Which end do ARs go on?

[NHRef]

Does it matter, or is there a convention for which end the AR's are on? I never noticed and don't recall anything from the course last summer, but at a game this past weekend with a Sr. Official, I volunteered to take the coaches side of the field for my AR, he then asked me to switch sides during the walkout to center so I was on the right of the CR since that would be my end.

is there a convention or standard? When I think back to games I have coached with "non kid" ref crews, the AR seems to always be on the CRs right side as he heads down field. Is this "normal"?

If so, why? Just curious.

[GlennAA11]

I'm not sure I exactly understand what your CR asked you to do, but the "standard" diagonal is what is called a left diagonal. As the referee faces forward he runs generally to the left which would put his AR on his right side as you seem to describe. Depending on field conditions or just for fun the CR may decide to run the opposite diagonal (or right diagonal) which would require to the AR's to switch to the other end of the field. When I first started officiating I worked a lot with a guy who always ran a right diagonal. I think he did it just to be different; damn good referee though.

[ArgylleRef]

Last weekend I ran the bench side line for another CR and there was a telephone pole about 2 1/2 yards off my line with a tree growing out of the base, which had branches about head level. I was able to avoid it, but only by dividing my concentration when I got down near the 18 yard.

I was CR for the next game and ran a right diagonal. Fortunately I have run a right a couple of times before, just for the heck of it, but it does require some adjustment.

Steve

[IASocFan]

There are several refs in our area who always run a right diagonal. When I notice that the normal AR lines are particular worn or muddy, I may run the right diagonal. It's a little awkward at first, but not that big a problem. I have been at tournaments where we were asked to run the right diagonal - because of the worn touchlines on the other diagonal.

[refmike]

I believe that NHREF is asking how the referees line up when walking on to the field, not where they run the line.

I was taught that the senior AR runs line on the coaches side of the field and during the walkout he is on the CR's right. On the left is the 4th official, if there is one, and then the junior AR.

There is a drawing on the last page of the USSF Guide to Procedures For Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials showing the CR with the ball, the AR's to the outsides and the 4th to the CR's left. The AR's are carrying thier flags to the outside so as not to bump anyone.

So far as I know, this is the only instruction for the positions in the walkout.

[GlennAA11]

Ah. I guess I didn't get the original question at all. I think I can safely say this is an issue to which I have never given any thought...until now. Doesn't seem to me like it really makes any difference.

[ArgylleRef]

It goes back to which diagonal the CR is running. If the CR is running a "normal" left diagonal, the bench/coaches side/SR AR/AR1 (pick your label) will be on the right end of the field when walking along the halfway line from the bench side touch line. If, however, the CR is running a right diagonal, the AR1 would run the half of the touch line to the left, when facing the field.
We usually sort this out with a lot less words than it takes to describe simply by looking at the touchline we are going to be patrolling.

Steve

[NHRef]

My question was a little of both about the diagonal and the line up walking out. I was doing the coaches side, so I "should" have been on the CR's right side when we walked out, I wasn't, so the other AR asked me to switch. When I thought about it, it made sense, since that is the end I went to after the hand shake.

Secondary question, also answered, is that there is a "standard" diagonal to run and thats a left diagonal which always puts the AR on your right as you head over mid-field.

cool, thanks, learn something new everyday. :)

[Alberto]

I believe that NHREF is asking how the referees line up when walking on to the field, not where they run the line.

I was taught that the senior AR runs line on the coaches side of the field and during the walkout he is on the CR's right. On the left is the 4th official, if there is one, and then the junior AR.

There is a drawing on the last page of the USSF Guide to Procedures For Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials showing the CR with the ball, the AR's to the outsides and the 4th to the CR's left. The AR's are carrying thier flags to the outside so as not to bump anyone.

So far as I know, this is the only instruction for the positions in the walkout.

Correct that is the proper mechanic for the ceremonial walkout to introduce the teams.

[IASocFan]

We get a lot of different configurations - players on opposite sides, walk out from the players' side, walk out opposite the players' side. We usually walk out with each AR on the side of the field he will take. This works with standard diagonal, right diagonal, and any player bench setup. After introductions (if any) and hand-shakes, each AR is on the side of the field where he heads for his end to check the nets.

[Crowdie]

This is how we are taught in NZ:

Assuming a right to right CR diagonal and the technical area on the side of the field that the refereeing team is walking onto the field from (it not then the senior AR will swap to the CR's left):

* Senior AR to the CR's right with flag curled up and in the right hand.
* Junior AR to the CR's left with flag curled up and in the left hand.
* CR and ARs walk out onto the field together.
* When you cross the centre circle you all turn with the AR's flags swapping hands so the <FLAG><AR><CR><AR><FLAG> pattern remains.
* After the captain's toss the ARs run to the goals for the second net inspection (the first was done pre-game).
* The AR starts from the left hand side of the goal (looking from the centre circle) and works right. When the AR has completed the net inspection he/she stands by the right post facing inward towards the field of play.
* When both ARs have completed net inspections they run to their left to take their start positions.
* When the AR is ready he/she uncurls the flag to indicate to the CR that he/she is ready. The flag is in the AR's left hand.
* When both ARs have indicated they are ready by uncurling their flags the CR starts the game.
* At the end of the half both ARs curl their flags and run to the CR and they leave the field in the same <FLAG><AR><CR><AR><FLAG> configuration as they entered it.

Hope that gives you some ideas.

Crowdie

[IASocFan]

This is how we are taught in NZ:

Assuming a right to right CR diagonal and the technical area on the side of the field that the refereeing team is walking onto the field ...

Crowdie

Excellent detail. Except that I think you're describing what we call the standard or left diagonal (trailing the left wing down the field).

[Crowdie]

Excellent detail. Except that I think you're describing what we call the standard or left diagonal (trailing the left wing down the field).

Could be. I noticed that one of the earlier posts have the CR diagonal described in reverse to what we call it down here. In my post I am assuming that the CR is running a diagonal that puts him/her to the right hand side of the defensive team. Hopefully that clarifies it mate.

Crowdie

[david58]

There are several refs in our area who always run a right diagonal. When I notice that the normal AR lines are particular worn or muddy, I may run the right diagonal. It's a little awkward at first, but not that big a problem. I have been at tournaments where we were asked to run the right diagonal - because of the worn touchlines on the other diagonal.

When participating at the regional ODP camp last summer, we had a referee that preferred the right diagonal, and ran it by his choice. The National ref that we had there that week really grilled him on it, stating that the players are accustomed to the left diagonal, the ar's are most accustomed to running it, and it is a distraction created by the center referee. I can see what he means, since the players are trained (by our lefty routine) to look to their right for the AR to check their offside line. I can see doing it if there is an obstacle for an AR (if so, is the field safe to play - thinking about the earlier mentioned tree?), or if specifically requested by the field management.

Personally, I get lost when I run a right. More than once I have ended up in the same corner as my AR, with the ball waay over on the right. But then if I can't provide some entertainment for somebody every day............

[Crowdie]

When participating at the regional ODP camp last summer, we had a referee that preferred the right diagonal, and ran it by his choice. The National ref that we had there that week really grilled him on it, stating that the players are accustomed to the left diagonal, the ar's are most accustomed to running it, and it is a distraction created by the center referee. I can see what he means, since the players are trained (by our lefty routine) to look to their right for the AR to check their offside line. I can see doing it if there is an obstacle for an AR (if so, is the field safe to play - thinking about the earlier mentioned tree?), or if specifically requested by the field management.

I would shoot the National ref :-) As a CR you have to be ready to run either diagonal. I sometimes swap diagonals (but not during a game) because of the sun. It can become almost impossible to run a certain diagonal down here when the sun is blasting directly into your face as you can't see a thing - makes it hard to call the fouls :-)

Crowdie

[Alberto]

I would shoot the National ref :-) As a CR you have to be ready to run either diagonal. I sometimes swap diagonals (but not during a game) because of the sun. It can become almost impossible to run a certain diagonal down here when the sun is blasting directly into your face as you can't see a thing - makes it hard to call the fouls :-)

Crowdie

Hear! Hear! I personally like running the right diagonal. I feel my vision of the field is better when running to the right and it no doubt comes from playing on the right wing. There is no right or wrong choice here. Players will adjust to it soon enough. I make it a point to tell my AR's I run a right diagonal. I tell them simple, you line up on the otherside of the halfway line. Usually there is a moments hesitation, but a quick that end of the field and were' off.

I've refereed that way numerous games at the Sun Bowl and never had an assessor knock me down for it.

[whistleblowerusa]

I would shoot the National ref :-) As a CR you have to be ready to run either diagonal. I sometimes swap diagonals (but not during a game) because of the sun. It can become almost impossible to run a certain diagonal down here when the sun is blasting directly into your face as you can't see a thing - makes it hard to call the fouls :-)

Crowdie
I agreee with Crowdie here. This is more a personal preference and not a standard. Run what works and feels confortable to you and also what works for that game. Players don't care one way or the other at all.