Question Number: 19246

Mechanics 6/2/2008

RE: Select Under 13

David Lee of Merrimack, NH USA asks...

What are the best mechanics for the CR in a goal/no-goal situation? This event occurred in U12 Girls Select Game.

Red team is making an attacking run against Green inside the penalty area, towards the right side. The ball is around 10-12 yards out.

My AR is in good position. I believe I am in good position, along my left diagonal, inside the penalty area, towards the left side.

The Red shot hits the crossbar and bounces down. No lines in the goal mouth. I can't make the call.

I did not see my AR motion. However, my direct attention was still on the play in front of me. There were players from both sides at the goal and plenty of soccer to evaluate.

The Red team did clearly score off the rebound about two seconds after the first shot.

At that point I looked to the AR and he began to move to indicate goal.

Should I always look to my AR in this situation? And risk missing something that happens during play right after the rebound?

1. I honestly cannot say I had my AR in my peripheral vision. I will improve upon that, but even still, won't there be situations that you will not see the AR?

2. After the match I asked the AR which shot scored. He said the first. I realized now I should've asked if he raised his flag.

Any advice?

Regards.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If a suspect shot scores, the AR should raise his flag and keep it raised until you see it. (If you miss seeing it for more than just a few seconds, he should be yelling out, "Hey, David!")

In your game, since a shot scored immediately after the questionable one, there's no harm done. It gets messy if someone commits a foul or misconduct in the interim, especially if it's the attacking team that committed the infraction. Now you have to unwind the situation and explain that while you couldn't see it, your AR (conveniently and properly in position right at the goal line) definitely saw the entirety of the ball cross the line and score.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

David the Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials demands the assistant Referee signal, from the goal line, with his flag raised indicating a stoppage in play is needed. When you stop play he follows with the usual goal just scored mechanic.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If there's a shot on goal as you describe you should always immediately look at your AR. I understand there's other soccer going on but you never want to get a goal/no goal wrong if you can help it. It's the AR's call if she's in position and you are unsure.

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

See Question: 19265