Question Number: 27784

Mechanics 9/19/2013

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

Just occur to me that there is no flag signal to indicate whether it is a DFK or IDFK. How do the CR knows what is the proper restart after seeing a AR flagging for a foul?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Alex,

You're absolutely correct. A single signal covers a direct free kick foul, an indirect free kick foul, offside, ball out of play, and anything else where the AR may need to urgently get the referee's attention.

This is where teamwork really comes into it. It actually doesn't cause a problem all that often.

Indirect free kicks are fairly rare - most of the time when an AR signals a foul that the referee has completely missed, it's for a pushing or holding offence. It's unlikely that the AR will signal an indirect free kick offence that the referee has completely missed - there aren't many indirect free kick offences.

If the situation does arise where the referee may go towards the incorrect signal, then making eye contact and mouthing 'indirect' or 'direct' will often get the message across.

The other situation where this could be a concern is when a possible foul occurs when the ball is on the line, either just inside or just outside. Either way it's a 2 part signal, which is identical. Sometimes you can mimic a small push, shirt grab or throw to indicate the correct method (probably not recommended at higher levels).

This really highlights the importance of frequent eye contact as well. Frequent eye contact between officials allows for subtle gestures and glances which greatly aids communication.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Alex
Yes, there is no signal to identify a direct or indirect free kick offence by an assistant referee. The most common flag is offside which is an IDFK restart.
I have done AR duties countless times and I don't ever recall the need to inform of an IDFK offence. The verbal distraction one will be heard by the referee, the PIADM should be pretty obvious as well while dissent towards the AR would result in a flag with the referee having to come across to discuss.
In the situation where it is an indirect free kick I would have to verbally communicate the call with the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Around here we adopted an AR signal for an Indirect about 15 years ago. To signal and Indirect the AR would grab the waist of his/her shorts and give a quick tug. This later morphed into an open palm towards the referee at about the pocket of the AR's shirt. This is yet another thing to go over at the pregame