What is the role of the assistant referee?

The role of the assistant referee is primarily to assist the main referee in making critical decisions during the match, particularly concerning offside positions, throw-ins, corner kicks, and other game incidents. This support is invaluable, as assistant referees are positioned along the touchlines, allowing them to have a clear view of the play and the players’ positions in relation to each other. Their input helps ensure that the game is officiated accurately and fairly.

Monitoring the time of the match is primarily the responsibility of the main referee, who keeps track of the match duration and any stoppage time. Similarly, replacing injured players is not a task designated to the assistant referee, as it's typically the coach or team officials who manage substitutions. Evaluating players' performances is also outside the scope of the assistant referee's duties, as their focus is strictly on game officiating rather than player assessments.