Parents Page

Being A Referee

Simple rules to follow

Your whistle is your best friend
Use the right hand signals (see below)
Blow loudly
Engage players, explain any fouls
Start and end games and halves on time
Put yourself in the best position to see
Everyone makes mistakes! Learn from them
Be fair and objective
Have fun!
IF BEING ABUSED IN ANY WAY - STOP THE GAME & ASK THE GROUND MARSHAL TO MOVE PEOPLE AWAY

This video looks at the signals a linesman might need to know.

The key thing is raise the flag when you need to get the referees attention, and point it in the direction that the team who gets the ball is attacking.
It might be worth asking the ref at the start of the game, exactly what he wants you to flag. He may only want you to do offside, and whose ball is it if the ball goes out of play
See below for flag signals to use

The Offside Rule
The most important and potentially controversial role of the linesman is to get the offside call right.

It IS difficult to call offside & this video shows exactly how difficult it is - https://youtu.be/_pGMRN5KN8M?si=EZQecX3iQJGC7WQ-

The key thing is to; Stay level with the last defender.
Try to adjust for the movement that occurred between the pass and when the line was checked (this is where mistakes are made).