Question Number: 19254

Mechanics 6/2/2008

RE: Rec Under 14

Peter of Great Falls, Virginia USA asks...

Is there a rule that states that the AR's have to be to the left side of the goal? A parent who was taking pictures told me at half time that the AR's were in his way and that they were on the wrong side.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Hee hee. That's funny. I suppose the parent couldn't get up out of his chair to find a better spot from which to take pictures? The poor AR, imagine having to not only pay attention to duties on the field, but let's add watching out for those behind us, so we don't block their view? Good grief. I digress - sorry. The normal positioning for ARs is one on each side of the field, and on opposite ends of the halfway line. A referee can change on which side the ARs run depending on field conditions, personal preference, annoying fans, or other demands. The two formations are called different things, "right" or "left" diagonal, reverse diagonal (as versus the normal configuration for the national preference) and I'm sure there are other names for it. Thus, an AR can't be on the "wrong" side of the field, and if the AR in doing her job happens to be in the photo sight line, please ask the parent to get up and MOVE!

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Ah, the old get out of my way ploy. Super. Normally a referee will elect to run a "left diagonal" as a matter of habit because nearly everyone in this country does that. Ref. Maloney alludes to other names -- Left Wing diagonal or running Right Backs for the "standard" diagonal -- Right Wing diagonal or running Left Backs for the "reverse" diagonal come to mind. Of course there are guys like me that alternate left and right backs every other match and sometimes I have been known to change in the middle of a match just to stay close to some foul playing git. Can you imagine a parent that moves to avoid a linesman in his field of view only to see the referee swap diagonals and have the linesman go to the other end of his touchline. Can you imagine how incensed our shutter bug would be if that happened to him?

It ain't easy being weird and I try very, very hard...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I don't run too many reverse diagonals, but I try to run at least one or two a season. If you don't do it at all, then when you have to do it you won't be prepared. Part of my pregame field inspection is to look where my AR's will be running. If it's been wet sloppy weather, their normal path might be worn down and muddy. But look, there's a fresh stretch of good solid grass at the other end of the touchline. I'll give my AR's a break and move them to the "wrong" end of the field, so they can worry about the game rather than losing their footing.

And if Mom can't see her defender son to take pictures because the AR is in the way, all she has to do is tell her son to move up or back a bit. The AR will move to remain in line with him, and will be out of Mom's way. Coach might not like that interference with the game ...

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

This reminds me - I haven't run a reverse in quite a while. I think I'll do that on my next youth match. Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hilarious!!! The AR was in the parent's way!! Too funny!