Observations on
2007 FIFA LOTG
Additional Instructions
Major change not covered in USSF Memorandum nor change bars in the LOTG document

The author of this site (Randy Harr) very quickly put together comments that stood out when he reviewed the new Additional Instructions section. Rob Schreiber and Caroline Lambert added some other, key comments as well.

1. (AR signal for keeper encroachment on PK now specified: flag!)
   page 84, 5. Penalty kick
   The assistant referee shall be positioned at the intersection of the goal line and the penalty area. If the goalkeeper blatantly moves forward before the ball is kicked and a goal is not scored, the assistant referee shall raise his flag.
   
2. (AR comes in closer on kicks from the mark)
   page 85, 6. Kicks from the penalty mark
   One assistant referee shall be positioned at the intersection of the goal line and the _goal area_. His main duty is to check if the ball crosses the line.
   
3. (No wave down to goal line on close-in free kick; AR should remain with offside line.)
   page 89, 9. Free kick
   The assistant referee's position for a free kick shall be in line with the second last defender in order to check the offside line which is a priority in any case. However, he shall be ready to follow the ball by moving down the touchline towards the corner fl ag if there is a direct shot on goal.
   
4. (Positive hand gestures such as ball still in play or no offside offense are now specifically approved)
   page 90, Law 6 AR -- Gestures:
   As a general rule, the assistant referee shall give no obvious hand signals.  However, in some instances, a discreet hand signal may give valuable support to the referee.  The hand signal should have a clear meaning.  The meaning should have been discussed and agreed upon in the pre-match discussion.
   
5. (AR is expected to go direct to flag signal even when not closest to play)
   page 93, Law 6 AR -- Flag Techniques, Throw-in:
   When the ball crosses the touchline far from the assistant referee's position and the throw-in decision is an obvious one, the assistant referee shall also make a direct signal to indicate the direction of the throw-in.
   ---and---
   page 94, Law 6 AR -- Flag Techniques, Corner Kick / Goal Kick:
   ... The assistant referee may also make a direct signal if the decision is an obvious one.
   (note: "obvious one" has been mentioned to mean "Referee has already signaled" by some a senior referee. So maybe not a change.)
   
6. (No prejudicial dropped balls allowed? Like to the GK if he was holding it when play was stopped)
   page 99, Law 8 Start and Restart of Play -- Dropped Ball:
   Any player may challenge for the ball (including the goalkeeper).  There is no minimum or maximum number of players required to contest a dropped ball.  The referee cannot decide who may or may not contest a dropped ball.
   
7. (This may have been there in Q&A but -- hitting the ball with a thrown object is considered "deliberate handling")
   page 112, Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct -- Handling the ball:
   Hitting the ball with a thrown object (a boot, shinguard, etc) counts as an infringement.
   
8. (This is just reaffirming that Dangerous Play is a non-contact foul; some still seem to argue this)
   page 114, Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct -- Playing in a dangerous manner
   Playing in a dangerous manner involves no physical contact between the players.  If there is physical contact, the action becomes an offense punishable by a direct free kick or penalty kick.  In case of physical contact ...
   (ITOOTR, the non-contact DFK's are deliberate handling, the three attempts, and possibly spitting)
   
9. (IFK for an offense off the field by a player who leaves the field to commit it (as oppossed to a player who was off the field for equipment or injury))
   page 121, (Violent Conduct)
   If the ball is in play and the offence occurred outside the field of play - if the player is already off the field of play and commits the offence play is restarted with a dropped ball from the position in which the ball was located when play was stopped. - if the player leaves the field of play to commit the offence, play is restarted with an indirect free kick from the position in which the ball was located when play was stopped.
   
10. (At a free kick or corner cick, intentionally kicking the ball at an opponent need not be a foul)
    page 124, (Free Kicks)
    If a player, while correctly taking a free kick, intentionally kicks the ball at an opponent in order to play the ball a second time but neither in a careless nor a reckless manner nor using excessive force, the referee shall allow play to continue.
    
11.  (Whistle is now explicitely mentioned, as well as "body language")
    page 79, (Law 5 - Duties of Referee, section Referee Signals)
    In previous editions, the "whistle" was only mentioned once in Law 12 ("the final whistle") referentially. Otherwise, the referee was just told to "signal". The whistle is now explicitely spelled out on page 79 under Law 5 "additional instructions" and referentially on page 68 and 126. Additionally, there seems to be a change from common practice in that they are calling for a whistle to restart play anytime the referee stops play to issue a misconduct, for injury or for substitution. This implies you may have to whistle before a dropped ball? Thanks to Caroline Lambert and Rob Schreiber for pointing these out.

Site created and maintained by a fellow developing referee, Randy Harr.  Please email him at randyh@socref.net with any corrections or questions.  Last updated August 29, 2007 . This collection and original material copyright (c) 2002-2007, Randolph E Harr.