Question Number: 27306

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 4/8/2013

RE: rec Under 10

matt of annandale, VA United States asks...

Hi

During a game, does the AR have to stand even with the second to last defender the whole game. I am am a little un-clear about that.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Matt
One of the decisions that an assistant referee is required to make is offside. To judge that properly the AR should position himself level with the 2nd last defender at all times so that he can see clearly if an attacker is nearer the goal line that the 2nd last opponent. If a 2nd last opponent is not present then it is either the halfway line or the ball that the AR should use as his position to view offside
I would refer you to Slides 31 onwards in the attached presentation
http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/afdeveloping/refereeing/law_11_offside_en_47383.pdf

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The AR should be even with the offside line, as best possible. Usually that means the 2nd to last defender, but sometimes it's the ball.

The reason for this is to give the AR the best perspective on seeing if a player is in an offside position, and if so, when she got there. Being off by even a few yards can introduce an angle that makes it difficult to tell if she's offside or not.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Almost. Primary responsibility is offside so the AR should be level with the next to last opponent, or the ball, whichever is nearer the opposing goal line.

If no players other than keeper in the half, AR usually at halfway line