Question Number: 21928

Mechanics 9/9/2009

RE: Competive Under 16

Larry of SF, CA USA asks...

What are the proper mechanics for the CR to indicate offside? Upon seeing my AR with a raised flag and then agreeing with player involvement, I blow my whistle, single direction, leave my arm straight up while I move into position for the IDFK untill it is touched by another player. I was recently told by a more experienced ref that I should not be moving while giving the IDFK signal. That doen't seem right to me, as I might have to run a long way to prepare for the kick.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

1. Blow your whistle and signal direction.

2. If the nature of the call is unclear, you can raise your arm or say 'offside.' But, you are correct that running with your arm in the air isn't right.

3. Lower (or keep down) your arm, run to the position where you want to be (near the landing zone), and then raise your arm to indicate the IFK.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I'd add

4. If it looks like they're ready to take the kick quickly (less likely on offside but more likely for some other IFK's), be ready to get your arm up quickly.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Here's what the official document Guide to Procedures For Referees Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials published by the United States Soccer Federation says:


? Acknowledges the assistant
referee's signal by stopping play or
by waving down the flag to indicate
play should continue
? If offside is called, gives an
indirect free kick signal when it is
appropriate to do so and indicates
the restart
? Holds the indirect free kick signal
from the moment of the restart to
when the ball is touched or played
by another player or until play is
stopped for another reason
? Intervenes quickly and decisively to
prevent and deal with players from
either team who seek to engage an
assistant referee in debate regarding
an offside decision