Question Number: 16781

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 9/19/2007

RE: high school Adult

Paula massie of Springfield, Ohio Clark asks...

what is the definition of an assist for soccer. and how is it to be recorded on the score book ?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

An assist would be when a teammate of the goal scorer plays the ball to the scorer in a way that allows that person to score a goal. Generally I don't conisder "happy accidents" an assist, nor balls coming directly from opponents. The person earning the assist must do something to legitimately assist in scoring a goal.

You would record an assist next to the player who earned the assist, often times this is denoted with a "A". A player who scores a goal is credited with 2 point and a player who gets an assist earns 1 point for statistical tracking.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

While Ref Montanino gives a good answer, we have to note that there is only one statistic that concerns the referee - the number of goals scored. (Although paying attention to the number of cards given, especially 2 yellows to one individual, is also a good thing to do.) Coaches and media make up all the other statistics, and they can define them and quantify them as they see fit.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Law 10 does not define assist. Law 10 defines the method of scoring. Statisticians define those things they deem necessary to define.

I just know if I scored the winning goal in the World Cup the player who put the ball there for me to win the goal would never have to buy another drink or dinner as long as he lived. That would be my thanks for his assistance. Of course this assumes Football is the "religion" it is everyplace else in the world.

Regards,