It's time for a 4th Ref on the field

[SoccerScout]

Its time for FIFA to add a 4th ref on the field. A ref that is a second set of eyes to the main ref that can help with any close calls be in PKs or Offsides. This 4th ref would run freely on the field at a different angle than the main ref. The main ref could refer to him in close calls.

Why? Because every game I watch, I mean every game, there are controversial calls. Players complaining, Coaches complaining, Play by play people complaining. Enough is enough. Even at the WC level we have issues, remember the 2002 WC? All the controversy with Korea, Italy etc... This would also help in prevent corruption with refs as seen recently in Germany and in Brazil.

Since instant replay is NOT an option its time to get that 4th ref in there. Suck up the cost or use the 4th ref that is sitting on the sidelines anyway. Put him to some real use. I'm just sick and tired of ref talk dominating pre and post game reports.

[NHRef]

There are already at least 2, up to 4 refs watching every play from at least two different angles, all can signal to the CR that they saw something. Adding another on field ref, especially with a whistle will do nothing but confuse things and lead to inconsistencies you get in US High School soccer.

As for complaints, they will happen no matter if we have 100 refs on the field, the little angles can't believe that they did something and on the flip side can't believe they lost the ball without being fouled. As for commentators and coaches, most of them are flat out wrong alot of the time.

I can't believe the things the come out of commentators mouths, and not just restricted to soccer. NFL commentators last week during a game gave their view on a replay while the refs where checking it (huge drag on the game by the way), the explicity were 100% wrong on their analysis of the play.

refs aren't perfect, far from it, but they aren't nearly as bad as they get accused of.

[SoccerScout]

Yes but the NFL has how many refs? Alot..all over the place. The soccer offside refs are too busy looking at the last defender to follow the onfield nuances. The 4th ref I mentioned shouldnt have a whistle and should be there as a backup for the main ref. Every soccer game has at least 10 calls that are close from pks to fouls to corners...all of which a 2nd set of DEDICATED eyes would be great. 1 Man covering 22 players is just not enough.

[Team Melli forever]

allow for main ref to review an incident through instant replay = problem solved. But then of course where will Blatter get his fat checks from? :confused:

[GRBomber]

It would me more intelligent to place a ref on each side of the field.
That way they would run half of the distance they run today and would always be close to the ball.
Refs make many mistakes because they are tired and follow the plays from far away.