Linesman flags

[vickic]

WHy does one linesman have a checked flag and the other one has a plain flag ???

[Buenchico]

The chequered flag is held by the senior linesman (or 'assistant referee' as he's now officially known). If the referee was to become injured, or otherwise be unable to complete his duties, it would be the official with the chequered flag who would get his whistle out and take over control of the match.

Each referee briefs his colleagues beforehand to indicate what he requires from them but it's common practice for a referee to tell his senior assistant referee to duplicate everything that he the notes down (e.g. the goals scored and which players have been booked) so that he can instantly take over. The other assistant will be told to keep his eyes on the field of play at all times, so that a player can't take a swing at an opponent while none of the officials are watching.

Chris

[flicrat]

And the other half get away with it all the time! Thanks for the info though. Interesting.