No assistants appointed? Then somewhere in the car park, a bloke in a bobble hat has just been handed a flag and told "you're on the line, Dave". Dave did not wake up this morning expecting this.
If you referee grassroots, you'll know the club assistant referee. You'll also know there are a few different breeds. Here are the eight we reckon every ref has met, plus how to get the best out of each one.
Play along
How many have you had?
Keep score as you read. Under 3: you're new, aren't you. 4 to 6: proper Sunday league veteran. All 8: you deserve a medal and a bacon roll.
The club assistant referee every referee has met
1. The Reluctant Sub
Still in his trackies. Would rather be anywhere else, including on the pitch.
How to handle: Keep it simple. "Ball out, flag up, point which way. That's it." Relief floods his face.
2. The Second Striker
Funny how every throw-in goes his team's way. Funnier still how his flag only works when they're defending.
How to handle: Watch the line yourself on tight calls, and make it clear before kick-off that you'll overrule if you need to. Then do it, politely.
3. The Statue
Plants himself on the halfway line at kick-off and doesn't move for 45 minutes. Strong views on a ball that went out 40 yards away.
How to handle: A friendly "follow the ball up and down for me, mate" before kick-off. He might not, but you asked.
4. The Commentator
Gives the opposition winger a running review of his first touch. Gives you one on your positioning.
How to handle: A quiet word at the next stoppage: "You're helping me today, not coaching." Most get the message.
5. The Ex-Ref
Did 20 years in the local league. Clean signals, perfect positioning, the odd "you've got that wrong, son" at half-time.
How to handle: Use him. Ask what he saw. A good ex-ref on the line is the best thing that can happen to your Sunday.
6. The Disappearing Act
Brilliant first half. Second half kicks off and there's a flag lying on the touchline and no assistant referee. Last seen heading for the tea hut.
How to handle: Check you've got both before you restart after half-time. Every time.
7. The Proud Parent
One eye on the line, the other on their kid. Flag goes up a fraction late every time their little one is near the ball.
How to handle: Be patient and say thanks. They're volunteering on a cold morning. A quick "cheers, that's ideal" goes a long way.
8. The Hidden Gem
Nobody's ever heard of them. Never done it before. Absolutely nails it: honest, quick, flag straight up, points the right way every time.
How to handle: Shake their hand and tell them they should do the referee course. We mean it.
How to brief a club assistant referee in 60 seconds
Whichever one you get, a short, friendly briefing before kick-off sorts most problems before they start. Here's ours:
The 60-second briefing
- Say hello and get their name. "Dave" works better than "club assistant" all afternoon.
- Tell them what you want. For most of us that's just ball out of play and which way. Check your league/CFA's rules on anything more.
- Tell them what you don't want. If you're not asking for offsides or fouls, say so out loud.
- Show the signal. Flag up when the whole ball's out, then point the direction of play. Practise it once together. It takes ten seconds.
- Explain who decides. You do. Law 5 says the referee's decisions on facts connected with play are final. If you wave their flag down, it's not personal.
- Say thanks at the end. Both of them. Even the Second Striker.
Top tip: A set like the A&H Referee Flag Set is ideal for club assistant referees.
Club assistant referee: quick FAQs
What is a club assistant referee?
A volunteer, usually from one of the teams, who runs the line when no qualified assistant referees have been appointed. Some people call them club assistant referees.
Can a club assistant referee flag for offside?
Only if your competition rules allow it and you've asked them to. Check your league/CFA handbook and agree it in your briefing. If in doubt, keep them to ball in and out of play.
Can the referee overrule a club assistant referee?
Yes. The referee makes the decisions. A club assistant referee is there to help, and the final call is always yours.
Which one did you get this week?
Go on, tell us. Better still, tag the refs in your group chat and see who's had the full set.
And if you're just starting out and still getting used to running a game with a stranger on the line, have a look at our help & support page for people who've been there.
Or get the free Sunday Laws of the Game quiz →
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