Linesmen became a standard part of competitive soccer in 1891. FIFA has since changed the official title to assistant referee, but the role itself has changed little during the years. Two linesmen, one on each side of the field, assist the referee by running up and down the sidelines. From this position, a linesman can see directly across the field of play and along his sideline, offering a different vantage point than that of the referee.
Field and Equipment Inspections
Linesmen help the referee inspect the soccer field and the match balls before the start of play. They also inspect player equipment, paying particular attention to the soccer cleats of starting players and substitutes.
Flagging for Offside
Linesmen are responsible for indicating when an attacking player is offside. Offside calls are notoriously difficult to judge, often resulting in controversial decisions involving goal-scoring opportunities. When the linesman spots an offside infringement, he raises his flag. The match referee can override the lineman's call, but this rarely happens. Linesmen have a naturally advantageous view across the line of play, so referees will normally accept the offside call.
Awarding Goal Kicks, Corners and Throw-Ins
Referees rely on their linesmen to indicate when the whole of the ball has left the field of play. According to the official FIFA Laws of the Game, the linesmen should also specify which team is entitled to the ensuing corner kick, goal kick or throw-in.
Offenses and Misconduct
Referees cannot watch every part of the field at all times. Linesman, therefore, are responsible for indicating offenses that take place outside the referee's view. Linesman cannot issue yellow or red cards, but they can make the referee aware of misconduct or foul play.
Penalty Kicks
During penalty kicks, the linesmen look along the goal line to ensure that the goalkeeper doesn't move off the line before the penalty-taker strikes the ball. They must also decide whether the whole of the ball crosses the line.
Controlling Defensive Walls
In general, referees do not expect their linesmen to enter the field of play during the game. However, a linesman may assist during free kicks, primarily to help ensure defensive walls are positioned the required 10 yards from the ball.
Substitutions
The linesman closest to the team dugout or technical area must raise his flag when a coach wants to make a substitution. In top-flight professional soccer, the fourth official will inform the linesman of a substitution, at which point the linesman must raise his flag to signal the change to the referee. If no fourth official is present, the coach will communicate with the linesman directly during a break in play.
End of Play
It is important that both linesmen make their way to the referee at half time and at the end of the game, according to the U.K.'s Football Referee website. Players often approach the referee at the end of each half, particularly after a heated or controversial period of play. By joining the referee on the field, the linesmen are able to record any unsporting or offensive comments direct at the referee by players or coaching staff. The match officials can then take appropriate disciplinary action if necessary.
Member Comments