What is the difference between an assistant referee and a touch judge?
Rule- South Africa
- SA Rugby
- Club and schools rugby
- All ages
- Assistant referees
- Touch judges
- World Rugby laws
- 2026
- Match officials
World Rugby recognises two kinds of official on the touchline:
| Assistant referee | Touch judge | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Officially appointed by the match organiser | Anyone else running touch, usually provided by each team |
| Touch, touch-in-goal, which team throws in | Yes | Yes |
| Success of kicks at goal | Yes | Yes |
| Signal and report foul play | Yes, if the match organiser authorises it | No |
| Wider help with the referee's duties (foul play advice, sanctions, other areas of the game) | Yes, as the referee directs | No |
If you have not been appointed by the match organiser, you act as a touch judge, even if you are a qualified referee. In both roles the referee is in charge, tells you your duties and can overrule you (Law 6.21).
Updated 21 Oct 2026