Question Number: 35607

Law 6 - The Other Match Oficials 7/2/2024

RE: Competive College

Rorkerd of Kumasi, Kumasi Ghana asks...

Is it wrong for a lines man to enter the pitch during officiating and why the answer

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Rorkerd,

Thank you for your question.
Their name was changed from 'linesman' to 'Assistant Referee' (AR)a few decades ago - partically because their role is to assist the referee in just about all parts of the game.

Their main duties are still ball in and out of play and offside, but the Laws of the Game say that ARs can also come onto the field to help manage the 10 yards at a free kick. This doesn't often happen, and if it does it's when tehre is a FK right in front of the AR.

You'll also see ARs come onto the field to help with a confrontation, either helping keep players apart or just getting into a closer position to be able to report to the referee on what has happened.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Rorkerd
Thanks for the question
Assistant referees as they are now called are allowed to enter the field of play in situations set out in the Laws of the Game.

If a free kick is in the assistant’s area of control the AR can come on to enforce the 10 yards if required by the referee. Many times the referee will not require that assistance particularly if spray foam is used by the referee.

An assistant can also come on to the field of play to assist the referee in areas of mass confrontation. That can help to get a better view of any violent conduct and / or to help to instruct players to desist or move away,

Most of the time there is no requirement for an assistant to cross over the touch line on to the field and it is not good practice anyway in case the ball makes contact with the AR during play which should not happen. If the ball hits an AR off the field of play it is a throw in.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Rork,
Neutral ARs are assistant referees in they assist the centre referee in managing the game. This is DIFFERENT than Club linesmen usually associated with the teams actually playing (not neutral) who are limited in scope of duties often they only assist with the ball in or out of touch, primarily for throw ins and corners and goal kicks. They may or may not be delegated to show offside, whereas ARs are completely neutral and can indicate to the referee any form of foul or misconduct or reason for a stoppage. Club linesman should not enter the FOP whereas an ARs might do so on request or advisement from the referee to assist with the match in some effective way! ARs And CLs should stay back far enough from the boundary lines so if the ball hits them it is ALWAYS a throw in. The ball must completely exit the FOP to be considered out of play or what we call into touch. If the AR or CL is hit with the ball in live play while inside the FOP it is a DB restart! (dr op ball)
Cheers