Question Number: 25904

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 1/21/2012

RE: Adult

Anthony of Leek, Staffs UK asks...

When did soccer linesmen stop running the full line. I have a picture (FA Cup Final Wembley - circa 1937) showing linesmen in same half

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Anthony
I would refer you to this article

http://www.footballreferee.org/assistant_referees_diagonal.php

The following info is taken from that article so I would expect that it may have been possible that not all referees used the diagonal system or indeed old habits died hard with some assistants around that time so it is possible that in 1937 the old system was still being used.

'' Sir Stanley Rous developed the diagonal system of control after, according to Belgium Referee John Langenus (1930 World Cup Final referee), he had seen Belgium referees making a similar attempt at scientific positioning on the field of play. This was destined to become the blueprint for all refereeing.

Sir Stanley Rous used the diagonal system when he refereed the Manchester City v Portsmouth 1934 FA Cup Final. Following the Cup Final of 1934, Rous submitted a Memorandum for discussion with the Association, and after the pros and cons had been carefully considered, the FA approved the 'Diagonal System' for use in matches under their jurisdiction.

The system proved to be a success, particularly with The Football League (England) who sent out instructions to all of its referees, stating that they must use this method of control. The Diagonal System of Control was featured in a long article in Football World in 1939; and it was nearly 10 years later in 1948, when foreign delegates at the International Conference of Referees held in London, also approved the adoption of the system; which has since been used throughout the footballing World.''