Question Number: 23027

Law 11 - Offside 3/28/2010

RE: Select Under 12

Tyge of Chesapeake, virginia USA asks...

A/R Signals a player is offside and is not seen by the center ref but A/R keeps Flag in upright position. Play continues and ball goes out of play and A/R still signalling Offside. Correct Team performs throw-in and ball is in play, center referee then sees A/R Signal, stops play and awards free kick for offside call.

This was not a signal for violent conduct, should the team be awarded the free kick for offside call once play has already restarted after the infrignement?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The ref has to learn to pay more attention to the signals by his AR. After the restart of the throw-in, it's too late to go back for the offside.

But the AR has to learn too - either get the referee's attention before the throw is taken, or give up on the offside call. The flag should have been lowered, and the AR should talk to the ref at halftime or after the game to inform him that the offside call was missed.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Very poor job by the referee in watching his AR. Once the throw-in takes place, he cannot go back and call the offside

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Tyge
In Law the referee cannot go back and restart with an IDFK for offside if play has already restarted. If the referee stopped play because of the flag and subsequently found out that it was for offside before play had already restarted the the correct restart is a dropped ball.
This is poor communication among the officials. Once the TI was taken then the AR should have lowered the flag. This would also apply if the ball went out for a goal kick or the ball was cleared upfield or the defending team had clear possession moving away towards the half way line. This is usually discussed in the pre match briefing between the referee crew.