The Merry Prankster
Pactum serva
I've just been asked this and blustered some frankly unbelievable tosh trying to cover up my ignorance. Anyone know?
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Why do linos have different coloured flags?
- Thread starter The Merry Prankster
- Start date
Prince Monolulu
Everything in Moderation
It was in 1891 when the Referee (who used to be stationed on the touchline) moved into the field of play to take charge of game. Prior to this, the two umpires who governed play on the field, used to wave a stick in the air to allow an appeal to be made by the captain. It was therefore, in 1891 onwards when the sticks became flags for the two linesmen (ex-umpires). Flags were also mentioned in 1896, in a column entitled 'Hints to Referees', in the first Referees' Chart (today known as the Laws of Association Football).
Ken Aston, on his return from military service in 1946, became the first League referee to wear the black uniform with white trim which became the standard for referees. The following year (1947) he introduced bright yellow linesmen's flags in place of the pennants in the colours of the home team, which had been used before.
In 1956, the following Decision of the International Board was added into the Laws. 'In International Matches, Linesmen's flags shall be a vivid colour, bright reds and yellows. Such flags are recommended for use in all other matches'.
These days, flags that are yellow or orange can be seen better by the Referee.
There is no official rule in the Laws of Associated Football to signify which single colour (red or yellow) a Senior Assistant Referee will have. But tradition in England, and in semi/pro games, signifies that the Assistant Referee with the red (or red-trimmed) flag is the Senior Assistant Referee. This also helps the Assessor to identify who is the Senior Assistant Referee.
Using a standard traditional system makes it easier for Referees to officiate. It also helps players to recognise, which Assistant Referee is Senior.
The Assistant Referees' names are also sometimes listed in the match program with their particular flag, usually chequered or plain, red or yellow. This also makes it easer to identify them by name and seniority.
Sometimes, the match day programme lists the Assistant Referees alphabetically, as well as which coloured flag each one will be holding. If this is the case, to aid identification, this should be adhered to.
Ken Aston, on his return from military service in 1946, became the first League referee to wear the black uniform with white trim which became the standard for referees. The following year (1947) he introduced bright yellow linesmen's flags in place of the pennants in the colours of the home team, which had been used before.
In 1956, the following Decision of the International Board was added into the Laws. 'In International Matches, Linesmen's flags shall be a vivid colour, bright reds and yellows. Such flags are recommended for use in all other matches'.
These days, flags that are yellow or orange can be seen better by the Referee.
There is no official rule in the Laws of Associated Football to signify which single colour (red or yellow) a Senior Assistant Referee will have. But tradition in England, and in semi/pro games, signifies that the Assistant Referee with the red (or red-trimmed) flag is the Senior Assistant Referee. This also helps the Assessor to identify who is the Senior Assistant Referee.
Using a standard traditional system makes it easier for Referees to officiate. It also helps players to recognise, which Assistant Referee is Senior.
The Assistant Referees' names are also sometimes listed in the match program with their particular flag, usually chequered or plain, red or yellow. This also makes it easer to identify them by name and seniority.
Sometimes, the match day programme lists the Assistant Referees alphabetically, as well as which coloured flag each one will be holding. If this is the case, to aid identification, this should be adhered to.
So you know which Lino is which when you want to abuse them.
shaolinpunk
[Insert witty title here]
I always assumed it was for easy identification, but didn't realise it identifies the senior assistant.
Every day's a school day on NSC, and not just because of the mouthy gobshites at the back of the class winding everyone up
Every day's a school day on NSC, and not just because of the mouthy gobshites at the back of the class winding everyone up
ringmerseagulltoo
Active member
- Feb 16, 2012
- 440
Surely the fourth official now becomes referee should any unfortunate mishap befall the man in black with the personal bedroom habits
Geriatric Seagull
New member
One to signal trains on the up platform and one for the down! That seems to be all some linesmen are fit for!