This may seem an odd question but does anyone have the definative answer as to why the linesmen carry different coloured flags! I just noticed it one day and thought 'mmm there must be a reason why'! I have asked many people the question but have been unable to find an answer. Anyone on here know?

Strangely enough it all dates back to the British Admiralty at the time of the Battle of Copenhagen 1801 under Admiral Sir Hyde Parker and port side and starboard stuff. Strange but true.

Thanks for that but how does it relate to rugby (and I think football)?

In rugby it relates to goal kicking, one signals right stick, the other signals left.

Thank you

Whats the point in linesmans, After watching them over the past few weeks it left me wondering what they do. There the only peopl;e who dont see forward passes, offsides, holding down.

How do you know that they don't talk to the ref (they are all micked up) to tell him about incidents, just because they don't put their flag up

The term "Linesman" in a Rugby League sense really irks me.

No such thing as a linesman any more, not after the woman touch judge at the Blackpool V Rochdale game on Friday.