Question Number: 24788

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 4/8/2011

RE: in town level Under 13

katie soup of pembroke, massachusetts usa asks...

i am refereeing my fist u12 game and the rules are drsticly differant from my former u7 and u8 games, i am assistant reffereeing so besides offsides and throw ins are there any major rule changes from u7s\u8s that i should be aware of?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Katie:

Congratulations on your first U12 match.

My suggestion is to focus on getting the offside call correctly. The referee will talk during the pregame if there are any special things she wants you to do. Let her know that it is your first U12 match.

As a referee in a U7/U8, you spent most of your time watching the area around the ball. As an assistant referee, your primary focus will be off the ball - - where is the second last defender and the nearest attackers. For now, focus on them.

Remember that you have all the time to need to make the right decision. Wait to see the attacker touch the ball before raising the offside flag for interfering with play. Unless there is a chance for a collision with an opponent (usually the keeper), a late, correct flag is better.

Have fun. The game couldn't happen unless you were there.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Katie
An assistant referee's primary focus is the ball in and out of play along the touchline/goal line and offside. Watching for both at the same time requires a little experience and constant shifting of attention back and forth from play to the position of the attackers relative to the 2nd last defender.
As regards competition rules that are relative to the game should be outlined by the CR in the pre match discussion.
Best of luck with the assignment and enjoy.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If there are local rule changes, learn them. But your number 1 responsibility is and always will be offside. Try to be even with the next to last defender OR the ball, whichever is nearer the opposing goal line. The increase in the speed of the game between U8 and U12 is incredible. Pay Attention!!! Before you know it the ball will be in the back of the net, the center will be looking at you, and you'll be clueless if you aren't paying attention. (This has happened to all of us)

Remember: it is NOT an offense simply to be in an offside position.
Remember: no offside on a throw-in, goal kick, or corner kick
Remember: if in doubt the flag stays down

Good luck!!!

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