Question Number: 14591

Mechanics 12/13/2006

RE: AYSO rec Under 13

Adam Mortensen of San Pedro, Ca Los Angeles asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14570

Okay I see you all took the same tack [14570]. I expected your answers after reading for another hour in the site. Now I will tell you the rest of the story. I can and do run most of the field. I don't intend to run from goal line to goal line because inevitably there is going to be a break to the other end that you cannot hope to catch up to - even with 12 year olds, so as a CR I spend most of my time between the penalty areas on my diagonal opposite my ARs. Um...the rest of the story. This tournament play is done with the best of intentions as it is rec play. I spent the day acting as a pool ref for the tournament because inevitably not all of the games are covered properly. I ran games where we had 3, other where we had 2 officials and then I ran some where I had to ask each team to provide a referee. this game in particular, one coach asked his son to act as the AR. I didn't learn of the relationship until I approached the other coach for an AR. Then, the opposing coach mentioned the familial relationship. He mentioned it as a warning but gave me his assurance that "it shouldn't be a problem." Well the one coach's son was the AR I was working with for this specific call. He stridently held out that "the goalie had his hands out (straight arm) and the ball didn't enter the goal." I had reason to suspect his indifference because of this statement. The goalie in question did not at any time have his arms outstretched. In fact after catching the ball he actually tucked the ball in until he realized he was deep in his own goal. I was now in a position where I either accept the word of the coach's son acting as the AR or face the other coach knowing that he will never see the other side. I did not agree with the AR that the ball didn't cross the goal line completely expressly because of his ardent claims that the goalie kept his arms outstretched which was in direct contrast to what I watched the goalie do. I believe that the AR was crafty enough to make up a story that was somewhat believable and that he was intent on doing this more so because of the pressure he must have felt to suppoort his own dad's team.

Anyway, I made the call that the goal was indeed a goal. Bottom line, the team tied where they might have won if I had called it the other way.

This one was probably the toughest call I have had to make this year. I'll remember it for a while. Many lessons can be learned from this one.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

When using club linesmen, you did have those, all they can provide is the ball in and out of play. If they are on a line and can see. Here I'll wager the AR was not on the goal line. Hence, he has no business trying to influence your decision.

As long as there was a learning point all is well.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I agree with Mr. Fleischer. Your AR was not where he was supposed to be. Remember AR should be even with that second to last defender or ball whichever is closer to goal line.

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

When you have a situation where you have "volunteer helpers" on your line, you have "club linesmen." They are there to provide you with information about the ball in and out of play -- which usually means only over the touchline. You must take everything else and also assume they will make a mistake for ball out of play, even on the touchline, ball over the goal line, etc.... Therefore, you must run from goal line to goal line. I did it a couple of weekends ago at a Rec tournament I was helping out with...and I had two centers back to back....so I know it can be done. I had an assigned AR and a clublinesmen. Quite frankly, I wasn't comfortable with EITHER of them. So, I took it all. Because, at the end of the day, my name in on the piece of paper.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Doesn't matter where this AR was as he WASN'T an AR. He was a Club Linesman and is not allowed to make any calls at all. He should stay positioned at the corner flag and just indicate ball in or aout. AND, you may still over rule him at anytime