Question Number: 17466

Mechanics 10/22/2007

RE: Div. II and Div. III College

Bill Fisher of Allentown, PA USA asks...

I have been officiating for a number of years now, and have recently risen to the NCAA level with a NISOA License. In Pennsylvania, at the High School level, a two man / two whistle system is used for varsity games. In the playoffs, the system changes to three man / three whistles. My dislike of this system has only been enhanced by my NCAA work, where one man / one whistle and two AR's seems a much better system, like the rest of the world.

Can you give me any good reason, besides being a "jobs program" why on earth you would support a three man / three whistle system in the playoffs, and why would you change the mechanics of officiating, just for the playoffs? It makes no sense to me.

Frustrated,

Bill Fisher

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Well in the TV world Dr Phil is a big proponent of saying, "Well how?s that working for you?" The simplistic views if you are sick then get well. It is no different then saying "Lets have peace in Israel? There is no reason not too but we invent all sorts just to say we cannot!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Bill, the three whistle system has to be something the pointy ball coaches thought would work well in world football, like it is supposed to in American collision football. However, it is a disaster of epic proportion in world football, known here as soccer. A good friend of mine of wonderful referee experience and reputation moved to Colorado several years ago. He's done nearly every level including HS, NISOA, and USSF (just not professional). He called me from a game he was watching using the three whistle system and described in detail the chaos taking place on the field using this system - and this from a guy who can run a mean dual if required. He had never seen it in action, as we haven't used it here (yet, thank goodness!). The system frustrates the game, the officials (I can't call them referees in that abomination) and especially the players. Such a shame - HS sports administrators don't collectively know enough about the sport to promote it, but they can sure destroy it - witness your experience.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I agree with you. I hate the 2 man system. In fact I would rather referee the match by myself with no lines than work a dual system. I hate the fact that two people are out on the field calling fouls. I hate the fact that when the ball is in the far quadrant...neither official has a good angle on the play.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The method I feel best is the diagonal system of control, next is a solo referee, next is a referee and one assistant and a club linesman, next is two club linesmen and a qualified referee and last is three unqualified persons as referee and linesmen. There are other methods of control on Football matches but they are not worth mentioning in polite company.

Regards,