| ••• Assistant Referee Positioning |
the ball is played', the assistant referee needs
to be in perfect position, in line with the 'second
last defender'.
There are not many better examples than this
picture of Canadian FIFA assistant Hector
Vergara in action at the 2002 World Cup.
• Note that Hector's head lines up perfectly with
the 'white shirted' player. The goalkeeper is likely
the last defender in this situation, although this
can change as play develops.
• Note that he is square to the field.
• Note that he is preparing to move by
'sidestepping', not turning and running.
Hector gave several tips for assistants while
visiting Edmonton in January 2003, including
'sidestepping' and familiarizing yourself with
stationary objects at the field before the game to
help with your positioning.
Another tip is - 'don't watch the game too much'.
Assistants who are 'ball watching' will often
find that they get caught several yards out of
position at the critical moment, and cannot
possibly judge the offside line accurately. The idea
is to concentrate on your position, while glancing
at the play when required.
Your calls will be accepted by the players and
coaches more often, if your positioning is good .
Doing an effective job as an assistant referee is
much more than just indicating when the ball is
out of play.
A competent assistant who works hard at
positioning will be well on the way to being a true
'assistant' to the referee.
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EDSRA welcomes comments or suggestions. Email: EDSRA President
© Edmonton & District Soccer Referees
Association, 2008
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