Pre-game Discussion

Eye Contact (Communication)
Ball-in / Ball-out
Offside
Unsure Direction of the Restart (Throw-in, Corner Kick, Goal Kick)
Deflection / Disagreement of the Restart
Restart Positioning and Duties (Throw-in, Free-kick near penalty area)
Spectators and Coaches (Management)

Pre-game Discussion Explanations

Eye Contact and Communication
Remember when the ball is out of play to check back with your trail assistant referee to ensure there are no issues.

Referees should make it a habit to make eye contact with each other to confirm the restart is correct or determine if a brief discussion is needed.

Ball-in / Ball-out
Assistant Referee - AR raises flag when the ball goes out of play over the touchline.

When play is on the touchline or goal line near the assistant referee, the AR may want to say verbally communicate to the players, “balls in!!!” to avoid frustration from players unsure if the ball is in play or not.

Offside
Stay in-line with the second to last defender or the ball, whichever is closest to the goal line. Example: When ball is kicked on goal, follow the ball to the goal line to see if the ball clearly goes into the goal.

If play is in front of the assistant referee, watch the offside, center referee will watch for the foul

Unsure Direction of the Restart
Assistant Referee - Not sure of the direction for throw-in. Follow the center referee’s signal

Center Referee and Assistant Referee - Not sure of direction, follow the center referee’s signal, center referee use best judgment.

Deflection / Disagreement of Restart
If a ball takes a quick deflection over the touchline or goal line. Discuss scenarios in the event there is a disagreement on the restart.

There are different ways to approach this process. Discuss as a referee team how to handle it.

Restart Positioning and Duties (Throw-in, Free-kick near the penalty area)
Throw-in 
Who watches the thrower? Who watches the field of play? Generally the assistant referee will watch the thrower because they have the best view. Center referee is recommended to watch the field of play. Both referees do not need to watch the thrower.

Free-kick (Near Penalty Area)

Assistant Referee - Position with second to last defender for offside, and anticipate following the ball to the goal line. 

Center Referee - Position to see the players’ interaction as clear as possible. Looking for fouls or if there is a wall, manage the wall if there are 3 or more players from the defending team.

Spectators/Coaches
Assistant Referee - Issues with spectators and coaches. Raise the flag up, make eye contact with your center referee and change your flag signal to “come talk to me”.

Center Referee - Hears comments directed towards assistant referee. Should stop the restart or stop play. Talk with the coach about leaving the assistant referee alone. If a spectator is an issue, the coach should be directed to deal with the parent.