Question Number: 12095

Law 11 - Offside 1/24/2006

RE: Athena Under 15

Stefan Seville of Marietta, Georgia USA asks...

Hello all,
I was running Ar1 for one of the older refs in our park when an offside occured deep in the box. I popped my flag and stood there like a flagpole for about 2-3 minutes without the ref noticing me. A goal was then scored by the guilty team. The center then saw my flag and waved me over, then after discussing it, let the goal stand because the SCORER wasn't offsides. I didn't pop the flag multiple times during that period because of our pre-game instructions. Was this the right call?
Thanks, Stefan

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Stef,
you popped a flag for 2 plus minutes and the referee did not notice??? No fans, players or coaches screaming? It may well be that the old offside infraction was an entirely different set of circumstances and offside phase was reset in the interm but I must admit that is unusal in my opinion and some mechanics here require some closer inspection.

In all that time was it a constant barrage of pressure from the attacking team or did the opposition defenders regain posession and control of the ball only to lose it again??

Were there reoccuring offside (s) in the time you stood there holding the flag aloft?

In the pregame was it mentioned, WHEN, you should drop an unseen flag?

As Ref Marco points out as AR if you did what you were instructed to do and the CR choose his decision as his authority allows. While we referees support each other in knowing how the shoes fit the referee in not communicating with you by looking over had created a possible major snagafffu.

You ask is that the right call?
The call is what the referee says it is whether it was the one that makes the most sense or is correct is not going to be decided here as we did not see the incident, you did.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hey Stefan. I live in Marietta so take this kind of nonchalance by your center somewhat personally. I echo my fellow panel members statements. Not noticing for 2-3 minutes and then ignoring an obvious infraction is unfathomable. Rest assured you acted properly. You are to stand at attention until noticed. You cannot be responsible for the center's action or inaction.

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