If I am an assistant referee and see an offense committed by an attacker, what should I do?

When an assistant referee observes an offense committed by an attacker, the appropriate action is to ensure that the center referee is aware of the incident while considering whether the referee has already seen the action. This involves checking the referee's position and body language to assess their awareness of the situation. If the referee is in a good position and has likely seen the offense, the assistant referee may choose to remain silent. However, if it seems that the referee did not observe the infringement, the assistant referee should then signal to bring the offense to their attention.

This approach is vital because it helps maintain the flow of the game while ensuring that offenses are properly communicated when necessary. It also acknowledges the authority of the center referee, allowing them the discretion to decide how to handle the situation based on their observation. By waiting to signal until it's clear the referee missed the offense, the assistant referee plays a supportive role without interrupting the game unnecessarily.

The other options may lead to confusion or disrupt the game unnecessarily. For example, calling out loudly could distract players and the referee, while raising the flag immediately may not provide the complete context needed for the referee to make an informed decision. Waiting until the next stoppage could delay the acknowledgment of an important offense that requires immediate attention,