When do I take over from the referee or an assistant referee?
Rule- South Africa
- PSL
- NSL Handbook
- IFAB Laws of the Game
- Betway Premiership
- Motsepe Foundation Championship
- Senior
- 2026/27
- Fourth officials
- Match officials
The NSL Handbook (Rule 20) sets the replacement order for PSL matches:
- If the referee has not arrived at least 45 minutes before kick-off, the match commissioner may appoint the fourth official as referee.
- The fourth official may replace an assistant referee.
- The match commissioner may replace the fourth official.
- If the commissioner cannot make sure the match has a referee and two assistant referees, the match is abandoned.
- A protest because a substitute official was used will not be entertained.
Law 6 of the IFAB Laws requires competition rules to say clearly who replaces a match official who cannot start or continue.
Added 21 Oct 2026