On Sunday, I attended a U14 boys premier level game, with two teams that are good enough to be state cup semi-finalists this year. The center, a good but inexperienced 16 year old, showed up, but neither of the ARs did. So, not wanting this game with two pretty skilled teams to go on with only one badged ref and parent linesmen, I donned my kit, and we did a two-man system. This was just the second time I had done it, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. It took me a while to get the positioning right -- when to cheat to the central channel, when to stay wide to touch to anticipate balls out, when to push into the offensive end, and when to position to read the angle on the second-to-last defender (even at this level, it wasn't imperative to stay even ALL the time). Neither of us had any problems with offside calls at all. One of the teams early on was particularly whiny about calls and, as I am sometimes wont to do, I whistled a second time after a foul and one really obnoxious complaint, paused until silence was on the field, and in my loud voice, said, "There will be no lip on ANY calls the ENTIRE game. Is that UNDERSTOOD?" By the way, this had the equally positive effect of keeping the parents quiet for a time, though it was clear that my dictum was directed at the players. After than, and a couple of stern warnings, but not cautions, for some excessive contact, the game got down to an intense physical yet clean contest, which ended in a 1-1 tie, a just result in my view.
Karl, You should be careful about doing games using the two-man in USSF games. It is my understanding that USSF does not sanction it and many leagues expressly forbid it (all the leagues I work in do). When you only have two referees, you're supposed to use 1 club linesman. Being one that is willing to do games in a rural area, this happens now and then. When I am the center on such a game, particularly when I have a good AR like you would be for this center, I would cheat toward the end of the club linesman and rely on my AR on the other end to help with fouls. It winds up being very much like a two-man system, but still legal. Having said that, glad your forray into the world of two-man worked out. When I have refereed high school games (where it's not only legal, but common) with fellow USSF referees, I'm comfortable doing it. When I've had to do it with guys that haven't gone through the USSF clinics, training, assessment, etc., it's no fun because you have guys calling the game differently.
Actually, I've heard that not only does USSF not sanction the use of 2-man, it is explicitly not covered for purposes of insurance, in the event something bad happens, if you were supposed to be doing a traditional DSC game. I used to like 2-man systems when I did H.S. but now I'm finding that I may not work H.S. games next season at all b/c I'm beginning to hate the system so much. It does work well on the occasion that you may have 2 good referees working together but, unfortunately, it also attracts participation by more of the poor referees. Mainly, they know they are able to hide in this system and get by with the minimal amount of exertion. When the ball is not right in front of them, the guys I've worked with often seem to be completely unaware of the play, as though they must only "switch on" when the bal is in their half of the field. Even when there are 2 competent referees, it breeds inconsistency that outweighs any benefit the system may provide.
Hmmm...I went back to the league rules...and here is the appropriate paragraph... 7. Referees must be fully conversant and be able to apply the FIFA laws and accepted practices. Refereeing by any other system, such as that required by the National Federation of State High School Association is not allowed under any circumstances. Note that FIFA laws requires one referee per game, and under FIFA law V.DIB (12) will be fully enforced, will be fully enforced. [sic] I am not quite sure what it means when it reads "DIB (12)." Anyway, this language does not "expressly forbid" a two man system, though clearly the implicit reading would suggest that a two-man system is not allowed. At the youth level, it seems to me the problem with using one ref without TWO badged ARs is not inconsistency of foul calling, but rather inability to call offside consistently. Where I have seen games at this level break down is when a center relies on two parents, or just one badged linesman, and the offside call INEVITABLY gets missed, often leading to goals scored and credited, inappropriately.
I do about half a dozen 2-man games a year. Usually Freshman or JV with another USSF certified, NFHS certified referee. I have had very few problems or complaints from coaches or players. (JV and freshman are usually a lot less intense than varsity.) The trail official usually tracks fairly far upfield and to the center - depending on the likelyhood of a quick counter attack. We've called fouls and penalties near and in the other's area. You start off by trusting your partner and calling what you can see.
I believe it refers to before 1999-2000, when the Laws were rewritten. At that time, a number of IFAB Decisions became part of the actual Laws. So, prior to that time, there were far more IFAB decisions than there are now.