Different types of Soccer Referee Flags
Soccer referee flags are a key communication tool between referees and assistant referees on the field. They can also make miscellaneous signals on the pitch, such as when a player starts abusing an assistant or needs to show a yellow card.
Traditionally, senior assistant referees carried red flags, while junior assistant referees carried yellow ones. Today, both sets of flags usually have matching patterns.
Linesman Flags
Linesman flags are a must-have for referees and coaches to ensure that the lines of play are clear and well-maintained during matches. They are highly visible, durable, easy to use, and can be stored in a convenient carry bag. The flags feature a padded handle for comfort and a PVC shaft to keep the flag in place.
Regarding soccer, the referees use a few different types of flags during the game. One of the most popular types is the chequered flag. This is held by the senior linesman (also known as the ‘assistant referee’) and indicates that this office is in charge of the match if the referee is injured or otherwise unable to complete his duties.
Another type of flag is a yellow flag. The assistant referees hold this and indicate that this office controls the match if the referee or center referee is injured. This flag type is usually listed in the match program with the assistant referee’s name, making it easier to identify them by their seniority and flag color.
In football, two assistant referees replace the center referee in injury cases. They are called ‘assistant referee 1’ and ‘assistant referee 2’. They are located near the halfway line and have responsibilities like monitoring substitutions and managing disputes on the sidelines.
They also hold a flag in their hand to indicate that they are the assistant referee and can be used to signal when they want to make a goal signal or dispute a goal. The assistant referee will lower the flag and sprint back to the center line.
The senior linesman holds a third flag type, often checked red or plain yellow. This is used to distinguish between the junior and senior linesman and has some uses.
The linesmen were required to wear flags with different colors for identification purposes. This was particularly important when a clash between the teams and referees or when the linesman was involved in a physical scuffle or verbal argument with a player. This was also important for journalists, pundits, and other media workers to know who the linesmen were.
Electronic Flags
Electronic flags are designed to help referees communicate with assistant referees by radio. The flags have buttons that, when pressed, transmit signals to a receiver on the assistant referee’s bicep or wrist. This allows them to alert the referee of important information during a game.
A basic set of electronic flags includes two flags, a receiving unit, an arm strap, and a case. This set is available from RefsCall, Ervocom, and Touchline. The RefsCall set ships with the flags and a receiver, while the Ervocom and Touchline sets also include an arm strap and a case.
There are many electronic flags, each with a unique function and design. Each one is designed to help assistant referees indicate specific events during a match to the head ref.
These include signaling a goal kick, directing a throw-in, and calling fouls near the touchline. A good assistant will hold their flag in hand closest to the referee and raise it up or down in a way that makes it clear what they’re signaling.
The assistant will also hold their flag parallel to the goal line and field of play. Once the referee acknowledges the flag signal, the assistant should move up or down the touchline, even with the second-to-last defender on their team.
In addition, they will point the flag up or down to indicate that the ball has crossed the goal line or that an offside has been called. This is the most common use of these flags and can be a great tool for assistant referees to employ during a soccer match.
This flag type will have an LED that lights up when the assistant thinks a goal has been scored. It will also have a button that retracts the flag into its mast when the referee calls a goal.
Another useful feature is the ability to detect when a player goes offside, which can be a problem with some teams. When this happens, the flag can emit a signal to the assistant, which will allow them to signal that it’s time to change ends or that the player should be substituted.
Corner Kick Flags
Corner Kick Flags are a special type of soccer flag placed at each of the four corners of the playing field. The soccer rules require them and are essential for marking the edges of the playing field and guiding the players and referees.
The corner flags are usually made from bright colors and are designed to be easily identifiable. They are also sturdy and weather-resistant, so they can be used indoors and outdoors.
There are several different types of corner flags, including folding and spring-loaded. Folding corner flags are particularly useful for soccer tournaments, as they can be refolded and stored without taking up too much room on the field.
They are also available in a wide variety of colors and designs. They can be customized with the team’s logo and other insignia.
During a game, if the ball is heading toward a particular corner of the field, the corner flag will force it to cross either the sideline or the goal line. This allows the referees and linesmen to easily identify whether the ball is in a foul or out-of-bounds situation.
One of the most important things about a corner flag is that it should be at least 1.5 meters tall. This ensures that players are not injured by falling on the flag.
Another important thing to remember is that the poles of the corner flags should not be pointed or sharp. This will prevent them from hurting players during a game.
A player should also be cautious about moving the corner flag. This is because it could change the outcome of a corner kick. If a player does this, play should be stopped, and the player should be given a yellow card for unsporting behavior.
If a player accidentally moves the corner flag, she should immediately stop playing and show her a yellow card. This should be done even if she only tries to get more space for her run-up.
Offside Flags
Assistant referees raise offside flags if they feel a player is offside. In soccer, offside is an offense that occurs when a player is in an offside position and interferes with the play or an opponent.
The offside rule had existed in football since 1863 when the FA formally adopted it. It prevents teams from camping out in front of the goal and encourages more fluid play.
However, it isn’t always easy to spot an offside offense. Referees can often make wrong calls due to human error, how they interpret rules, and their view of replays.
While VAR has helped to prevent incorrect offside calls from being made, this doesn’t always happen. Replays can also sometimes show that a goal isn’t offside if the assistant referee was not right and there was an opportunity to make the correct call.
If an offside is spotted in real-time, the assistant referee can raise their flag to indicate that they think it was offside. If this happens, the offside is automatically reviewed by VAR to confirm or deny it.
There are three different signals that referees use when it comes to offside. These signals depend on where the offside occurred.
When a ball is clearly off the field, a referee will signal to the team taking the throw-in by holding their flag in the direction that the throw-in is being taken (not straight up). This helps ensure that players are in the right place when they throw in.
One of the most annoying aspects of football is when assistant referees delay raising their offside flag to rob a team of a goalscoring chance. This has frustrated fans and managers alike, including Lionel Messi, during Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the World Cup final.
To curb this, assistant referees were given new instructions for the 2020/21 season. This instructs them to only delay flagging if they believe an offside is likely and there is a clear goalscoring chance.
