Question Number: 16840

Mechanics 9/22/2007

RE: Rec Under 11

David Bogosian of Glendale, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 16812

Thank you for those responses; in the words of Ko-Ko, "I never knew such unanimity on a point of law in my life!"

One follow-up: what should the AR do with the flag during the sprint up the line? I've been told at various times to either tuck it under the arm, or to point it straight down.

Thanks in advance.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You want your flag to be visible to the referee at all times. I wouldn't want my AR's to be tucking it under an arm. Proper flag technique is to have the flag pointing in the general downward direction at most times, when you are not making some other signal. However, since you are making a signal for a goal, you want that flag to be seen! If you have the shaft pointing mostly downward, but not strictly perpendicular with the ground, more of the banner portion will be exposed. Perhaps as you're running, the tip of the flag will naturally go forward 20 or 30 degrees from vertical.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Whoever trained your consultants to run with the flag tucked under their arm needs to update their information, as it is seriously (as in YEARS) behind in mechanics. If the flag is held straight down (or at a slight angle, depending on your height and the length of the flag), field side, and is kept in that position while running (do not swing the arm with the flag as you run), it is very easy to see, as the flag furls out to full length and billows in the wind of your run. There is no mistaking the meaning of that run with the flag billowing out by your leg.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

David the unanimity stems from the fact what we have repeated is a written procedure for referees in America fo follow. I'm surprised this is unfamiliar to you and your advisers.

When not being used to signal the flag is carried in the hand nearest the referee pointing to the ground, or at least that's what the Guide to Procedures says. Trade in the folks giving you bum scoop for current US Soccer directives and policies, you'll get better information that way.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Much that comes onto a referee plate is as objective opinion on a fact of play! Such things are always in flux as to was I right or was I wrong? Consistency though in mechanics and procedures help make those opinions more right than wrong. Communication is only effective if the right information is being relayed! Cheers