3) POSITIONING during the game and WHAT TO LOOK FOR. As a general rule the Assistant Referee should be even with the
2nd to last defender on their side of the field. The referee will usually be up field and on the half of the field opposite the AR.
This should always keep the ball between both officials.
a) Throw in - Each AR should be even with the 2nd to last defender. The referee will be up field and towards the middle
of the field. If the AR is on the opposite side of the field the referee will be up field but on the touch line.
b) Free kicks - AR will be even with the 2nd to last defender. Referee ensures the defense is 10 yds. from the ball and
is down the field and opposite the AR.
c) Penalty kicks - AR. is positioned on the goal line. Referee blows the whistle and points to the penalty kick location
when the infraction occurs. Referee stands on opposite side of the field as the AR, near to or outside the 18 yd.
box. Check to make sure the goalie is ready. Check with the kicker to make sure the kicker is ready.
Then blow the whistle. Watch goalie to make sure feet touch the goal line and there is no early forward movement
(sideways OK), watch players for intrusion into penalty area.
d) Goal kick - AR is positioned at the 18 yd. line. Referee is on the opposite side of the field as AR and up the field
depending on kicking capability of the age group.
e) Start of game / after goal scored - AR positioned with 2nd to last defender. Referee is positioned on the side of the
field where the ball will be kicked into, in the opposite side as the AR.
f) Substitution Procedures - When - Teams are allowed to substitute when it is own teams throw-in, own teams corner
kick, either teams goal kick, after a goal from either team, at the half or quarter, and an injured player may always
be substituted. Substitute only when the official is notified and the substitution is approved.
4) It is easier to “sell your decision” if you are in the proper position. You may want to talk to the coaches at half time or at
the end of the game if you feel you should explain a call that was made on the field. This will help build positive
relationships with coaches. It helps to have the coaches supporting you.
5) Blow your whistle LOUD ! Everyone on and around the field must be able to hear it. This is very important.
6) Common situations that will come up at the different age levels and how to handle them. (More help given to young players,
call bad throw-ins tighter as players get older, etc.)
7) Hand ball discussion. Did the ball play the hand or the hand play the ball. Situations: arms crossed over chest, down
at sides, hard close shot, cover up glasses and etc.
8) Offside discussion. Being in an offside position - did the player gain an advantage? Delayed calls, etc.
9) Referee development. Why have we setup this training program?
a) To pass knowledge on to newer referees.
b) To improve performance by giving accurate and timely feedback. (Don’t take corrections personally, everything
is offered to make you a better referee.)
c) To help make your time spent on the field more enjoyable much sooner than without development help.