Linesmen: meaning, definitions and examples

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linesmen

 

[ ˈlaɪnzmən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sports officiating

A linesman is a person who assists the referee in sports such as football (soccer) and American football. Their primary role is to monitor the boundary lines and signal any infractions, such as out-of-bounds plays or offside violations. Linesmen are essential for maintaining the flow of the game and ensuring fair play, often using flags to communicate decisions to the main referee. They may also be involved in other sports, like hockey or volleyball, where their duties can vary according to the game's specific rules.

Synonyms

assistant referee, official, umpire.

Examples of usage

  • The linesman raised his flag for an offside call.
  • During the match, the linesmen played a crucial role in maintaining fairness.
  • The coach was frustrated with the linesman's decisions.
  • A qualified linesman can greatly influence the outcome of a game.

Translations

Translations of the word "linesmen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assistentes de linha

🇮🇳 लाइनमैन

🇩🇪 Linienrichter

🇮🇩 wasit garis

🇺🇦 лінійний суддя

🇵🇱 sędzia liniowy

🇯🇵 ラインズマン

🇫🇷 arbitre de touche

🇪🇸 árbitro de línea

🇹🇷 kenar hakemi

🇰🇷 라인맨

🇸🇦 حكم خط

🇨🇿 rozhodčí na čáře

🇸🇰 rozhodca na čiare

🇨🇳 边裁

🇸🇮 glavni sodnik

🇮🇸 línudómari

🇰🇿 сызықтық судья

🇬🇪 ხაზი მსაჯი

🇦🇿 xətt hakimi

🇲🇽 árbitro de línea

Etymology

The term 'linesman' originates from the combination of two English words: 'line' and 'man'. The word 'line' comes from the Old English 'līn', which refers to a straight mark connecting two points. Historically, the role of the linesman in sporting events began to take shape as formal officiating was established in the late 19th century. The linesman was primarily tasked with observing the out-of-play lines and signaling to the main referee. As sports evolved, so did the complexity of the linesman's duties, adapting to the increasing speed and physicality of athletic competitions. Over time, the linesman has become an integral part of many team sports, providing critical support in officiating.