From: Nick Algattas,SDI

*Assistant Referee Positioning and Work Rate*

U.S. Soccer's "Guide to Procedures For Referees, Assistant Referees

and Fourth Officials" specifically states that the ARs position during

play should be "in line with the second to last defender or the ball,

whichever is closer to the goal line." This requirement is supported

by FIFA in its 2008/2009 "Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and

Guidelines for Referees" which supplement the Laws of the Game. This

requirement was addressed in "Week In Review 26" */(click on this link

and it is evident that lapses in adherence still exist.

An alarming trend has been noticed of late where many ARs are not

Following balls to the goal line or back passes all the way to the

goalkeeper. In many instances, the goalkeeper is either under pressure,

about to be pressured, or is in or near the goal area when he is to

receive the ball. There have been instances when goalkeepers have miss

trapped or slipped when receiving balls.

ARs must be prepared and positioned to account for any of these and

many more similar actions. This means that ARs must follow *every*

ball back to the goalkeeper or to the goal line if it is closer to the

goal line than the second-to-last defender. This puts the AR in position

to handle the next phase of play and any resulting challenge on the

goalkeeper or mishandling by the keeper that may be part of the next

phase of play.

Failure to follow this procedure exhibits a lack of hustle, energy and

concentration on the part of the AR and can lead to increased scrutiny

and questions regarding future questionable decisions. ARs must

possess the speed to recover to the offside position. ARs must possess

the stamina to make these streaking runs for 90 minutes. *Officials

cannot leave anything for chance while preparing for everything.*

As one of our more experienced ARs stated: "Following every ball to

the goalkeeper and the goal line keeps you in the game and keeps you

focused."