Question Number: 28673

Mechanics 8/19/2014

RE: competitive Under 15

Rob of jacksonville , fl duvall asks...

During a penalty kick, whay exactly is the 'skirt?' I have heard younger referees use it but that term did not exist (if it did they called it something else) when I went to ref school years ago. Thanks....

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

This was a signal that was introduced a few years ago to be used by an assistant referee to indicate that the foul was a penalty kick, or that a penalty kick had to be retaken because of an infraction. The AR held the flag in front of his lower torso, looking something like a skirt. It has also been called the 'fig-leaf'.

As I recall, this signal was losing favor - it certainly was "extra" to the signals found in the Laws. Our friends overseas gave us some grief on various chat boards about "USSF making things up again." It could be that it is no longer being taught. In most cases, the AR's position and motion can be used to discern that the foul being called results in a PK.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Rob
Throughout the refereeing family worldwide there have been AR flag signals that are unique to an association. In the US this flag was used to signal a penalty or an infringement at the taking of a penalty kick. See Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-XHXTi3OuI&t=8m23s
In the UK a similar flag signal was made higher up across the chest which signalled a penalty.
In recent times FIFA has been keen to bring all signals in line with what is in the Guidelines for Referees which is part of Laws of the Game booklet and as a result such signals are now not taught and frowned on by Associations. Some referee bemoan the change as it was seen by those that used it as a discreet signal that perhaps a referee could decline if he did not agree with it and it attracted less attention when ignored.
The signal now is a raised flag for an infringement at a penalty kick most usually encroachment by the goalkeeper or the fluttering flag plus movement towards the corner flag in the case of a penalty.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Rob,
The hulu dance we also called it lol. To me eye contact, yes or no nod of head thumb up or down, works well in communicating that was good or that was bad.
cheers