Question Number: 15723

Mechanics 6/7/2007

RE: Rec Other

Mike of Detroit, MI USA asks...

Have been reading your site for a long while, but have never submitted a question. So with my first question, would like to comment that I think you folks do a wonderful job.

I am a referee and have two 11 year old sons who have just this Spring shown some interest in becoming referees at some time in the future. I pulled out all of my ref materials, which they read but are now asking me question after question about the LOTG when we get near a soccer field. I knew it was coming, but they asked me a question the other day that I could not answer.

In the Guide to Procedures, the AR when signaling for a substitution is to hold the flag in a horizontal position until the CR agnowledges the signal. Then they are supposed to drop the flag back to their side.

In some clubs /leagues / regions it seems that the custom (I will call it a custom since it is a little different than the Guide to Procedures) is that the AR maintain the flag in the sub (horizontal) position until the substitution is complete.

Do you know where or why this "custom" started, or maybe even better why the Guide to Procedures is written the way it is? Like all 11 year olds, my kids have asked why and are no longer satisfied with "just because."

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Mike this is a monkey see monkey do kind of thing. Lazy referees, those who don't require Law 3's substitution procedure to be properly followed don't know when everyone is off the field. Their assistants think they do so they leave the flag up as some kind of signal and bring it down with a flourish when they think play should restart.

Note: if the assistant was at the halfway line, where he should be, he would have to lower the flag to jog there, then put it back up. Something like this seldom occurs.

Another howcum they do it that way is someone told them that's how its done.

Good you think we're helping out, our pleasure!

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

No one knows why Michigan refs don't follow correct procedures for substitutes in youth games. Somewhere way back when, someone (likely a non-ref) with some influence evidently decided that the proper procedure was either too lengthy or too cumbersome, and that it should be ignored. That's the way it's been for at least 15 years, back when my twin sons started playing. The instructors teach the proper procedure per FIFA Laws, just as they do for the rest of the game where modifications are made for youth. And they tell the class to remember when taking the test that all answers are per the Laws of the Game, unmodified.

However, the referee instructors have been trying their darndest to get the point across that once the substitution is acknowledged by the referee, the AR is to put that flag down. No need for it to be held aloft, blocking his sight. No need for a silly secret-signal of holding the flag behind your back until the substitution is complete. AR's already have a signal for "ready-to-play" - the unfurled flag. If subbed out players have not gotten off the field, the AR can bunch up the flag material to keep it from hanging free at his side, and the ref will know it's not time to restart yet. Despite hearing this at several recert clinics over the years, I still see the AR's holding that flag overhead, and then ducking their head to see around it. Even the freshly minted refs just out of original cert class do it, because they've seen refs do it in the games when they were playing. I've asked more than one new ref, "Did [DB] teach your class? Because I *know* he didn't teach you to hold the flag like that." One down, 54 more newbies to train.

Mike thanks for your kind words. The Michigan Referee Committee will welcome your sons into the referee certification classes in a couple years, to join you in the ranks.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If you follow the correct substitution procedure, then this is a null issue. JUST FOLLOW IT!

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Mike,
we appreciate the kind words!
As to substitution proceedures especially at youth levels referees are often inadeqautely trained ito conduct an effective pregame with their ARs. Mechanics are a learned behaviour over time as much as I read it once and was showed it once educates, it does not pattern muscles and reflex memorey unless it is monitored and performed consistantly and MOST important correctly! I turn sideways when indicating a goal kick been doing it for 40 years hard not to revert to what I know even if not required by the referee! Plus as a stubborn cuss I find my ability to compromise needs a whack aside the noggin once in awhile!

Subs must be AT the centre BEFORE the stoppage before any flag is raised by an AR.The players at midline indicate to the referee that they wish to sub at the next opportunity simply by their presence. The AR may not be in a good spot to supervise substitutions at the touchline entry if say a corner kick was the stoppage! The raised flag is to bring it to the referee attention once he indicates he is willing to allow the subs he has command and a raised flag is unneccessary! Pregame directives could sort this stuff out but only if it is actually discussed
Cheers