Question Number: 21291

League Specific 5/6/2009

RE: High School

Andrew Crews of Shelby Twp, Michigan United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 21288

Panel:
I know what system he is referring too. It is called the double dual system of control which honestly is a stupid name since they only use three referees. But it is where the AR's have whistles instead of flags. And for a 1/3 of the game each referee takes the center of the field. Colorado and Florida are the only two states I know of that are using that system currently.

Regards,
Andrew Crews

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Andrew, you're correct. I'm sorry I missed that question the first time around. It is most commonly called the 3-whistle (3W) system. Aren't you glad OAA did away with it?

PA also used a 3W system; I don't know if they still have it. Theirs included the mechanic of the referees switching positions about 1/3 and 2/3 of the way through the game!

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Ah, the three ring circus! I remember a good friend of mine who lives in Greeley, CO - having moved there from Texas - noted they used it there. He was a state level ref, and former president of our local HS association, and his comment was the 3W system was the most inefficient, poorly executed, and totally bonkers way to run a game he had ever seen.

I'd have to agree. Duals I can live with - not my favorite, but they work on some level games okay. But the USSF 3 person system is by far the best overall.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Wow! That's without a doubt the stupidest referee system I'm sorry to hear of. The 2 referee system is bad enough but ARs with whistles and everyone gets to play referee for part of the game! What a joke.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

WEll I learned something . That something is good for training not good for game!
Cheers