Question Number: 24550

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 2/2/2011

RE: Competitive Other

Aaron Ponder of Houston, Texas US asks...

If the AR sees a foul or misconduct that is unseen by the referee, and he or she believes that a card should be given, what signal should the AR make to the referee to indicate this?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

First, the AR should think back to the pregame discussion and the referee's directions about what to do in such instances. A good pregame would let the AR know that if it was the same type of foul or misconduct that the referee has been calling, then the AR should make it known to the referee. The way to do that is to raise the flag, and if necessary, call the referee's name to get her attention. The opposite AR should mirror your flag and call the referee's attention to it, if necessary. Once the referee looks at you, give the raised flag a wiggle to indicate a foul has been committed, and the referee should come over to find out the details. Follow your pregame instructions.

Now, if there was no pregame (shame on the referee) and the AR didn't ask any questions (shame on the AR), the AR still has to decide if this is the type of incident for which the referee would have stopped play, based on what is happening in the game. The AR cannot substitute what THEY think should be called or not, if it is different from the standard or level the referee is using. Same procedure as above, if AR decides it does need to be addressed.

If the foul or misconduct requires the AR to enter the field to monitor or try to calm the situation, the AR should do so, without becoming physically involved (no holding, pushing or otherwise handling of players).

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Aaron
This should be discussed in the pregame briefing between officials. What I say to ARs is to signal for any fouls/misconduct that I miss with a raised flag. The opposite AR should mirror that flag if I have not seen it. When I make eye contact with you flutter the flag and beckon me across if you need to speak to me. If it simply a foul that I have missed then fluttering flag and point the direction of the restart. If I come across I will ask you what the flag is for and the direction of the restart if play has been stopped.
If you deem a foul worthy of further punishment then I will ask you the players number and the sanction that is appropriate either a caution or a dismissal.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The USSF Guide to Procedures now recognizes two signals for the assistant referee to use to indicate a recommendation with respect to misconduct. Placing the free hand over the badge on the left jersey pocket indicates 'I recommend a caution (Yellow card).' Placing the hand on a back pocket of the shorts indicates 'I recommend a sendoff (Red card).'

These signals are subject to the pregame instructions from the referee. My pregame, for example, asks the assistant not to indicate a red card, but instead indicate 'come here' with a hand signal. I prefer to know the reason before I send off a player.