The Other Match Officials Law 6 The Other Match Officials

Objectives At the end of this lesson the student will: state the duties of the assistant referee demonstrate the signals used by the assistant referee

ASSISTANT REFEREE DUTIES Subject to the decision of the Referee, indicate: when the whole ball leaves the field which team is entitled to corner kick, goal kick or throw-in when a player may be penalized for being in an offside position when a substitute is requested when misconduct or other incident has occurred out of the view of the referee

ASSISTANT REFEREE DUTIES Subject to the decision of the Referee, indicate: when offenses have been committed whenever the assistants have a better view than the referee (this includes, in certain circumstances, offenses committed in the penalty area) whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper moves off the goal line before the ball is kicked and if the ball crosses the line

NEUTRAL ASSISTANT REFEREES Not affiliated with the teams The referee shall always be the judge of the decision to be taken The assistant referees also assist the referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game. In particular, they may enter the field of play to help control the 10 yard distance.

RELATIONSHIP WITH REFEREE Law 5: “Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game…” “The referee controls the match in co-operation with the assistant referees…” Law 6: “Two assistant referees may be appointed whose duties, subject to the decision of the referee, are to indicate:…

COMMUNICATION Good communication is essential Eye contact at every opportunity Verbal contact only as necessary The assistant referees provide information and the referee makes the decisions

COMMUNICATION Whenever the ball is out of play, the referee and the assistant referees have the opportunity to exchange information

MECHANICS Assistant referees shall patrol: Off the field, along the touch line One-half of the field only Even with second-to-last defender Follow all balls to goal line Special situations / Set plays Follow pre-game instructions

MECHANICS Spectator side Standard Diagonal Team side

It is important to be in the correct position MECHANICS It is important to be in the correct position

ASSISTANT REFEREE SIGNALS For most situations, the raised flag tells the referee all that is needed Stop the game Foul Ball out of play Goal Offside Ball not correctly placed Ball did not leave penalty area I need to have a chat with you

Stop Play

ASSISTANT REFEREE SIGNALS Corner kick Throw-in Goal kick

ASSISTANT REFEREE SIGNALS Offside - Far side Offside - Near side Offside or Stop play Offside - Center

ASSISTANT REFEREE SIGNALS Foul - Flick or wave flag Substitution requested

Substitution Correct Incorrect

FLAG TECHNIQUES Flag to field side, always in referee’s view Switch flag while hands are low Flag motionless while running When signaling, stop, face field, stand erect and make eye contact with referee

Remember, Flag Field Side

FLAG TECHNIQUES Lower flag as soon as referee acknowledges it Flag signals are straight point finger along stick flags are an extension of your arm No cross body signals Flag is controlled up, lazy coming down

ASSISTANCE IN GAME CONTROL Fouls / misconduct behind referee’s back Fouls / misconduct when referee is shielded by players’ bodies Verbal misconduct out of earshot of referee (bench personnel or players) Mirror other assistant referee’s flag

ASSISTANCE IN GAME CONTROL Flag up for serious misconduct After a goal, trailing A.R. records first, then the lead A.R. Give opinions on points of fact when requested by the referee What you saw What you heard Be specific - not vague

SPECIAL SITUATIONS USSF Grade 9 USSF Recreational Referee (Grade 9) Referee U-14 Rec. or younger games only Asst. Referee in any U-14 or younger game Club Linesman Instruct prior to game May only signal ball over touch line

Club Linesmen

SPECIAL SITUATIONS Certified official acting as club assistant referee They are associated with one of the teams They are not neutral (Tell them during pre-game talk) Use them with caution Any assistant referee who “unduly interferes” may be relieved of duties and reported

REVIEW What is the #1 job of the ARs? Offer opinions on Assist the referee They do not insist Offer opinions on Ball out-of-play Fouls Offside Misconduct Always Follow Pre-game Instructions as given by the Referee

REVIEW (cont’) Positioning Signals Along touch line in their half, even with second-to-last defender -or- Even with ball, whichever is closer to the goal line Signals Must know instantly and use properly