Question Number: 29977

Mechanics 12/8/2015

RE: comp Under 12

Brendan of Folsom, CA us asks...

At the end of the match, we were forced to go to kicks from the mark to determine the winner.
The R and AR took their respective positions as did the GK and Player 1. The whistle was blown and the ball was kicked.
The GK made a good effort and the ball was knocked down close to or on the end line under the net, so close that only the AR can tell if the shot went in or was saved.
Question: What should the AR do to signal a goal and what is the signal to indicate no goal?
Under normal goal situations during a game, the AR is supposed to run up the line toward midfield to indicate a goal, but that is not appropriate in this situation. In this case, the AR nodded but it was confusing as nobody knew, including the R, whether the nod was to indicate 'yes there was a goal' or was the nod used to indicate 'yes, the GK saved it.. no goal'
What is the recommended practice for an AR?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Brendan,
The senior AR is usually assigned to look in from the T intersection of the goal area meeting the goal line inside the PA to observe if the ball completely crosses the goal line under the crossbar and between the posts and if it does not to indicate to the referee if the keeper had moved off the goal line prior to the PK being taken.

The standard signal for an AR to indicate a goal WAS scored in situations where it is UNCLEAR the ball DID in fact completely cross that 5 inch wide line in accordance with the LOTG because the old onion skin has not been bulged to make it obvious is to raise the flag get eye contact and confirm yes we have a goal Mr. referee usually in quiet private consultation.

As a general rule, assistant referee must not give obvious hand
signals. However, in some instances, a discreet hand signal may give valuable
support to the referee. The hand signal should have a clear meaning. The
meaning should have been discussed and agreed upon in the pre-match
discussion. On occasions when the whole of the ball does not cross the goal line and because a goal has not been scored, the referee must make eye contact with the assistant referee and here the use of a few discreet hand or head signals go along way to clarifying any confusion. When we achieve eye contact A simple thumbs up all is good to say YES for a good goal.
A simple side to side nod of the head to say NOPE no goal from my view!
A save or a miss but the keeper had moved to early, raise flag but this time step into the field of play with both feet quiet private consult.

Kicks from the penalty mark
One assistant referee must be positioned at the intersection of the goal line
and the goal area. His main duty is to check if the ball crosses the line:
• when it is clear that the ball has crossed the goal line, the assistant referee
must make eye contact with the referee without giving any additional
signal
• when a goal has been scored but it is not clear whether the ball has crossed
the line, the assistant referee must first raise his flag to attract the referee's
attention and then confirm the goal with the CR in private consultation

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Brendan
At one time USSF recommended the use of the flag skirt signal and I suspect like elsewhere in the world that old habits die hard. In the UK the skirt flag across the chest was a penalty signal. It is seen less now although it does happen.
In recent times FIFA has attempted to get associations to adopt the signals given in the Laws of the Game and to abandon the old *unofficial* ones.

The current FIFA signal is that the AR raises his flag above his head and makes eye contact withe the referee. The CR will have to interpret either through a discreet signal that a goal has been scored or that the flag was to signal encroachment by the goalkeeper with no goal scored. Certainly the raised flag will have to be dealt with and it may require verbal communication between the officials.