Date:         Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:22:46 -0500
Reply-To:     Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees
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Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees
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From:         George Parker <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      I'd heard about this procedure, now I see it in writing.
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Quick Quiz:

Free kick from 28 yards out.  The wall is set at the 18, and all the defenders are clustered around the 18.  You are the AR on that side, hence you are at the 18.

The free kick is taken and screams well over the bar and into a well placed net 20 yards from the goal line.  You should:

a)  Do nothing. (The center points for the Goal Kick, looks at you and rolls his eyes at the youthful exuberance of the kicker.)

B)  Jog a couple of steps toward the goal, look at the Ref and join him in a signal for Goal kick by crisply holding your flag horizontally.

C)  Hustle to the top of the 6, signal for the Goal kick, noticing that the center has finished signaling and like everyone else is backpedalling toward midfield. 

D)  Sprint as fast as you can to the end line, and snap your flag out horizontally signaling for a Goal Kick, catching the eye of everyone on the field and in the stands who is now wondering about your sanity.  (As the Keeper sets the ball, you must now sprint out 30 yards to get even with the 2LD.)
  


USSF Memo on:
Assistant Referee Involvement
2009 Referee Program Directives
February 2, 2009


9. Goal Line Decisions
* Note: ARs must sprint all balls back toward the goal line
[Answer 'D']

http://images.ussoccer.com/Documents/cms/ussf/Assistant%20Referee%20Involvement.pdf

As a "local" Grade 8, I look on this directive the same way I look at the new socks:  it is a mistake, it makes me look bad, it will go away, and I will keep using the old ones.

George Parker