Question Number: 24294

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 11/8/2010

RE: rec Under 18

larry phelps of Newburgh, new york usa asks...

According to the mechanics for ARs, is it always necessary to run to the goal line to indicate a goal kick, and a corner kick even when the ball is obviously out of play? If not when is it acceptable and how far down the touch line should I run to make the call?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You will get different answers on this, depending on what type and level of game you are talking about. The proper mechanic is to follow the ball to the goal line when a shot is made; of course there is no human capable of doing so all the time.

But now consider what kind of game it is. If it a high level match, say a pro game, the ref is expected to be in great shape and probably does one game a week. That AR should be getting to the goal line quickly, every time.

Contrast that to the ref who is doing his sixth game of the weekend, and the legs feel like lead. Who really expects that referee to get to the line, especially when everyone can see the ball is clearly going out? Yet, as soon as that ref holds back so he'll still have a little steam left for the second half, the youth goalkeeper will bobble the ball. Oh #@#% - did that ball go over the line or not?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Larry
For any aspiring ARs who wants to get to the top or who are already at the top they should demonstrate a fitness level and the ability to follow instructions fully. This includes getting to the goal line every time.
Now at lower levels there will be many times when it will make little sense in running to the goal line to signal a goalkick particularly if the AR is thirty yards away and the ball is clearly punted wide. My advice to recreational ARs is to go back to at least the 6/8 yards from the goal line, make eye contact with the CR and make the goal kick signal. Then move out to the 18 yards line to get ready for the goal kick.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

What is being asked of assistant referees striving to achieve at the highest levels of competition, IMO, makes little sense for most amateur matches.

What is essential for all assistant referees is to be at the goal line when needed. Unfortunately, no one knows when the ball that appears to be heading past the goal line will be held up by the wind or will take an odd bounce. No one knows when the goalkeeper will mishandle a simple through ball. So, the AR must sprint toward the goal line every time the ball heads there.

The real question is when to stop, look at the referee, and signal. For those seeking the highest levels, follow the instructions of local mentors and assessors. For the rest of us, when it is clear that the ball has left the field for a goalkick, look at the referee. If the referee is making a signal for a goal kick, the assistant can stop at the 6 and match. If the referee is making a signal for a corner kick, continue toward the goal line, stopping before you reach it, and match.

The USSF guidance:


"If you are close to the goal line (e .g., 2-3 yards) or if it is clear that the restart will be a goal kick, continue on down to the goal line and signal for the goal kick. However, if under the circumstances you are caught fairly far away from the goal line when the ball leaves the field OR if there is likely to be controversy about the restart, it is generally better to stop where you are, make eye contact with the referee, and signal so that the referee gets your information quickly. Then, after the referee clearly agrees, proceed to the position on the line which the Guide to Procedures advises you take initially for a goal kick restart.

This advice would be equally true if the ball left the field for a corner kick ? except that, if you do go down to the goal line, take a step or two back upfield before signalling so that the flag is not pointing off the field.'

Ask A Soccer Referee, Jan 28, 2010.