What is the role of an alternate official in soccer?

The role of an alternate official, specifically referred to as the fourth official in soccer, is multifaceted and crucial for supporting the primary refereeing team during a match. The fourth official's responsibilities include managing substitutions, displaying the board indicating additional time, and assisting with communication between the referees and team benches. Furthermore, the fourth official is positioned at the touchline, allowing them to observe the game from a different angle, which can be beneficial in providing insights or feedback to the main referee.

Their presence helps facilitate smoother game operations and ensures that rules are enforced consistently. Additionally, if one of the main referees is incapacitated or unable to continue officiating, the fourth official can step in to assume those duties, maintaining the integrity and flow of the match.

Other roles such as a second referee, match supervisor, or stadium manager do not encompass these specific duties tied to the flow of the game and its direct management. Hence, identifying the fourth official as the alternate official aligns perfectly with their designated responsibilities on the field.