Question Number: 25956

Mechanics 2/8/2012

RE: High School

Alan Van Nevel of Ridgecrest, CA US asks...

On a penalty kick, what is the correct procedure for the AR to signal forward motion by the goalkeeper, if a goal is not scored?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Alan
The signal varies across the world. USSF advice is that the assistant referee remains in the same position and then places the flag across his lower body. It is important for the referee to look at the AR to ensure he has not missed this signal.
In Europe the assistant referee remains in the same position and raises his flag. It is assumed by the CR that as encroachment and goal / no goal determination are the only responsibilities of the AR the referee makes the assumption based on the circumstances. There is no high school specific signal for an infringement at a penalty kick
What is vital is that the CR discusses these with his ARs in the pre game discussion so that there is clarity of what is the appropriate signal and what is required of the AR. The important part is that the decision is properly handled without confusion.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

There is no high school specific signal. Thus, it should be discussed in the pregame whether and how the referee would like information from the assistant referee.

For matches under USSF, however, there is a special flag signal to indicate keeper infringement- - which many refer to as the 'loin cloth' - - the flag is held parallel to the ground across the hips.