AboutStephen Smith Expertise I can answer any questions relating to the laws of the game and their application at any level from local parks to professional and international level. Feel free to ask about a referee's decision you don't understand, a hypothetical scenario, or a situation in which you as a referee need help.
Experience As an active and conscientious referee, officiating at semi-professional level, I have an excellent knowledge of the laws of the game. I also like to use common sense and this helps me to appreciate what other referees, including the professionals, may be thinking and how they have reached their decision.
Organizations FAMOA, Referees' Association, Referees' Society
Publications
I edit (and write most of) the bi-monthly magazine of the local Referees' Society.
During the 2006 FIFA World Cup the Electric New Paper (Singapore's biggest-selling tabloid) published an article of mine which the Editor requested I write regarding refereeing decisions in the Italy v USA game.
In October 2007 I was interviewed by the BBC World Service for a radio programme about player discipline.
I have had letters on refereeing published in The Times and The Daily Telegraph.
Education/Credentials I have a BA (Hons) degree in Applied Social Sciences, and my interest in psychology and sociology is useful in controlling 22 burly men ready for battle! I have attended numerous national and regional conferences and seminars, and attend and contribute to weekly referees' training meetings.
Awards and Honors
Awarded a trophy in 2007 for services to the Referees' Society.
Numerous local and regional cup final and semi-final appointments.
Question If a team has a extra player can the referee award an automatic goal to the other team?
Answer Sorry about the delay - I've been away for a while so have just seen your question.
A referee never has any authority to award a goal if one has not been scored. The laws of the game state that, on noticing that one team has more than 11 players on the pitch, the extra player must leave immediately and be shown the yellow card.
