always ensure that the number of players entering the game matches the players leaving, maintaining a seamless flow. It is critical that you know the substitution rules precisely and pay close attention to the timing rules.

Injuries
If a player is injured, start communicating with the team’s trainer before play stops. If the referee does not immediately summon the trainer, speak with the referee over the radio to keep the trainer/coach informed as to the situation. 

If the trainer is brought on, ensure the injured player leaves the field, unless an exception in the rules applies. If a player is not substituted, you can assist the referee by letting them know when to beckon the player back into the game. Assess the situation and, if it’s a safe time for their return where the player can not gain an advantage unfairly, let the referee know it’s a good time to beckon the player back into the game.

Assisting the Referee
The fourth official should always face the field to effectively monitor play. When substitutes approach do not turn your back to the field to write on the desk. Any notes should be recorded in your book while keeping your body oriented towards the field. 

With that in mind, as 4th official, you can assist the referee in the following ways:

·       Provide information about potential fouls or misconduct when you have a clear view of the action, especially if the referee’s view is obstructed or when the referee requests assistance. It is essential to discuss the timing and method of communication during the pre-game meeting with the referee.

·       Alert the referee to any possible match-critical errors or possible rule misapplications before the next restart of play.

·       Keep track of persistent offenses.

·       Monitor restarts that occur in areas outside the referee's line of sight.

·       Manage players close to you so the referee can position themselves further away, if necessary, particularly when focusing on a landing zone.

·       Watch plays that occur behind the referee’s back.

Mastering the Benches: Dealing with Coaches

This is where the fourth official truly earns their stripes. Your main goal is to maximize the referee's ability to focus on the game by keeping the heat off them and redirecting all off-field concerns to yourself. This involves managing interactions with coaches and redirecting their frustrations or protests.

Coaches protest for many reasons, including manipulation of future decisions, to release frustration, or to protect their players, just to name a few. It is your job to navigate these emotions with professionalism. Effective communication is of critical importance. Actively listening enables the fourth official to gauge the coach's concerns, while open body language fosters a non-confrontational atmosphere.

The Art of Communication

Listening vs. Hearing:
Hearing is passive; listening is active. Are you truly listening?

Body Language:
When we address someone, over 50% of the message they receive is based on the body language of the person delivering the message. Standing shoulder to shoulder is often viewed as a collaborative and non-confrontational stance. On the other hand, standing eye-to-eye can feel combative and may increase tensions.

Personal Bubble:
In the United States, most people feel uncomfortable when others invade their personal space. Therefore, it is often better to engage in a discussion when standing at least two arm lengths away.

Verbal Control:
The more softly you speak, the more likely the coach will match your tone. The same is true if you begin shouting. Would you rather have a conversation or a shouting match?

When a coach asks a question, it’s OK not to know something, but never speak on behalf of the referee. Do not assume you know what the referee has called, if you need an answer, ask the referee at an appropriate time. When providing the coach with an answer, try to convey your message without using phrases that could escalate the situation.

Setting Boundaries:
Be polite but firm. Only one coach should speak at a time, preferably the head coach. Do not spend time arguing with substitutes.

Inflammatory Phrases

Sometimes we say things that increase the heat…

"You Need to Calm Down!"
Has anyone said this to you? Did you feel calmer?

"What do you want me to do about it?"
This suggests indifference and a lack of professionalism.

"That is not my call."
Whether true or not, this drives coaches crazy, since they think you are refusing to fix an error that has negatively impacted their side.

“Be Reasonable.”
Translation: You lack emotional control and have no sense of reality.

“It’s Just a Game.”
For a college coach, it’s their job on the line, it’s more than “just a game.”

“Shut Up.”
This is not how to make friends and influence people.

Instead of these phrases, use neutral, de-escalating language. Say something like:

"I understand your point, but could you please stay in your coaching area." 

"Let me confirm that with the referee at the next stoppage."

“Coach, I’ve heard you. I’ll let the referee know at a quiet moment, but let’s move on.”

“We recognize this is an important match, but the referee’s made their decision, and I know you don’t agree, but we will review it when we get back to the locker room.”

“You and I have a similar view, but the referee was much closer and had a better angle than we did.”

Point of Emphasis: Bench Behavior

The NCAA has again included Bench Behavior on its list of Points of Emphasis for 2025, specifically they wrote: 

“Coaches, and other bench personnel, including players not in the game, are expected to behave in a manner consistent with good sportsmanship. Actions that show a clear lack of respect for game officials or the opposing team will not be tolerated. Officials are reminded that they are expected to punish this type of behavior with a yellow card (caution) or red card (ejection) as appropriate. 

The following will be emphasized: 

• The coaching area is in front of the team area and must be properly marked with either cones or lines. 

• The substitutes should remain in the team area behind the coaching staff unless they are warming-up. 

• Coaches and substitutes should direct their remarks to their own team and not address opponents or officials. 

• Coaches who leave the coaching area to argue with officials or engage in confrontations with the opposing team or coaching staff are at risk of ejection under Rules 12.7.8.1 and 12.7.8.2. 

• At the same time, officials must be aware of the differences between NCAA Soccer Rules and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game in order to apply the proper penalty for infractions (e.g., coaches were incorrectly ejected for holding on to the ball to delay restarts and reaching out to touch balls that were still in play).”

When players or coaches choose to go beyond what is acceptable and engage in conduct that clearly shows dissent toward a match official, the referee is expected to issue a caution. The 4th official may be able to proactively deal with a coach who is approaching the boundary by engaging with them, but if they go past the line, the time for talk is over, and action is required. Quiet comments to the fourth official can often be managed within your tolerance level, but once this conduct becomes public, as we often see with histrionic gestures, you should alert the referee, and they should issue a caution.

 Halftime and Post-Game Duties

Halftime

·       Try to prevent coaches from entering the field to confront the referee. 

·       Collect the crew’s gear from the table and bring it to them on the field

·       Give the teams a 3-minute warning before the start of the 2nd half.

·       Double-check all your notes are consistent with your teammates before you leave the locker room to start the second half.

Fulltime

·       Prevent, if possible, any on-field confrontation at the end of the game. If the referee wants to make a quick exit, have a plan in place for this.

·       Quickly collect any remaining team gear and bring it to the crew. 

·       Once back in the locker room, verify the game info with the other officials, including the score, cards, and injuries. 

·       If the scorekeeper brings a paper box score for verification, collect it at the door. Once everyone has verified and signed the document, take a photo for the referee and then return it to the scorekeeper.

·       Finally, if you are local, provide any traveling officials with helpful tips about the area before they head home.

Conclusion

Remember, the primary objective is to maximize the referee's ability to focus on their duties by alleviating pressure from them and redirecting it onto yourself. 

In the end, your role is to make the referee's job easier by shielding them from distractions and taking away as many off-field concerns as possible by overseeing off-field personnel, helping with game management, and maintaining accurate records and timekeeping.

A bad fourth official can ruin a game for everyone. A great fourth official can improve the referee’s performance and make a game more enjoyable for all participants.

Good luck out there, between the benches.