Offside Duties Critical Responsibilities of the Assistant Referee
Objective At the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to state the critical responsibilities of an assistant referee during offside situations.
Duties of the Assistant Referee Indicate: when ball passes out of the field of play u which side entitled to that restart u when a player may be penalized for being in an offside position u when substitution is requested u when misconduct occurs out of the view of the referee u
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Duties of the Assistant Referee u
when offenses have been committed whenever the assistants are closer to the action than the referee (this includes, in particular circumstances, offenses committed in the penalty area)
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whether, at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper has moved forward before the ball has been kicked and if the ball has crossed the line United States Soccer Federation
What is the most important duty of the Assistant Referee?
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The most important duty of the Assistant Referee is the determination as to whether a player is in an offside position and judgment as to whether said player is involved in active play.
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Why? AR is in the best position to make call u can make or break scoring opportunities u other calls can be “sold” by the Referee u
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Critical Responsibilities Be in correct position to judge offside position u Be watching the second-to-last defender when the ball is played u Be able to quickly determine if an “offside” player is involved with active play u Use correct mechanics to communicate u
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How can this be done? u
Concentration on your responsibilities – You can’t be a ball watcher – This will also help with misconduct
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Scanning the field – Players, then Referee, then ball – 70/5/15
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Fitness – Physical – Mental United States Soccer Federation
ELEMENTS OF THE LAW It is not an offense in itself to be in an offside position. u
Position
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– nearer to opponent’s goal line than the ball and – the second last opponent Unless – is in own half of the field – is level (even) with second last opponent – is level with the last two opponents United States Soccer Federation
Is the Red player in offside position?
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ELEMENTS OF THE LAW u
Timing – at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of their team
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There is no offside offense if a player receives the ball directly from: – a goal kick – corner kick – or a throw-in United States Soccer Federation
Should the Red player be penalized for being in an offside position?
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ELEMENTS OF THE LAW A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by: – interfering with play – interfering with an opponent – gaining an advantage by being in that position United States Soccer Federation
Should the Red player be penalized for being in an offside position?
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AREA OF ACTIVE PLAY
Is that sector of the field where players actively participate in that play
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Where is the Area of Active Participation?
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Where is the Area of Active Participation?
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MECHANICS Before raising the flag to indicate a player is offside, be certain that the player is: – Involved with active play, or – Interfering with an opponent, or – Gaining an advantage by being in an offside position Only then signal to the referee when you are wholly satisfied that this is the case United States Soccer Federation
Should the Red team be penalized for offside?
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Non-Involvement Clear intention to not participate: u Standing still u Turning away from the play u Kneeling u Moving away from active play u Stepping off the field of play United States Soccer Federation
MECHANICS If the player who scores a goal is offside: – indicate offside infraction with raised flag – hold until recognized by the Referee – indicate where infraction occurred If a teammate of the scoring player is in an offside position: – stop, face the field and make eye contact – keep the flag at your side – explain circumstances to the Referee – Referee makes final determination United States Soccer Federation
Where is the area of active play? United States Soccer Federation
Where is the area of active play? United States Soccer Federation
Where is the area of active play? United States Soccer Federation
Where is the area of active play? United States Soccer Federation
Where is the area of active play? United States Soccer Federation
Other Responsibilities when ball passes out of the field of play u which side entitled to that restart u when substitution is requested u when misconduct occurs out of the view of the referee u when foul occurs closer to you u if keeper moves forward before PK u
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A United States Soccer Federation
Review Offside is your most important duty u You must instantly recognize offside position u You must quickly judge involvement in active play u Scanning the field will allow you to view more than just offside positioning u
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If in doubt, No Flag! United States Soccer Federation
Offside Duties Critical Responsibilities of the Assistant Referee