COMMUNICATION WITH THE REFEREE:
There are many types of signals, subtly interchanged between the Referee and the Assistant Referee during every game. For example, eye-contact and discreet hand signals from an Assistant Referee is helpful in passing
information to a Referee e.g. type of offence, next action etc. This would reduce the need for the Referee to come across to the Assistant Referee forconsultation. The Referee lays down the types of signals to be used in a game,
during his pre-match brief to his Assistant Referees. Some of the commonly used communications are listed below; many of which are delivered without the players even knowing.
Body Language: Body language signalling (in conjunction with flag signalling) is a technique that has successfully been used for many years by Assistant Referees to indicate decisions to the Referee.
The added benefit of using body language (as opposed to flag signalling in certain situations) is that they are not recognised by the players, thus allowing the Referee to change the decision given by the Assistant, without the Assistant losing face. For example:
A body at right angles to the field of play, adjacent to the goalarea line, and facing up towards the halfway line with the flag visible field side, horizontally held down the leg, tells the Referee that a goal kick is required.
An Assistant Referee can communicate a corner kick, by running around the outside of the corner flag, and along the goal line for a few metres, and then standing still. No flag signalling has been used in this manoeuvre, but it clearly indicates a corner kick decision to the Referee. If the Referee has seen something that contradicts this decision (for example, the ball actually deflected off an attacking player), the Referee can quickly award a goal kick.
The Assistant Referee will then step back onto the touchline to take up the body language goal kick position mentioned above, without any of the players recognising any discord between the match officials.
There are many benefits to be had using body language techniques, as shown in the example immediately above; body language signals preventunnecessary conflict of simultaneous and opposing signals being delivered by the
Assistant Referee and the Referee.
Nevertheless, modern communication methods generally encourage the use of flag signalling, as opposed to the body language (goal kick, and corner kick) methods shown above.
Direction Signal:
In conjunction with the flag, a discrete hand direction signal can indicate to the Referee which side is
entitled to a free kick. When an Assistant Referee is unsure which way to award a throw-in, the Referee will guide the Assistant by subtly indicating the direction with a finger or hand; thus enabling the Assistant and the Referee to signal in the same direction. This technique relies on efficient eye contact, and is essential to maintaining teamwork and credibility. On very tight decisions, when the ball stays in play, a discreet hand signal by the Assistant Referee could give valuable support to the Referee.
Eye Contact:
Movement of the eyes can subtly indicate a free kick direction to the Referee. Regular eye contact also allows the Assistant Referees' and the Referee to bond and feel part of the officiating team; thus building up a friendly rapport. Prior to making a decision, the Assistant Referee should always try and make eye contact with the Referee; this helps to synchronise signalling, and to check that the Referee is not about to make an opposite decision. Perfecting regular eye contact is a difficult art to achieve, as the Assistant Referee is also expected to monitor offside, keep a check on the touchline, technical area and players on the field of play all at the same time! Nevertheless, maintaining regular periodic eye contact is the most important communication tool used between the Referee and his Assistants.
Flag Waving:
The flag is used to indicate many options as laid down in the Laws of Associated Football. It is important for the Assistant Referee to always hold the flag on the field side and to show as much area of the flag material as possible; this makes it easier for the Referee to locate the Assistant Referee, and to quickly decipher the flag signals when they are delivered. This involves the Assistant Referee switching hands whenever he changes his direction of movement so that the flag is visible to the Referee at any time.
Whenever an Assistant Referee signals the ball out of the field of play (even if players continue to play the ball) the signal must be retained until acknowledged by the Referee taking action. When a flag is raised for Law 12 offences, it should be unfurled and waved to distinguish it from the signal for offside.
Goal Scored:
To confirm a valid goal has been scored, an Assistant Referee should display clear movement down the touchline towards the centre line. In borderline cases, this movement should be clear (sprint) to be recognised by the Referee. To confirm a goal, the Assistant Referee should not raise his flag. If in his opinion a goal has not been scored correctly, the Assistant Referee should stand still, retaining any signal already given. The Referee may then choose to consult further if he needs additional guidance
Hand Indications:
Subtle movements of the hand can indicate to the Referee that an Assistant has seen a deliberate handball, or an illegal shirt pull (tugging gesture), push or pull by a player. A waving (from side to side) of a lowered palm can also indicate that no offence has occurred. In general, Assistant Referees should not use their hands or arms to indicate to
players that an offside has not occurred, or to encourage an advantage. These signals are the prerogative of the Referee, and any duplication by the Assistant will lead to confusion and trouble.
Miming words:
Assistant Referees can mime words to the Referee - for example "No" to indicate that a player was not in an offside position, or "Yellow" to indicate an agreement with a Referee's caution. Care must be taken with this technique, as players can also see this communication. This problem is exasperated during televised games, where cameras have been known to pan in with great success, in recognising exactly what is being mimed (or spoken) between the match officials. Hence, this is the reason why match officials (and also managers) sometimes cover their mouths with their hands whilst talking in televised games.
Nod/Shake of the Head: Used to indicate agreement with a decision, or an incident; for example, after a goal has been allowed by the Referee or the award of a penalty kick or to inform the Referee that a shout for 'HANBALL' by players, was misguided.
Penalty Awards:
Where a Referee seeks guidance from an Assistant Referee concerning the exact location of an offence near the boundary of the penalty area, the action of the Assistant Referee should be as follows:
a. If the offence is inside the penalty area – the assistant referee moves visibly down the touchline towards the corner
flag.
b. If the offence is outside the penalty area – the Assistant Referee stands still having moved to be in line with the edge of the penalty area.
Stepping onto the Field of Play: When a serious incident has occurred outside of the Referee's vision, one method to attract the Referee's attention is for the Assistant Referee to visibly step onto the field of play (either waving the flag up high, or not). This clearly indicates to the Referee that the Assistant urgently wishes to talk to the Referee to impart some information. This stance will generally be maintained until the Referee is made aware. Once the Referee has acknowledged the gesture, the Assistant Referee can bring the fingers up to the mouth to clearly indicate that a discussion needs to take place between the match officials.During consultation, the Assistant Referee and Referee should both face the field of play. It is usually appropriate to avoid the consultation being heard or understood by
others.
'Ten Minute Refereeing' Signals: An arm held straight down at an angle, with the fingers clenched into a fist, informs the Assistant Referee, that the Referee intends to take stricter control of the game (for example, by not applying any advantage) during the next ten minutes. During this tighter control ten-minute period, the Assistant Referees will also be expected to follow the Referee’s example by strictly applying the ‘Letter of the Law’ when making decisions whilst patrolling the touchline.
An arm held straight down at an angle with the fingers outstretched (in a fan shape) tells the Assistant Referee that the Referee has reached the end of the ‘Ten Minute Refereeing’ tight control period, and will be officiating in a more relaxed and tolerant way. It is important that all the match officials follow the lead of the Referee. It is no good if the Referee starts to slacken the level of control (for example, by applying advantage when he can), if one of the Assistant Referees is doing the opposite.
Thumbs Up/Down: This is used by the Assistant Referee (and the Referee) to indicate agreement with a decision, or an incident, or as a regular friendly encouragement between the three officials.
Time Down signal: The Assistant Referee uses fingers outstretched downwards along the outside of the shorts or on the shirt to indicate to the Referee 1,2,3,4, or 5 minutes remaining in the half. This reminds the Referee,
of the remaining time so that the Referee can double-check his own watch!
Time Out: In conjunction with the 'Time Down signal above, the Assistant Referee can use the clenched fist, either across the chest or down the side of the shorts to indicate to the Referee that 45 minutes have expired.
