Question Number: 29749

Mechanics 9/29/2015

RE: Intermediate Under 13

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29743

I have a question about something referee Joe McHugh said about the flag in the wrong hand.

I've been taught that an AR should always carry the flag in the hand closest to the field & the CR. So if you're running away from your goal, it's in the right hand & if you're running towards it, it's in the left. Of course, if the ball goes over the touchline, you may or may not have to switch hands before signalling.

But I was unaware that for a foul (or offside) that the flag should be in the right hand. Since the flag goes straight up, it doesn't go across the chest. Is this wrong? Do you always switch to the right hand to signal (except for a throw-in away from your goal)?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Phil.
you are a bit confused, when it is required you switch, fouls and throw ins especially
Most signals occur using the right hand, only three signals require the use of the left hand.

Foul by attacker is a left hand raise and wiggle, lowering of the flag pointing up field so it does not cross the eye sight or go across the body indicates the defenders are getting the restart because it points in the attacking direction . A Foul by a defender would be shown in the right hand!

Throw in for the defender's a 45 degree angled left hand.arm raise that simply points out the direction the throw in, is in favour of the defenders by indicating again the direction of the restart is going towards the attackers . A Throw in for the attackers would be shown using the right hand!

Both hands for substitution.

I tend to crab, no not complain, but crab walk or sidle along the touchlines keeping me inline with the 2nd last opponent, the flag general stays in my up field left hand for a number of reasons if I turn to run for the goal line chasing the break or a ball it will face the field as I do so. . In transferring it to the right given we show corner kick, goal kick, attacking throw in, along with offside it might seem given you make more signals it should stay there but If there is an offside, I have to stop, try for eye contact with my CR, transfer it to the right, then raise it and then indicate where , near, mid or far, it gives me a moment to rethink the necessity. On a rare occasions that I need to sprint up field then it gets transferred back to the right.

There is one call for a ball out of play that I raise the flag and place both hands on the handle trying for eye contact hoping the CR saw a direction of last touch so I can drop the one hand and go with his decision . This is NOT a standard signal but it can be incorporated in a pregame. Much like an unfurled flag indicates problem, or a hanging flag at the waist could indicate that foul was inside the PA
A key point as AR you run, see the reason to STOP play, (i.e. foul, offside ball out of play etc..) you stop or continue direct to the corner if a corner or a goal kick , face the field ,try for CR eye contact, be sure flag switch, if required, occurs then unless the CR has indicated forget it you do as instructed to support the whistle or indicate to the CR what you think he is required to know. This might include moving to a new point on the field (after the CR acknowledges the need to stop)to perhaps indicate, the offside was near the centre circle, not in the PA where he became involved and you were standing across as you followed the developing play. Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
You are correct up to a point.
In the video provided the foul was by a defender so the correct signal was for the AR to switch the flag to the right hand below the waist (if in the left hand), raise the flag above the head, flutter it a little and point to the right the direction of the restart. The flag should always be in the hand of the direction of the restart with the exception of an offside and goal kick. In those there is no direction point and the right hand use opens up the body up angle of view. That for many can take getting used to as in the eagerness to raise the flag they do so in the hand they are carrying it. The trick is the quick hand change to the direction of the restart almost unseen below the waist. Some do it above the head and that looks messy and not good mechanics. This is USSF advice on the subject. See frame 6.39
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h-XHXTi3OuI
I might add that the questioner in the original question has informed us that the AR had a challenge with using the right arm so that explains the crossing of the left arm across the chest.