Question Number: 16863

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 9/24/2007

RE: Competitive Under 14

Brad of Aptos, CA USA asks...

Love the site. Here's my question: I am AR and the play is right by me near the sidelines and the ball could likely be kicked out by opponents simultaneously kicking at the ball trying to gain possession. Do I watch for the ball to be kicked out or watch my offsides line, which is surely moving? I know as soon as I look in one direction something will happen in the other. Any advice?

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

Both. One eye on the touchline, the other on the offside line. Ok, ok...that's not possible. So you literally open your vision to allow for as much peripheral information to be brought into your vision/mind as possible. If there is no close pressure on the offside line for that moment, you can relax that coverage and look at the activity at the touchline. Too often, as either an AR or CR, we box our vision down into a very focused view and miss things going on around us. Practice trying to see both by opening up your peripheral vision and you will find it easier to follow.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Congratulations for at least knowing that the AR isn't there just to watch the ball. Far too many AR's think that they are helping by watching how the game goes, when really they have to be focused on the little game that is going on in front of them, the offside dance.

Given that watching "both" could only be accomplished by certain species of lizards, what's most important? I would rather have my AR paying more attention to offside when that is important, without entirely neglecting ball out of play. If after swiveling your head you see the ball completely across the line but don't know who kicked it out, put your flag straight up. I'll make the decision on direction, and thank you very much for giving me the information I might not be able to see, that the ball is completely across the line.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Anticipate. What possibilities exist when the ball is near you on the touchlines - a cross, a steal, a foul tackle, a ball out of play? If it is a cross, you'd best be focused on the offside line with 75% + of your attention, with quick glances at the ball and players. If it is hotly contested right at the touchline near you, focus 50-60% for a short period on this area, with glances back at your offside line and other players in the vicinity and of course, know where your referee is. This is what Refs Hoelscher and Voshol mean by "both" - you have to learn where to concentrate your attention and when. And truly you can see both with some practice with the tiny swivel of the head and constant movement of the eyes, just enough to let your eyes see 100 degrees around you. Sometimes being a great AR is much harder work than being a referee - keep up the good work!

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The first and second duties of the assistant referee are to indicate when the ball is no longer in play and to whom the restart is given. Indicating when a player may be penalized for being in an offside position is third on the list. There are four other duties to tend to as well. Thing is you must do all but the last at the same time. Practice, practice, practice... Oh, yeah -- you also must be able to run as fast as the ball!! [or at least try as hard as you can]

Regards,