They used to be called linesmen but now they're referee assistants and they help the referee with offside decisions and signal a number of things, such as throw-ins and substitutions. If the manager ...

Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; NFL referee Shawn Hochuli (83) signals a penalty on the Dallas Cowboys against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium.

The referee should point with a raised arm in the direction that the free-kick has been given. The referee does need to make a further signal to indicate it is direct. Players often wait before taking ...