Question Number: 23304

Law 15 - Throw In 5/13/2010

RE: High School

Justin of Midlothian, Virginia USA asks...

What is the proper position for an AR when a throw-in is being by the last defender on the touch line the AR is on? I always stand behind the thrower then quickly catch up to him after he makes his run then his throw. Also, I've had a few situations recently where I've been in a tough situations when an offensive attack comes towards me as AR and I'm trying to stay with the last defender who is with the attacker. Twice, the attacking player and last defender have ran down the sideline I'm on and both times I've been even with the last defender and very close to even with the ball. One of the situations both teams thought the ball went out and back in and one of the defending players picked up the ball just as it went out for a goal kick, thinking it was a throw-in before he saw me signaling for a goal kick. Luckily he picked it up right after it crossed the end line, because if he picked it up before completely crossing the line I would have had no choice but to raise my flag for handling. I didn't signal the ball going out on the sideline because the ball was pretty much right in front of me, in the air, and I'm a yard or two away from the line so I don't interfere with the players. Any advice for proper positioning in these situations would be helpful.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Justin:

The USSF advises that the assistant referee's position on a throw-in to be along the touchline, between the thrower and the goal line:

'What this means in practice is that, if the second-last defender is closer, then the AR is even with that defender which, by necessity, places him between the thrower and the goal line. If the second-last defender is upfield, the AR is simply between the thrower and the goal line. In either case, the AR must be prepared to adjust based on movement of the ball and the second-to-last defender as a result of the throw-in. What the AR must not do in an attempt to be even with the ball is to stand next to the thrower or even with the thrower but way off the touchline ? the AR must still be on the touchline.'

Frankly, when this was published in 2009, I thought it was unsound. My experience following it in the past two years has led me to believe it works better than standing behind the thrower. The first call for the AR on a throw-in down the line is whether the ball has entered the field of play. That only can be judged if the AR is on the touchline. Although the AR must move even with the second last defender or the ball after the throw, having a clear line of vision unblocked by the thrower's entry into the field, means a quicker response where the AR needs to move. Since no one can be offside directly from a throw, the AR has time to adjust.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Justin
On the touchline between the thrower and the goal line gives the AR a good view of the flight of the ball along the line, any foot fault and indeed keeps all the players in the area in view without the need to glance away. The AR adjust his position quickly after the TI.
Where play is directly in front of the AR it is definitely best not to be impeding the players and a judgement has to be made on the flight of the ball from a position back from the touchline. It is not ideal but when the situation presents the AR has no choice really. Players have to accept the flag either for the TI or not. There has been a few injuries recently at the highest level with ARs getting caught up in play off the field in the corners. Safety is a key consideration for everyone and I would certainly err on the side of caution and not be in the way even if it means being slightly out of position. It will happen infrequently so its a matter of improvising depending on how it plays out. From what you describe IMO you got it spot on and well done.