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

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

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/).