Question Number: 15584

Mechanics 5/23/2007

RE: select Other

Steve of Indianapolis, IN USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15556

some ARs switch hands to signal the direction of a throw-in and some just hold the flag vertical in the opposite hand (e.g. in left hand signaling vertical for throw to their right)for one direction and angular in the same hand (e.g. left hand signaling 45 degree to left for throw to their left)for the opposite direction...which is preferred?

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The clevor AR will have it in the hand where the restart is going. Sometimes even I am guilty of not having it in proper hand when it quickly goes over the line. Main thing - sell the call to the teams. Appear confident in your decision and mirror each other.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Steve, if you haven't already seen it, take a look at USSF's publication, "Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees and 4th Officials". ( http://images.ussoccer.com/Documents/cms/ussf/GuidetToProc0607.pdf ) This gives information on signals and positions for situations encountered in a soccer game.

A vertical signal can be used when the ball goes out at the opposite end of the field from the AR - along the center's portion of the line. The AR is telling the center that the ball went over the line, and it is the center's responsibility to call the direction at that end. Still, the proper hand is used in case the center doesn't know the direction, then he can pick it up from the AR. Since this signal is only used when the ball is at the far end of the field, there is no confusion with the offside signal as ref Contarino notes would happen in the near end of the field.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You're kidding? Where did they learn this? Holding the flag vertical at a standstill is to signal to stop play, period. The proper mechanics for a throw-in are 45 degrees in the proper direction in the proper hand. Were an AR of mine to signal for a throw with a vertical flag, he'd get a lecture on proper mechanics and told to never do that again as I would assume he'd signalled for offside with the vertical.