Linespeople

1. Off the Pitch

• Essential to remember that you are part of a TEAM of officials
• Must arrive at least 40 minutes prior to match
• Lateness puts unnecessary pressure on the referee
• Referee should speak to all officials together before the game outlining:
• Incidents to look out for
• How to make contact
• Consultations
• Enter the pitch to either side of referee with flag in outside hand
• Decide which side you will stand
• Warm up
• If no 4th official introduce yourself to both managers and tell them to let you know when they want a sub. Their sub should be ready to go on.

2. Positioning/ Follow the Ball

• Linesperson on the side that ball is travelling keeps up with play while other linesperson takes up position slightly behind watching play behind referee’s back
• Essential to be up with play – move with the ball
• Place yourself in line with one of outside midfielders for throw in so view is not blocked
• Face the field of play at all times and ensure that you can make eye contact with the referee
• Remember the WHOLE ball must cross the line so you must be in a good position to ensure this
• You may mark a free within 10m of the side line if there is stoppage in play
• Move in line with umpire to mark a 45m kick. Ensure ball in position before returning
• Footwork will be key to being in correct position

3. Footwork

• Use side to side shuffle to move along the line and can still face play
• If play speeds up you can turn and sprint but ensure that you continue to look at play
• Important to practice footwork to prevent any collisions on match days

4. Holding The Flag

• From the time you leave the dressing room the flag should be unfurled
• Linesperson with flag with loudest buzzer with stay on side with subs
• Keep the flag pitch side at all times and in hand closest to referee so s/he can clearly see. This should be the hand in the direction of the play so ready to lift straight away in that hand
• Practice the passing of the flag from hand to hand at low waist level as you will need to change hands while running
• Simple act of moving the flag into correct hand before raising can also be spotted by the referee and assist to signal in unison
• Ensure the referee can see the flag surface area so hold high for them to see at an angle

5. Signalling

• It is essential to use clear signals

6. Communication with Referees

• Referees may ask you to assist by letting a player(s) know you have seen an offence (e.g Pull on a jersey)
• Essential to give a clear signal if you have something you need to bring to the attention of the referee
• There is no point saying this at half time when it may have an impact on the result
• Wait for the referee to approach you before entering discussion
• Only give information on incidents that you clearly seen yourself and worthy of a card
• If something you heard it is important that you have word for word
• Press the buzzer on the flag if available
• When?

– Substitutes

– Off the ball incident

– Incursions on the pitch

– Injury/Treatment to a player

7. On The Line

• Easy to lose concentration when play switches quickly to the opposite end of the field
• Remain vigilant and quickly change to follow play
• Your body language should be strong with head raised and eye contact maintained following the action
• Important that you are always in a state of readiness
• Keep everyone back from the line
• The only official allowed on the line is the Bainisteoir
• The Maor Foirne may run at a break in play
• There will be two maor uisce on either side and can be asked to move back if blocking view
• You must be strong when dealing with side line officials and do not get involved in altercations on decisions or scores etc.
• If they refuse to move then signal for the referee

8. Self Evaluation

• This is essential after every game to ensure improvements
• We always look at performance of players, management and referee but how did you do?
• This will assist to improve with every game
• Only a mistake if it is repeated
• Questions??
• Did I keep up with play?
• Did I communicate with the line and fellow officials?
• Were my signals clear?
• Was I properly attired?

Guidelines for Linespeople

• Arrive on time – at least 40 minutes prior
• Wear official gear if provided by LGFA. You may be asked to return this until completion of a number of games
• Your jersey must be inside your shorts and socks pulled up
• Do not engage in unnecessary conversation with anybody along the line
• Be confident not arrogant!!! How you speak and act!
• Ensure to follow play
• Give clear and prompt signals
• The referee has the power to overrule a linesperson and the referee’s decision shall be accepted without question or debate
• Do not go chasing after the ball when it is out of play. If you are at a pitch where there is nobody else you can drop the flag at the point the ball went out and then retrieve the ball. This is in exceptional circumstances.
• Linespersons shall change ends at Half-Time
• No phones, chewing gum etc.