TECHNIQUES OF AN ASSISTANT REFEREE
GUIDELINES FOR NATIONAL LIST ASSISTANT REFEREES
On leaving the dressing room, both assistants with flags on the outside of the referee, NOT on the inside.(i.e assistant on the left of the referee ‘ left hand’, assistant on the right ‘right hand’)
Assistants check the nets first then come back to the middle meeting their referee on the outside of the centre circle at the same time then the three of them stride into the middle together for the toss
Assistants then run backwards to their lines
When the team come out for the second half, the assistants check the nets but go to the post furthest away from their lines first, then ending on the post nearest to their lines then communicating and breaking together side-to-side movement to their starting position
For an award of an in/out goal, the assistants are to put their flag straight up in the air in their LEFT hand, wait for the referee to signal that a goal has been scored then to 'Count 1,2,3' then the flag being lowered pointing waist-high towards the half-way line coupled with positive lateral movement making eye-contact with your match referee and also keeping the players in full view until there is clear daylight between them and no chance of possible misconduct
Flag in the hand nearest the referee at all times
Assistants should always ensure that they are goal side of any thrower, either defensive or attacking
EVERY Throw-In, Corner and Goal-Kick to be signalled by assistants
At corner kicks the Assistant at the halfway line is to step infield, and remains facing the field of play and uses only head movement to monitor the placement of the ball in the arc.
For every in/out gk/ck where the ball has obviously gone out of play a discreet signal is desired i.e. Corner Kick signal will be one yard back from the flag with the flag pointed out on a 45 degree angle. Conversely, Goal Kick signal is to be pointed infield at shoulder height. When the ball is NOT obviously out of play the flag must be fully raised and held, 'Count 1,2,3' for all to see before giving the correct signal
When a foul is committed inside the penalty area out of the vision of the Referee, especially if near to the Assistant Referee’s position, the Assistant Referee must first make eye contact with the Referee to see where the Referee is positioned and what action he has taken. If the Referee has not taken any action, the Assistant Referee must raise his flag and use the electronic beep signal and then visibly move down the touchline towards the corner flag. Whilst Law does not refer to the use of the communication kit a sensible approach is advised in that the Assistant (if the Referee has not seen the offence) communicates effectively with his Referee in harmony with raising his flag.
For every offside that is given, the flag shall go straight up in the air in the right hand, then signal whether the infringement was near, middle or far side Count 1,2,3’ the flag is then to be lowered and the assistant will stand in line until the ball has been placed in the correct position before moving to his next position. (Assistants are reminded to be pro-active and engage the kick-taker wherever possible)
Assistant to signal all goal-kicks between the goal-line and 6 yard line and then move laterally out towards the edge of the penalty area. For all goal kicks and when the Goalkeeper is in possession of the ball inside his own penalty area it is advised that the Assistant occasionally checks that the ball is correctly positioned inside the goal area or that the Goalkeeper does not cross the 18 yard line before releasing the ball from his hands. This should be done in convenient situations (e.g., when the second rearmost defender is near the penalty area) Judgment of Offside from subsequent play is the priority
All defensive free-kicks to be monitored until the ball has been placed correctly to the Assistants satisfaction
Every time movement is not dictated by players it is always to be done incorporating a full-blooded sprint (i.e.. when covering goal-kicks. free-kicks and balls back to the goal line etc.)
Assistants MUST ensure that every ball is followed back to the goal-line to ensure credible decision making
Lateral movement at all times except when having to sprint. NO jogging, NO walking
Assistant closest to the tunnel to go there and monitor players exiting the field of play there at the end of each half
Steve Hames
Specialist Coach for Assistant Referees
Updated July 2014