Our club assistant referee gives very different offside decisions

The referee remains responsible for the final offside decision. A club assistant referee provides a signal to help. Before kick-off, the referee should brief the volunteer on positioning, what they want signalled and the importance of staying level with the second-last defender. If decisions appear inconsistent, the coach should speak privately and respectfully to the referee at an appropriate stoppage or after the match. Players and spectators should not question the volunteer from the touchline. Teach the players to continue until the referee stops play. The club also needs to protect the volunteer. They are helping the game happen, not offering themselves for public criticism. If the same issue is recurring across fixtures, raise it through the competition or club process rather than trying to correct the assistant during live play. The team coach speaks to the referee, not directly to the volunteer during play. The referee manages the assistant and can clarify positioning or signals. If the concern continues, the club or competition can address it after the match. Parents and players should stay out of that conversation.