Question Number: 26727

Mechanics 9/7/2012

RE: Competitive Under 15

Harris of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

During a corner kick happening on the far side of the assistant referee, what should his/her positioning be?

Same as if it were on the near side? Directly behind the flag? Directly in front of the flag?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Harris
The best position is one where the AR sees what he is required to see which is the hairline goal, then any subsequent offside of a 2nd play and any offences unseen by the CR such as deliberate handling on his blind side..
The text book answer is directly behind the flag and that is the one adopted by FIFA approved ARs but for me sometimes the flag can obscure the view. Sometimes it is better to come a few yards on the goal line in front of the flag.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Sometimes the corner flag will help to define the goal line. But more likely than not, the flag will be crooked and only be a distraction. So I usually stand just in front of the flag, not behind it, to get a better view.

When the kick is being taken at my corner, I'll back up a few yards (straight back from the goal line) to give the kicker room.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Absent a really good reason, the AR should stay behind the flag. It allows the AR to be in position to move along the touch line even with the 2TL defender or ball as play continues. Trying to move backwards and then to the touchline can cause a momentary loss of focus. Problems always seem to arise when there is a momentary loss of focus.