BEFORE THE GAME

Before the game starts check with the referee how much assistance they expect from you. Some may only want your decisions on offside and when the ball is out of play, whilst others may expect assistance for any other infringements that may have occurred and not been noticed by the referee. 

In all circumstances remember that you are part of the referee’s team and must work in accordance with the referee’s instructions. If you are not happy with the way things are progressing, talk to the referee either at half time or full time. Never show that you are not in complete agreement with the ref to anybody around you.

FLAG MOVEMENTS

• Always hold your flag in the hand nearest to the halfway line.
• Never roll the flag up. Always have it unfurled (this helps the ref as it is easier to see the whole flag and it also gives a distinctive snapping noise when raised which the ref can hear).
• Always raise your flag swiftly in a vertical position (there is no need to wave it around) keep it raised until the ref sees it and either follows your lead or acknowledges the flag and signals to you that it has been noted or you recognise an advantage to the team against which the offence was committed. Remember the referee is the boss and may choose not to follow your assistance.
• When signalling for a goal kick or a corner kick hold the flag in the hand nearest to the goal line.
• When signalling for a throw in, always hold the flag in the correct hand. If the throw is to the right use your right hand, if to the left, use your left hand.
• If in any doubt on a decision follow the referee’s signals (do not guess).
• When flagging, always face the field square on.

OFFSIDE LAWS, RULES AND INTERPRETATIONS

A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to his opponents’ goal line than the ball unless:

• The player is in their own half of the field.
• The player has at least two opponents nearer to the goal line than the player (this includes the goalkeeper – so always make sure if the keeper has come out field that another defender has taken his place in defence).

A player should only be penalised for being offside if at the moment the ball is played by one of the player’s team the player is either interfering with play, an opponent or seeking to gain an advantage by being in that position.