Question Number: 12530

Mechanics 4/10/2006

RE: RECREATION Under 19

RICHARD of VENTURA, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 12454

This is really a question of mechanics. As an Assistant Referee waiting to see if the offside player actually touches or interfers with play, does one stay put where the possible offside infraction occurs or stay level with the 'next to the last defender' and moving away from the area where the possible offside infraction occured and then moving back to that spot and raising the flag to signal the infraction if indeed the attacker touches the ball or interfers with play?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

stay with the next to last opponent OR BALL whichever closer to goal line and then move back to where player was judged to be in offside position. This tells everyone you knew what you were doing and following proper procedures.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Stay with the last but one opponent Richard, flag if/when necessary, return to where you think the restart should be. Remember the referee could allow the restart from virtually anyplace, so be ready.

The restart of play is supposed to be where the player was when the ball was last touched or played by one of his own team, at least that's what Law 11 - Offside says. Some referees don't really care, close enough is fine as long as it keeps things going smoothly and no one gets confused.

I'm not one of those referees. If I ignore that Law what other one will I ignore? Consistency becomes an issue at that point. Sweat the small stuff and the big things will take care of themselves, they usually won't happen...

Regards,