Let’s be real—soccer’s got some rules that make people scratch their heads. The linesman (or assistant referee) stands with a flag on the sidelines, making quick, decisive calls to keep the game in check.
For players, coaches, and fans, understanding what those flag signals mean isn’t just about knowing the rules; it’s about knowing the game better. Whether you’re trying to react to an offside call, make the right throw-in, or prevent a corner, the linesman’s signals will give you that edge.
Here’s the full breakdown of each signal you’ll see on the field.
What is a Linesman?
Before you read on, please note that the Linesman, a name used for decades, is now known as the Assistant Referee or AR for short. As the name suggests the two Assistant Referees in each game are there to support the main referee in the middle of the field. Same job, just a different, more modern name!
The two Assistant Referee’s patrol the sides of the field, one on either side. They are each allocated a particular side (usually the left hand side of the defending team) and stay in their own half and therefore don’t cross the half way line.
The AR has a flag which is used to draw the attention of the referee and signal particular decisions which they have made to players, coaches and fans as well. Historically the use of the flag speeds up play and keeps the game flowing as it means the referee and assistant referees don’t have to approach each other to communicate about every single decision.
Depending on the type of decision the Assistant Referee will need to make the relevant flag signal or else confusion will soon occur!
Ball Out of Bounds: Goal Kicks, Corner Kicks, and Throw-Ins
When the ball leaves the field, the Assistant Referee is the first to signal what happens next. Let’s look at each scenario.
Goal Kick
When the attacking team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line without scoring, it’s a goal kick. The AR points his flag horizontally towards the goal area, signaling the defending team gets the kick from their six-yard box.
Corner Kick
If the defending team touches the ball last before it crosses the goal line, then the attacking team gets a corner kick. The AR points the flag down to the corner where the kick will be taken, and the play resumes with a scoring opportunity for the attacking team.
Throw-In
When the ball goes out on the sidelines, the AR decides who gets possession based on who touched it last. They’ll raise the flag and point it in the direction of the throw, showing which team takes control. The throw-in must happen close to where the ball left the field.
Related Read: Soccer Throw-In Rules
Offside Signal: How to Know If You’re On or Off
The offside rule is one of the most contested and crucial in soccer. It’s a rule that can halt a promising play in seconds.
The Assistant Referee keeps a close eye on the attacking players’ positions, and if they’re closer to the goal line than the second-to-last defender (without the ball), they’re offside. The AR will raise the flag to stop play and signal where the offense took place.
- Flag Position:
- Straight up: Offside call in the middle of the field.
- 45 degrees: Offside call closer to the far end.
- Parallel to the ground: Offside call nearest to the goal.
Knowing offside positions is especially helpful for strikers who love a breakaway play and defenders looking to maintain a strong line.
For more insight on positioning, check out Soccer Positions
Foul and Misconduct:
Sometimes the referee is just too far away or has their view blocked. That’s when the AR steps in to signal a foul. Here’s how it works:
The Assistant referee waves the flag back and forth after raising it, catching the referee’s attention for the foul. They won’t blow the whistle—that’s the referee’s job—but they’ll indicate where and which team is at fault.
The flag will be held in the attacking direction of the team who has won the foul.
This call is huge for keeping things fair, especially in rough games where fouls might be missed by the central referee. The Assistant’s quick action prevents fouls being missed.
Learn More About Foul Calls Here: Rules for Red Card in Soccer
Substitution Signal:
When it’s time for a player swap, the Assistant Referee is right there to confirm the change.
During a substitution, the AR stands at the halfway line, raises the flag above their head with both hands, and waits for the referee to acknowledge the sub. This flag movement pauses the game and alerts everyone that a new player is about to join.
Find Out More on Team Management and Rules Here: U11 Soccer Rules
Other Situations: When the Assistant Steps In
Sometimes the linesman makes calls outside of typical fouls, offsides, and out-of-bound plays. Here are a few key examples:
- Penalty Area Incidents: If there’s a foul in the penalty box, the AR will signal to help determine if a penalty kick should be awarded. They use the same waving flag signal to get the referee’s attention.
- Free Kicks: Sometimes, Assistant Referee’s step in for indirect free kick situations when a player obstructs the other team without contact. They indicate this call by raising the flag in the direction of the infraction, assisting the referee’s judgment on whether it’s a direct or indirect kick.
For More on This, Check Out: What is an Indirect Free Kick in Soccer?
How to Read the Assistant Referee Signals Like a Pro
For players, understanding the AR’s signals is a big advantage:
- Defenders: Use the offside signal to play smarter, knowing when to pull back or step up.
- Midfielders and Attackers: Pay attention to throw-in and corner decisions to position yourself for a quick restart or defensive push.
- Coaches: Teach your players these signals to cut out confusion and play with clarity.
Common Misunderstandings: Clearing Up the Confusion
There’s a lot of misconception around flag signals—especially offsides. Here are some of the most common errors and myths:
- The Offside Trap: It’s not always the last player who gets the call; it’s about being ahead of the second-to-last defender.
- Throw-Ins Misread: Often, players argue over throw-in direction, but the AR’s signal is based on the last touch, not positioning.
- Substitution Timing: Assistant Referee’s aren’t the ones to confirm substitutions—that’s up to the referee after the AR signals.
Clearing up these details helps everyone play with a better understanding and respect for the game’s flow.
Final Tips: Why Knowing Flag Signals Boosts Your Game IQ
Mastering flag signals is about more than just knowing the rules. It’s a game strategy.
- For players, knowing what each signal means helps you make smarter plays, avoid penalties, and stay focused.
- Coaches can incorporate signal awareness into training, reducing in-game hesitation.
- Fans? This is your roadmap to following every call without confusion.
Using these tips, you’ll start to see the linesman’s signals not just as rules, but as a part of the game’s rhythm. Soccer becomes clearer, faster, and more enjoyable once you understand how each flag movement shapes the match.
FAQs
Why do soccer linesmen have different flags?
There’s no other reason for linesman having different flags other than to distinguish themselves from one another. One flag is usually plain and one is checkered. It could possibly have evolved in the days of black and white television coverage when colors were not distinctive enough.
How does a linesman signal a penalty?
To signal a penalty the linesman will lift their flag and make small waves as per a usual foul. There is some variation as to what happens next. Some linesmen will then hold their flag in the attacking direction of the team which has earned the penalty to make clear the foul has been awarded to that team.
Some linesmen will instead run towards the corner flag to signal that the foul occurred inside the penalty box and a penalty will follow.
However this happens less often especially if the penalty is a contentious one (aren’t they all!). If the referee has any doubt or needs to discuss the decision with the linesman before confirming the award, the linesman will often be seen waiting in the position where they made the call.
Why do linesmen not flag for offside immediately?
Linesman are encouraged to delay making the offside call, especially in games where VAR is in operation as the VAR will be able to make a more accurate call using television replays. It therefore favors the attacking team and reduces the amount of potential goal scoring chances being denied because of a bad call by the linesman.
If in fact a player is found to be offside by VAR or by a delayed linesman call after scoring the goal is disallowed and play is then restarted from the offside point. This is considered to be a lesser inconvenience.
Can a linesman call a foul in soccer?
A linesman can call a foul in soccer however the main referee does not have to blow the whistle just because a linesman is signalling for a foul. The main referee is entitled to overrule a linesman and whilst it doesn’t happen very often, some players do get caught out because they stop playing before the main referee actually blows the whistle. Hence the famous saying “Play to the whistle.”
