Question Number: 25259

Mechanics 7/27/2011

RE: High School

John of Des Moines, Iowa US asks...

Hello,

I have a AR mechanic question. What is the proper signal for a throw that is on the my side but on the other side of the half line. I have been told to raise my flag strait up in the hand that I feel it should be pointing. I have also been told to signal normally in the direction of the throw. Is there a proper mechanic or is it a matter of preference?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

This is a good topic to discuss in the pregame, as referees differ on signals when the ball crosses the touchline in the referees quadrant. Absent instruction to the contrary, the AR should normally:

1. LOOK at the referee and wait.
2. Mirror the referee's signal.
3. If the referee looks for help (the hard stare aka deer in the headlights) indicate direction. (Some use a subtle hand signal at the waist; most simply give a normal flag signal).

When the ball goes out and then back into the field, the assistant referee needs to immediately indicate that the ball is out of play. Raise the flag straight up and wait for a whistle. This is the time to place the flag in the hand for the direction you believe the restart should be. Again, look at the referee and mirror the referee's signal (if she recognizes the hand is indicating direction).

What you want to avoid is having the referee point in one direction and the assistant referee in another. The key is looking at the referee before making any signal. We have all the time we need.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The USSF publication 'Guide to Procedures ...' says that the AR puts the flag straight up when the ball goes out at the referee's end of the field, using the hand in which the AR would signal direction. Then if the ref gives direction, the AR mirrors it. If the ref requests assistance by using the signal agreed upon in the pregame (commonly looking at the AR, perhaps with a dumb look or slight shrug) the AR points in the direction of play.

Depending on field conditions, the referee may have different instructions for the assistant referee when the ball goes out at the referee's end of the field. The ref may not want you to signal at all unless she looks at you. Or she may want you to signal every throw-in because she is having difficulty seeing the line - poor paint, looking into the sun, crowned or bumpy field, etc.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi John
The important part is that the signal reflects the direction of the throw in. When the ball is in the other half the referee may be best placed to make the call.
On the vast majority there will be little doubt. If there is doubt make eye contact with the referee and mirror his signal. Sometimes he will look for help so it is always a good idea to have the flag in the hand that you intend to raise.
If in the event that the ball goes out and back in quickly it is vital that the flag is raised so that play can be stopped for the throw in. When the AR is unsure then straight up and then eye contact followed by a drop to follow the referee signal. What looks poor is the referee pointing one way and the AR pointing the other way. It does happen and if it is obvious it is just seen as a error. On tight one though there is usually quite a bit of complaint when that happens.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You should signal 'normally' when the ball is in the referees half of the field by putting flag up in hand you think the direction should go. You then WATCH the referee. If he gives a directional, you mirror whatever it is. If he looks at you for assistance, you then give the directional.