Friday, November 9, 2007

AR's switching sides at half

When I recently did a BU10 game the AR's asked if they should
switch sides for the start of the 2nd half.
I asked why in the world would you do that? I was informed
that SOME Center Referees have them do that.

When I asked why they said they didn't know just that some
Centers have made them do it.

I informed them that NOWHERE in the Laws of the Game (LOTG)
is it required, recommended, advised, instucted or even interpeted
that the ARs switch sides after halftime. And I know of no ref instuctor
who would advise that. In fact it can be considered to be unfair to
the players, as they don't get to experience BOTH ARs call thier game.
Both offense and defense.

Center Referees if one AR is stronger than the other just shade
your positioning to be on the weaker side of the pitch more,
If that is the reason for your switching sides.

So Referees please don't ask your ARs to switch side after the half.
You are interpeting the LOTG incorrectly.

And ARs, if a Center tells you to switch, do it with a smile BUT
let him/her know that nowhere is this required, recommended or even
mentioned by the LOTG.

2 comments:

Regional Commissioner said...

Pretty weird. Do they switch game cards also?

Steve M. Marquez said...

I hope so.