Question Number: 28313

Law 11 - Offside 4/7/2014

RE: Travel U8-U19 and HS High School

Jordan Hirsch of Levittown, New York United States asks...

I don't often act as an AR so I was hoping you can clear something up for me. If an AR signals offside how long should he/she keep the flag up if the CR doesn't see it or acknowledge it. If plays continues from the center of the field towards the goal in the AR's side of the field, should he/she stay at the place where the offside offense took place or keep moving up the field, staying even with the second to last defender with the flag still raised?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jordan
On an unseen flag the AR should remain in the location with the flag raised until acknowledged by the referee. In the pre match discussion the referee may advise the assistant to lower an offside flag if the defending team gains control of the ball and moves it away usually beyond half way. It should not be lowered if the attacking team continues with the attack and unseen by the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

When an offside infringement has occurred, the AR should stand at attention and keep the flag up until: (a) the referee stops play; (b) the referee waves down the flag; or (c) the defending team gets clear and unhindered control of the ball.

The AR should not raise the flag simply because there is a person in offside position. Continue to run until there is an infringement.