Definition of the word fourth official

The term "fourth official" in football (soccer) refers to an additional match official who is appointed to assist the referee and two other assistant referees. This role was introduced in the 1970s as a response to the increasing physicality and complexity of the game. Prior to the introduction of the fourth official, two assistant referees were used to help the main referee, who had sole responsibility for making decisions and ensuring the laws of the game were followed. However, it became apparent that in fast-paced matches with multiple incidents, the assistant referees could sometimes miss important events or be in position too late to allow for quick action. To address this issue, the International Board (the governing body for football laws) introduced the position of fourth official in certain high-profile matches, such as international fixtures and cup finals. The fourth official's main duties include keeping track of time, signalling substitutions, and overseeing any necessary reorganisation of players or equipment after injuries, sendings off, or other incidents. They can also be called upon to act as a substitute referee in the event that the main official is unable to continue. Overall, the addition of the fourth official has helped to make the game more efficient, fair, and safe, allowing for quicker and more accurate decisions and reducing the risk of errors or confusion.