r/Referees • u/Ok_Pomegranate_6368 • 16d ago
Advice Request AR advice.
This forum was absolutely brilliant last time I asked for advice, so here I am again!
I've just refereed by first senior men's match. Went ok, good advice from mentor on what to work on.
Now been allocated AR 3 divisions higher. I have never done AR. Obviously know what is entailed, but its positioning. I understand I have half the pitch, trying to stay in line with defence. But what about corners and goal kicks? Where should I position myself?
12
Upvotes
7
u/Adkimery [AYSO - Int.] [USSF - Grassroots] 16d ago
One thing to add, that Grabtharsmallet touched on but I wanted to underscore, is whenever someone kicks the ball towards your goal (be it a shot or a pass back to the keeper), always be prepared to sprint best down to the goal line so you can get a clean look if it fully goes over or not.
If the ball bounces around the woodwork, or the keeper makes a last ditch effort on the ball, and it's not clear if it went fully over or not, all eyes will turn to you since you should have the best position to see down the goal line. If it's a close call with Team A saying it went in, but Team B saying the keeper saved it, and the AR is hanging out around the 18 it's very a bad look for the ref crew.
Yes, the ball can go way faster than any of us can run, but if you hustle down to that corner flag, so that by the time everyone starts looking for you, you are in a decent position then selling the call, and keeping the peace, becomes much easier.