Soccer Linesman Signals: Assistant Referee Flags Explained
“Linesman” is still common fan language, but the modern official term is assistant referee.
Assistant referees help the referee judge the boundary lines, offside and other match situations. Their flag signals communicate recommendations to the referee and information to players.
What does an assistant referee do?
Under IFAB Law 6, assistant referees indicate when the whole ball leaves the field and which team gets the throw-in, corner or goal kick; when a player in an offside position may be penalized; when a substitution is requested; and relevant penalty-kick situations require assistance.
They also help the referee with incidents in their area and with substitution procedure.
The referee remains the final decision-maker.
Throw-in direction
For a throw-in, the assistant referee raises the flag in the direction of the team that is awarded the throw.
The signal is directional, so spectators should read where the flag points rather than assuming it points toward the team that last touched the ball.
Goal kick signal
When the ball crosses the goal line last touched by an attacker and no goal is scored, the restart is a goal kick.
The assistant referee uses the approved goal-kick signal to communicate the restart.
Corner kick signal
When a defender last touches the ball before it crosses that team’s goal line and no goal is scored, a corner kick is awarded.
The assistant referee points the flag toward the corner area using the approved signal.
Offside flag
Offside is the signal fans notice most.
The assistant referee first raises the flag to indicate an offside offence.
After the referee stops play, the assistant referee can indicate the location: near side, center or far side. This helps the referee identify where the offence occurred.
Why doesn't the flag go up immediately?
Modern assistant-referee technique may involve delaying the flag in a close attacking situation, particularly where competition instructions allow the attack to continue briefly so a potentially valid goal-scoring situation is not stopped too early.
The flag delay does not mean the assistant referee missed the offside. It can be part of officiating procedure.
Offside position vs offside offence
Simply standing in an offside position is not automatically an offence.
A player must become involved in active play under Law 11 criteria. This is why an assistant referee may not flag a player who looks offside to the crowd if that player never becomes involved.
Substitution signal
The assistant referee holds the flag horizontally overhead to signal a requested substitution in the traditional approved mechanic.
The fourth official usually manages substitution procedure in matches that use one.
Fouls and misconduct assistance
Assistant referees can give information about fouls or misconduct that the referee did not see clearly, especially incidents close to their touchline or within their area of responsibility.
They may use the flag and communication system, if available, to get the referee’s attention.
Penalty-area support
Assistant referees can help with whether a foul occurred inside or outside the penalty area, goal-line decisions, goalkeeper movement at penalty kicks within their officiating responsibilities and offside decisions before an apparent goal.
What if the referee disagrees with the assistant referee?
The referee has final authority.
Officials communicate, and the referee can accept or reject information based on the full incident.
Common misunderstandings
“The flag means the ball is out as soon as it touches the line.”
Wrong. The whole of the ball must cross the boundary line.
“The assistant referee decides offside.”
The assistant provides the signal and information; the referee makes the final decision.
“A raised offside flag means the player was standing offside.”
It means the assistant is indicating an offside offence, not merely an offside position.
“The flag points at the team that kicked it out.”
On a throw-in, the direction indicates the team awarded the throw.
How players should respond to the flag
Keep playing until the referee stops play.
Players should not stop solely because they see an assistant referee raise the flag. The referee may delay the whistle or make another decision.
Frequently asked questions
Why do people still say linesman?
It is an older term that remains common in everyday speech. “Assistant referee” is the current official term.
What does a straight-up flag mean?
It can be used to attract the referee’s attention, including the initial signal for an offside offence. Context and the follow-up signal matter.
What does the flag pointing down toward the corner mean?
It signals a corner kick.
Can the assistant referee call a foul?
The assistant referee can indicate and provide information about offences, but the referee makes the final decision.
Why do assistant referees switch hands with the flag?
Flag technique helps keep the signal visible to the referee and avoids awkward movement.
Primary source: IFAB Law 6 — The Other Match Officials.