If the #referee stops play because a player has an actual or suspected head injury, the player: ➡️ may be assessed and treated on the field of play ➡️ must then leave the field of play The following procedure will depend on the exact circumstances: 1. Play is stopped quickly due to a potential head injury, but it is immediately clear that the injury is not severe, and no assessment/requirement is required. As the suspected head injury caused the game to be stopped, the player must still leave the field of play; however, competition organisers may decide that the player may be given permission to return by the referee after play restarts without having to wait one minute off the field of play. 2. Play is stopped for a head injury, and a player receives assessment/treatment on the field of play. In this case, the player is required to leave the field of play for one minute. This period is important to medically evaluate whether it is safe for the player to continue playing. 3. Play is stopped for a head injury, and a player is unable to continue, so their team decides to make a substitution (e.g. when the player suffers an actual or suspected concussion). The injured player may be replaced by a normal substitute or a concussion substitute, where the use of additional permanent concussion substitutions is allowed by the competition organiser (in accordance with The IFAB’s protocol). Find out more: ➡️ Law 5.3: bit.ly/Referee_Powers ➡️ Off-field treatment and assessment protocol: bit.ly/Injuries_Treatment ➡️ Additional permanent concussion substitutions protocol: bit.ly/ConcussionSubstitutio… ➡️ Circular 34 (July 2026): downloads.theifab.com/downlo…

On Thursday we welcome Connor Brown to Rotherham RA. Connor is RDO over the Pennines, and also operates on the EFL as an AR. We are looking forward to welcoming Connor. 📅 1st October ⏰ 19:00 📍 The Phoenix (S60 5PA)

New format playing time and Ref fees - NB change in U16 fee

🎵 Que sera, sera... we're going to Wembley! 🎵 We're delighted to announce that Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA has been shortlisted for the Referee Development Award at the County FA Recognition Awards 2026. Our Match Official Academy Programme has been recognised for its work supporting and developing young match officials across our region. The winners will be announced at Wembley Stadium in November. Congratulations to everyone involved in the programme, and good luck to all the finalists! 🤞

🏆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 🥇 Danny Scott Danny's positive approach to refereeing helps young players enjoy the game while learning the values of fairness and respect. He leads by example every time he steps onto the pitch. #GRFA26

🏆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 🥈 Michael Corbally Michael's approachable style and confident officiating help games flow while creating a positive atmosphere for everyone involved. It's no surprise he's so highly regarded by players across the league. #GRFA26

📢 ICYMI: Discipline Services have now moved to The FA This means that disciplinary matters, including investigations, charges, hearings and suspensions, are now managed by The FA's dedicated County FA Discipline Service Team. Find out more ⤵️ sheffieldfa.com/news/2026/ju…