Running the Line: Assistant Referee Mechanics and Duties Fall 2010

When finished with this presentation the student will know basic AR responsibilities, mechanics for offside, as well as touchline and goal line ball out-of-play restarts. Fall 2010

The Referee Team The Referee and two Assistant Referees (ARs) are the THIRD TEAM This team determines the quality of the match

The Team’s “Field” The Referee runs diagonal (standard diagonal shown) Each AR covers ¼ of the field sees what’s ahead and behind the Referee judges most offside calls and ball out of play restarts in their area. AR 1 AR2 Referee

The Team’s “Field” Sometimes the Referee runs a “reverse” diagonal when field conditions dictate AR covers ¼ of the field sees what’s ahead and behind the Referee judges most offside calls and ball out of play restarts in their area. “reverse” diagonal AR 1 AR2 Referee

The AR During Play… Always stays with 2nd to last defender or ball – whichever is closest to goal line Stays square to field by sidestepping or sprinting when necessary If ball is in opposite end of field and if 2nd to last defender is in their opponents half of the field, stops at the half way line Being an AR is not easy – concentrate and stay in position Make sure there is room to run your line – move subs, bench personnel and fans away from touchline. If sun is in your eyes, ask referee if you can wear a cap or sun glasses to shield your eyes Always, always, always be in position – in line with 2nd to last defender or ball and square to field.

AR Responsibilities What are they? PROVIDE ADVICE & ASSIST the Referee Supervise substitutions Back up time Back up book (score, cautions, ejections, etc.)

AR Responsibilities: Pre-Game Arrive 30 min early – dressed & looking like a referee Meet with the Referee !! Check player equipment, player passes Check condition of field, goals (anchored), holes in nets, etc. Fill-in if Referee is delayed (check field, game balls, coin toss, etc.)

AR Responsibilities: Pre-Game AR-Referee Pre-game Meeting Get to know the Referee, and the level of anticipated game play Discuss unusual field/weather conditions & special league/tournament rules Find out how the Referee wants you to “call and communicate” DEMONSTRATE your expertise and knowledge before the game Make certain the Referee knows that you are a part of the team

AR Responsibilities: Pre-Game Entering the Field Enter field as a team, walk to center with Referee -- sprint to check your goal (anchored, nets) -- take position on touch line Line up with the second-to-last defender Count players in your end - Unfurl your flag – signal referee - “We are ready to play”

AR Responsibilities: In-game Leaving the Field – Half Time Leave field as a Team Ask “did I miss anything?” Ask Referee why they chose to wave off your call(s) Inform Referee and other AR of anything unusual you observed

The Referee can accept, or “wave off” advice from the AR AR Provides Advice by …. ? EYE CONTACT Flag Other nonverbal signals (as per pre-game) The Referee can accept, or “wave off” advice from the AR

AR Provides Advice on … Offside – when and where “Goal” versus “no goal” Substitutions Ball out-of-play (throw-in, goal kick, corner kick) Fouls – when and where Touchline problems

AR Offside Advice (1) Player in offside position becomes involved in play AR Mechanics….? Stop immediately Face field (at attention) Raise flag straight up (held still) Upon Referee acknowledgement, move on touch line to point of infraction Signal (near, mid, far) where on the field the infraction occurred If not acknowledged, HOLD SIGNAL until direction of play changes (defender or keeper takes possession, goal kick awarded)

Player guilty of the offside infraction scores AR Offside Advice (2) Player guilty of the offside infraction scores AR Mechanics….? Stop immediately Face field (at attention) Raise flag straight up (held still) Upon Referee acknowledgement, move on touch line to point of infraction Signal (near, mid, far) where on the field the infraction occurred

AR Offside Advice (3) Attacker other then player that scores is guilty of the offside infraction (in AR’s opinion) AR Mechanics…? Stop & hold position at attention (with flag down) Make eye contact with Referee Signal “see me”, if they continue to just look at you (they may need help)

AR Goal Line Advice Ball completely crosses goal line….. Then . . . SPRINT TO THE GOAL LINE Then . . .

AR Goal Line Advice (1) Ball last touched an attacker Restart ? Goal Kick AR Mechanics when ball out in AR’s area Stop Turn body toward touch line Display flag parallel to ground pointed at goal area Correct?

AR Goal Line Advice (1) Ball last touched an attacker Restart ? Goal Kick AR Mechanics when ball out in AR’s area Stop Turn body toward touch line Display flag parallel to ground pointed at goal area Correct?

AR Goal Line Advice (1) Ball last touched an attacker Restart ? Goal Kick AR Mechanics when ball out in Referee’s area After referee has signaled for goal kick AR confirms referee call Display flag parallel to ground pointed at goal area If ball goes out of play and back in – AR raises flag vertically until acknowledged by referee – then signals goal kick

AR Goal Line Advice (2) Ball last touched a defender Restart ? Corner Kick AR Mechanics??? Stop immediately Face field Point flag at downward angle to YOUR corner arc NEVER RUN beyond corner arc, and NEVER raise flag to point at opposite corner

AR Goal Line Advice (3) Obvious Goal Scored AR Mechanics??? Make Referee eye contact Immediately turn to face up-field Hold flag field-side Sprint 10-15 yd upfield along the touch line, stop, and then face the field

AR Goal Line Advice (3) Funky “Good” Goal ball in and out of goal but the goal is good AR Mechanics??? Run to corner flag Raise flag straight up Make Referee eye contact When referee blows whistle, Sprint upfield as in normal goal mechanic

AR Goal Line Advice (3) Funky “No” Goal ball looked like it went into a goal but it didn’t AR Mechanics??? Make Referee eye contact Indicate nothing Continue normal AR mechanics

AR Goal Line Advice (4) “No” Goal ball obviously in the net but it’s not a good goal AR Mechanics ??? Stop & hold position at attention (with flag down) Make eye contact with Referee Signal “see me”, as per pre-game

AR Substitutes Advice When legal substitutes are at midfield BEFORE goal kick or same-team throw-in … AR Mechanics ??? - Face field - Flag over head, held with two hands (never hold flag cloth) - Maintain until recognized, then IMMEDIATELY drop flag

More AR Substitutes Advice If necessary - other AR mirrors the signal to direct referee’s attention to the other side of the field As per Pre-game - AR supervises substitution - when complete, AR signals Referee

AR Touch Line Advice Throw-In Ball crosses touch line in Referee quadrant – AR Mechanics ? Wait for referee to show direction then mirror referee Ball goes out and comes back in – raise flag vertically Ball crosses touch line in AR quadrant – AR Mechanics ? Face field and raise flag at 45o, in the direction of the throw-in Hold flag until making eye contact with Referee

AR Touch Line Advice Throw-In A re-throw is advised when … Ball never crossed touch line Wrong team took throw-in AR Mechanics ??? Raise flag raised straight up – transfer flag to proper hand to indicate direction

AR Touch Line Advice Throw-In Change of possession advised when… Thrower lifts foot Did not bring both hands properly from behind the head Thrower had one or both feet completely on field AR Mechanics ??? Signal with flag raised straight up – transfer flag to proper hand to indicate direction of ball possession

A foul has been committed that Referee may not have seen… AR Fouls Advice A foul has been committed that Referee may not have seen… AR Mechanics? Stop Face field (at attention) Transfer flag to proper hand to indicate direction of restart Raise flag straight up When eye contact is made, wave or wiggle flag

AR Fouls Advice Defender Commits Major Foul in Penalty Area AR Mechanics ??? Make eye contact, if referee does not indicate anything, then… Stop, face field, raise flag, and signal the “foul” When acknowledged, hold flag across lower body indicating a PK, as shown to the right Walk to corner flag

AR Fouls Advice Where is AR on a Penalty Kick ??? Intersection of goal line and penalty area line Straddle the goal line, flag down, in hand closest to Referee Watch whether ball (100%) crossed goal line and keeper infractions - as per pre-game If keeper moves illegally keeping a goal from being scored – stay in position with flag across lower body Signal goal scored by following normal goal procedures Play continues – resume normal AR position to judge offside

AR Caution or Dismissal Advice AR Mechanics ??? Stop, face field and signal “foul” CAUTION - Move hand to suggest possible caution (yellow card) … hand over badge (as per pre-game) DISMISSAL - Move hand to suggest possible dismissal (red card) … to cover rear shorts pocket (as per pre- game)

Fans, Coach or Player Problems NEVER ARGUE WITH ANYONE A brief word can advise player or coach of your dissatisfaction If problems persist, use “see me” signal to summon Referee

Game Advice for ARs NEVER …. NEVER Lose eye contact with Referee for more than a few seconds Communicate verbally when a standard signal can be used Fail to support the referee team Take your eyes off the field to watch non-game events (except sideline incidents)

Game Advice for ARs NEVER …. NEVER Argue or discuss game with parents, fans, players or coaches Threaten cautions or dismissals – always call over the Referee Attempt to overrule or embarrass Referee Touch a player, coach or fan Touch the ball Give advice to players

After the Match Meet Referee and leave field as a Team – shake hands on the field Collect equipment and leave area as a Team DO NOT DISCUSS game or Referee calls with anyone but the Referee Team

Getting Better as an AR Always ask Referee, “what can I do better?” Start centering appropriate games Request feedback from assessor, if the Referee is being assessed Take additional classes Visit referee advice websites: http://www.askasoccerreferee.com/

Running the Line: On-Line Module Quiz Name (Print): _______________________________ Print this page, answer the questions and bring with you to recertification What are 3 responsibilities of the Assistant Referee? How does the AR communicate with the Referee? How should the AR show the referee they believe an attacker other then player that scores is guilty of the offside infraction? How should the AR handle a fan that is being so loud and abusive that they cannot do their job as an AR? What is the AR’s position during dynamic play?