Question Number: 16063

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 7/18/2007

RE: rec Under 19

Steve of Toronto, Ont Cda asks...

Is it acceptable for an AsstRef to move onto the field to gain a better view.

Specifically, corner kick on AR side of half, but on the far side. Field is wide with a good crown. You cannot see the goal line on the far side of the goal.

I have moved upwards of 10 yards in from the side to get better view. Once kick is done and play moves on, I of course move back to normal position.

Thoughts.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

It is up to the individual referee at the match to decide what is acceptable for the assistant referee to do, or not do. Standard mechanics would indicate that this is not an acceptable position to adopt. However, it is more important that each referee and assistant referee are flexible in their positioning to meet the demands of each match.

In this case it sounds like you are doing what you must in order to see the goal line on these kicks. However, you must remember that if the ball is suddenly found within your area you must now not only stay in the proper offside line judging position, you must also quickly back off the field without interfering in play. If you cannot do this, your positioning will have a negative impact on the game and that is to be avoided at all costs.

So remember, be flexible yet when you take up positions that are counter to your standard mechanics you should be prepared for any unusual circumstances that might arise during the game and then deal with them without undue interference.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

I would add only this to Steve's excellent answer: the crown should have been noted in the pre-game inspection of the field, and addressed with the referee at that time as to procedures for the team to ensure best view possible of the goal line. If you knew this issue existed from prior games at the field, then it is imperative you bring it up in the pre-game.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

To be blunt...NO it is not. The AR should stand behind the touchline during play and may only enter field for certain cirumstances. For example, penalty kick and to ensure defense is 10 yds from ball. Of couse, the referee may give you permission in his pre-game, but that would NOT be stabdard.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I must have been a linesman of that field. I knew that the line on the other side of the goal belonged to the referee AND I had a clear idea of where the ball was in relation to each goal post and the goal line on my side of the field. Based on that I could project, in my head, where the line on the other side of the goal was. I must be incredibly dense because it never occurred to me that I might not be able to judge a ball no longer in play.

Because of that I didn't need to move from where I was.

Regards,