The technical area described in Law 3, International F.A. Board Decision 2, relates particularly to matches played in stadia with a designated seated area for technical staff and substitutes as show below.

Technical areas may vary between stadia, for example in size or location, and the following notes are issued for guidance.

• The technical area extends 1m (1 yds) on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of 1m (1 yd) from the touch line.
• It is recommended that markings are used to define this area.
• The number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area is defined by the competition rules.
• The occupants of the technical area are identified before the beginning of the match in accordance with the competition rules.
• Only one person at a time is authorised to convey tactical instructions and he must return to his position after giving these instructions.
• The coach and other officials must remain within the confines of the technical area except in special circumstances, for example, a physiotherapist or doctor entering the field of play, with the referee's permission, to assess an injured player.
• The coach and other occupants of the technical area must behave in a responsible manner.

The Fourth Official

• The fourth official may be appointed under the competition rules and officiates if any of the three match officials is unable to continue. He assists the referee at all times.
• Prior to the start of the competition, the organiser states clearly whether, if the referee is unable to continue, the fourth official takes over as the match referee or whether the senior assistant referee takes over as referee with the fourth official becoming an assistant referee.
• The fourth official assists with any administrative duties before, during and after the match as required by the referee.
• He is responsible for assisting with substitution procedures during the match.
• He supervises the replacement footballs, where required. If the match ball has to be replaced during a match, he provides another ball, on the instruction of the referee, thus keeping the delay to a minimum.
• He has the authority to check the equipment of substitutes before they enter the field of play. If their equipment does not comply with the Laws of the Game, he informs the referee.
• He must indicate to the referee when the wrong player is cautioned because of mistaken identity or when a player is not sent off having been seen to be given a second caution or when violent conduct occurs out of the view of the referee and assistant referees. The referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points connected with play.
• After the match the fourth official must submit a report to the appropriate authorities on any misconduct or other incident which has occurred out of the view of the referee and the assistant referees. The fourth official must advise the referee and his assistants of any report being made.
• He has the authority to inform the referee of irresponsible behaviour by any occupant of the technical area.