Question Number: 8240

Law 6 - Assistant Referee

RE: Travel-Premier Under 14

Cathy Russo of Hummelstown, PA USA asks...

Two Rival teams play each other. The other team's player has.a dad that's a referee. There was a no show for an AR for this game. This dad volunteered to be a referee. He just happened to have his equipment along with him. This man even.wanted to be center. The coaches from my daughter's team objected so this man was an AR. His calls (as AR)gave the other team the advantages at several points during the game..Doesn't this represent some "conflict of interest"? This is the second time that the man "conveniently" has his ref equipment along. Something doesn't seem right to me. Help me out. Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

When using a registered referee as a fill in for his son's or daughter's match he is to be treated as a club linesman. This is US Soccer's advice and may be found in the entry level course. ..The reason for this is a possible question regarding a conflict of interest. ..Words from the US Soccer slides I mention follow:..Special Situations ..USSF Linesman (Grade 10) ..Cannot call fouls or misconduct ..Cannot assume referee position ..Club Assistant Referees ..Instruct them prior to game May signal ball over touch line ..May give direction of throw-in. ..-next slide- ..Certified official acting as club assistant referee ..They are associated with one of the teams ..They are not neutral (Tell them during pre-game talk) ..Use them with caution..Regards,

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 12815