Linesman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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linesman
[ˈlaɪnzmən ]
Definition
sports officiating
A linesman is an official in various sports, such as football and tennis, who assists the main referee or umpire in making decisions about the game. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring the play along the sidelines, signaling offside and determining whether a ball is in or out of play.
Synonyms
official, referee assistant, umpire.
Examples of usage
- The linesman raised his flag to indicate an offside.
- During the tennis match, the linesman called the ball out.
- The linesman's decision was crucial in the final minutes of the game.
Translations
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Origin of 'linesman'
The term 'linesman' originates from the combination of 'line,' referring to the boundaries of a playing field, and 'man,' denoting a male individual. It has been used in the context of sports officiating since the late 19th century, particularly in association football (soccer). The role of a linesman became formalized as the game developed and organized sporting competitions began to demand more structured rules and officiating. Its usage has gradually expanded to include officials in other sports, like tennis and hockey, where boundary calls are critical. The linesman's primary task remains to assist the main referee or umpire by providing accurate information regarding the play taking place along the lines of the field or court.