What is the recommended positioning for an assistant referee?

The recommended positioning for an assistant referee is to align with the last defender. This positioning is crucial for several reasons. First, by staying in line with the last defender, the assistant referee can effectively monitor offside situations. This is vital because offside decisions are often the most contentious in a match, and being in the correct position allows the assistant referee to make accurate calls based on the players' positions at the moment the ball is played.

Additionally, being in line with the last defender helps the assistant referee keep a clear view of the field of play, including all players involved in the attack and defense. This allows them to assess not only offside but also fouls, potential handballs, or any other situations that may arise near the defensive line. Thus, the position is strategic, ensuring that the assistant referee is able to provide the best possible support to the center referee while maintaining a high level of accuracy in their decision-making.

In contrast, other positions, such as next to the coach or close to the center circle, do not offer the same level of visibility or relevance to the plays on the field, particularly in relation to offside and crucial game moments. Being at the corner flag is also important for signaling certain aspects of the game