Question Number: 25075

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 6/8/2011

RE: AYSO Under 14

Mike of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25040

Thanks, both of your perspectives were quite helpful. No question, just some insight into Referee Wright's question as to how parents could block the view of the AR. I initially wondered the same thing myself. Then I remembered that the AR was on the side of the field that was near the gate leading onto the school yard, where there was a lot of foot traffic. Plus the fields were painted with dark brownish lines instead of the customary white. This probably confused some parents as they entered the park, causing them to briefly step onto the field of play. I can only guess as to why dark paint was chosen for the lines. I suspect the school required something more subtle than white lines to be used on their yard. Anyway, that's my theory :-) Thanks again!!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
Thanks for the clarification. As we all know events happen in games that are outside our control and add to the challenges of officiating. With experience referees learn to identify those situations that are likely to cause problems such as spectators control. In the pre match try to identify those so that measures can be put in place to limit them happening.
Prevention is always better than cure.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Yeah, and sometimes the fans are so busy watching the game as they return from the snack bar that they wander out onto the field blindly. What is the AR to do when they do this at the same time the AR is totally focused on a play in her end of the field? It's a no win situation.

Probably the dark lines had something to do with it, and as suggested, considering this item in a pregame is useful, although even the best laid plans can be screened from view...

Perhaps if this becomes an issue which was not foreseen before the game, the referee can hold up the game long enough to locate the local field marshal which hopefully they have, and have said person direct traffic around not through the corner of the field. Or, relocate the snack bar...