This past season, as we explored the attributes and characteristics that make up a successful assistant referee, we focused on many defining qualities: mechanics, referee team eye-contact, focus, hustle, commitment, body language, and touchline management. We are pleased to offer this POTF installment as a highlight review of some standout officiating moments by Team3 members to emphasize the focus points mentioned above.

We thank and congratulate all Team3 members in their efforts and progress over the 2016 season and look forward to working with you again during the 2017 season.

1. Mirroring AR Substitution Signal

In this clip, the referee responds to the white team's request for a player substitution. Meanwhile, the AR on the opposite touchline signals for a red team substitution (flag raised overhead with both hands). Recognizing the referee's back is turned to the red team's touchline, the AR on the white team's touchline raises his own flag to mirror his referee teammate. The referee sees the mirrored signal, turns to acknowledge both ARs, and signals for the red team substitution to proceed. The AR on the red team's touchline quickly moves near the halfway line to properly manage the substitution process. Note that the procedure of the AR managing substitutions, in the absence of the referee, must be discussed in the pre-game conference.

The procedures shown here promote effective referee teamwork and confidence for all match participants!

2. Focus, Position, and Judgement

 
With play in the other half of the field and the second last defender also in the other half of the field, the AR is at the halfway line monitoring play and the players. As play transitions towards her end, she sprints to follow play, maintaining close focus on the field. As play slows closer to the goal line, she squares up and sidesteps to maintain accurate position with respect to the offside line. When she detects a player in an offside position interfering with play, she calmly raises the flag in her right hand and indicates middle of the field position when the referee blows his whistle. Excellent mechanics and body language clearly show engagement with the task, lend confidence in her decisions, and reduce dissent.

3. Commitment to the Goal Line (Confirm GK Restart)

In this clip, the AR demonstrates a good combination of speed, footwork, flag handling, and concentration while following the attacker, with the ball, to the goal line. After sprinting to recover the offside line, the AR quickly switches to a fast side-stepping technique to square his shoulders to the field and provide a good view of active play. With this kind of effort and intensity, the AR is modeling his commitment to the game!

4. Substitution Procedure

In this clip, the AR (White/Red touchline) moves to the halfway line to monitor the substitution of players. Notice that the AR (per USSF GTP p40) "Ensures that the substitute does not enter the field until the player being replaced has left the field." In this video, the AR simplifies the process by waiting for all players to exit the field before releasing any substitutes onto the field at the referee's beckoning. The crisp execution of this procedure shows great support of the referee and overall game management. The players benefit in resuming play as quickly as possible.

5. Commitment to the Goal Line (Confirm No Goal)

In this clip, the AR tracks the offside line (the ball) all the way to the goal line. Note that committing himself to the goal line was the only way for him to make a Goal/No-Goal decision after the defending goalkeeper misplayed the ball. With the AR positioned at the corner flag when the goalkeeper recovered the ball near the goal, there is little doubt the correct decision was made by the referee team!

6. Eye Contact in CK/GK Restart Decision

In this clip, the AR uses side-stepping to maintain proper offside line position. After the ball crosses the goal line, the AR switches the flag from left to right hand in preparation for a restart signal. Notice the AR makes eye contact with the referee to confirm CK is the proper restart before executing the actual flag signal. The AR then moves to the correct position in line with the goal line, allowing sufficient room for the player taking the CK. Pre-signal eye contact is a strong technique in helping avoid referee/AR decision conflict. (See USSF GTP p10 & p24)

7. Commitment to the Goal Line (Confirm CK Restart)

In this clip, the AR sprints to the goal line, clearly seeing the ball kicked out of play (over the cross bar), last touched by the defending goalkeeper (deflection). The AR's obvious commitment to the goal line allows for conviction of the decision (i.e. by the time anyone looks for the AR's relative position, he is already stopped, facing the field, and signaling for a CK restart!).


These season highlights show just a few of the ways in which Team3 participants took to 2016's training focus of assistant referees as engaged participants in the referee team. In addition to growth from previous seasons, Team3 in 2017 will lean on this AR training to further develop well-rounded referees who effectively manage matches in the best interest of the players.

By Team3 Mentors Bob Hurwich and Rocky Kovar.