Question Number: 34276

Law 6 - The Other Match Oficials 7/30/2021

RE: Competitive High School

Jeffrey Vargo of Palmyra, Pennsylvania United States asks...

In the 66th minute of the Canada vs Mexico Gold Cup game, Mexico was awarded a PK.

The AR was positioned at the corner flag, not the edge of the 18. Why?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jeffrey
Thanks for the observation.
There could be a number of reasons why the assistant was positioned on the touchline.

I suspect one of the reasons could be that it is an experiment by the authorities on AR positioning when VAR and technology is used. With VAR all of the game events are monitored in the VAR room so physical AR positioning is not as critical. The reason for the advice in the law book on positioning is that it allows the AR to see if the ball has crossed the goal line or goalkeeper encroachment in a regular game. If that information can be provided by VAR then positioning of the lead AR is not as critical although a technology fail could cause problems if it is totally relied on.

Another reason is that VAR is being constantly being refined and this AR position is advised when VAR is being used at the highest level. We have seen refinements of VAR to do with encroachment and rebounds so maybe the protocol has been revised on positioning.

Finally I only have access to the highlights which does not show the wider picture of the FOP. The intersection of the goalline and penalty area line s not fully shown

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Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Jeffrey,
It's difficult to know without being party to the instructions that were given to the officials for this specific competition but I suspect that ref McHugh is right and it has something to do with the fact that VAR was in use.

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Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jeff,
I tend to agree with my colleagues. VAR has altered the AR instructions due to the technological advantages of the freeze-frame cameras. The AR now hold
off on the early flags more often and perhaps by staying at the arc are better positioned when normal play resumes if the PK is missed or saved.
Cheers

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