Question Number: 22371

League Specific 10/26/2009

RE: rec Adult

Valle of Culver City, CA USA asks...

The 'Guide to Procedures' does not indicate what the standard and accepted AR signals are for a 'caution,' 'send-off,' and 'check time.' Can you please review what are these accepted signals? I centered a BU16 game this past weekend and the AR put his hand over his badge before a CK and I thought he was indicating somebody should be cautioned, so I stopped the corner to talk to him, but he said he was just indicating that it was quarter.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The latest version of the Guide To Procedures (2009/10) now includes signals for the AR to use for a recommendation for a caution (hand on badge) or sendoff (hand on back pocket.) There is no approved signal for 'check time.'

But, I recommend that all three (caution, sendoff, time) be discussed during the pregame. As you found, these are not universally understood. The pregame is a good place to sort out what you want/need in terms of signals.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Valle
In Europe there are no accepted signals for a 'caution,' 'send-off,' and 'check time.' The referee crew in the pre match agree what should be the signals and those signals are to give an opinion so that the CR can make up/confirm his mind. The signals are in line with those outlined by Referee Wickham. So the referee after a tackle may look across at the AR who will put his hand on the badge which suggests caution etc. That can make up the mind for the CR.
As regards incidents not seen or heard by the referee, referee is unsure, the best advice I can give is verbal communication rather than signals. The referee is called across by a raised flag or he comes across to ask for an opinion and he is told by the AR what he saw, what should be the punishment and the restart.
For instance ' I saw No 9 Red strike No 5 with his fist. No 9 should be dismissed for VC and the restart is a penalty kick'
As regards time the CR will usually look for an indication that time is up and he may signal covertly the number of minutes added time he intends to play. Again there can be an agreed signal and I've seen everything from just eye contact to a raised hand whatever has been agreed in the pre match.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

In a word, the solution to your problem is 'pre-game'. Always ask your ARs if there are signals they normally use, and for what. Then you will know what to tell them YOU want/need, or at least you will know where the pitfalls may be.

The GTP does say alternate signals, procedures and methods of communication within the officiating team which are different from the ones in the GTP are not authorized. IF there are other signals or methods of communication which are intended to supplement the USSF procedures, they are permitted ONLY if they do not conflict with established procedures and ONLY if they do not intrude on the game, are not distracting, are limited in number and purpose AND are carefully discussed within the officiating team prior to commencement of the match.

And that's the gospel!