Post by geicocaveman on Mar 14, 2013 1:29:12 GMT -5
I was recently introduced to a center referee position technique known as "running the channels". I was later told it is also known as Running the White Zone or White Channels. In essence instead of running the traditional center official diagonal (leaving the lead and trail corners as quadrants of control for the Linesman, the center official runs via diagonal channels (same direction, i.e. bottom right to upper left and vice versa when following play the opposite direction).
Look at the field as a vertical rectangle, now imagine diagonal lines running from bottom right to upper left at intervals of 5 yards. Much the same as the markings on a football field, but at an angle. The center referee should follow 1-2 channels (5-10 yards) behind the play and approximately 5 yards to the left. The advice was given that prior to running after the play, the center referee should first run 5 yards to the left and up before following the play. This is to keep the ball and play on the referee's right shoulder while gaining a commanding view of the play as well as direct line of site with the lead Linesman. Additionally while employing this technique the center circle is to be avoided either by cutting below and to the left or above and to the right, in order to keep the center of the pitch free for play and to avoid being caught in the middle of play.
However, while I feel I have a grasp on the concept and the implementation, I was told it was in WRITING somewhere from USSF. I do not think it is a position paper or a directive. A memo perhaps? I cannot find it anywhere on US Soccer and was hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction.
Thank you.
NY/MD/CO Grade 7 USSF Referee
Look at the field as a vertical rectangle, now imagine diagonal lines running from bottom right to upper left at intervals of 5 yards. Much the same as the markings on a football field, but at an angle. The center referee should follow 1-2 channels (5-10 yards) behind the play and approximately 5 yards to the left. The advice was given that prior to running after the play, the center referee should first run 5 yards to the left and up before following the play. This is to keep the ball and play on the referee's right shoulder while gaining a commanding view of the play as well as direct line of site with the lead Linesman. Additionally while employing this technique the center circle is to be avoided either by cutting below and to the left or above and to the right, in order to keep the center of the pitch free for play and to avoid being caught in the middle of play.
However, while I feel I have a grasp on the concept and the implementation, I was told it was in WRITING somewhere from USSF. I do not think it is a position paper or a directive. A memo perhaps? I cannot find it anywhere on US Soccer and was hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction.
Thank you.
NY/MD/CO Grade 7 USSF Referee