football -have been asked to run the line...

Crixus00

Crixus00

Crixus00

Associate
Joined
24 Apr 2008
Posts
1,178
Location
South-West
... for my local team. Not playing myself due to injury, so the boss asked if i would do it and i said yes (couldn't really say no but wanted to!)

Last time i did it was my 1st time which was ages ago and i know i made a few mistakes. You wouldn't think it difficult, but it is so easy to get engrossed in the game and not stay inline with the last man.

I dont want to let the team down. Any pro-tips i should consider?
 
Just put your flag up all the time if its close enough, let the ref make the decisions, you will get sworn at that is fact. Just keep an eye on the ball but be aware you have a flag in your hand. Its not a difficult job and I enjoy laughing at the opposition swearing when I have to do it.
 
I ran the line before for my age group, probably year or more back so it would have been U16, and it was horrible.

The amount of stick from team mates if I gave something against them was awful. I'd never do it again.

If it was a match where I didn't play for either of the teams, then I'd do it again.
 
Make decisions and stick to them, teh referee does not want you to change your mind 20 times. If the referee makes a call before you, GO WITH the referee, even if you think he is 100% wrong, GO WITH him. Or players will get on both your backs. Try and pay attention, and get the offsides right, these are what you will get the most flack for but at local level there pretty easy to get wrong, as they dont stick to the formation as well as pro or semi pro. Make nice easy movements with the flag, and keep up with play.... Cant think of any otehr tips i'f give, other then that enjoy yourself, and dont get disheartened when someone tells you where to shove the flag (if you really want to, stick your flag in the air, call the eref over and get him booked, any ref would book him if you said you wanted him booked).
 
To help me understand football better when I was still playing the game and the referee and assistants job, I did a referee's course which I passed to became a qualified referee. I recommend doing that, it's very easy. Your local FA should run courses.

I ran the line a few times after passing the course when I was suspended (oh the irony) and found it very easy. Before I think I would have struggled too.
 
By the way. Referees who know that non experienced people are running the line will normally speak to both assistants before the game and just tell them to flag for offsides, throw ins, corners and goal kicks only. The rest they will say to leave to the ref to decide.

Always make sure that if you make a decision to put your flag up, make sure it looks like you mean it, never put it up and then take it down. It just makes you look daft and will cause people to moan. Keep the flag raised until the referee spots it, if necessary wave it vigorously to attract attention. As said before leave the fouls to the ref unless your are a qualified referee.
 
Last edited:
The ref should tell you before the match what he wants from you, if he doesn't then ask.

At a bare minimum it will be throw-in's, goal kicks and corners.
If they ask you to do offsides, then try to stay in line of the last defender to make it easier for you.

As others have said if the ref makes the call before you then always match his call straight away.

Don't get angry if you flag for offside and the ref goes against you and carries on play.
If this does happen then put your flag down straight away, otherwise your defenders could hesitate and might not be able to stop a goal being scored.

You're there to assist the ref, don't put yourself in a position to get grief, the ref is getting paid for that :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom