Changes from the last guide include:

• Updates to the pictures with the new uniform.
• New AR mechanics relating to penalty kicks and the flag.
• Explicitly states that the AR: “Assists the referee in determining whether a goal is scored and whether the goalkeeper has moved illegally” during a PK.
• The “tap the pocket” mechanic is now official:

“If misconduct is observed associated with the foul, makes eye contact with the referee and advises either a yellow card by placing the free hand over the badge on the left jersey pocket or a red card by placing the free hand on a back pocket on the shorts”

The biggest change is the establishment of grade 3 referees as “Professional Referees”.  The physical fitness test for this level is the FIFA test, and those wishing to referee in MLS, MLS Reserves, or USL-1 must pass this physical fitness test as well.

MLS 2008 Week 16 Lessons Learned

MLS 2008 Week 16 Podcast

In an effort for better communication and understanding in regard to the 4th official and his duties, I am sending these suggestions as a guideline to assist you in dealing with improper behavior with bench personnel.

In short, take these steps:

• Ask
• Tell
• Remove

MLS 2008 Week 8 Lessons Learned

MLS 2008 Week 8 Podcast

Lessons this week include:

• Assistant Referee Awareness, Involvement, and Work Rate
• Advantage
• Violent Conduct
• Delaying Restarts

Videos relating to the podcast are below:

AR involvement:

Advantage:

Violent Conduct:

Offside Decision:

Revised AR Flag Mechanic

Basically, in two instances, the AR will now hold the flag like this:

The AR will use this signal when:

1. The referee has signaled a foul and makes obvious eye contact with the assistant referee for advice on whether the offense occurred inside the penalty area.
2. During a penalty kick, the AR indicates that the goalkeeper has moved illegally and, as a result, a goal was not scored.

Lessons Learned: 2008 MLS Week 6

Podcast: MLS 2008 Week6