[quicksand]

I couldn't find a thread about it, so I'll post a new thread.

Yesterday I was informed I would be working in a 2 referee system all year due to a shortage of officials.

What do I need to know about doing this? Especially positioning and the like.

[Alberto]

Evil! Evil! Two man system. Okay, I understand a lot of leagues do this even though the USSF frowns on it. Also, you can't use the match for your game count.

Ask if you can get paired with someone that shares the same philosophy as you. Consistency is the biggest problem with the two man system, so if you can be paired with someone that thinks like you it will be of benefit to the players and yourself.

The two man system in my view breeds passiveness in refereeing. Try to stay close to the play and remember with this system you have the added responsibility of judging offside so many times the issue will be of responsibility for foul calls in your half when the ball is deep into the attacking third of the field. In my view the transition of the attck into the middle of the field is the gap in this system of control. Furthermore, the offside calls are going to be more difficult since you won't always be even with the next to last defender.

[MassachusettsRef]

Originally posted by Alberto
Also, you can't use the match for your game count.

Maybe a minor point to some, but you're also no longer insured by USSF when you work a 2-man system (if this, is, indeed, a USSF match).

I have no problem with this thread for helping quicksand with the intricacies of the two-man system. But, if this is going to become another long-winded thread on the merits of it viz-a-viz the DSC, can it be closed when it does? Or at least merged with the 4AR thread (where there has been relatively good discussion). I just don't think we need another thread on that topic if that's the turn that this one takes.

[pkCrouse]

Quicksand, you may want to get a copy of the NFHS rule book for soccer. ($6.50 from www.nfhs.org last time I checked.) It has a section in the back that gives some guidance on positioning and responsibilities using the dual system. Unfortunately, NFHS prohibits anyone from reproducing the text online.

Some folks make the transition from the diagonal system to the dual system with little problem. For others, it takes quite a bit of practice before they become comfortable. A few just can't seem to find a way to share the whistle with a partner. In a sense, you alternate back and forth between being the center and assistant referee. As lead, you focus primarily on the action around the ball while also keeping an eye on offside infractions. As trail, you should focus more on action away from the ball and try to help your partner with incidents in the coffin corner. It is more art than science, but then isn't that the case with all officiating?

Alberto gives you the best advice that any of us could give, which is to try to get yourself paired with someone who shares your "vision" of the game. It certainly cuts down on embarrassing situations, like when the lead is signaling advantage only to have the trail blowing the whistle half a second later. I agree wholeheartedly with MassRef that we shouldn't let this thread degenerate into (another) debate about the merits or evils of the dual system. Quicksand is looking for help on how to adjust to a system that he apparently had no say in choosing.

[Greyhnd00]

Originally posted by MassachusettsRef
Maybe a minor point to some, but you're also no longer insured by USSF when you work a 2-man system (if this, is, indeed, a USSF match).

I have never had occasion to use the Oft tauted "insurance" that we are supposedly covered by but I do have a referee friend in the DC area who was assaulted some years ago and as a result had to have reconstructive shoulder injury. According to him, USSF would not cover him. Anyone have any experiences with this issue?

[Greyhnd00]

I would also point out that the communiication between the two referees need to be good for this system to work better(I dont like it either)
Particularly with respect to advantage you have to be diligent to signal AND/OR call "advantage so you counterpart knows that you are playing advantage and havent missed a call.
For me, consistancy isnt the main issue it is the inability to get in the middle of the field and work with the players to control the game..........and besides if I dont think THREE is enough, you know what Im gonna say about two.

[Claymore]

Originally posted by Greyhnd00
I have never had occasion to use the Oft tauted "insurance" that we are supposedly covered by but I do have a referee friend in the DC area who was assaulted some years ago and as a result had to have reconstructive shoulder injury. According to him, USSF would not cover him. Anyone have any experiences with this issue?

Was your friend working a USSF-sanctioned match? Some of the men's leagues in this area aren't affiliated.

[Greyhnd00]

Originally posted by Claymore


Was your friend working a USSF-sanctioned match? Some of the men's leagues in this area aren't affiliated.

He claimed he was although I dont remember the name of the league. We worked alot together before I moved and we both madde it a point to only work sanctioned games........as you know, there is so much work in that area that you dont need to do anything you dont want to.

[billf]

Originally posted by Greyhnd00
I have never had occasion to use the Oft tauted "insurance" that we are supposedly covered by but I do have a referee friend in the DC area who was assaulted some years ago and as a result had to have reconstructive shoulder injury. According to him, USSF would not cover him. Anyone have any experiences with this issue?

I think the USSF is liability insurance, not medical insurance. I belive it's supposed to cover you if you are sued in connection with a match incident.

[Alberto]

Originally posted by billf


I think the USSF is liability insurance, not medical insurance. I belive it's supposed to cover you if you are sued in connection with a match incident.

That's exactly what's it there for. Check on your registration renewal form. There should be a copy of the certificate of insurance.