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Law 6 The Assistant Referee 

The aim of this page is to stress the importance of the Referee recognising and managing the role of the Assistant Referees - and the responsibilities of the Assistant Referees themselves.

1. WHAT LAW 6 SAYS:                         Go to top of this page

Duties:

Two Assistant Referees are appointed whose duties, subject to the decision of the Referee, are to indicate:

• when the whole of the ball has passed out of the field of play
  
• which side is entitled to a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in
  
• when a player may be penalised for being in an offside position
  
• when a substitution is requested
  
• when misconduct or any other incident has occurred out of the view of the Referee
  
• when offences have been committed whenever the Assistants are closer to the action than the Referee (this includes, in particular circumstances, offences committed in the penalty area)
  
• whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper has moved forward before the ball has been kicked and if the ball has crossed the line

Assistance: The Assistant Referees also assist the Referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game. In particular, they may enter the field of play to help control the 10 yard (9.15m) distance. In the event of undue interference or improper conduct, the Referee will relieve an Assistant Referee of his duties and make a report to the appropriate authorities.

2. ASSISTANT REFEREES DUTIES.                   Go to top of this page

DUTIES

To assist and not to insist.

Two Assistant Referees are appointed whose duties, subject to the decision of the Referee, are to indicate: 

• when the whole of the ball has passed out of the field of play.
  The whole of the ball must be completely over the boundary line, either on the ground or in the air. The Assistant Referee indicates this, by raising his flag straight up, without waving it. (Click here for Law 9 - Ball In and Out of Pay).
• which side is entitled to a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in.
  The Referee will hopefully have briefed the Assistant Referees as to how he wishes corner kicks and goal kicks to be indicated. Assistant Referees can use a combination of both flag signals and/or body language to indicate to the Referee whether a goal kick or a corner-kick should be given (e.g. body language - facing sideways and towards the half-way line, with the flag down alongside the innermost leg, to indicate a goal-kick). Some Referees like to see a flag signal for goal kicks/corners, other Referees prefer Assistant Referees to use body language. Flag signalling is the modern method.  Click here for Referee Signals)
• when a player may be penalised for being in an off-side position - only if it is an offence, i.e. the offside player is involved with active play.
  Assistant Referees are normally given total responsibility for deciding when a player should be penalised for being in an offside position or not. The Referee will acknowledge the Assistant Referee with a raised arm/hand signal if he (the Referee) wishes to allow play to continue.
• when a substitute is requested. 
  The Senior Assistant Referee (or the Referee on the side where the technical areas are located) is responsible for indicating to the Referee when a team wish to make a substitution. The Assistant Referee is then responsible for noting the substitute's name/number, and organising when and where the substitute can enter the Field of Play (from the half-way line). The outgoing player must leave the field of play before the oncoming substitute can enter. Use your common sense on local pitches where substitutes can sometimes forget (or do not know) the proper procedure. A Fourth Official - if available -  will normally deal with substitutions.

Working with a Fourth Official:
If a team requests for a substitution to be made, the Fourth Official and the nearest Assistant Referee will work together to ensure that the substitution request is brought to the Referee's attention, and managed correctly. The Fourth Official will normally take charge of the actual substitution process. The Assistant Referee will indicate to the Referee by using his flag, that a substitution is required. 

• when misconduct or any other incident has occurred out of vision of the Referee. 
  The Assistant Referees' are the extra sets of 'eyes and ears' of the Referee. If an Assistant Referee sees a notable incident that the Referee has missed and needs to be made aware of, it is that Assistant Referee's responsibility to bring this to the attention of the Referee. The Referee, in conjunction with the Assistant Referee will then discuss the incident, enabling the Referee to take the appropriate action against the player, which could be for example: a strong talking to: a caution: or a sending-off - depending on the nature of the incident. 
  An Assistant Referee will need to complete a report of any misconduct if he is the main witness of an incident.
  Some County Football Associations also require the Assistant Referees to also complete and submit reports for all sending-off offences administered by the Referee.
• when offences have been committed whenever the assistants are closer to the action than the referee (this includes, in particular circumstances, offences committed in the penalty area) 
  The Assistant Referee, can also indicate fouls, the position of free-kicks, deliberate hand-balls, penalties and generally help to control the match, depending on the pre-match briefing instructions given to him by the Referee. The Assistant Referees' task is to help the Referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game. 
• whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper has moved forward before the ball has been kicked and if the ball has crossed the line
  The Referee should have briefed the Assistant Referees prior to the game, to take up a specific position during penalties (normally) on the goal line, near to the goal post (where the goal area line intersects the goal line) to act as goal-judge, and to check that the goalkeeper does not move off his goal-line before the ball has been kicked. One method of communication is for the Assistant Referee to use body language by remaining perfectly still, if he (the Assistant Referee) has spotted an infringement during the taking of a penalty kick. This action indicates to the Referee that the Assistant Referee believes that the penalty should be retaken - and allows the Referee time to consult the Assistant Referee before allowing or disallowing a goal. Some Referees instruct their Assistants to raise their flag, if an infringement occurs at a penalty kick. If the Assistant Referee is happy that no infringement has occurred during the taking of the penalty kick, and the Referee is in agreement, the Assistant Referee should move quickly back to the touchline. 
  

The Penalty Kick Flag Signal: The penalty kick signal shown on the left is not an official FIFA signal, but nevertheless, has been used by Referees in England for some years. There has been a tendency recently at the top levels to NOT use this flag signal. Instead, if the Assistant Referee wants to signal for a penalty kick offence, he will raise his flag and wave it ‘to and fro’ to indicate a foul, and to attract the Referee’s attention. This allows the Referee to immediately award a penalty kick if he (the Referee) has also seen the penalty kick offence, or to stop play to discuss details with the Assistant Referee (if the Referee has missed the incident). In addition to this, some Referees ask their Assistant Referees during their pre-match brief, to raise and wave their flag, and then to discreetly step towards the goal line if they (the Assistant Referee) believe that a penalty kick offence has been committed. This is a subtle method of indicating to the Referee, that the Assistant Referee believes an incident in the penalty area was a penalty kick offence. BUT it also allows the Referee to make up his own mind, and subtly overrule the Assistant Referee, if he disagrees. It also allows the Referee time to go and speak to the Assistant Referee to clarify details before a final decision is made. If a foul occurs near (but outside of the penalty area) the Assistant Referee should indicate a foul by raising and waving his flag, and then (once he has caught the Referee's eye) take a few discrete steps towards the half-way line; thus indicating that the foul occurred outside (and not inside) of the penalty area. Using this body-language method can prevent a serious situation arising where the Assistant Referee signals for a penalty kick, but the Referee who has also seen the incident disagrees.

• whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper has moved forward before the ball has been kicked and if the ball has crossed the line
  The Referee should have briefed the Assistant Referees prior to the game, to take up a specific position during penalties (normally) on the goal line, near the goal, to act as goal-judge, and to check that the goalkeeper does not move off his goal-line before the ball has been kicked. One method of communication, is for the Assistant Referee to use body language by remaining still, if he (the Assistant Referee) has spotted an infringement during the taking of a penalty kick. This action indicates to the Referee that the Assistant Referee believes that the penalty should be retaken - and allows the Referee time to consult the Assistant Referee before allowing or disallowing a goal. If the Assistant Referee is happy that no infringement has occurred during the taking of the penalty kick, and the Referee is in agreement, the Assistant Referee should move back to the touch-line. (See Section 7 below for more details.)
  
• Assistant Referees should liaise closely during the game, with the fourth official (if available).  
  If a team requests for a substitution to be made, the Fourth Official and the nearest Assistant Referee will work together to ensure that the substitution request is brought to the Referee's attention, and managed correctly. The fourth official will normally take charge of the actual substitution process.

3. REFEREE'S PRE-MATCH BRIEF TO ASSISTANTS                      Go to top of this page

The 'Alphabet Brief Collaboration' (The ABC).

Pre-Match Briefing to Assistant Referees

Prior to the commencement of each game, the Referee will provide his Assistant Referees (and if available, his Fourth Official) with a pre-match briefing covering their duties, and to inform the Assistant Referees of what the Referee requires them to do. Amongst other things, the pre-match briefing allocates certain responsibilities, and informs the Assistant Referees where to stand and how to act in certain circumstances. The pre-match briefing is aimed at building a rapport with the Assistant Referees, which helps to build a team-spirit that helps to make officiating a team effort. 

The Referee needs the Assistant Referees, and the Assistant Referees need the Referee! 

Regardless of seniority or experience, Assistant Referees must always accept and respect the relative roles of their colleagues, as allocated to them on the day by the Referee. Each has a specific role to play; the Referee will lead the team, and the Senior Assistant Referee will be expected to fulfil the additional responsibilities should the Referee become incapacitated during the game. The Junior Assistant Referees part is equally important (for the strength of a chain, is measured by its weakest link). It is therefore vital, that all of the match officials look out for, and protect each other. 

Assisting the Referee starts early. Assistant Referees should help to create a harmonious atmosphere and show a positive attitude to their position, and to respond to the attitude and atmosphere set by the Referee in the dressing room. It is most likely that the flow of pre-match instructions will be broken by interruptions, so it is important that a train of thought is maintained.

Each Referee will have their own style on how to conduct a pre-match briefing. The content and structure, and delivery of each briefing will vary to some extent, depending on the match and the individual Referee. Some Referees prefer to brief their Assistants during the field of play inspection; others prefer the privacy of the changing rooms. 

One of the hardest duties for a newly promoted Referee (when he has Assistant Referees in his team), is remembering and standardising his pre-match briefing. There are various methods that can be used to remember the detail of a pre-match brief. Some Referees use a pre-printed list, others use the field of play inspection to trigger parts of their brief.

Below is just one method that can be used. It is called 'The Alphabet Brief'. The contents of the 'The Alphabet Brief' listing shown below, is only meant to be an example, but can be used as the basis for a personalised listing to be constructed, that suits any Referee's needs. The words or content in 'The Alphabet Brief Collaboration' method can be substituted or changed to suit the individual. Once memorised, it is easy to recall the detail when giving a brief to Assistant Referees. 

Instructions given by one Referee will differ from those given by another Referee. However, it is essential that Assistant Referees always adhere in implementing the instructions given by the Referee of the day. The Referee is the leader of the team. It is the Assistant Referees' responsibility to respect the Referee's wishes, and to carry out his instructions to the best of their ability.

The 'Alphabet Brief Collaboration' (The ABC).

(The words or content in the alphabet listing can be substituted or changed to suit your own needs.)

The 'ABC' method uses the letters of the alphabet as a prompt to remind the Referee of the subjects he needs to cover when delivering the pre-match brief to Assistant Referees. The letters can be used as a reminder of the important subject matters. The briefing should be conducted in alphabetical order A to Z.

The wording below takes the form of a Referee speaking to his Assistant Referees before the game.

A. Advantage: Signalling, deciding and applying the advantage clause are my prerogative. Please do not indicate advantage to players by making any verbal or hand signals. If I am unsighted and you see a foul, try to give me a 'hidden' signal that a foul has occurred. For example, by discretely tugging your own shirt. If I do not see the foul (or your discrete signal), and it is a minor foul, apply the 'spirit of the advantage clause' in your mind and keep play going when you can - and only flag if the advantage does not accrue within 2 to 3 seconds. Always try to maintain a proper position with regards to monitoring any offside infringements. If I miss your flag signal, please drop it if play continues to the advantage of the team who was fouled. Else retain the flag signal and I may either consult with you when it notice it, or signal for you to drop your flag.

B. Bench (Technical Area): How to deal with misconduct from the technical area. "Deal with any minor misconduct yourself by being assertive and polite. Ignore most of the banter. Do not get distracted. If you need to call me over, wait until play reaches a natural stop, step onto the field of play and wave your flag towards me rigorously. We will discuss what has happened, and then I will deal with any culprits - you stand near me listening to what I say, but you face the field of play. Whilst I am talking to the perpetrators, please do not intervene unless I ask you to. 

Sample verbal brief covering swearing from the Technical Area: "Ignore the usual banter from the 'Bench' but bring to my attention any very bad language such as usage of the 'F' & 'C' words particularly directed at the Referee, Assistant Referee or players, clearly aimed at destroying the game or inciting the players. Remember exactly what was said. Attract my attention at the next stoppage in play, by raising your flag and stepping onto the field of play. I will then consult with you away from others. If I need to approach the 'Bench' we will do so together. You will stand alongside me, facing the field of play with your back to the 'Bench', keeping an eye on the players on the field of play. I will do all the talking, but listen for any reaction which may need to be mentioned in any report."

C. Corners: "Stand behind the corner kick taker on your side of the field of play, and do the same if the corner kick is taking place on the far side of the field of play. When flagging for a corner kick, try to make eye contact with me, and place your flag in the hand nearest the goal line, and in the best position for me to see it easily. Raise your flag upwards and then point it down towards the base of the corner flag post. Always flag for a corner kick, and don't use the body language method."

D. Duration: "The Junior Assistant Referee keeps his watch running all of the time. The Senior Assistant Referee stops and starts his watch to correspond to stoppages allowed by me (the Referee). Discrete time-down hand signals alongside your shorts are required during the last 5 minutes of each half. Watch out for me looking your way as the half draws to a close."

E. Eye Contact: "I will be making lots of eye contact with you. Let's work as a team and keep in touch throughout the game. Do not be distracted by banter from spectators etc. Keep your eyes on the field of play. If a melee of players ensues, come onto the field of play and keep your eyes on the conflict, and don't start writing notes until the incident has finished."
Note: An awareness of the position of the Referee will enable Assistant Referees to achieve immediate eye-to-eye contact should the Referee's assistance be required. Assistant Referees are therefore encouraged to 'clock' the Referee's position from time to time as the game progresses. 

F. Fouls: "You are fully qualified Referees, so please signal for any fouls that I have missed. Give me some indication of what the foul is, and indicate with your flag, the direction for the restart of play. If you have time, before signalling for a foul, look towards me, to see if I have already seen the incident, and am about to act on it. In other words, let me have the first bite! This is particularly important if a penalty kick is considered. 

G. Goal: If a goal has been scored, make eye contact with me, and immediately run back quickly up the touchline towards the halfway line. Please do not get out your notebook, until I have clearly awarded the goal. If you believe that a goal has been scored, but play momentarily carries on - signal vigorously with your flag. I will then stop play, and discuss matters with you. If no goal has been scored (for example, when the ball cannons off the crossbar and onto the goal line, but does not enter the goal, then no signal is required from you. In other words, if you do nothing, it clearly indicates to me that no goal has been scored, and I will allow play to continue. Can the Senior Assistant please make a note of all the goals scored. I want the Junior Assistant to be my additional set of eyes during the game, and to keep a look out for misconduct following the scoring of a goal. 

G......... Goal kicks: "Check that the goalkeeper has placed the ball inside the goal area during the first few goal kicks in each half - but put more emphasis on getting back up the touchline to monitor offside. Stand adjacent to the edge of the penalty area, check the correct positioning of the ball within the goal area, and then sprint up the touchline to stand alongside the second last defender. I would rather to you were in position to monitor offside, than worry unnecessarily about whether the ball is in the goal area or not during goal kicks. Use a clear flag signal to indicate a goal kick, by facing play and making eye contact with me. Use the hand that is nearest to the goal line when flagging for a goal kick, as this will increase your eye contact vision towards me.

H. Hassle: "Keep your eyes open if a melee of players develops; if necessary come onto the field of play to monitor developments. If you see any misconduct behind my back (such as a player striking another player) immediately step on the field of play and wave your flag vigorously to attract my attention. I will discuss the appropriate action with you before speaking to the perpetrators. Minor misconduct can be notified to me, and dealt with during a natural stoppage in play".

I. Inspect: "During periods of trouble, make a mental note of the perpetrators' numbers. If I have not seen the incident, you will need to be perfectly sure who the culprit(s) were, before I can take any appropriate corrective action. When I stop play, or delay play for whatever reason, try and remember what the restart is. I may need reminding when I come to restart the game!"

J. Junior: " The Senior Assistant Referee will patrol the 'Technical Area' side of the field of play, the Junior Assistant Referee will patrol the far side touchline. If I get an injury and am unable to continue, the Senior Referee will take my place in the middle."

K. Keeper: When the goalkeeper has the ball in his hands, make sure he does not step put of the penalty area before he releases the ball. But place more emphasis on gaining a position to watch out for offsides, when the ball is punted up field by the Goalkeeper. I will deal with the goalkeeper's 6 seconds possession time limit."

L. Log: "The Senior Referee will make a note of the which team kicked off in the first half, the score, and cautions/sending off details etc. The Junior Referee should always keep his eyes on the field of play, and is not required to make any notes during the game."

M. Meet: "We will walk out together as a team with both of you either side of me with your flags held in the outside hand; and when we get about 20 metres onto the field of play, please break away and check the nets, then meet me in the middle to welcome the captains, and complete the coin tossing ceremony. At the end of each half, sprint quickly to meet me on the field play - and we will make our way off the field and towards the changing rooms as a team."

Note: When match officials enter the field of play for the first time, players will form an impression of how the match officials intend to approach the game. It is therefore important, to ensure that the players are given a positive impression of the commitment of the match officials. A clear indication of a professional dedicated team, is first shown when the match officials enter and leave the field of play together as a team. Entry on to the field of play should be in accordance with the Referee's instructions and always in a dignified manner. The Referee will usually require his Assistant Referees to inspect the nets, be present to witness the pre-match ceremony and then to make their way quickly to their assigned patrol path.
It is especially important that Assistant Referees make their way quickly to the Referee at half time and at the end of the game. It may assist the Referee if more than one match official hears and records any comments that may be made by players at half-time or the conclusion to the game, or by members of the management team at the touch line. Assistant Referees should always refrain from passing comment on any aspect of the game, solicited or otherwise, until they have taken the opportunity to consult with the Referee in the privacy of the match officials' dressing room.

N. Net: After the coin tossing ceremony, check the goal nets and make your way to your respective touchlines in readiness for the start of the game. If one of you has completed your net check before the other, wait (by finding something to double-check) and then come back to the centre of the field together. Please complete a net check also, before the start of the second half."

O. Offside: "Offsides are yours at all times. If I want to keep play going to the advantage of the defending team following an offside flag signal, I will acknowledge you with a raised arm (demonstrate). If I completely miss an offside flag, keep the flag raised until I notice it - OR - if play breaks to the advantage of the defending team, drop your flag and allow play to continue. Let me know at the end of each half - if I have missed any of your signals. When you signal for offside, raise your flag high, make eye contact with me, and then lower your flag to indicate where the offside was located. Retain your flag signal until the ball is positioned correctly and then make your way to your restart position."

P. Penalties: "On most occasions, I will probably award a penalty before you indicate. So before you signal for a penalty, look to see where I am, and if I have seen the incident, allow me the first chance to make the decision to award the penalty or not (if I have not already done so). If the incident occurs out of my sight or if I am a long distance away, make sure you are 100% sure that it is a penalty before you signal. Please don't signal for a penalty kick by placing your flag across your chest. Signal by raising your flag high and agitating it to indicate that a foul has occurred. When I stop play, I will look over to you. If you believe the incident to be a penalty kick offence, take a discreet side-step towards the goal line to indicate that the foul occurred inside of the penalty area. If the foul was outside of the penalty area, take a discreet side-step towards the halfway line. I will then take the appropriate action; taking into account both what I have seen of the incident, and by reading your signal and body language communication to me. If I need to confer with you, I will come over to discuss the matter further."

Note: The subtle flag-and-sidestep method described above indicates to the Referee, that the Assistant Referee believes the incident is a penalty kick offence (or not). BUT it also allows the Referee to make up his own mind, and subtly overrule the Assistant Referee, if he disagrees (it also gives the Referee a chance to go and speak to the Assistant Referee to clarify details, before awarding a penalty). Using this method can prevent a serious situation arising where the Assistant Referee signals for a penalty kick by placing the flag across the chest, but the Referee who has seen the incident from a different angle, disagrees.

"Whilst the penalty is taking place, position yourself along the goal line, on the intersection of the goal line with the goal area line. You will act as goal judge, and to check that the goalkeeper has not stepped off the goal line prior to the ball being kicked. If you have seen an infringement during the taking of a penalty kick, remain standing perfectly still where you are; this will indicate to me, that you have seen an infringement. If the goalkeeper had moved off his goal line before the ball was kicked, and a goal was not scored, when I look at you, take a discreet step sideways onto the field of play. I may discuss matters with you before making a decision. If the penalty has been taken correctly, make your way quickly backwards to your touchline by the shortest practicable route."

Q. Questions: "Let me have any questions at the end of my briefing, and if my instructions are not clear, please stop me, and ask me to clarify".

R. Right Wings: "Patrol the touchline adjacent to the right wing positions, and stay in this same position, on the same side of the field of play in the second half".

T. Throw-ins: "You watch for feet faults, and I will inspect arm faults. If you are unsure of which way to award a throw-in, just raise your flag straight up. Make eye contact with me, and I will then make the discreet direction signal with my hand, and we can then signal in the same direction. If you signal one way, and I signal the other, please drop your flag immediately, and the throw will be taken in the direction eventually given by me. (This is not done to undermine you, or to say that you were wrong and I was right, it is done to avoid any confusion, and to minimise any show of team weakness). When the first throw-in of each half occurs, we will use it as a means to 'BOSS' the game. Make a sharp signal, instruct the player to take it from exactly the right place, and keep a close eye on proceedings. In other words, we will use this as an early (harmless) example to demonstrate that the Laws must be adhered to."

U. Ultimate control. ......... 'Ten Minute Refereeing':  "The first 10 minutes of a game; the five minute period immediately before and immediately after half time, and the last ten minutes of the game normally contain a large proportion of problems. I intend to Referee these periods more strictly than others. An arm down-stretched with the hand clenched into a fist will tell you that I intend to take stricter control of the game during those periods (or during the next ten minutes if tighter control is needed during any time in the game). During these periods of tighter control, you will also be expected to follow my example by strictly applying the ‘Letter of the Law’ when making decisions whilst patrolling the touchline. An arm down-stretched with the fingers outstretched tells you that I have reached the end of a ‘Ten Minute Refereeing’ tight control period, and that I will be officiating in a more relaxed and tolerant way. It is important that both of you follow my lead. It is no good if I tighten down on control in a game, if one of you is doing the opposite. I may also use this signal to retain control of the game after a flash-point."
(See the ABC of Conflict' page for more details of the Ten Minute Refereeing method.

V. Vigilance: "Please concentrate 100 percent throughout the game, and do not be distracted by comments from the crowd behind you. If the ball goes over the touchline near you, leave it for the players to fetch, even if it is close by; I want your eyes to be focused on the players at all times.

Note: There may be times when, because of the Assistant Referee's designated patrol path, they cannot move away from a source of confrontation. In other words, an Assistant Referee is always in the firing line for abuse, but unlike the Referee, is unable to sprint away to minimise trouble. In these situations they may need to seek the assistance of the Referee. However, there will usually be many opportunities for Assistant Referees to deal assertively with challenges to their authority without reference to the Referee. Possible responses will range from: totally ignoring a remark, through quiet but firm approaches, to a strong warning that the Assistant Referee will be left with no alternative but to involve the Referee if the misconduct persists.
Assistant Referees should never make a comment that may commit the Referee to a particular course of action; because this may put the Referee in an impossible position, and cause unnecessary embarrassment.

W. Warm-up, warm-down: If you are able, I would very much appreciate your company when I warm-up before the game, and when I warm-down afterwards. This imparts a strong image of togetherness that we can build on in the game.

X. X-ray: I don't expect you to have x-ray vision, so please don't fabricate any incidents that you have not seen. Let me know what you have seen, and I will take the appropriate action if I feel that it is necessary.

Y. Yardage: When a free kick is close to you (and I am some distance away) and the defending players have not responded to your request from the touchline to move back, please come onto the field of play to manage the situation, as you feel fit. 

Z. Zone: When the ball comes onto your immediate zone, try to locate where I am, and be more 'switched on' and prepared to react, especially if I am some distance away and catching up with play. When the ball is in (or approaching) your zone, please increase your state of alertness. 

The above brief is reasonably comprehensive, but there are a lot more things that you could include. The above brief is just am example of how the alphabet can be used to remind you what to say during a pre-match brief. You may wish to formulate your own style and pre-match briefing content. It is best to create a standard brief to use at most games, and then add on anything additional that is peculiar to each game.

As you climb up the promotional Refereeing ladder, there will be other briefing areas to consider: security, policing, crowd control, media relations, photographers and many more topics to be covered in your brief, and you will need to read the Rules of each Competition to look out for other topics such as the number of occupants allowed in the technical area, inspecting players' equipment etc...............

It does take some time to memorise a complex briefing, so do not be afraid of writing down your briefing list on card, and reading from it in your first games involved with Assistant Referees. You will soon learn to memorise your briefing after a few games. It is far better to cover all your topics, than to try and be clever and remember your entire brief by heart in your early games. But please remember - the briefing you give to your Assistant Referees is not a list of orders, it should be a two-way communication between you and your two Assistants (and Fourth Official is present). Please listen and discuss and clarify any queries from them. 

You are a team, and this is an ideal opportunity to forge that relationship.

The Referee needs the Assistant Referees, and the Assistant Referees need the Referee!

4. TIPS TO CONSIDER:                    Go to top of this page

• Although you need to keep a close eye on play at all times whilst running, also to be aware of any pot-holes. It is very easy when running backwards or sideways to injure yourself. Therefore, before the game starts, inspect the touchline area thoroughly, so that you can mentally make adjustments to bypass any defects such as puddles, holes and slippery areas.
• At the lower level games, move any spectators away from the touchline if they are encroaching.
• When the speed of play allows, skip sideways to keep level with 2nd last defender, when watching for off-side. The ‘side-stepping’ manoeuvre used by Assistant Referees is a common method practised here in England. In fact. Phil Sharp (a respected FIFA Assistant Referee) has perfected this method, and can side-step faster than most Referees can run in a straight line! The idea of side-stepping (we call it ‘Crabbing’ here in England) is to allow the Assistant Referee to stay in line with the second last defender whilst facing the field of play. The ‘crabbing’ method is used to good effect when defenders and attackers are moving around at a slow to medium pace – but of course, when players speed up, the Assistant Referee will have to revert to straight sprinting to keep up with the second last defender. ‘Crabbing’ involves facing the field of play and side-stepping’ up and down along the touchline.
• Run backwards when you have to  - especially near the corner flag when there is a need to make eye contact with a Referee who is catching up with play.
• If there is even the remotest chance of a long ball remaining on the field of play, follow the ball all the way to the goal line. If it is obvious, that the ball is going out for a goal kick, then there is no need to break the World sprinting record to reach the far end of the touchline. Be sensible, and conserve your energy for when it is really needed.
• On corner kicks, Assistant Referees are usually asked by the Referee, to stand behind the corner flagpost. There was a time when during corner kicks taken on the far side to an Assistant Referee, they were asked to come in, along the goal line to act as goal judge, and then to run diagonally back across field of play to regain their touchline position if play continued after the corner kick had been taken. This method is generally no longer used.
• Make sure that any items carried in your pockets are secure, and do not 'jangle' about. This can be very distracting. Keeping your whistle and coin wrapped in a handkerchief will eliminate any distracting noise..
• Never run to collect the ball for players. Always keep your concentration on the game at all times. You are not a 'Ball-Boy'.
• Be prepared to intervene by entering the field of play to prevent trouble between players if at all possible.
• Completely ignore and jibes and comments from spectators.
• If necessary, come onto the field of play to enforce the 10 yard (9.15m) distance on free kicks near you.
• Before making an appropriate signal, Assistant Referees should move the flag from hand to hand when their arms were down before the signal is made, and not switch hands to indicate the free kick (or throw-in) direction when the flag is above their head. Another method that can be used during the throw-in flag signal, is to 'snap' the flag in the correct hand straight up vertically at first, thus indicating to the centre Referee that the ball has gone out of play (this also gives the Assistant Referee time to make eye contact with the centre Referee. And then bring it down on the correct side to a 45 degree angle, pointing towards the direction of play for the team which has the right to throw the ball back in. 
• There may be times when spectators make unwelcome comments. You should avoid even acknowledging that you have heard such comments, as this will probably provoke further comments, perhaps breaking your concentration. Undivided attention on what is going on in front of you is far more important than any unsolicited comments from behind you.
• There may be times in the game when the action will remain in the other half of the field of play. At these times your concentration must be at its most intense. Therefore you should be not only observing the action, but also scanning that part of the field of play for which you have a responsibility. 
• When it is necessary for you to raise the flag to draw the attention of the Referee to an infringement in
  law, the flag should remain raised until the Referee signals in acknowledgement. This acknowledgement will either take the form of the Referee penalising the offence by blowing the whistle or a hand signal to continue play. At this stage the flag should be lowered immediately. Should the Referee not see the signal, it must be maintained until he does, or the pattern of play changes and the offended side gains an advantage. However, if it was your intention to draw the attention of the Referee to a serious offence, the flag should be maintained until such time as the Referee acknowledges the signal. It may however, be necessary for you to advise the Referee of exactly what occurred should he later seek clarification from you. You should be able to inform the Referee of the players involved and give a brief description of the incident.
• There may be occasions when the referee acknowledges your signal but chooses not to act upon it. Under these circumstances you should lower your flag immediately, regain your position, and be ready for the next phase of play. A Referee will normally only do this on occasions, when in his opinion, it will benefit the game. Such occasions could usefully be discussed in the dressing room to verify the circumstances. Do not allow it to affect your co-operation with the Referee in the game.
• It is essential that, having completed the pre-match ceremony you move on to the correct patrol path as indicated in the referee’s pre-match instructions. In order that you are able to give accurate information to the Referee from the start of play, you should take up a position in line with the second rear most defending player. The only times that you will vary from this position will have been detailed in the instructions of the Referee and discussed in the dressing room prior to the start of the game.
• The Technical Area has been defined so that team officials may offer advice to their own players. This should return to their place immediately afterwards. Different team officials may give tactical instructions during the match provided the person returns to his position after giving these instructions. It is the duty of the Assistant Referee closest to the Technical Area to ensure that it is used for that purpose only. As an Assistant Referee, you should use your management skills to ensure that team officials comply with the spirit of the law. In the early stages of your career there may be no defined Technical Area but it is still your responsibility to ensure that the club representatives conduct themselves in an acceptable manner at all times.

At all times it is important to ASSIST not INSIST

5. TALKING TO PLAYERS:                          Go to top of this page

The following are some points to bear in mind when talking to players. During the game, if you talk to the players throughout the match, it helps on fouls and game management. When a player is taking a corner kick and he hears the Assistant Referee say, "OK, you can take the kick now", or Nice ball control on the last attack. Make sure you're careful when you're tapping his ankles like that," the player knows that the Assistant Referee is watching the game and noticed his latest attempt to "cheat." The same is true when the Assistant Referee offers comments whilst play is in action such as, "Be careful...watch the arms...good job gentlemen etc." The Assistant Referee is simply letting the players know that he is in the game as much as they are.

• Do not involve yourself with players unless you have to. Just say "Get on with it". Never swear at anyone.
• Avoid eye contact with frustrated players.
• Keep your feelings to yourself and always be polite.
• Looking away, and running to a new position is usually the best way to ignore comments. But do not ignore comments that require disciplinary action by the Referee.
• Assistant Referee should be able to say anything to the players to keep them in the game; except phrases to do with advantage. Do not say or indicate ‘Play on’ or ‘Advantage’ to players. Leave this to the Referee.
• Let players know where to place ball during a free kick, or where to stand during a throw-in. Talk to them.
• If there is a melee of fighting players, you may need to enter the filed of play in accordance with the Referee's pre-match instruction, and stand near to mentally note who is doing what. In these situations, you will be the Referee's extra pair of eyes.
• The Referee should act swiftly and positively, when players berate the Assistant Referee.
• Try and keep your sense of humour at all times. And smile.
• Use your body language to help calm down situations when you are talking to players. Use your hands to indicate a calming motion with both palms facing down. The combination of your voice, gestures and good eye contact can help defuse difficult situations. 

6. PENALTIES, WERE TO STAND:                  Go to top of this page

The following are some points consider during the taking of penalty kicks.

• The position for an Assistant Referee, is as a 'goal judge' - on or near the goal line.  At the point where the penalty area line joins the goal line.
  
• Do not flag, but stand still if you see an infringement during the taking of a penalty (e.g. if the goalkeeper moves off his goal line before the ball has been kicked and a goal is prevented). Staying still and using body language tells the Referee that you have seen an infringement and that you wish to speak to him. Run back to the touchline if you are happy with the penalty - this body language tells the Referee that you (the Assistant Referee) are happy that a goal was scored correctly from the penalty kick. (But - do not run back to the touchline, if the Referee indicates that the penalty kick must be retaken).
  
• Be prepared to take details in penalty shootouts at the end of a game. You will be asked to be either a goal judge or to note and organise the players from within the centre circle.
  
• Goalkeeper's must stay on goal line before the ball has been kicked during the taking of a penalty, but they can travel or move along the goal line.
  
  
  
  Kicks from the Penalty Mark: (see my Kicks from the Penalty Mark page for full details).

  
  

• When a team finishes the match with a greater number of players than their opponents, they shall reduce their numbers to equate with that of their opponents and inform the Referee of the name and number of each player excluded. The team captain has this responsibility.
  
• Before the start of kicks from the penalty mark the Referee shall ensure that only an equal number of players from each team remain within the centre circle and they shall take the kicks

   

  Reason:

  This arrangement for kicks from the penalty mark is applied at the end of play when one team has fewer players on the field of play than the other because of expulsion or injury and all eligible substitutes have been used.

  The team with more players must reduce their number of players to equate with the other team. This is to avert the following situation when, all the players in the team with fewer players have taken their kicks. In the past, the team with the fewer players were allowed to chose one of their players who had already taken a kick - and of course they would always chose their most skilful penalty kick taker. This gave them an unfair advantage over the team with the full quota of players.

  The team captain is responsible for informing the Referee of the name and number of the player(s) who will not take kicks from the penalty mark. i.e the player who is nominated to leave the field of play to balance the numbers of both teams.

Below is a template to use when noting the results during a penalty shoot-out. For those of you who have Microsoft Office 97 PowerPoint or higher, you can download a WinZip file by clicking here and print off copies of my 'Penalty Shoot Out' card yourself. They are constructed to fit into the normal size Referee wallets.

Those of you who do not have the appropriate software can just print off the copy shown on the  Penalty Shoot-out Card design page of this web site - it works just as well ! Or design your own. I have used my design on many occasions, and it is certainly better that having to write on a blank piece of paper.

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7. MISCONDUCT:                                 Go to top of this page

• A Foul or a Penalty.
  
• Verbal misconduct.
  
• Physical Misconduct, spiting, fighting, striking etc.
  
• Hand Gestures ( = Offensive/Abusive Language)
  The Referee usually acts on your advice.

Before an Assistant Referee flags or indicates a foul, he needs to take account of how the Referee is handling the match. The Referee may have already asked the Assistant Referees during his pre-match brief, to give him (the Referee) the first 'bite' when a penalty incident occurs. Eye contact between the officials is important in such circumstances.

An Assistant Referee is very often nearer and has a better view of an offence than the Referee.

Players and the crowd regard Assistant Referees' as an easy target to abuse.
(See my story Turn a Deaf Ear).

• An Assistant Referee must let the Referee actually deal with any misconduct.
  
• The ‘Bench’ or Technical Area  will probably be the biggest problem an Assistant Referee will have. Bring any misconduct incidents to the Referee’s attention.
  
• Run to meet the Referee in the centre of the Field of Play at the end of both halves. This strengthens the security of all the 3 officials as they make their way to the changing rooms.
  
• Report any misconduct by Club officials.
  
• Talk to players who are not not retreating the required distance during free kicks near you.
  
• An Assistant Referee is the Referee’s eyes when the Referee is dealing with other incidents such as an injury, disciplining a player or a dealing with a free kick during the game. Keep your eyes on the players and not in your note book or on the crowd.
  
• Be vigilant when the ball is out of play.
  
• Enter the field of play, where practicable, to help control the 10 yard (9.15m) distance during the taking of free kicks.
  
• Control Substitutes and trainers and injured players coming onto the field of play. An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted.
  
• Arrive early to allow the Referee to brief you on what he expects you to do during the game.

8. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE REFEREE:         Go to top of this page

There are many types of signals, subtly interchanged between the Referee and the Assistant Referee during every game. For example, eye-contact and discreet hand signals from an Assistant Referee is helpful in passing information to a Referee e.g. type of offence, next action etc. This would reduce the need for the Referee to come across to the Assistant Referee for consultation. The Referee lays down the types of signals to be used in a game, during his pre-match brief to his Assistant Referees. Some of the commonly used communications are listed below; many of which are delivered without the players even knowing. 

Body Language: Body language signalling (in conjunction with flag signalling) is a technique that has successfully been used for many years by Assistant Referees to indicate decisions to the Referee.

The added benefit of using body language (as opposed to flag signalling in certain situations) is that they are not recognised by the players, thus allowing the Referee to change the decision given by the Assistant, without the Assistant losing face. For example:

A body at right angles to the field of play, adjacent to the goal area line, and facing up towards the halfway line with the flag visible field side, horizontally held down the leg, tells the Referee that a goal kick is required. 

An Assistant Referee can communicate a corner kick, by running around the outside of the corner flag, and along the goal line for a few metres, and then standing still. No flag signalling has been used in this manoeuvre, but it clearly indicates a corner kick decision to the Referee. If the Referee has seen something that contradicts this decision (for example, the ball actually deflected off an attacking player), the Referee can quickly award a goal kick. The Assistant Referee will then step back onto the touchline to take up the body language goal kick position mentioned above, without any of the players recognising any discord between the match officials. 

There are many benefits to be had using body language techniques, as shown in the example immediately above; body language signals prevent unnecessary conflict of simultaneous and opposing signals being delivered by the Assistant Referee and the Referee.

Nevertheless, modern communication methods generally encourage the use of flag signalling, as opposed to the body language (goal kick, and corner kick) methods shown above. 

Direction Signal: In conjunction with the flag, a discrete hand direction signal can indicate to the Referee which side is entitled to a free kick. When an Assistant Referee is unsure which way to award a throw-in, the Referee will guide the Assistant by subtly indicating the direction with a finger or hand; thus enabling the Assistant and the Referee to signal in the same direction. This technique relies on efficient eye contact, and is essential to maintaining teamwork and credibility. On very tight decisions, when the ball stays in play, a discreet hand signal by the Assistant Referee could give valuable support to the Referee.

Eye Contact: Movement of the eyes can subtly indicate a free kick direction to the Referee. Regular eye contact also allows the Assistant Referees' and the Referee to bond and feel part of the officiating team; thus building up a friendly rapport. Prior to making a decision, the Assistant Referee should always try and make eye contact with the Referee; this helps to synchronise signalling, and to check that the Referee is not about to make an opposite decision. Perfecting regular eye contact is a difficult art to achieve, as the Assistant Referee is also expected to monitor offside, keep a check on the touchline, technical area and players on the field of play all at the same time! Nevertheless, maintaining regular periodic eye contact is the most important communication tool used between the Referee and his Assistants.

Flag Waving: The flag is used to indicate many options as laid down in the Laws of Associated Football. It is important for the Assistant Referee to always hold the flag on the field side and to show as much area of the flag material as possible; this makes it easier for the Referee to locate the Assistant Referee, and to quickly decipher the flag signals when they are delivered. This involves the Assistant Referee switching hands whenever he changes his direction of movement so that the flag is visible to the Referee at any time.
Whenever an Assistant Referee signals the ball out of the field of play (even if players continue to play the ball) the signal must be retained until acknowledged by the Referee taking action. When a flag is raised for Law 12 offences, it should be unfurled and waved to distinguish it from the signal for offside.

Goal Scored: To confirm a valid goal has been scored, an Assistant Referee should display clear movement down the touchline towards the centre line. In borderline cases, this movement should be clear (sprint) to be recognised by the Referee. To confirm a goal, the Assistant Referee should not raise his flag. If in his opinion a goal has not been scored correctly, the Assistant Referee should stand still, retaining any signal already given. The Referee may then choose to consult further if he needs additional guidance.

Hand Indications: Subtle movements of the hand can indicate to the Referee that an Assistant has seen a deliberate handball, or an illegal shirt pull (tugging gesture), push or pull by a player. A waving (from side to side) of a lowered palm can also indicate that no offence has occurred. In general, Assistant Referees should not use their hands or arms to indicate to players that an offside has not occurred, or to encourage an advantage. These signals are the prerogative of the Referee, and any duplication by the Assistant will lead to confusion and trouble.

Miming words: Assistant Referees can mime words to the Referee - for example "No" to indicate that a player was not in an offside position, or "Yellow" to indicate an agreement with a Referee's caution. Care must be taken with this technique, as players can also see this communication. This problem is exasperated during televised games, where cameras have been known to pan in with great success, in recognising exactly what is being mimed (or spoken) between the match officials. Hence, this is the reason why match officials (and also managers) sometimes cover their mouths with their hands whilst talking in televised games.

Nod/Shake of the Head: Used to indicate agreement with a decision, or an incident; for example, after a goal has been allowed by the Referee or the award of a penalty kick or to inform the Referee that a shout for 'HANBALL' by players, was misguided.

Penalty Awards: Where a Referee seeks guidance from an Assistant Referee concerning the exact location of an offence near the boundary of the penalty area, the action of the Assistant Referee should be as follows:

a. If the offence is inside the penalty area - the assistant referee moves visibly down the touchline towards the corner flag.

b. If the offence is outside the penalty area - the Assistant Referee stands still having moved to be in line with the edge of the penalty area.

Stepping onto the Field of Play: When a serious incident has occurred outside of the Referee's vision, one method to attract the Referee's attention is for the Assistant Referee to visibly step onto the field of play (either waving the flag up high, or not). This clearly indicates to the Referee that the Assistant urgently wishes to talk to the Referee to impart some information. This stance will generally be maintained until the Referee is made aware. Once the Referee has acknowledged the gesture, the Assistant Referee can bring the fingers up to the mouth to clearly indicate that a discussion needs to take place between the match officials. During consultation, the Assistant Referee and Referee should both face the field of play. It is usually appropriate to avoid the consultation being heard or understood by others.

Thumbs Up/Down: This is used by the Assistant Referee (and the Referee) to indicate agreement with a decision, or an incident, or as a regular friendly encouragement between the three officials. 

Time Down signal: The Assistant Referee uses fingers outstretched downwards along the outside of the shorts or on the shirt to indicate to the Referee 1,2,3,4, or 5 minutes remaining in the half. This reminds the Referee, of the remaining time so that the Referee can double-check his own watch! 

Time Out: In conjunction with the 'Time Down signal above, the Assistant Referee can use the clenched fist, either across the chest or down the side of the shorts to indicate to the Referee that 45 minutes have expired.

9. THE REFEREE'S DIAGONAL:                Go to top of this page

For a full description of all of the Referee positions on a field of play -  see my Positions web page.

Positioning at the higher levels involves many more factors for consideration. The players are fitter, and large crowds may be involved. The coaches and the managers are more experienced, and it will take greater skill to keep them under control. The players themselves have a finical pressure to do well. Players retain possession of the ball for longer periods, and they are expert at getting all they can out of the Referee. Some of the players have more experience at their playing level than the Referee. In these higher levels of football, players are invariably much more fitter (and younger) than Referees. It is therefore important when making a step up the Refereeing ladder, to increase your fitness levels in order to keep up with the players you are expected to referee! Running a strict diagonal system is a good foundation for Referees to learn the basics of positioning on the field of play. It allows the Referee to utilise his Assistant Referees (and Club Linesmen) without having to think too much about positioning. And on most occasions, the Referee is in the right place at the right time.

To increase credibility of decisions, and to maintain your authority and control, a Referee officiating in the higher levels will need to move away from a strict diagonal pattern, and adopt what is known as a 'Flexible Control Path'. Here, Referees need to be much closer to the play action and have a good line-of-sight during all incidents occurring on the field of play. One of the 'tricks of the trade' is to make better use the 'DEAD BALL TIME', by moving more quickly into a new position. This will give you a much greater advantage when making decisions in the next phase drop zone or play area.

If play has stopped, (or you stop play), there is no need to hang around when there is no trouble brewing. MAKE your decision and BREAK away to a new position. This will minimise dissent and allow you to position yourself much quicker in the next anticipated phase of play area. Have breather when you get there. MAKE & BREAK

If you anticipate that there may be potential trouble after stopping play for a foul (or after the ball has naturally gone out of play) - then MAKE your decision and TAKE responsibility for sorting it out. In these cases, you will need to sprint to the trouble spot .The faster you can get there - the less trouble you will have to contend with. When restarting play, advise the players to await your whistle signal. This will allow you time to sprint to your new position - thus controlling the game on your terms when it really matters. MAKE & TAKE.

If the ball is hoisted long up the field, don't necessarily run along your diagonal, but try and get as far forward as you can - taking the shortest route. This can on occasions mean running out wide towards the touchline, in order to keep play between yourself an your Assistant Referee. Rely more on your experienced Assistant Referees - there is normally no need to get close if play is towards the corner near an Assistant Referee. Try to anticipate where the ball might go next. Holding back a little will allow you to quickly move wide, should a cross come in from the corner. Try and keep out of the centre circle at all times, unless you use it as the shortest route from A to B.

Thinking ahead to anticipate play also helps. When you make a decision to run out wide, ask yourself what you would do if the ball suddenly goes far into the other half. This will allow you to react faster when you need a sharp change of direction! In other words, don't just think about reaching your current new position - plan an escape route.

Running diagonals with Club Linesmen is totally different to running diagonals with Assistant Referees. The Referee with Club Linesmen will need to judge the capabilities of both his Club Linesmen. For example, if one of the Club Linesmen is of the breed "Wellington boots, fag in mouth, pace of a snail, has not got a clue about offside etc" and the other Club Linesman is of the breed "I am a Registered Referee and have been Refereeing 20 years" and he can run and signal better than you can! etc. etc. Then the Referee can adjust his diagonal to apply more emphasis on being nearer the ‘fag in mouth’ half of the field of play. Thus giving more responsibility to the more experienced Club Linesman. This enables the Referee to make most of the ‘fag end’ decisions himself, and quickly correct the wrong decisions of the snail! Every game is different - it is all a case of balancing the amount of usefulness you can get out of each Club Linesman. In general, I find Club Linesmen to be excellent – some of then are even better than proper Assistants that I have come across. If this is the case, I always try and persuade them to take up the whistle, and have been successful on many occasions. The strange thing, is that some of them quickly pass you on the promotion ladder and leave you well behind! But good luck to them (webmaster).

The majority of British Referees ask their Assistant Referees to run right wings, and this is confirmed by the worn out areas of grass along each of the right wing touchlines. Sir Stanley Rous (president of FIFA 1934) introduced the diagonal system of control for Referees, and up until the late 1980's it was expected that Referees would alternate their Assistant Referees in each half. But around this time FIFA agreed that the Referee should be allowed to run whichever diagonal he was more comfortable with, and so now, an Assistant Referee will more than likely stay in the same position throughout the match.  (Acknowledgement to The Sutton Referees Society for the above paragraph  information.)

10: INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSISTANTS (UEFA):           Go to top of this page

Source UEFA Training Ground Site

Assistant referee instructions Thursday 12 September 2002

Attention is drawn to the following decisions made at the 2nd UEFA Seminar for international assistant referees for the benefit of international football in Europe by adopting a standard approach in the performances of assistant referees. The decisions include those made in the 1st seminar, modified as appropriate together with additions in bold.

It was felt that these practices will reinforce the uniform interpretation and application of the Laws of the Game.

Offside

1. It was noted that there had been no changes in the offside law for the season 2002/03, nor any extra IFAB or FIFA directives.

2. If an assistant referee is not totally sure about an offside offence the flag should not be raised (i.e. in case of doubt benefit must be given to the attacking team).

3. In deciding whether an attacking payer is nearer to the opponent's goal line than the second last defender, consideration should be given to the position of the attacker’s feet and body in respect to that of the second last defender. ("Air space" or similar misleading phrases should not be used by instructors, but instructors should emphasise that assistant referees must be sure that the attacker is nearer to the goal line than the second last defender).

4. To ensure correct judgement of offside offences, an assistant referee should not raise the flag before considering the following criteria, so called "wait and see" technique:
a. Movement of the ball (direction, speed, distance, any deflection, etc.)
b. Involvement of the player in active play by:
· interfering with play or
· interfering with an opponent or
· gaining an advantage.
It is better to be slightly late and correct, than to be too quick and wrong.

5. If a flag signal for offside is given and is not seen immediately by the referee; the assistant referee must keep signalling until it has been recognised or the ball is clearly in control of the defending team (the electronic beep signal is used to alert the referee to the flag signal).

6. For very tight judgements where an Assistant Referee decides "not offside" (or the ball has not gone out of the field of play) a discreet hand signal may give valuable support to the Referee when the Referee makes eye-contact. 

7. Whenever the ball leaves the field of play, the flag signal of the assistant referee should show clearly the correct restart and direction. In clear throw-in situations, the assistant referee can directly show the direction (along the whole touch line). But if he has any doubt about the direction, the assistant referee should simply raise his flag, make eye contact with the referee and follow the referee's signal. On very tight decisions, when the ball stays in play, a discreet hand signal could give valuable support to the referee.

8. Whenever an assistant referee signals the ball out of the field of play (even if players continue to play the ball) he must retain the signal until acknowledged by the referee taking action.

9. When the ball enters a goal:
To confirm a valid goal has been scored, an assistant referee should display clear movement down the touchline towards the centre line. In borderline cases, this movement should be clear (sprint) to be recognised by the referee. To confirm a goal, the assistant referee should not raise his flag. If in his opinion a goal has not been scored correctly, the assistant referee should stand still, retaining any signal already given. The referee may then choose to consult further if he needs additional guidance.

Offences

10. An assistant referee must use a raised flag signal to advise the referee that he has seen a foul committed (or unsporting behaviour or violent conduct) when he is better positioned than the referee and the referee has not clearly acted on the offence. If the assistant referee has additional information, concerning the offence, he wishes to give to the referee or if the referee has not seen his flag signal the electronic beep signal should be used, but only to supplement the flag signal already given.

It was agreed that such action by an assistant referee will be taken for all appropriate offences including those committed inside the penalty area. Additionally it was agreed that there was benefit in the assistant referee being seen to be aware and signalling for any offence in his immediate vicinity and this practice is recommended. When a flag is raised for Law 12 offences, it should be unfurled and waved to distinguish from the signal for offside.

11. If a flag signal for any offence is not seen immediately by the referee, the assistant referee must keep signalling until he is acknowledged by the referee or he recognises a clear advantage to the team against which the offence has been committed.

12. It was recognised that eye-contact and discreet hand signals from an assistant referee maybe helpful in passing information to a referee e.g. type of offence, next action etc. This would reduce the need for him to come across to the assistant referee for consultation.

Where direct consultation is necessary between the referee and assistant referee, the information should include, as concisely as possible, what happened, which players were involved, the precise location, recommended action and the re-start of play. It is recommended that in such cases the assistant referee advances towards the referee by four to five metres.

During consultation, the assistant referee and referee should both face the field of play. It is usually appropriate to avoid the consultation being heard or understood by others.

13. Offences of violent conduct seen and signalled by an assistant referee must be acted upon in accordance with the Laws of the Game by the referee. If play has been stopped for the disciplinary action (even if the signal has not been seen immediately and play has continued), the restart must also be in accordance with the Laws (free kick / penalty kick). However, if the assistant referee's signal is not seen immediately and play has been restarted for a subsequent situation only the appropriate disciplinary action can be taken against the offending player.

14. Where a referee seeks guidance from an assistant referee concerning the exact location of an offence near the boundary of the penalty area the action of the assistant referee should be as follows:
a. If the offence is inside the penalty area – the assistant referee moves visibly down the touchline towards the corner flag.
b. If the offence is outside the penalty area – the assistant referee stands still having moved to be in line with the edge of the penalty area.

Obvious incorrect decision of the referee
15. If an assistant referee knows that a referee has made an obvious disciplinary error (e.g. two yellow cards to the same player without sending him off, red or yellow card to the wrong player, player kicked the ball twice at free kick, etc.) he must intervene immediately (flag and beep or even enter the field of play). The other assistant referee (or 4th official) should if necessary, also assist in such case.

Control of the 9.15m distance
16. When a referee chooses to use the help of an assistant referee on the field of play to control the 9.15m distance from the ball at free-kick, it is recommended that the assistant referee does not physically measure the 9.15m but rather asserts his control from the position of the ball. This exceptional on field involvement of the assistant referee is recommended only for free kicks very near the touchline.

Positioning 
Free kick close to the penalty area
17. At free-kicks close to the penalty area, the assistant referee should position himself in line with the second last defender (controlling the offside), but also with awareness of the goal line. The referee should control the ball and the wall. 

After an offside
18. When possible an assistant referee, after a free kick for offside has been given, should position himself in line with the spot where the ball should be positioned to restart the game. He should then immediately take up a position to control the offside line (level with the second-last defender), which is his priority. This priority was re-emphasised in the seminar.

Goal kick and goal clearance
19. For goal kicks and when the goalkeeper is in possession of the ball inside his own penalty area, it is advised that the assistant occasionally checks that the ball is correctly positioned or that the goalkeeper does not cross the 16 metre line before releasing the ball from his hands. This should be done in convenient situations (e.g. second last defender near the penalty area). Control of offside from subsequent play is the priority concern. 
This priority was re-emphasised in the seminar.

Corner kick
20. For corner kicks, it is recommended that the assistant involved takes a position behind the flag in line with the goal line. 

Penalty kick
21. When a penalty kick is awarded during the normal course of play, the assistant should be on the goal line where it meets the penalty area boundary line.

22. For kicks from the penalty mark to determine the winner of a match, one assistant should be positioned on the goal line where it meets the goal area boundary line, with the other assistant controlling the players within the centre circle. 

Substitution
23. It was decided that when substitutions take place, they shall be supervised by the fourth official in co-operation with the referee. The assistant referee does not need to move to the halfway line.

Flag technique
24. It is recommended that an assistant referee holds the flag in his hand nearest to the field of play by switching hands whenever he changes his direction of movement so that the flag is visible to the referee at any time. It is suggested to the associations to instruct new assistant referees in this way, however this technique is not compulsory for experienced assistant referees.
The referee observer shall continue to assess the performance of the assistant referee according to the accuracy of his decisions.

UEFA 
Referees Committee 
September  2002

11. Self Evaluation List for Assistant Referees:                Go to top of this page

Did I?

1. Thoroughly prepare myself for my role as an assistant referee?
2. Arrive at the ground at or before the prescribed time?
3. Ensure all my equipment including flags was clean and serviceable?
4. Adopt a friendly and fully co-operative attitude towards colleagues?
5. Listen carefully to the referee’s pre-match instructions?
6. Clarify any uncertainties arising from the pre-match briefing?
7. Take all the necessary equipment with me on to the field of play?
8. Enter the field of play in a smart and confident manner?
9. Thoroughly carry out any pre-match duties required by the referee?
10. Take up the required position at the start of play?
11. Take up the appropriate position for corner kicks, goal kicks, throws-in, penalty kicks?
12. Follow the ball towards the goal line at long range goal-scoring attempts or when long passes
were made and move quickly to act as ‘goal judge’ when the need arose?
13. Remain alert to possible repositioning signals from the referee at certain restarts?
14. When a goal was scored, correctly proceed swiftly towards the halfway line, maintaining a clear view of subsequent developments?
15. Unless other duties required it, maintain my position in line with the second rear most defending player?
16. Correctly judge offside offences?
17. Carry the flag unfurled and towards the field of play when I had no advice to offer to the referee?
18. Pass the flag from hand to hand before raising it in the air?
19. Avoid incorrect signalling technique, by ensuring the flag was in the correct hand before signalling?
20. Hold the flag aloft until the referee acknowledged my signal?
21. Use only the recommended flag signals?
22. Only use the flag when necessary?
23. Avoid using my free hand/arm as an indication to the referee?
24. Have an awareness of the referee at all times during the game so that eye contact was achieved when necessary?
25. Only signal when the referee was in a position to see and act upon it?
26. Remember not to anticipate the ball out of play and incorrectly signal?
27. Remember to confirm the time remaining with the referee, if requested?
28. Communicate effectively with players to ensure their co-operation when appropriate?
29. Ensure that substitutions were carried out in accordance with law?
30. Effectively communicate with personnel in the Technical Area?
31. Avoid being distracted by remarks by spectators?
32. Communicate clearly with spectators to keep my touchline clear of obstructions throughout the game?
33. Accurately record match information as requested by the referee?
34. Convey concise and accurate information on incidents either at the request of the referee, or unseen by him?
35. Adhere to the correct procedure when leaving the field of play?
36. Adopt a positive supportive attitude at all times during the game?
37. Take the opportunity to discuss aspects of my performance with the other members of the team?
38. Give accurate information confirming misconduct or match incidents to the referee in the dressing room at half time or after the game?
39. Leave the ground feeling I had been totally supportive of the referee at all times?

12. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:               Go to top of this page

Question 1: When the ball went out of play, the Assistant Referee pointed his flag one way, and the Referee pointed his arm the in the opposite direction. Even though the Assistant Referee pointed his flag in the correct direction, as soon as he noticed the Referee pointing the other way, he immediately lowered his flag. Why can't the Assistant Referee 'stick to his guns' and overrule the Referee?

Answer 1: During his pre-match brief to his Assistant Referees, the Referee will have already instructed his colleagues what to do, should they point opposite ways to him during throw-ins. The general briefing is for the Assistant Referees to immediately lower their flag - the Referee controls the game, and his decision in play is always final. It does not matter whether the Assistant Referee or the Referee's decision was correct in indicating their direction. The important thing is to show unity, because it does no good, for match officials to have public disagreements during the game. If the Assistant Referee thinks that the Referee is making too many wrong calls, then this should be discussed with the Referee at half time or after the end of the game. Although players will make a big issue about such occurrences, Referees are only human, and will sometimes make mistakes in the direction a throw-in etc. It can be very difficult on occasions for Assistant Referees to see exactly which player the ball last touched before it crossed the touchline. Match officials should not have any 'hang-ups' about whether they think their decision is right or is wrong. The main thing, is they should all be strong and positive, because if they show any weakness, the players will be sure to provoke them further.

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Question 2: Is there a correct way to execute flag signals?

Answer 2: Yes. I believe that the Assistant Referee role is more difficult and more taxing than the Referee. Flag-signalling is the Assistant Referees' main tool for communication. Using the flag is an 'art in itself' that is not normally taught properly to our newly qualified Referees. It can also be very difficult for 'mature' Referees to change old flag habits. See my Referees' Signals page for graphic flag signals. The FIFA Law book also shows correct flag signals in picture form.

Here are some Assistant Referee tips for good 'flagging'!

(a) Learn to change hands when holding the flag. Keep the flag unfurled at full length so that it is always facing the field of play. This is especially important during floodlight evening games where it can be difficult for the Referee to see the Assistant Referees clearly. This will involve switching hands when you change your running direction along the touchline - after a while, you will find that you are switching hands automatically. A good Assistant Referee will always swap hands, thereby keeping the maximum flag area visible towards the field of play and the Referee at all times.

(b) When signalling for a throw-in, just snap your flag 45 degrees in the direction that the throw is to be taken. There is no need to keep waving the flag as though you were conversing in semaphore with the Referee. Some Assistant Referees prefer to raise the flag vertically to indicate that the ball has travelled over the touchline, and then immediately drop it to 45 degrees in the direction of the throw. Assistant Referees should move the flag from hand to hand when their arms were down, and not when the flag is above their head. Another method during the throw-in flag signal, is to 'snap' the flag in the correct hand straight up vertically at first, thus indicating to the centre Referee that the ball has gone out of play (this also gives the Assistant Referee time to make eye contact with the centre Referee. And then bring it down on the correct side to a 45 degree angle, pointing towards the direction of play for the team which has the right to throw the ball in.

(c) Unless the Referee had briefed you differently, if the Referee signals the opposite way to you during a throw-in. Immediately drop your flag and remain stationary. The Referee has ultimate control of the game, and it is his decision that counts. Don't worry about whether you made the correct decision or not. If you leave your flag pointing in the opposite direction to that indicated by the Referee, you will increase the chances of abuse being throw in your direction. It also demeans the team work bond necessary between the match officials. This has been mentioned before.

(d) When running with the flag, keep it extended downwards and facing the field of play. Do not run along the touchline pumping your flag like the 'wheels of a steam train' - this will totally confuse the Referee and everyone else watching you.

(e) During 'set-piece' situations such as free kicks or penalties, and when the Referee is on the other side of the field of play, change your flag hand to allow the Referee the best possible view of your flag. The Referee will take up various positions during set plays. And will be looking to you (the Assistant Referee) to signal quickly for any infringements - make sure the Referee has the best possible view of your flag.

(f) Always take two sets of flags to matches. Flags can easily become damaged especially the wooden versions.

(g) If the Referee has missed your flag signal, raise it horizontally and wave it about a few times. This will make it easier for the Referee to see. As soon as he notices your flag signal, place it in the correct position depending on what you were originally 'flagging' for.

(h) If the Referee does not see your offside flag, leave it up until it is brought to his attention. If subsequent play falls to the advantage of the defending team, drop your flag as soon as practical and allow play to continue. Mention to the Referee (at half or full time) any flag signals that he (the Referee) has missed. The Referee will normally acknowledge his Assistant Referee during play, if he (the Referee) wishes to keep play going in such circumstances.

(i) During offsides, leave your offside flag signal in position until the defending player has acknowledged the exact position that the ball must be placed for the indirect free kick. Then move away quickly to your best position along the touchline.

(j) If your flag wraps itself around the flag stick when you are making a signal, try to unfurl the flag by moving the flag stick around in small circles. Try to always have the flag showing its full unfurled length.

(k) If you are not sure which way to give a throw-in -just raise your flag vertically, look towards the Referee, who should quickly notice your predicament. The Referee should help you out and make the decision for you, by indicating the direction with his hand/arm. It can sometimes be impossible, especially when the ball is very near to you, to see which player the ball last touched before crossing the touchline. Good eye contact with the Referee is essential during such instances. A good Referee will instantly recognise that your vertical flag indicates a throw-in, but that you (the Assistant Referee) are not sure which direction it should be taken.

(l) When was the last time that you actually checked your flags to see if they are fully serviceable - do it now!

(m) There is no excuse for dirty flags! Make sure they are clean before each match.

(n) One subtle trick sometimes agreed between match officials, is for the Assistant Referee to discretely point to either the yellow or red flag square (yellow card or red card?) to indicate the severity of an offence to the Referee - although I would not be too happy about using this method myself. If this subtle signal is noticed by players and then the Referee decides to take alternative action, it could lead to problems. For example, if the Assistant Referee flags for a foul and then points to the red square to indicate to the Referee that he (the Assistant) believes the foul warrants a red card - but the Referee then decides to only issue a yellow card - if the subtle signal is spotted by an opposing player, then that player could challenge the inconsistency of both the Referee and his Assistant. Good signal - but if used, it must be used carefully and very discretely.

These are just a few tips - if you have any more. me and I will post them here on this page.

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Question 3: What can an Assistant Referee do about spectators or officials who always argue against decisions, or sit too close to the touchline, or even on the field of play itself.

Answer 3: It's best to just ignore most foolish comments and concentrate on the game. If spectators are interfering with the game by being too close to the touchline, or encroaching onto the field of play itself, then ask them to move back. If they continually encroach even after your instructions to them - bring this to the attention of the Referee. He will them sort it out for you. If you (the Assistant Referee) need to talk to parents, officials or substitutes for whatever reason, do it in a calm but stern voice - you will get much further than if you yell or get upset with them (it takes two to argue, so make sure you are not one of them!). Always keep control of your emotions - even though this can be very difficult at times.

Question 4: Is the use of microphones and ear pieces such a good thing for match officials?

Answer 4: I suppose there is some potential for improving communications between match officials. I'm not in favour of any technology being used myself. Microphones and ear pieces were experimented with during most of the 1999/2000 season here in England, it lasted a while, but match officials now generally do without them. Referees with their ears taped-up, and Assistants talking to their flags made them vulnerable to even more ridicule. I believe that technology needs to advance further to make such methods less intrusive and more comfortable and efficient  for the users. Referees were very often seen adjusting their tapped ear pieces - and this can only detract from the Referees main task of concentrating on the game itself. The buzzing armband seems to still work OK. During offsides, the Assistant Referee presses a button on his flag stick, that in turn vibrates a concealed armband on the Referees arm.

Before long, we will have remote controls that can be passed out to allow spectators control of the Referee himself!! Whatever next ?????????????

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Question 5: What is the best position for the Referee and the Assistant Referee to take during free kicks near the penalty areas?

Answer 5: It really depends on the individual Referee. He will have briefed his Assistant Referees on th