Calling end line shots while solo

[popasmurf]

I have done many solo games (post-collegiate men's) and I have difficulty with judging who is closest to the ball when it goes out over the endline on shots. Any tips on what works well for you in this situation?

[cali feeder]

Oftentimes, I've seen many officials make the mistake that its the first person to get to the endline after a shot is already way out, causing unnecessary 10 yard sprints to the endline when a sufficient "Goalie!" call or "Blue was closest when it went out!" call would do fine. As soon as the shot is taken, take a quick scan to see who is closest. If players are already hauling to get to the endline, do your best. Hopefully the mature players will understand that you're by yourself and doing the best you can, and that not all calls will be perfect.

If there's a lot of close calls where you really can't decide who was closest, the least you can do is still confidently declare possesion to one team, but then the next time its an undeterminable call, give it to the other. It lets the players, coaches, and fans know that you are making an attempt to keep it even.

Thats just my opinion, which could be completely off-base. But it seems like it would work.

[LaxRef]

Make sure that you chase to the endline when appropriate; it's much easier to see (and sell the call) if you're near the endline.

[Shorelax]

LR has hit it on the money - you have to sell the call. Post collegiate players tend to challenge rulings a bit more.

A one-man game...that must be tough. Post collegiate games are typically three man crews in our area. Some of the top level games were 4 man crews - this was before the MLL.

[Woodenstick]

As a solo in a fast moving game you have to stick more to the middle of the field or else you will get burned big time. So you miss some endline and sideline calls. Better that than being 50-70 yards behind the play on a fast break.

I just make a confident call and if someone questions it I tell them to hire more referees for their next game.

I have seen some solo referees try having the coaches call team sideline themselves. Maybe for close endline calls when we are solo and far away we should ask the players.

[laxfan25]

All you can do as a solo is the best you can do. On a shot, I try to see if there arer any attack behind GLE, otherwise we are usually going goalie ball. On others, just use your best judgement.
I did two games solo last week (JV/V) and had very few issues making the right call on shots (or at least looking like I had the call!)

[LaxRef]

I have seen some solo referees try having the coaches call team sideline themselves. Maybe for close endline calls when we are solo and far away we should ask the players.

And go by AP if they can't agree.

[CardinalPuff]

Maybe for close endline calls when we are solo and far away we should ask the players.
typically, the player who feels he "won the race" will continue to chase the ball while the "loser" won't....

basically, they make the call themselves....

[3rdPersonPlural]

Oddly enough, Puff is correct. If I'm unsure, I whistle and shout 'Pick it up!' with resonant authority. The kids who were chasing had their backs to me when I whistled so they assume that I made the accurate call and proceed accordingly.

The other endline issue in a solo mechanic is SEEING the endline. Lots of fields have old and faded markings at this point in the season, or the grass has grown up and obscures the line. Turf fields have a faint line drawn in the endzone. Shots are not the problem, but loose balls being contested back there are.

[laxzeeb]

The new turf fields indeed can be worse between the maze of lines and some even have the outside lines in red! Try seeing that from a distance horizontally in front of you. My feeling is you focus on who you anticipate will get there first and go with that player unless something clearly changes your mind. One thing for sure-from where the coaches stand they can't see it any better.