Question Number: 17506

Mechanics 10/25/2007

RE: Rec, Competive, High School Under 19

Dave L of Albuquerque, NM USA asks...

Question on AR Position and Mechanics: What is the proper procedure for a lead AR (at the attacking end of the field) when the ball is kicked by an attacker, but deflects off a defender over the goal line, where the defender is a long distance away (say, 30 yards or more) from the goal line? Assume that the AR is properly positioned at the 2nd to last defender at the time of the last touch, and that the ball is moving fast out of play.

I've asked this question to experienced referees and have got two distinctly different answers. One answer is that the AR should make an effort to run toward the goal line but immediately stop as soon as he/she is sure the ball has crossed the goal line. At that moment the AR should turn and face the field, and signal for the corner kick in the standard manner. With this answer, the AR could be signaling at a location many yards from the corner.

The other answer is that the AR should always continue running to the corner, and make the CK signal once he/she reaches a location beside the flag.

So what's the right answer? Also, does make any difference in goal kick situations? In other words, everything described above applies except that the ball is last touched by an attacker (a hard shot on goal from a good distance away)?

If there is one correct procedure, could you give me a document as a point of reference. I could find any in the documentation I got (Advice, Guide to Procedures, etc.) I'm in a position to advise others (in USSF and AYSO in my local area) and would like to cite a standard and credible source.

Thanks in advance.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Imagine that, someone thinks AskTheRef is a credible source, thanks! Wow, whew...

Now, another attempt to offer creditable opinion -- here goes.

Assistant referees are at either of two positions during dynamic play, the last but one opponent OR the ball, whichever is nearer the goal line. That is in the Guide to Procedures!

So, there it is where. Now to the how does the assistant referee do his thing. Well that's called run. What that amounts to is, actually, "frigging run" and having a heart attack in the line of duty is an authorized behavior. If the situation changes from last but one opponent to ball nearer the goal line the assistant is expected to be AT the ball or at his very, absolute, utmost, get it in gear TOP frigging speed. AND the assistant is expected to be at that speed until he arrives at the goal line where he is expected to instantly stop and do what is needed. There isn't anyone on the planet who can keep up with a shot on goals from thirty yards out, however everyone on the planet can give everything he is capable of in an attempt to maintain proper position [either of the two mentioned]

Where assistant referees have great difficulty is when they bust their arse to get where they're supposed to be, exceed their acceleration limits in the high "G" maneuver called stopping instantly then look to see the referee dropping his lackadaisical signal for whatever and not looking his way nor appreciating his effort by letting him signal first. That's a real mood killer. I will never step on a linesman who gets himself to the goal line at absolute top speed, stops, turns, faces, makes eye contact with me and signals. That is perfect, absolutely perfect. That assistant can never have enough praise heaped upon her. That assistant is worth her weight in gold or oil, which ever is more valuable these days.

Conversely, I will never find fault with an assistant referee who starts a match busting her hump in attaining a goal line position then signalling only to find out the referee has blown her off by signalling before she got there. To that linesman I say, in front of the referee "Doesn't it torque your jaws when the referee kills you off by signalling before you have after you bust your arse getting to the goal line?" When I do this the assistant clearly understands how I feel about her efforts and the referee has no real clue what has just transpired...

To the nay do well lazy arse gents who say signal from 20 yards out I offer this. Tell the assistant to look at them and DO NOT make the run to the goal line and DO NOT make a signal in those situations. Tell the assistant you will handle that signal so they don't have to wear themselves down to much.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Every assessment I've seen or had has stressed the importance of running the ball to the line. What Ref Fleischer outlines is what most of us tell our ARs during pregame. Nothing is better than looking over and seeing an AR bust their hump doing a good job. Makes your life as a center enjoyable

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

I agree with my colleagues in principle and definitely when dealing with any game of a high competitive level. However, a referee must deal with the team he is assigned, and sometimes that means you have someone running lines who is not as fit as one would like. They can keep up 90% of the time, but if they have to sprint for the goal line everytime the ball heads there, I won't be able to count on them for more than a half. In that case, I am not upset if they bust their buns when they have to be there to see who the ball exits the field against, but not when everybody can see it was off the defender 40 yards from goal. I'm a bit more practical, I guess. On the other hand, if I am talking with a referee who wishes to upgrade, to any level, she will get the speech my colleagues made above and I will make myself available to push her to do so.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

How fast is the AR?
Many times I am in a race with a long hard bit ball traveling well over the speed I could possible make and it beats me to the end line. Yet I see a keeper get that tip that makes it corner not goal or the ball hit the corner flag and go inside for a throw in not a goal kick.

In matches where we are into the third or fourth game of the day in a tournament that ball is going to win most of those races and I might miss that faint deflection or tip.

My colleagues touch on the communication and standard by which an officiating team work and appreciates the work of the other. On balls that are OBVIOUSLY WAY out I do not expect my AR to needlessly continue chasing it at top speed into the corner while the ball bounces away 30 yards outside the field.

I DO expect my ARs to pursue with all their might any ball that is within the catchable limits of the keeper or in line of flight to be possible contacting a post, flag or goal with any chance what so ever. That 2nd last defender on the break turns and goes we are with him every step. A lessening of the speed to wind up at the corner or across from at the 6 yard then signal is fine.

Like any obvious restart the need to immediately signal corner or goal is not a priority the restart is likely known to all. If there was a deflection or tip and as referee I am CERTAIN of it but think my AR might not be I could take the hit and call out corner or goal kick even before my AR is in full position.

There are many different stages of evolution for an AR to be confident with a referee and learn the communication skills as second nature. The saying only perfect practice makes perfect goes towards officials as it does players. Muscle memory and instinct are trained responses. Do it right they remain ingrained and available when called upon.
Cheers