Question Number: 27304

League Specific 4/8/2013

RE: Competitive Under 12

David of New York, NY US asks...

Hello. Can an assistant referee (linesman) leave at half- time if they simply can't stay for the duration of the game, and if so, can the center ref designate a parent to take over the flag? Is the game allowed to continue or does it (should it) have to be replayed? Thanks.
David

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

In amateur play, referees can get injured or delayed. Or someone is late or unable to fulfill a commitment.

Where there are not three trained referees available, the referee can ask for a parent or spectator to be a 'club lines' to indicate when the ball has fully crossed the touchline. A game can be started or finished with just one referee and two club lines. In some places, a single referee is standard for youth matches under 16.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi David
The matter can be covered in the competition rules. The game can proceed with a qualified referee only with no assistants. Many times at underage when neutral assistants are not available the referee will ask for 'assistance' from those present to help with assistant referee duties. That can be a parent, spectator etc
In the Pro game a 4th official is available to fill in should an official become injured or unwell.
At amateur level if a neutral assistant has to leave for whatever reason the referee has to make a call on how to proceed with the game. The most obvious solution is to seek assistance from those present. There is no requirement for the game to be called off or replayed.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

A referee should not accept an assignment to a game knowing he would have to leave early.

But things happen, and sometimes we do have to leave. The game might have been delayed by other games on the field running long, and the ref had a commitment that required him to leave at the original scheduled time. Or someone may be injured and fall ill.