Question Number: 25252

Mechanics 7/24/2011

RE: Comp., / Rec. Other

Mike Parrott of FULLERTON, California United States asks...

AR Positioning- It is common to see the AR lined up to the left of the goalkeeper and on that goalkeeper side.

Can a Center Ref change the side/direction an AR runs if safwety is a factor? Where in the rules is the position of an AR explained?

Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
Referees have the choice of asking assistant referee to run what is referred to as 'left backs' or 'right backs'. The referee then runs his diagonal based on the positioning of the assistants.
Most assistants are used to running 'left backs' and they become familiar with flag use in that position such as signalling for a corner kick, goal kick etc. Referees are used to running a 'regular' diagonal based on ARs positioning
Pages 77 to 95 in teh Laws of the Game shows the most common positioning which is 'left backs' for assistants. However the referee can decide based on ground condition, position of the sun, safety etc to change to the opposite position of 'right backs'
Somtimes it can be a good exercise for the referee crew to change to 'right backs' positioning. I did it once last year and it does require getting used to.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

I've only run the 'reverse diagonal' a couple of times, as a referee and as an AR. It's actually somewhat difficult. As a referee, it's easy to turn around to see yourself standing next to your AR by running in the places you're used to running - and as an AR you need to think extra hard about which hand to use to indicate (and keep reminding yourself that a defensive throw in will be in the right hand, not the left!).

Because of this I'll echo Ref McHugh's advice - it's something good to do every now and then, just to get yourself comfortable with it. Last thing you want is to find it absolutely necessary to do this in a critical game (say, a fiery grand final), and not have any experience under your belt.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I try to run a reverse diagonal at least once each season so I am used to it in case I need to do it. A common reason for needing to do it is that the AR paths are rutted from overuse in the normal diagonal.

The reverse diagonal has differences that take getting used to. I find myself drifting toward my normal diagonal pattern, meaning I'm too close to the AR and too far from the 'coffin corner'. AR's also make some minor adjustments. One of these is using the opposite hand when signalling for offside and goal kicks.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes, the referee should choose the best diagonal for the field conditions (sun, conditions along the touchline, etc.). The "rules" are contained in the USSF Guide To Procedures. Frankly, because few referees practice it, the change should not be made lightly.

One of our local youth tournaments requires the left or reverse diagonal on the first (the youngers) of two weekends. It always causes issues. We train ourselves to anticipate and move toward play; the first instinct of the referee is to move in the wrong direction. The referee's corners are opposite, and the referees tends to be late in getting there. The assistant referee's signals are backwards (the hand that holds the flag reverses), and more than one assistant was found running down the touchline past the halfway line (towards 'normal' territory).

It's a terrific challenge. One that makes you aware of the things done through muscle memory and habit. But, it requires more focus and sacrifices a few seconds in positioning. (The tournament doesn't use it for the younger finals or for the olders weekend.)