Question Number: 28945

Law 11 - Offside 11/6/2014

RE: Professional

japhet kasililwa of Dar es Salam, tanzania asks...

is it necessary for assistant ref to raise the frag with the hand that will be use for next sign. and if assistant ref has a problem on that what is the solution

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi japhet,

The Assistant Referee (AR) should ensure the hand that is in the direction of the signal is holding the flag before the signal is raised.

For instance, say you're facing the field with the flag in your left hand, but the ball goes out for a throw-in to the attack. Swap the flag to your right hand, then once the flag is in your right hand raise the flag to signal.

As you gain experience, you'll start to swap the flag to the correct hand a few moments before the ball goes out so you're ready.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Better a slow flag than a sloppy-looking flag. In most cases, speed is not essential to signaling. Take the time to switch the flag to the correct hand before raising it. It looks more professional.

If you switch hands, it can be viewed as being indecisive. It could also be confusing to the referee.

With a little practice and experience, it becomes natural to use the correct hand.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
The assistant referees must raise the flag using the hand that will also be used for the next signal in a sequence. If circumstances change and the other hand must be used for the next signal, the assistant referee should move his flag to the opposite hand below the waist and then make the signal.
While a tad dated the following video gives the correct way to signal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-XHXTi3OuI