Can a club protest against a referee's decision?

Q: Can a club protest against a referee's decision?

No. Under NSL Handbook Rule 51.2, a protest will not be entertained if it relates to a decision of the referee or assistant referee made during the match, because those decisions are final. The same applies to complaints (Rule 52.1.3). Clubs can protest about other breaches of the Handbook in a match, such as an ineligible player. That protest must be made to the referee and opposing captain at the match, followed by a written protest and a R20,000 plus VAT fee within 24 hours (Rule 51). The only review of a card is for mistaken identity, which a club may request in writing from the SAFA Referees' Review Committee (Rules 53.9 and 54.12).

Question

Accepted Answer

No. Under NSL Handbook Rule 51.2, a protest will not be entertained if it relates to a decision of the referee or assistant referee made during the match, because those decisions are final. The same applies to complaints (Rule 52.1.3).

Clubs can protest about other breaches of the Handbook in a match, such as an ineligible player. That protest must be made to the referee and opposing captain at the match, followed by a written protest and a R20,000 plus VAT fee within 24 hours (Rule 51).

The only review of a card is for mistaken identity, which a club may request in writing from the SAFA Referees' Review Committee (Rules 53.9 and 54.12).