Question Number: 19257

Mechanics 6/3/2008

RE: Recreation and Select Under 19

Steve of Vero Beach, FL USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 19242

I think the writer may be referring to the Modified Diagonal System, which is permisable. This happens where only the Referee and 1 AR are available and no club lines can be found.

If I understand this correctly, the Referee covers the entire field but must "cheat" back to cover the offside and goal line of the uncovered line. The AR performs his duties as normal but may be given more latitude to catch things that the Referee is not able to get back for.

As you pointed out, this is NOT an acceptable way to schedule an assignment, but it is acceptable as a compromise to let the game be played if the 2nd AR does not show up. Still one Referee with a whistle and 1 AR with a flag. Did I get that right? If not please correct where I went off track.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

That's not how I read the question. When 1 AR (or both) doesn't show up you either use a club linesman or go it alone. The only problem with cheating back as you describe is that in a physical game you can end up missing a lot of foul play by worrying too much about offside. This happened to me in a U16 match awhile back and since then I simply tell both coaches and teams that I will keep up with offside as best I can but that I will miss some but the misses will go both ways. Haven't had a problem since adopting this approach

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The modified diagonal system is still a form of the Diagonal System of Control. It may be what the original question was about, but that is usually not called a dual. Dual to me implies two referees on the field, both with whistles, a la NFHS.

Your mechanics regarding DSC with fewer than 3 members present are essentially correct. It's not a great system, but it is doable. Those games which I have worked with only one neutral AR have convinced me that I never want to do a true dual. The referee is way to far away from the main action too much of the time. Calling fouls from 30 or 40 yards away is not recommended.

My colleague's suggestion that offside is less important than foul play are spot on. Unfortunately, too many teams, coaches and spectators want you to get that offside call absolutely correct - oh, and don't miss any fouls either!