Question Number: 33641

Law 11 - Offside 9/10/2019

RE: Competetive Under 17

Devery A Harper of NAPLES, FL United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 33639

Thanks guys. I have even more to digest and learn now. Deep down I knew I should have given a goal. Luckily the call did not effect the game.
When this happened and I saw attacker 1 let off, I did signal to the AR to lower his flag, which he did. But like I said, the defenders already let their guard down because of the flag.
In the end I ceded too much to the AR's reasoning even though deep down I knew it was a goal. As I arm myself with more knowledge I can have more confidence to make the correct decisions in the heat of the moment and to explain to the other officials how to best call the game (e.g wait till the PIOP touches the ball).
This weekend we have a referee clinic where all the local refs will be attending. I think this particular offside situation will be a good thing to share with everyone if I get the chance.
I appreciate your tips and help again.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Devery,
I think every one of us has made decisions that, deep down, we knew were wrong at the time - I know I certainly have. That uncomfortable feeling afterwards drives me to do everything I can to not make the same mistake again.
Don't be too hard on yourself here - as you said, you knew what the right decision at the time was - and you went to the effort of seeking other opinions to confirm that. So, you've already done the most important thing when we make an error - learned from it. In your case in particular - your AR put you in a situation that no referee wants to be in. Difficult one.
Echoing Ref Dawson's sentiments, how we respond to errors is far more important than whether or not we make the error to start with.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Devery,
very few perfectionist referees last in the game. At some point you embrace the game for what it is is and what it means to those playing. Realizing you are privileged to be on the field of play with the greatest view of the beautiful game but you are there for THEM!

We are blessed when we are fortunate enough to be a part of the exciting journey a young referee is on. Knowing your character and determination to do the job well is based on love of the game not just ego!

Confidence & compassion, courage and empathy, in the end the integrity of a referee is a gift of self respect, NO ONE can EVER take that from you. Only YOU, can lose that respect, only you can give it away.

It is not mistakes that define you, we all make mistakes . Do not seek to deny or alter the facts or be ashamed to apologize. You will receive some respect just for the authoritative position of the referee, However, true respect for the human at the position of referee is based on the character & behavior on or off the pitch. I use the phase ,Your match your decision your reputation, to signify that respect from others is gained over the span of a lifetime.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Devery
One of the challenges facing ARs is to *delay* the flag on offside in the modern game. As I tell ARs better to be slow and correct rather than fast and wrong. Historically the flag would have been okay yet not any longer.
The touch by the PIOP changes everything as then there is no doubt about the call. Had the AR held the flag for a second or so in your scenario I have no doubt the PIOP would have completed the offside offence.
Even when I am on my own I hold off on the offside whistle until the touch as then I can see what develops between the PIOPs movement and the final touch of the ball. A lot can happen in that few seconds