What can a touch judge do compared with an assistant referee?

Q: What can a touch judge do compared with an assistant referee?

The Definitions in the Laws of the Game 2026 say: Touch judge: a match official who can only assist the referee by signalling touch, touch in-goal and the success or otherwise of kicks at goal. Assistant referee: a formally appointed match official who can assist the referee by signalling touch, touch in-goal and the success or otherwise of kicks at goal. They can also report foul play and assist the referee with other in-match decisions. For foul play, a match organiser may give authority to the assistant referee to signal it (Law 6.27a). Unless the match organiser appoints them, each team provides a touch judge (Law 6.19).

Question

Accepted Answer

The Definitions in the Laws of the Game 2026 say:

Touch judge: a match official who can only assist the referee by signalling touch, touch in-goal and the success or otherwise of kicks at goal.
Assistant referee: a formally appointed match official who can assist the referee by signalling touch, touch in-goal and the success or otherwise of kicks at goal. They can also report foul play and assist the referee with other in-match decisions.

For foul play, a match organiser may give authority to the assistant referee to signal it (Law 6.27a). Unless the match organiser appoints them, each team provides a touch judge (Law 6.19).