A&H

First game as AR

alexv

RefChat Addict
Level 5 Referee
Just got appointmented to two games in the Thurlow Nunn U18 Youth League, a high standard than what I’m used to (as a new ref, I’ve just been doing Sunday league), as an AR. This is my first full game as an AR (my little bit of experience was as a sub when I was about 13😂), so I’m nervous and was looking for tips!

Anything about the game itself or how to deal with a paying (presumably, small) crowd behind my back or how to deal with benches...
 
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If the referee has anything about themselves, they'll put you as Junior AR so you don't have to deal with benches. Let them know before the game, preferably when they contact you to confirm the game, that it's your first match as an AR. Ask questions if you're not sure.

Watch clips on youtube on how the English assistants conduct themselves and practice your signals with a flag in the mirror if you can, looking confident with your decision even if you're not can make a difference.
 
Signal standing still. Take your time.
Wait and see at offsides - and keep moving if you can - while you wait for the player to become active/interfere.

Anticipate the ball over the top. Remember to go with the ball when it comes over the top or when wingers come down the line.

Any long shots, lobs, tricky back passes, expect the unexpected and be prepared to watch for goal/no goal - from as close to the goal line as possible.
If you have to make a goal/no goal decision - cheat a bit so you raise the flag to show it's in from as close to the goal line as possible.

Take your time, let the ref guide you with tips - always look for tips!
 
Great advice already given - only other thing is don’t ballwatch. It’s so easy to get carried away watching an attack at the other end of the pitch. Before you know it, the ball is hoofed up field and you’re completely out of position. Staying with the second last defender is probably the most important thing. Enjoy it!
 
Great advice already given - only other thing is don’t ballwatch. It’s so easy to get carried away watching an attack at the other end of the pitch. Before you know it, the ball is hoofed up field and you’re completely out of position. Staying with the second last defender is probably the most important thing. Enjoy it!
I actually had a stress dream a few weeks ago about ball watching from the halfway line and missing a goal... must be a sign😂😖
 
Signal standing still. Take your time.
Wait and see at offsides - and keep moving if you can - while you wait for the player to become active/interfere.

Anticipate the ball over the top. Remember to go with the ball when it comes over the top or when wingers come down the line.

Any long shots, lobs, tricky back passes, expect the unexpected and be prepared to watch for goal/no goal - from as close to the goal line as possible.
If you have to make a goal/no goal decision - cheat a bit so you raise the flag to show it's in from as close to the goal line as possible.

Take your time, let the ref guide you with tips - always look for tips!
Thank you! I’m finding it hard to prepare. Before refereeing I go over laws of the game, speaking to players, etc and it’s become more natural but this is completely different. Of course, I can still do this, but calling offsides looks incredibly hard. I’m doing those online AR tests with video clips which are really helpful, but lack sound which I think is really important as hearing touches on the ball can help with tight decisions...
 
If the referee has anything about themselves, they'll put you as Junior AR so you don't have to deal with benches. Let them know before the game, preferably when they contact you to confirm the game, that it's your first match as an AR. Ask questions if you're not sure.

Watch clips on youtube on how the English assistants conduct themselves and practice your signals with a flag in the mirror if you can, looking confident with your decision even if you're not can make a difference.
I’ve been using those online AR video tests which are really good. Really hoping that at this level, teams might record their games so I can see my movements and decision making
 
It's a different game from being in the middle. I find it easier to call a foul than a throw. You'll find yourself straying from the last defender (or 2nd last defensive player!) all the time, whilst randomly passing the flag between hands! I need more lines tbh
 
Good advice above. Read (and re-read) the section in LOTG about assistant referees and team work. The LOTG is the ultimate advice :)
 
It's a different game from being in the middle. I find it easier to call a foul than a throw. You'll find yourself straying from the last defender (or 2nd last defensive player!) all the time, whilst randomly passing the flag between hands! I need more lines tbh
Yeah, it’s small things like that I worry about other than offsides
 
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