Question Number: 16812

Mechanics 9/20/2007

RE: Rec Under 11

David Bogosian of Glendale, CA USA asks...

There is a consensus that the proper mechanic for an AR who has seen a goal that the CR has not is to sprint up the sideline towards the halfline. This seems very ambiguous and not very definitive. Has anyone considered having the AR point his flag to the center spot? It is certainly consistent with what we do for goal kicks and corner kicks. And it would unmistakable because, with the AR at the goal line, there would never be another reason for him to point diagonally across the field to the center. It is also consistent with the mechanics of the CR, who points to the center spot.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

NO!

The proper mechanic is to hold the flag up at a 90 degree angle until the referee sees it and blows the whistle. Then the AR sprints up the touchline.

I've done this a few times, and in 100% of the cases, the referee knew I was letting him know a goal was scored and it was given as such.

This mechanic works fine.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

David just so you know, the consensus is because it is a written policy of US Soccer. It appears in the booklet Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials on page 25. It is interesting that you have another procedure to use because you are responsible for knowing and using all the signals and mechanics in the Procedures. It says in the event the ball crosses the goal line and returns to the field of play the assistant is to, from the goal line, raise his flag vertically and upon making eye contact the referee knows to stop play and whistles. The assistant then gives the signal for a goal by running a short distance up the touchline.

There is no set distance to run mentioned in the US so I instruct the new assistant to run far enough to get away from hostile defenders but not far enough to wind up in front of a hostile bench.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Jon Sommer

When my AR is stood on the goal line and a close call for a goal comes about, my first look will be at him. If his flag has flown up whistle immediately, allow him to sprint up the touchline inline with the penalty area ready for the kick off and award the goal. there is no problem with this mechanic.

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

The proper mechanic is for the AR to raise their flag indicating that the referee should stop play (aka whistle), make eye contact with the referee and then sprint up the touchline. When this is done, there is no reason to question what the AR is trying to communicate to the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

You do not want an AR to signal using the angled flag a goal! First it will be thought of as an offside by some and second that is the ultimate responsibility of the referee. The run up touchline is a quiet this is what I saw signal. The referee sees and agrees all is well. But if the referee disagress perhaps he saw a foul against the attackers and the keeper had the ball so he allowed play to continue unaware you as AR saw the ball over the goal line? It is a tried and proven mechanic no need to change it!
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 16840