EDITION #1
MANAGING FREE KICKS

Free kick management is one of the most challenging and important aspects of refereeing. This particularly relevant in the indoor game, where the management of free kicks can be critical to establishing and then maintaining effective match control. With the rules of the indoor soccer allowing direct scoring from all free kicks (remember, there are no indirect free kicks with the current indoor rules), it is in your best interests to be efficient and effective in your free kick management. With proper free kick management, you will be “in charge” and “in control” during these situations, which can occur at any time throughout a game. Seize this opportunity to shine, because this will, in turn, help your overall match control and earn respect from the players of both sides, regardless which way the original foul went. 

Remember that when a free kick is called, usually all eyes turn to the referee because the play is now stopped and the ball is “dead”. Field players, spectators, subs on the bench, coaches, all look to the referee to see what the call was and how the referee is now going to handle the ensuing free kick. During these times, you are now “on stage”, therefore, it is important to look and feel confident and experienced. 

Consider the following practical pointers, if you want to enhance your techniques in free kick management:

THE MECHANICS OF MANAGING A TYPICAL INDOOR FREE KICK:
A CHECKLIST

• A clear whistle that is appropriate for the offence

• A good clear directional arm signal

• Move to the spot where the restart will take place (spot the ball precisely)

• If required, deal immediately with players who delay the restart

• If required, deal immediately with players who fail to respect the required distance

• If required, provide assistance to the correct location of the FK

• Allow the attacking team to have a quick FK

• If no quick FK opportunity occurs fairly soon, establish a “ceremonial” FK

• Prevent offending players from coming into the 15 foot zone, who are outside

• Remove players presently within the 15 foot zone

• Ensure the wall is 15 feet back

• Be aware of attackers in the wall

• Be aware of attackers in front of the goalie

• Ensure the ball has not been moved by attacking players

• Ensure attacking players wait for a restart whistle

• Go to a suitable “drop zone” position, depending on “read” of the situation

• Be prepared for a possible shot on goal (remember: all FKs are direct)

• Once again, be aware of players who delay the restart

• Give a clear restart signal

• Once again, be aware of players who fail to respect the required distance

• 5 second countdown

• be mentally prepared to deal with an infringement of some sort

• watch for 2nd touch by kicker

TIPS:

• control the situation but don't restrict teams or players
• “presence lends to authority”
• take your time, don't get caught up in the excitement/rush of the players
• stay calm, cool and collected
• be prepared to deal with questioning and dissent from both sides:

a) attackers (location of FK, harsher sanction)
b) defenders (quesitioning call, location of the FK)

• use AR, if necessary, for proper location or FK & to watch in front of goalie and off the ball/off the wall

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EDITION #2
ASSISTANT REFEREE SIGNALS

At the recent CDSRA sponsored outdoor refresher clinics, a portion of the session was dedicated to “Signals by the Assistant Referee”. All to often, this aspect of handling a match is taken for granted by the crew of officials. It can, however, be an instrumental factor during those critical moments, when teamwork, cooperation and clear communication is required among the officials working the game. 

There are signals that have been recommended by FIFA, which are shown in the current Laws of the Game. These, however, only include the signals for throw in, offside and substitution. Now, we all know that there are also many other signals which the AR is expected to provide, therefore, this is why the CDSRA felt it was important to include this topic in the outdoor refresher clinics. 

In an attempt to achieve consistency in what signals the Assistant Referees are expected to provide, the following recommendations were outlined at the pre-season outdoor refresher clinics.

GOOD GOAL:

• Quick 20 m sprint up field, while looking back at the penalty area for incidents.
• Flag pointing 45 down and in front of you.

GOAL KICK:

• Sprint to a point where you are “in line” with the edge of the goal area.
• Point flag horizontally across the field to the goal area.
• Your body and torso should be pointing up field (not across the field).
• Later, after inspecting the proper placement of the ball for the goal kick restart, move to being “in line” with the edge of the penalty (to ensure ball leaves the penalty area). 

CORNER KICK:

• Sprint to end of field
• Point flag 45 down at the corner quadrant (regardless of where the ball went out)


INDICATING THAT THERE IS A SUBSTITUTION COMING UP:
INDICATING THE SUBSTITUTION PROCESS IS ONGOING:

• The “pre-substitution” signal of an upcoming substitution is the FIFA approved substitution signal, but across your thighs. 
• The FIFA approved signal (raised above your head) should only be used to get the referee's attention.
• Upon gaining the attention of the referee, drop the substitution signal to across your thighs (like the “pre-substitution signal). Keep it here while the substitution is taking place. 
• Upon completion of the substitution process, drop the flag to your side.

SIMPLE FOUL:

• Flag straight up and then give the flag a “waggle”. This is only performed after:
• the AR determines that the Referee needs assistance and,
• the AR determines he/she has a better angle of view than the referee
• A secondary direction signal may have to be also provided.

FOUL THAT IS WORTHY OF A CAUTION:

• Same as the Foul mechanics, but also with your free hand, make a motion of “going to” your front breast shirt pocket (where many referees keep the yellow card).

FOUL THAT IS WORTHY OF A DISMISSAL:

• Same as the Foul mechanics, but also with your free hand, make a motion of “going to” your back rear shorts pocket (where many referees keep the red card).

FOUL COMMITTED BY THE DEFENDING TEAM IN THE PENALTY AREA:

• Flag straight down (between the legs) and then give the flag a “waggle”. Once again this is only performed after:
• the AR determines that the Referee needs assistance and,
• the AR determines he/she has a better angle of view than the referee.

FOUL AT THE EDGE OF THE PENALTY AREA:

• If the foul was inside, move further down the line toward the corner quadrant.
• If the foul was outside, take a few steps up the line away from the penalty area.

GOALIE MOVEMENT DURING A PENALTY KICK:

• Stand up straight and take one side step onto the field (you should be positioned approximately at the junction of the penalty area and end line).

TIME UP:

• Free hand across the chest

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EDITION # 3
PLAYER'S EQUIPMENT

Law 4, in both the outdoor and indoor laws, outlines the basic compulsory equipment of the players participating in the game. This involves shirt, shorts, socks, shoes and shin guards. In addition to the Law, there is also Item # 23 - Player's Outfits of the FIFA Additional Instructions Regarding the Laws of the Game. This items states that referees shall ensure that players wear their clothes properly and check that the players conform with the requirements of Law 4. Shirts must be tucked into the shorts and socks must be pulled up, so they cover the shin guards.

SO WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT A PLAYER
WITH AN UNTUCKED SHIRT OR SOCKS ROLLED DOWN ??????

There is no question that this is a very minor, innocuous situation. However, let's look at it in a bit more detail…………

By dealing with the situation and getting the player to comply with the Law, the following positive outcomes can develop:

• You have shown an “Attention to Detail” (something Assessor's always look for)
• You can use the situation to build rapport with the player(s)
• It establishes that the you are prepared to be in control of every game situation
• It can assist in maintaining your game control
• It demonstrates that you are aware of “things”. And, if you are aware of the “little things”, the player and coaches will know that you will look after the “bigger things”
• It shows that you are “In Charge”
• It shows that the you are prepared to deal with situations that arise and are not willing to shirk your responsibilities
• It shows that you know the “Letter of the Law”
• It shows professionalism on your part and that you also expect this from the players
• It is a sign that you know the value of “Preventative Refereeing”. If you don't deal with one player, soon more players could have their shirts out.
• It shows that you can be assertive
• It shows that you are consistent with all players and both teams

What are the negative outcomes of you dealing with the situation ??

• You are seen to be “picky”

You can weigh it up. The choice is yours, however, anytime your actions can lead to several positive outcomes, why not choose this option?

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EDITION #4
Managing Offensive, Insulting, Abusive Language and/or Gestures

All, the first weekend of the AMSL is now gone and reports from across the province have come back to us. Officials were asked clearly to deal with Foul & Abusive Language both on and off the field. Reports from Edmonton & Red Deer show that this was done (I have not heard from Lethbridge). One verbal warning was given then cautions were given to stay in line with the requests to deal with this. In Calgary this can't be said. As of the first game in Calgary reports back from this game were not good. I have spoke to Cam and he agreed that he did not deal with it. After talking to him he agreed that he will take care of it in his next game and it will not happen again as he does enjoy refereeing at this level. If you look on the CUSA web site you will see Bullet #3 under the heading REMINDER TO TEAMS...........zero tolerance on foul& abusive language on the field of play......... On the FIFA web site President Mr Joseph S. Blatter quotes "Referees are the authority on the pitch and also have to show impeccable morals and leadership qualities"  Lets not have this conversation again! Deal with this directive.

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EDITION #5
Refereeing without Qualified Assistant Referees (click here for word version)
CDSRA June 20, 2006

Introduction

• There is a FIFA approved system of controlling a game that is known as the Diagonal System of Control
• This relies on a Referee on the field and 2 Assistant Referees on the sidelines
• This system is based on the use of certified and trained Assistant Referees (formerly Linesmen)
• A majority of local games are, however, without qualified ARs
• The AR you get (if you get one) is usually a parent, friend, player, etc.
• This lesson plan outlines some tips / methods of Refereeing without qualified ARs

Before the Game

• When you introduce yourself before the game, go early and bring a flag
• REASON: you find out who is going to be your AR
• REASON: gives the team time to round someone up
• REASON: gives you time to talk to them and to seek the co-operation of the players before the start of the match in a friendly and polite manner.

• Get teams positioned on opposite sides of the field
• REASON: You will have help on both sides of the field
• REASON: It keeps teams and team supporters apart in the event they do not get along.

• Put the teams at or near the half way line
• REASON: It is easier to control the substitutions. You will be able to visually make eye contact with the coaches and players when a substitution is being requested (you will know where to instinctively look when a verbal request is made).
• REASON: The halfway line is where subs must enter the field at your permission, anyhow.
• REASON: It will allow for quick substitutions to be made and to allow the game to flow better.

• Discuss how much you want to delegate to the ARs
• REASON: You will want to find out how much they know. Perhaps quiz them on the laws like ball out of play and offside, the substitution procedure. Based on this you will have to decide how much responsibility you want to give them. There is a wide range of possibilities for this:
• 1) Limit their responsibility to calling the ball out of bounds (side line and end line) and giving the appropriate direction
• 2) Call the out of bounds situations and assisting with substitutions.
• 3) Call out of bounds, assist with substitutions and indicate when players offside.
• 4) If you feel your assistant is quite capable ask to also assist with indicating when it is felt there is a foul involved by a player and to flag accordingly – the final decision still rests with the referee whether to stop play or allow play to proceed.
• REASON: You must demonstrate you are the Referee and the one in Charge, with the final say

• Instruct the ARs to stay with “their own” club’s defense, both halves
• REASON: It is “safer”. It promotes tight offside calls. It is better to have a bad offside call than a bad goal call.
• REASON: If there is a controversial call against the defense, it is someone from their club who made the call. It will be easier for the defensive to accept it, if the controversial call is made by someone from their club.
• REASON: There are usually 3 or 4 defenders and 1 or 2 attackers. It is better to have 1 or 2 players complain, rather than 3 or 4, should there be a bad call.
• REASON: If Team A provides an incompetent AR, and Team B provides a competent AR, why should Team B suffer for a half.

• Otherwise, you may instruct the ARs to stay at the same line, both halves
• REASON: Will prevent the volunteer AR from being in front of the opposition bench and agitating issues in a tight game or controversial disagreements.

During the Game

• Open (Free) Play:

• Moving around the field to remain in contact with the play will require a good level of fitness.
• Fitness is very important and you have a responsibility to yourself and the teams to remain fit for the matches.
• There are two systems normally chosen to patrol the field with two assistants:
•  
• The linear system, which involves the referee patrolling the center portion of the field, with little variation in lateral movement. This keeps your movement more restricted, but is useful to be in better position to accurately monitor the decisions which the AR may make on off-side and when the ball leaves the field of play.
• The diagonal system, which requires more fitness and puts you in closer proximity to the play and players in the corners opposite the volunteer ARs. You cover more ground and are more present with the players and closer to much of the play. This, however, can be a disadvantage as it sometimes places the referee further away from the ARs and the play, and can result in disagreements on judgment calls for balls out of play and infractions.

• Off-side positioning:

• Judgment of the off-side will probably be the most difficult task for the referee w/o qualified ARs.
• As play switches from end to end it is impossible to keep up with the play to check on the accuracy of the ARs.
• If you have ascertained that your volunteer AR is capable of making the judgment call, then you can rely on their call.
• If not, you will still have to use our own judgment to determine if play needs to be stopped.
• If there is any doubt, err on the side of caution. Give the “benefit” to the defending team. A strong whistle and strong body language may help to convince the attacking players that the correct decision has been made and so reduce the probability of appeals.

• Ball out of play:

• Balls which leave the field of play at the ends of the field may be difficult to assess if they barely cross completely over the end line, with or without qualified ARs
• Positioning yourself to keep up with the attack is important and the straight line or linear system of patrol may prove your best option
• Be prepared to make a call without the support of an AR.

• Balls which leave the field over the sides of the field are usually best to be judged by your AR and keeping up with the play is important to give players confidence of your decision.
• Be sure your AR knows that the ball has to be completely over the line to be considered out.

• Free kicks:

• Be aware that sometimes, regardless of where the FK is taken from, you may have to be present where the kick is taken from and where it lands. You cannot rely on your AR to manage the restart area, therefore, be prepared to handle this. Take your time. Manage the restart area first, then go down field and administer the drop zone, then blow your restart whistle. Don’t rush.

• Kicks taken from the defensive third, or even the middle third, which will drop in the middle third should see the referee be around the drop zone. You want to be able to be in position for fouls and be able to react if the ball is propelled further down field. Read the play.
• Kicks taken which will result in a shot on goal or the ball dropping into the goal area should see the referee position themselves near the goal area to view any challenges with players and to be in position to judge for awarding a goal if the ball crosses completely over the goal line between the posts, and for awarding a goal or corner as appropriate. Don’t expect assistance from the AR.
• Kicks taken from the attacking third (which are directed at the goal) may result in a defensive wall being set up. Position yourself so you can see that the players are respecting the10 yards from the ball prior to the kick, and you are able to move quickly towards goal if a shot is taken. Use of your whistle to restart play is a good tool here to indicate start of play and to indicate to the players you are ready for the kick to be taken.

• Throw-Ins:

• Position yourself down field of the thrower, to react to where the ball may land and where the challenges occur.

• Corner kicks:

• Position yourself at or near the end line and just inside the goal area to be close to where most of the players line up.
• This also allows you to be able to see if the ball crosses the end line,
• You will be close to the goal,
• You will be able to be seen by the players (preventive refereeing)

• Goal kicks:

• Use your judgment again on the skill level of the players.
• If they are long kickers, move well down field prior to the kick to be in position to respond if the ball runs through, and at the same time to be able to respond to the ball and play changing direction.

Substitution:

• Substitutions can only take place once the referee has been notified by the team wishing to substitute or by the AR.
• Once there is a regular stoppage in play, the referee will hold up the restart to allow the team coach to indicate which player(s) are being taken out.
• Only once the player or players (maximum of two) have left the field of play, can you allow the player(s) who are the substitutes to enter the field.
• The players entering the field of play must do so at the half line.
• However, if you have players doing the AR responsibilities and they need to get substituted, you can not expect them to enter at the half line as they will enter from where they are standing as an AR at the time of the substitution, once the flag is transferred to their teammate.
• They must also be ready and organized to enter, otherwise, the substitution can not proceed.
• Play is restarted once the referee is satisfied that the substitution procedure has been followed correctly.
• Should players who have just been subbed off, be required to leave the field at the half line?

REASON IN FAVOUR: It definitely allows for much quicker substitutions and reduces the time lost due to substitutions.

REASON AGAINST: You may want greater control over the players entering and leaving, therefore, using the half way line as this point can gives you this luxury

After the Game

• Sincerelythank the ARs who volunteered their time and effort
• Self Assessment (what could you have done different with the ARs)
• Don’t forget your flags
• Complete paperwork – make sure you note on the game sheet that Club ARs were used (or whatever the situation was – or not used)

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© CDSRA 2006
Last updated: July 10, 2006