Question Number: 31192

Law 6 - The Other Match Oficials 1/22/2017

RE: Premier Under 15

Chandler Sam of Olympia, WASHINGTON United States asks...

As an Assistant referee, if the ball clearly crosses the goal line, then comes back into the field of play, what signal do I do to indicate the ball crossed the goal line? Example 2010 World Cup Germany Vs England, how would the assistant indicate that the ball had indeed crossed the line?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
When a goal has been scored and it is only obvious to the assistant referee sometimes referred to as a hairline goal with the ball still appearing to be in play, the assistant referee must first raise his flag to attract the referee's attention and when that has happened then continue with the normal goal procedure of running quickly 25-30 yards along the touch line towards the halfway line.
If the CR has missed the flag the AR should do everything possible to attract his attention. Hopefully the referee knows the goal signal.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Chandler,

It's good to be aware of this one as it certainly can occur.
First, raise your flag straight into the air. Essentially, doing this just gets the referee's attention. The referee should look at you and blow the whistle, at this moment you'll quickly run back along the touch line.

Basically, the flag up is saying 'something happened which you need to be aware of ref' then the run is stating 'that thing that happened? It's a goal'.

Worst case scenario is when the referee isn't looking over to you - in that case, make sure you hold your flag up until the referee acknowledges it or play goes out and is restarted. I would shout for the referee if play breaks up the other end or if play continues for more than a few seconds.

If the referee faces the other AR then he can also try to discretely get the referee to look at you.