What is the role of the assistant referee?

The role of the assistant referee primarily involves helping the main referee by indicating when the ball is out of play. This is crucial because it assists the referee in managing the flow of the game and ensuring that all decisions concerning the ball's status are accurately observed. The assistant referee uses a flag to signal when the ball has fully crossed either the goal line or touchline, which can lead to goal kicks, corner kicks, or throw-ins. This function is essential for maintaining the integrity of the match and ensuring that play is resumed correctly following stoppages.

While it is true that assistant referees support the main referee in various capacities, such as signaling for offside and helping with substitutions, their indication of when the ball is out of play remains one of their key responsibilities. This role helps to support the referee's authority on the field and promotes fair play during the match.