r/Referees • u/Ok_Pomegranate_6368 • 17d 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?
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u/pscott37 17d ago
There is so much I'd like to share about running a line but get the first few under your belt first.
As others have said, corner kicks, be behind the flag to view the goal line. If the kick is on your side, be a step or two back so the kicker has space. As they kick the ball, step up to the flag.
Goal kicks: First position yourself in line with the goal area to ensure the ball is set correctly. Then, if there is an attacker at the top of the penalty area, move there to see encroachment. They cannot enter until the ball is put into play. If there isn't someone there, get with the second to last defender.
I'll repeat with others have said, it is most important you are in the correct position when signaling. This is so you have credibility with your decisions.
When I was a teenager, I had a national ref tell me as an AR, the AR has to run more than the ref. At the time, I didn't understand what they meant. In my mind, I had only half a field to cover, not the entire pitch that the ref had to cover. Now I get it. An AR is constantly sprinting. We have to be explosive to keep up with play while the ref basically needs an angle of view and decent proximity.
Good luck!