Question Number: 30179

Mechanics 3/7/2016

RE: JV High School

Derek of Cary, IL USA asks...

I told myself I would never do a dual referee system, but since I have started NHFS games I have had to do this several times. While I prefer a 3-man crew more than dual, I would take dual over being alone (especially with no club linesmen).

What are the goals of a 2-man crew? Where should I focus most of my energy and attention?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Derek
Like all systems the important part is to know and understand what is required and expected of the system. As it is a team system it always helps that referees operate as a team not as individuals.
The system is outlined at the rear of the NFHS Rules booklet and it clearly sets out the roles etc

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Derek,
luckily we have a resident expert on this panel as a senior official within the NHFS ranks, who will give you his professional opinion. I can only suggest you have a good talk with the other official to ascertain if experience and foul level tolerance are close. You get one who is too relaxed , that allows everything to the other guy who is too uptight that calls everything, things are likely to cross wires at some point. Know your strengths and weaknesses, if you are sore, running a third match that afternoon your partner might push hard to cover a bit more ground. Talk over the particulars, get a feel who is more senior but avoid being patronizing or ego orientated. You are two equals, working a match for the benefit of the kids never lose sight of that whether you find your partner agreeable or not.
Read the rule book, find a good mentor and seek out training options. Post game reviews and match reports sort out much over time!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Derek,

In high school play, the focus should be on play around the ball. As I had mentioned previously, this requires the trail official to sometimes have to run from goal line to the penalty area on the opposite end of the field, and sometimes move very quickly to be able to get in a position to cover offside. Please remember that you are a referee, and should be in a position to call play in from your side to the center of the field. You are not an AR who stands near or outside the touchline and just moves fro goal line to midfield. Unfortunately, this sometimes occurs. For information on positioning, movement patterns, sounding a whistle, etc., please see the Dual Officiating System in the NFHS Rules Book, pages 87-93.