Question Number: 15651

Mechanics 5/30/2007

RE: High School

Randy Hockey of South Lyon, MI USA asks...

I am looking for information on positioning and mechanics for a dual referee system of control. I had a HS game yesteday where we needed to use a dual referee system. While I have used this system before without much trouble, the other ref in this game had a different idea of where I should be on the field. We worked things out without much difficulty but I would like to find some official information. He indicated that I could find information on mechanics on the USSF website but I was unable to find anything there or on my high school association site. Does anyone have a web source for this information?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Written information concerning the dual system of control may be found on page 77-82 of the 2006-2007 NFHS Soccer rules book. The reason you found no mention of this "system" of refereeing at US Soccer is because it is absolutely the worst thing a referee crew cam inflict on two teams. Referee by committee has been tried by FIFA on two occasions, both ended in dismal failures.

This "system" forces the players to adjust to two personalities. It offers the probability one referee will play advantage and the other will blow for foul play. It forces the referees to share responsibility for match control and that is NEVER a good thing. It's an institution's way of saving money in what is considered a money loosing extracurricular activity. Besides the administrators are used to having many people running around and all capable of stopping play, q.v. baseball, gridiron football and basketball.

It is far better to use a modified diagonal system with one club linesman or do the match solo! Just my opinion and I am unanimous in that opinion...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I agree - what a horrid way to referee...

Sadly, when refereeing high school games in my area - I have to use this god awful method.

What a terrible way to accomplish anything good for the game.

As to cost cutting, if they adopted the 3 man system - they would still only have to pay 2 referee fees. One for the middle and each AR gets a half fee - at least that seems accepted in many places.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Check the NFHS Rule book. It describes set plays and general positioning as well as signaling. We do not use the dual system for USSF matches.