Question Number: 22934

Law 4 - Players Equipment 3/12/2010

RE: Under 13

richard jenkins of clapham, england asks...

in our game on sunday both goalkeepers were wearing green tops so the ref asked one to wear a bib. why? i can't see what the problem is as both players are the length of the pitch apart.
rgds richard

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Coach. Although unlikely, it's possible and perfectly legal for the 2 keepers to end up near each other during the course of play. If they're wearing the same color jersey, it will be difficult to tell which one is which. Best to avoid any possible problems by doing what this referee did

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Richard
Referees always have to think about the 'what if' plus previous experiences in these situations and indeed to implement the Law fully.
If say in the 90th minute with one team losing 1-0 and the goalkeeper came up for a corner it could be difficult to tell both goalkeepers apart. Indeed the referee was quite generous by allowing a bib to deal with this as many referees would insist on a change of jersey. The reason being is that the sleeves will still be the same colour and say an arm is raised to punch the ball they would not be distinguisable from each other.
In addition it is a requirement of the Laws of the game and I quote.
Law 4
'' Colours
• The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and also the referee and the assistant referees
• Each goalkeeper must wear colours that distinguish him from the other players, the referee and the assistant referees''

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Asking the keepers if they have an alternative jersey can avoid the rare event where both keepers are near each other during a critical moment (e.g., corner kick in last seconds of match.) If neither has another jersey to change into, the referee will allow the match to proceed.