Question Number: 16881

Mechanics 9/24/2007

RE: AYSO Rec, Club (Competitive) Under 11

Joe Griego of Bishop, CA USA asks...

Ok, so I've refereed my first U10 game (where all laws are enforced, not just short-side recommendations) and it was a real eye-opener. I think I called a good game, and boy, parents and coaches *still* second-guessed every little call. I'm gaining a whole new perspective on coaching here...

But today, my question has to do with hand signals. I studied diligently before my first U10 match, and made sure to use proper hand signals, and explained them to the boys and coaches.

However, I noticed during the weekend while watching a Premiere League match on television, that professional referees never seem to use the indirect hand signal. Is this not proper procedure (raising the arm, only lowering it when the ball touches a second player)? What's common practice, and why?

Thanks,

Joe Griego
Bishop, CA

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Not as easy as it seems huh? I remember my first game. I was surprised that In my whole first year I never really got intimidated by the parents. It was my second year when I started wondering why I kept at refereeing.... but obviously, I'm still here.

In any case - I personally wouldn't give explainations for my hand signals before the game. That is only a personal feeling of mine.

The hand signal for an indirect free kick is used at all levels of the game. They use it all the time in the EPL and in the MLS. Frankly, I've never noticed this problem from the top guys. Every once in a while you may see a referee get a bit "lazy" with this signal and he might put his arm down when it is obvious that it could never go in the goal.

This is common practice because the FIFA laws of the game expresslg command the referee to do this in Law 13. It says:

"The Indirect Free Kick: Signal - The referee indicates an indirect free kick by raising his arm above his head. He maintains his arm in that position until the kick has been taken and the ball has touched another player before it enters the goal.

So there you have it - if you don't see referee's doing this remember that the laws are telling them to do it anyway.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I remember my sons and my first games, U10. They did their games on adjacent fields while I watched, and then I did a game after. Oh, the shouts from the sidelines! And then after the game, one parent or coach talked to me a bit. They did a good job, he said. Gee, I wonder what it would have sounded like if they were doing bad?

The youth players just don't know the signs. You could be pointing absolutely properly for a throw-in, and they'll still ask you who gets the ball. I find that making the proper signs while I verbalize the restart helps - and maybe someday they'll associate the signal with the restart. "Red goal kick." "Blue, indirect kick from here."

When they get to U12 or U14 and don't pay attention the signals, I tell them they have to watch me. I can't yell loudly all Saturday afternoon and still expect to sing in the choir Sunday morning.

This gives me an opportunity to pass on an observation that was given to me several years ago. When you are making a signal, either as a referee or an assistant referee, pretend that you are on TV. You have to give the cameraman several seconds to zoom in on you so everyone can see it. So when you put a flag up to indicate direction on a throw-in, hold it for a short while. Don't whip the flag up and down quickly.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Welcome to youth soccer in America. You'll find most parents know much more than referees and they are prepared to shout out how much they know. Read paragraph 3:08:03 of the CYSA Bylaws. That should give you what parents can do. Have fun.

Required hand signals are the direction of a throw-in or free kick, the fact it is indirect, whether it is a goal kick or corner and goal. All the rest is window dressing.

Regards,