assistentscheidsrechters

Assistentscheidsrechters, commonly known in English as assistant referees, are officials who support the main referee during association football matches. They typically operate along the touchlines on opposite sides of the field and are part of the officiating team responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game in collaboration with the referee. The Dutch term assistentscheidsrechters denotes these officials specifically.

Their primary duties include judging when the ball has crossed the touchline or goal line, indicating which team is entitled to a throw-in, goal kick, or corner kick, and assisting with decisions in their zone of responsibility. They watch for offside offences and can alert the referee to fouls or misconduct invisible from the central angle. They also monitor substitutions and help keep the game running smoothly by signaling stoppages when necessary.

Assistants communicate with the main referee through standardized flag signals and, in many competitions, via radio communication. The flag is used to indicate offside, ball in and out of play, and other incidents in their half of the field. Their positioning along the touchlines helps provide a broad view of incidents near the sideline, ensuring the referee has additional information to support decisions.

They are appointed by competition organizers and must meet fitness, knowledge of the laws, and positioning requirements. Regular training, fitness tests, and performance reviews are used to maintain consistency across matches.

While the main referee retains final authority on all decisions, assistants provide essential information and support. With the development of video assistant referees (VAR) and other technologies, the role of assistant referees continues to evolve, including new methods of communication and additional officials in some competitions.