Stupid ref badge question

The white badge is an "international" or "FIFA" Badge. The round black badges are USSF badges. Here in the US a referee can be a "national" but not on the FIFA list and would still wear the round black badge.

 

I did not see the game but FIFA refs have white triangular badges so maybe the CR was a FIFA level ref and the AR's were USSF refs. That is allowed in international friendly matches but not in serious competitions. Then all refs must be FIFA level. As to the "replacement" of an AR, are you sure you did not confuse the AR with the 4th official? Both are on the side of the field with the teams and both are in uniform, although it is common for the 4th to wear sweats over the uniform to avoid confusion.

 

The referees were all in the same positions for the second half.

 

As we know nylaw5, assistant referees do not switch sides of the field like in some other sports. The only time would be in the off chance that there is some particular hazard or problem with that side of the field, Even if the center referee changes his diagonal. The AR's would still be on the same side of the field only on the opposite half of the field along the touchline. I imagine the thread starter may have been confused by a reverse angle camera shot.

 

....and thats precisely what I was trying to relay

 

In England, it is common place for the assistants to swap sides at half time. This is done for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is easier for the assistant to stay with the same team, and therefore know the if red is in front of blue, its offside, etc. Secondly, it is easier in that the assistant can get used to any tactics employed by one team. For example, if the attackers play on the shoulder, the asst will be prepared for this. Thirdly, it is quite common for the junior assistant to take the benches first half for experience, with the senior taking them second half. Finally, if one assistant has the sun in their eyes for one half, it is only fair that they don't in the second half. Obviously it is down to the referee (I get my assts to change), but it is common place, even as far as the PL. Many of the SG change their assts at half time.

As for badges, the FIFA referee's badge in White, and the assistants in blue if that helps!

 

As usual, in England they are wrong. Why do the English always try to do things their way rather than by FIFA Laws of the Game. It is totally unfair for aRs to change sides. Each team should have a half with each AR. As for the badges, the CR had a FIFA badge and the ARs has USSF black badges. I am sure if you got a close look at them they were marked "National Referee" (Also USSF grade 5 & 6 referee badges are marked "State Referee")

 

FIFA assistant referee badges are the same as the referee except it says "assistant." Not sure what your blue badge is referring to, EnglishRef, as the badges are the same internationally.

 

The 2004 FIFA AR badge is a light shade of blue. From a distance it looks white. Side by side with the FIFA Referee badge it is distinct.

 

There is no is no USSF AR badge as of 2003. FIFA only hs the one badge. All other badges are issued by USSF or other FIFA sanctioned organizations.

 

Ah, I haven't worked with any of the ARs this year and wasn't aware of the change. Thanks for the clarification.

 

CORRECTION: I wrote AR badge. It was a linesman badge. We no longer have USSF qualified linesman, we have assistant referees. Sorry.

The difference is that linesman mever could signal fouls, ARs can. The term linesman should only be used now when referring to club (untrained) linesman.

 

"I cannot believe my eyes!!!" "docp" saying "As usual the English get it wrong. They always want to do it their way"! Where does it say ITLOTG that the assistant referees can't change sides? And who introduced 35 yard "shoot outs" in the NASL; suggested changing the game to 4 quarters, and I believe, have college A/R's using whistles; introducing "blue cards" in between the red and yellow? Talk about not complying with FIFA!!??

 

Jeff, your right. The comment I made was unfair. I unfortunately let my bias hang out due to a hand full of casual, poorly informed British fans that have declared themselves experts in our area just because the are form England and were are Americans. This small group has caused some major headaches in our soccer community by spreading some falsehoods and people believing this small group just because they came here from England. I am sure that is not the norm. I apologize to you and all you knowlegeble British soccer fans and referees.

You are right about the dumb experiments we have tried in the US. These experiments were approved by FIFA I believe. But, they were all failures.

As far as ARs changing sides, my personal opinion is that it is more fair to keep them on the same side. That way each geams defense and atacckers spend a half with each AR. You are right, TLOG don't say ARs can't switch sides. But, from what I see of International play, PL, MLS, etc. it is customary for ARs to run the same side the whole game. Is that what you see, or am I missing something?

 

"DOCP". Your apologies are noted and accepted, and graceful of you to offer them as such. As to "Swop or not to swop" A/R's at half time, last season, I "moved up" in the game as an A/R and not as centre, as that's the way it's done here on certain leagues. If they like you as an A/R and you have the right grade then you might get offered C/R later. This was the first time I have been involved in staying with the same defence as opposed to half of the field, and the junior A/R takes the dug out / bench side first, leaving the senior to take it in the second, when most substitutes are made.
I can't say that I have any great preference in either decision as to what I do. I presume that noting what goes on in the first 45 makes it easier for the same A/R to know what to expect in the second 45.
I think it's mainly the decision of the C/R that decides what he wants.
I am also aware of English people coming across and "selling their knowledge" on the strength of an accent. Hopefully their number are deminishing, certainly in the refereeing area, as the "joint agreement" made on refereeing between the USSF and the English F.A. Hopefully it's the same with coaching, which I expect to find out in about 3 years time.
You don't mention where you are from but my next tournament in the USA will be the "SunBowl" in Tampa over Xmas time, so if you are going there, or are nearby, then stop by and say "Hello".
(P.S. You can also apologise in person !!! (LOL). Jeff.

 

I believe the numbers of English declaring themselves experts based on their origin is deminishing.

I don't think I will see you inTampa. I have 2 children in the US Air Force now. I just found out the daughter will be stationed near Denver. She doen't think she will get enough leave to come home for Christmas. So I guess we will go there.. Oh darn, I am going to have to ski th Rockies again. ( I reeally love to snow ski.)

On the AR swop issue, I am just glad that it doesn't sem to come up around here and the places I have refereed around the US. I guess I am just set in my ways on that one. I guess if I ever get a chance to try swopping a few times I would be able too find out which I like better.

Doc