Question Number: 20057

Mechanics 9/24/2008

RE: competive, coast soccer league Under 14

oscar carias of Lynwood, CA U.S.A. asks...

hey im 13 im in coast soccer league (csl)
my team is west soccer academy U14 (check in internet for more info)

my question is if the linesmen lifts his flag up to show the ball is out and he was sure it was out, but the main ref says its not out and because the flag was lift every one in my team stoped and then they scored.

i know that the ref makes the decsion but i want to hear your opinion


what would you do?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You said 'linesman'. Is this a club line, someone affiliated with the team, who is filling in on the line? In that case, he may very well be putting the flag up too early. Either he is anticipating the ball going out, or he doesn't know that the whole ball has to be across the whole line before it is out of play.

If this is a neutral AR appointed to the game, he and the ref need to get on the same wavelength. The AR is right on the line; he should have the best view of whether or not the ball is out. Barring extreme inexperience, a ref would have little to no reason for not accepting the AR's signal for ball out. Which team touched it last may be another matter - there could be a difference of opinion there.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

As a COACH I say this, Oscar ALWAYS play the whistle NEVER play the flag!
Unless the ball is miles out up in the stands so there is NO DOUBT whatsoever keep playing.

Before I give an opinion understand there is a difference in a CLUB linesman and a neutral AR . A Club Lineman may not have the confidence of the referee and thus in doubtful cases the referee decides to take on the responsibility, although ball in and out is a duty assigned to CLs.
MY opinion if it was the AR and referee they need to communicate better as flags are NEVER raised unless it is a CERTAINTY to stop play. For a referee to wave off a raised flag is not usually a great idea BUT as you indicated he referee DOES make the ultimate decision. In the case of waving off a flag as referee I would call it loud KEEP PLAYING !!! NO STOPPAGE KEEP PLAYING! while I was waving of the incorrect flag ONLY because I too was absolutely sure it was neccessary. Confusion creates controversey, controversey creates dissent and abuse.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Always play to the whistle. If I'm the referee regardless of who is on the line and I'm 100% sure that the ball is still in play, I will over rule the assistant referee (linesman) and wave the flag off.

If you get caught out because of the flag, you have no leg to stand on.

Play to the whistle.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Oscar, I am sure you have heard this many, many times: Play the whistle!