Looking for some "official" definitions: 1. "A" games 2. "Full International" games 3. "International" games 4. "Friendly" games
Only that inept announcer Ty Keough used the term full international. If you play for your country in a friendly or a world cup qualifier or the world cup final, or another approved, and sanctioned competition you are playing an international match. The only distinction in interntionals have to do with the age of the players therefore, typically you see mens, womens, U-23, U20, or U17 international matches. A friendly is an "A" match as defined by FIFA. It is a match between two countries that is not connected to a competition.
Re: Re: Game Classification Terminology My understanding is that an "A" match is an international match between two senior national teams (non-youth sides). It is not just a friendly, necessarily. "A" matches can either be friendlies (unassociated with a competition) or they can be tournament matches as well (WC games are "A" matches, as are EURO, Gold Cup, Confed Cup, etc.--however, an Olympic match is not). Anyone know the official definition of an "A" match?
I believe that "A" games are games like WC, or EPL. "Full International" games could be WC, a qualifier, or any FIFA sanctioned game between two international "national" teams. "International" games could involve one or more team from another country, not only "national" teams but also "pro" teams. "Friendly" games can be with one or both teams from another country, any age bracket or gender, sometimes are not "official", might have unlimited subs etc. And do not count for any qualification of tournaments. As far as USSF Referee are concerned, to be assigned an "A" game or "Full International" you must be a FIFA Referee. To be assigned an "International" or "Friendly" you can be a FIFA or National 3 for middles, National 4 for AR.
If you go to FIFA's site and look at the "A" listing of matches it lists for the USA, all friendlies, competitions (world cup gold cup etc..) played by the Men's national team. Therefore, "A" matches are comprised of friendlies and competitions including world cup matches played by the Men's National team.
Alberto, you are correct that "A" matches are games that involve national teams only. Either friendly or competition. But, they also include National team Womens matches either friendly or under competition.
Alberto, If you go to the Women's competitions on the FIFA website, it also lists "A" Matches, indicating they have simply listed those matches on separate lists.