Assistant Referee's Guide to Canada Soccer Laws of the Game 2026-27

Q: How do I signal offside, and when can I delay the flag?

From the practical guidelines (2026/27): First action: raise the flag, using the right hand for a better line of vision. If the referee stops play, use the flag to indicate the area of the field where the offence occurred (near side, middle or far side). Hold the signal until the referee acknowledges it or the ball is clearly in the control of the defending team. Beep signal: the electronic beep is an additional signal used only to gain the referee's attention. It may be useful for offside, offences outside the referee's view, and tight throw-in, corner kick, goal kick or goal decisions. Delayed flag (VAR protocol): under the VAR protocol, delaying the flag or whistle for an offence is only permissible in a very clear attacking situation, when a player is about to score a goal or has a clear run into or towards the opponents' penalty area. If you delay a flag, you must raise it if the attacking team scores a goal, is awarded a penalty kick, free kick, corner kick or throw-in, or retains possession after the initial attack has ended. In all other situations, decide whether to raise it depending on the requirements of the game. Indirect free kick: the referee awards it where the offside offence occurred, including in the player's own half. Sources: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Practical guidelines for match officials, VAR protocol and Law 11 (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).

Q: How do I signal the ball out of play, goals and no goals?

From the practical guidelines (2026/27): Corner kick or goal kick: when the ball wholly passes over the goal line, raise the flag with the right hand to tell the referee the ball is out of play. If it is near you, indicate whether it is a goal kick or corner kick. If it is far from you, make eye contact and follow the referee's decision. If the ball clearly passes over the goal line and the decision is obvious, you do not need to raise the flag. Throw-in: when the ball wholly passes over the touchline near you, give a direct signal for the direction of the throw-in. Far from you and the decision is obvious, still make a direct signal. Far from you and in doubt, raise the flag, make eye contact and follow the referee's signal. If you signal that the ball is out of play, hold the signal until the referee acknowledges it. Goal, no doubt: make eye contact with the referee, then move quickly 25 to 30 metres along the touchline towards the halfway line without raising the flag. Goal, but the ball appears still in play: raise the flag first to attract the referee's attention, then run 25 to 30 metres towards the halfway line. Ball did not wholly cross the line: play continues; the referee makes eye contact with you and if necessary gives a discreet hand signal. Flag technique: keep the flag unfurled and visible to the referee, usually in the hand closest to the referee. When signalling, stop running, face the field, make eye contact and raise the flag with a deliberate motion. Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Practical guidelines for match officials (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).

Q: Where do I stand at penalty kicks and penalty shoot-outs?

From the practical guidelines (2026/27): Penalty kick: position yourself at the intersection of the goal line and the penalty area. Where the goal line can be checked for goalkeeper encroachment and goal/no goal through technology (for example goal line technology or the VAR system), it is recommended that you stand on the touchline in line with the penalty mark (which is the offside line), because being on the goal line risks not getting back to judge offside if the kick rebounds. Where there are additional assistant referees (AARs), the AAR stands at the intersection of the goal line and the goal area and you stand in line with the penalty mark. Your job at a penalty kick (Law 6): indicate whether the goalkeeper moves off the goal line before the ball is kicked and whether the ball crosses the line. If the goalkeeper blatantly moves off the line before the kick and prevents a goal, indicate the encroachment according to the referee's pre-match instructions. If AARs are appointed, the assistant referee stands in line with the penalty mark. Penalty shoot-out: one assistant referee stands at the intersection of the goal line and the goal area. The other is in the centre circle to control the players. If AARs are appointed, they stand at each intersection of the goal line and the goal area, except where goal line technology is in use and only one AAR is required. Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 6 and Practical guidelines for match officials (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).

Q: What else does the assistant referee do: substitutions, the 9.15 m distance and mass confrontations?

From Law 6 and the practical guidelines (2026/27): Substitutions: once you have been informed by the fourth official or a team official that a substitution is requested, signal it to the referee at the next stoppage. Law 6 also says your assistance includes monitoring the substitution procedure. If there is no fourth official, you move to the halfway line to help; the referee must wait until you are back in position before restarting. Required distance: you may enter the field to help ensure players are 9.15 m (10 yards) from the ball, usually at the referee's request when a free kick is awarded very close to you. The referee must wait until you are back in position before restarting play. Mass confrontation: the nearest assistant referee may enter the field to assist the referee. The other assistant referee observes and records details of the incident. The fourth official stays in the vicinity of the technical areas. Consultation on discipline: eye contact and a discreet hand signal may be enough. If direct consultation is needed, you may advance 2 to 3 metres onto the field. The referee and assistant referee should both face the field when talking so they are not overheard. Gestures: as a general rule, do not use obvious hand signals. A discreet signal can help if its meaning was agreed in the pre-match discussion. Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 6 and Practical guidelines for match officials (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).

Question 1

What does an assistant referee do under the Laws?

Accepted Answer

Under Law 6 (2026/27) other match officials assist the referee in controlling the match, but the final decision is always taken by the referee. The match officials operate under the direction of the referee. In the event of undue interference or improper conduct, the referee will relieve them of their duties and report to the appropriate authorities.

Assistant referees indicate when:

the whole of the ball leaves the field of play and which team is entitled to a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in
a player in an offside position may be penalised
a substitution is requested
at penalty kicks, the goalkeeper moves off the goal line before the ball is kicked and whether the ball crosses the line

Your assistance also includes monitoring the substitution procedure. Along with the other on-field officials, you assist the referee with offences when you have a clearer view, inspecting the field, balls and players' equipment, and keeping records of time, goals and misconduct. You may enter the field to help control the 9.15 m (10 yard) distance.

You are one of the "on-field" match officials, together with the referee, fourth official, additional assistant referees and reserve assistant referee.

Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 6 (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).

Question 2

How do I judge offside?

Accepted Answer

Under Law 11 (2026/27): Offside position: it is not an offence to be in an offside position. A player is in one if any part of the head, body or feet is in the opponents' half (excluding the halfway line) and any part of the head, body or feet is nearer to the opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. Hands and arms of all players, including goalkeepers, are not considered. The upper boundary of the arm is in line with the bottom of the armpit. Not offside if level with the second-last opponent or the last two opponents. Offence: a player in an offside position at the moment the ball is played or touched by a team-mate is penalised only on becoming involved in active play: by interfering with play (playing or touching a ball passed or touched by a team-mate), interfering with an opponent (obstructing the opponent's line of vision, challenging for the ball, clearly attempting to play a close ball that impacts an opponent, or an obvious action that clearly impacts the opponent's ability to play the ball), or gaining an advantage from a ball that rebounded or was deflected off the goalpost, crossbar, match official or an opponent, or was deliberately saved by an opponent. First point of contact: use the first point of contact of the play or touch of the ball (when the ball is thrown by the goalkeeper, use the last point of contact). No offence when receiving the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in or corner kick. Deliberate play: a player receiving the ball from an opponent who deliberately played it (including a deliberate handball) is not considered to have gained an advantage, unless it was a deliberate save. Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 11 (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).

Question 3

How do I signal offside, and when can I delay the flag?

Accepted Answer

From the practical guidelines (2026/27):

First action: raise the flag, using the right hand for a better line of vision. If the referee stops play, use the flag to indicate the area of the field where the offence occurred (near side, middle or far side).
Hold the signal until the referee acknowledges it or the ball is clearly in the control of the defending team.
Beep signal: the electronic beep is an additional signal used only to gain the referee's attention. It may be useful for offside, offences outside the referee's view, and tight throw-in, corner kick, goal kick or goal decisions.
Delayed flag (VAR protocol): under the VAR protocol, delaying the flag or whistle for an offence is only permissible in a very clear attacking situation, when a player is about to score a goal or has a clear run into or towards the opponents' penalty area. If you delay a flag, you must raise it if the attacking team scores a goal, is awarded a penalty kick, free kick, corner kick or throw-in, or retains possession after the initial attack has ended. In all other situations, decide whether to raise it depending on the requirements of the game.
Indirect free kick: the referee awards it where the offside offence occurred, including in the player's own half.

Sources: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Practical guidelines for match officials, VAR protocol and Law 11 (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).

Question 4

When should I flag for a foul the referee missed?

Accepted Answer

From the practical guidelines (2026/27):

Raise the flag when a foul or misconduct is committed in your immediate vicinity or out of the referee's vision. In all other situations, wait and offer an opinion if it is required, then tell the referee what you saw and heard and which players were involved.
Before signalling, decide that the offence was out of the referee's view (or the view was obstructed) and that the referee would not have applied the advantage.
Use the "wait and see" technique: let play continue and do not raise the flag when the team fouled will benefit from the advantage. Eye contact with the referee is very important.
To signal: raise the flag with the same hand you will use for the rest of the signal (it shows who gets the free kick), make eye contact and give a slight wave back and forth, avoiding excessive or aggressive movement.
Foul by a defender inside the penalty area, out of the referee's vision: first make eye contact to see where the referee is and what action has been taken. If the referee has taken no action, signal with the flag, use the electronic beep signal and visibly move down the touchline towards the corner flag.
Foul by a defender outside the penalty area (near its boundary): make eye contact and signal with the flag if necessary. Show with a clear movement along the touchline towards the halfway line that the offence was outside the area.
If you signal for a sending-off offence and the signal is not seen immediately: if play has been stopped the restart may be changed; if play has restarted the referee may still take disciplinary action but not penalise the offence with a free kick or penalty kick.

Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Practical guidelines for match officials, and Law 5 (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).

Question 5

How do I signal the ball out of play, goals and no goals?

Accepted Answer

From the practical guidelines (2026/27):

Corner kick or goal kick: when the ball wholly passes over the goal line, raise the flag with the right hand to tell the referee the ball is out of play. If it is near you, indicate whether it is a goal kick or corner kick. If it is far from you, make eye contact and follow the referee's decision. If the ball clearly passes over the goal line and the decision is obvious, you do not need to raise the flag.
Throw-in: when the ball wholly passes over the touchline near you, give a direct signal for the direction of the throw-in. Far from you and the decision is obvious, still make a direct signal. Far from you and in doubt, raise the flag, make eye contact and follow the referee's signal. If you signal that the ball is out of play, hold the signal until the referee acknowledges it.
Goal, no doubt: make eye contact with the referee, then move quickly 25 to 30 metres along the touchline towards the halfway line without raising the flag.
Goal, but the ball appears still in play: raise the flag first to attract the referee's attention, then run 25 to 30 metres towards the halfway line.
Ball did not wholly cross the line: play continues; the referee makes eye contact with you and if necessary gives a discreet hand signal.
Flag technique: keep the flag unfurled and visible to the referee, usually in the hand closest to the referee. When signalling, stop running, face the field, make eye contact and raise the flag with a deliberate motion.

Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Practical guidelines for match officials (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).

Question 6

Where do I position myself for corners, free kicks, goal kicks and kick-offs?

Accepted Answer

From the practical guidelines in the Laws of the Game 2026/27:

General: be in line with the second-last defender, or the ball if it is nearer the goal line. Always face the field of play, even when running, and use side-to-side movement over short distances, especially when judging offside.
Corner kick: stand behind the corner flag in line with the goal line. Do not interfere with the player taking the kick, and check that the ball is properly placed in the corner area.
Free kick: be in line with the second-last defender to check the offside line, ready to follow the ball down the touchline towards the corner flag if there is a direct shot on goal.
Goal kick: first check that the ball is inside the goal area. If it is not placed correctly, do not move, make eye contact with the referee and raise the flag. Once the ball is placed correctly, take a position to check the offside line. If there is an additional assistant referee, you take a position in line with the offside line and the AAR checks the placement.
Goalkeeper releasing the ball: stand in line with the edge of the penalty area and check that the goalkeeper does not handle the ball outside the area. Once the ball is released, take a position to check the offside line.
Kick-off: be in line with the second-last defender.

Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Practical guidelines for match officials, positioning (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).

Question 7

Where do I stand at penalty kicks and penalty shoot-outs?

Accepted Answer

From the practical guidelines (2026/27):

Penalty kick: position yourself at the intersection of the goal line and the penalty area. Where the goal line can be checked for goalkeeper encroachment and goal/no goal through technology (for example goal line technology or the VAR system), it is recommended that you stand on the touchline in line with the penalty mark (which is the offside line), because being on the goal line risks not getting back to judge offside if the kick rebounds. Where there are additional assistant referees (AARs), the AAR stands at the intersection of the goal line and the goal area and you stand in line with the penalty mark.
Your job at a penalty kick (Law 6): indicate whether the goalkeeper moves off the goal line before the ball is kicked and whether the ball crosses the line. If the goalkeeper blatantly moves off the line before the kick and prevents a goal, indicate the encroachment according to the referee's pre-match instructions. If AARs are appointed, the assistant referee stands in line with the penalty mark.
Penalty shoot-out: one assistant referee stands at the intersection of the goal line and the goal area. The other is in the centre circle to control the players. If AARs are appointed, they stand at each intersection of the goal line and the goal area, except where goal line technology is in use and only one AAR is required.

Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 6 and Practical guidelines for match officials (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).

Question 8

What else does the assistant referee do: substitutions, the 9.15 m distance and mass confrontations?

Accepted Answer

From Law 6 and the practical guidelines (2026/27):

Substitutions: once you have been informed by the fourth official or a team official that a substitution is requested, signal it to the referee at the next stoppage. Law 6 also says your assistance includes monitoring the substitution procedure. If there is no fourth official, you move to the halfway line to help; the referee must wait until you are back in position before restarting.
Required distance: you may enter the field to help ensure players are 9.15 m (10 yards) from the ball, usually at the referee's request when a free kick is awarded very close to you. The referee must wait until you are back in position before restarting play.
Mass confrontation: the nearest assistant referee may enter the field to assist the referee. The other assistant referee observes and records details of the incident. The fourth official stays in the vicinity of the technical areas.
Consultation on discipline: eye contact and a discreet hand signal may be enough. If direct consultation is needed, you may advance 2 to 3 metres onto the field. The referee and assistant referee should both face the field when talking so they are not overheard.
Gestures: as a general rule, do not use obvious hand signals. A discreet signal can help if its meaning was agreed in the pre-match discussion.

Source: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 6 and Practical guidelines for match officials (https://www.theifab.com/laws-of-the-game-documents/).

Question 9

What does the fourth official do, and when is one used?

Accepted Answer

Duties (Law 6, 2026/27): the fourth official's assistance includes: supervising the substitution procedure checking a player's or substitute's equipment the re-entry of a player following a signal or approval from the referee supervising the replacement balls indicating the minimum additional time the referee intends to play at the end of each half (including extra time) informing the referee of irresponsible behaviour by any technical area occupant The referee, assistant referees, fourth official, additional assistant referees and reserve assistant referee are the "on-field" match officials. A reserve assistant referee may replace an assistant referee, fourth official or additional assistant referee who cannot continue. When one is used: fourth officials are appointed to certain competitions by Canada Soccer or a Member Association (provincial or territorial association), and the duties are set by the Laws and the competition rules. Law 6 says competition rules must state clearly who replaces a match official who cannot start or continue, including whether the fourth official or the senior assistant referee takes over if the referee cannot continue. If there is a fourth official: the assistant referee does not need to go to the halfway line for substitutions, unless there are several substitutions at the same time, in which case the assistant referee moves to the halfway line to assist. Sources: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 6 and Practical guidelines for match officials; Canada Soccer Rules and Regulations, Regulation 19.11 (https://canadasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CS_2025_RR_FINAL_EN-1.pdf).

Question 10

How do I report serious misconduct, and what if I am abused?

Accepted Answer

Reporting: Law 6 (2026/27) says the on-field match officials must submit a report to the appropriate authorities on any serious misconduct or other incident that occurred out of the view of the referee and the other match officials, and must advise the referee and the other match officials that a report is being made. Under the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code (August 2024), other match officials appointed to a game report on infringements they observed, in writing, to the Match Commissioner where appointed or as the competition regulations say. Anyone may also file a written report with discipline@canadasoccer.com. If you are abused: assistant referees are match officials under the Code, so the minimum sanctions for misconduct against match officials apply: six matches for offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures, ten for intimidating or threatening, and 15 for assault (or an appropriate period of time). Clubs and leagues must take all precautions to prevent players, officials and spectators from threatening or assaulting anyone at games, especially the referee and assistant referees, and are expected to provide security. The accused is suspended from all soccer activities from the date of an alleged assault, attempted assault or threat until a hearing is held and the case decided. Sources: IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 6; Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code August 2024 (https://canadasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2024-CSDC_Final_EN.pdf).

Question 11

How does assistant refereeing count towards promotion in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Under Canada Soccer Regulation 19.5 and 19.6:

For promotion to Regional or Provincial referee, a further requirement is a minimum of five games as an assistant referee in the promotion season. This is in addition to at least 20 qualifying games as a referee, with marks and assessments on at least three games from outdoor 11-a-side competitions for players over 16.
Canada Soccer's National List includes both referees and assistant referees selected by Canada Soccer, drawn from Provincial referees nominated by a Member Association (provincial or territorial association).
National List officials must pass a fitness test and a written examination every year before their classification is confirmed.
Applications for promotion must reach your Member Association in writing by 1 March before the season in which the promotion is sought.
A person under 14 may not be registered, and officials under 16 may officiate only in competitions for players under 16.

Source: Canada Soccer Rules and Regulations, November 2025, Regulations 19.2, 19.5, 19.6 and 19.7 (https://canadasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CS_2025_RR_FINAL_EN-1.pdf).

Assistant Referee's Guide to Canada Soccer Laws of the Game 2026-27

What does an assistant referee do under the Laws?Rule

Assistant Referee's Guide to Canada Soccer Laws of the Game 2026-27

What does an assistant referee do under the Laws?Rule

How do I judge offside?Rule

How do I signal offside, and when can I delay the flag?Rule

When should I flag for a foul the referee missed?Rule

How do I signal the ball out of play, goals and no goals?Rule

Where do I position myself for corners, free kicks, goal kicks and kick-offs?Rule

Where do I stand at penalty kicks and penalty shoot-outs?Rule

What else does the assistant referee do: substitutions, the 9.15 m distance and mass confrontations?Rule

What does the fourth official do, and when is one used?Rule

How do I report serious misconduct, and what if I am abused?Rule

How does assistant refereeing count towards promotion in Canada?Rule