Question Number: 15777

Mechanics 6/13/2007

RE: Adult

Kati Hulbert of Metairie, LA USA asks...

To start play from center circle where does the center stand? I have heard that we stand to the left, somewhat, behind the center circle facing the direction the play will begin or is it on the midfield line to the left of the direction play will start?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You stand where you think you will get the best view of what will happen next. That might mean you have to be wide, so you can see players positioned out near the touchlines who might take off downfield before the kick. You would also anticipate a back-pass being taken immediately after the kickoff. Your suggested position is a good one.

One other thing to consider is to not be too predictable. You might want to vary your positioning on subsequent kickoffs and see how that works out for you.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Kati,
You are spot on in my opinion the general rule of thumb is wide out of the circle to the left of the ball facing the attack direction as the ball will usually travel slightly back then forward. You keep the ball between you and the near AR.
You might have to sprint hard if they try a quick advance so do not hang back too deep!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The best position is one from which the referee can make the right decision. All recommendations about positioning are based on probabilities and must be adjusted using specific information about the teams, the players, and events in the match up to that point.

Bottom line is: not in the way, where you think you need to be based on a best guess of what you think they're going to do. Further you would like to be able to see through the players to the lead assistant.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Kati,

You have the book positioning down pat. Now you just have to remember that positioning is FLEXIBLE, just like a good referee's decisions are flexible to the game being refereed.