Question Number: 24752

Mechanics 4/2/2011

RE: competive

bob of narragansett, rhode island United Srates asks...

who does the assistant referee stay in line with during the game? Does he stay in line with the second to last defender the whole game or just at the beginning of the game?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bob
One of the key roles for the assistant referee is to judge offside. To that do that effectively the AR should position himself in line with the 2nd last defender throughout the game.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Why does the AR need to know where the 2nd to last defender is at all times? So s/he can appropriately and correctly judge if an opposing player is in an offside position when they get involved in play. The AR is responsible for keeping this position all game, as the threat of an offside offense is ever present.

Please note - the AR's position should be with the 2nd last defender OR the ball, whichever is closer to the goal line. So, if you are lined up with the 2nd to last defender, the ball comes through with two opponents - they are onside, having coming through with the ball and having started from an onside position. The offside line now follows the ball, as should the AR.

Another note - when judging the second to last defender, do not forget to include the keeper. While the keeper is usually the last man back, that is not always true. The 2nd to last defender means the AR is in line with whichever of the teammates on the defensive team is the second one up from the goal line. The keeper could be the 2nd to last defender, or not even one of the last two!

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Bob, your most important role as an AR is to judge offside and that's for the entire game. In order to do this you have to stay even with the next to last defender OR THE BALL, whichever is nearer the opposing goal line.