Question Number: 21288

Character, Attitude and Control 5/5/2009

RE: competitive Under 15

Nick Campbell of Highlands Ranch, Colorado United States of America asks...

My sister played highschool for Thunderridge highschool this spring. For about five years, Colorado has turned to the three man duel system. After watching several games decided by poor refereeing I couldn't help but blame the system. My question is how do you feel about the system and if you believe that it provides a positive or negative effect on the field.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Well, you either have the 3 man system used everywhere in the world except US High School or NCAA or you have the duel system of control with 2 referees with 2 whistles. If you are referring to the 2 man system, I think it's an abomination that has no place in soccer. So does FIFA and USSF.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Nick, it is a DUAL system - 2 persons. A 'duel' system would involve swords or revolvers, and isn't much of a game.

The dual system can work, but both referees must be very familiar with each other's style, have similar experience and they must be able to work as a team. Oh, and they must be really, really fit to do as good a job as a referee with two assistants.

The 3 person system, the diagonal system of control used world wide, is far superior to the dual system. Unfortunately, there are so many high school games and so few referees to do them, that some states are forced to employ the dual. It sucks, but it's a fact.

Why don't you sign up? You obviously care, and have some knowledge of the game - maybe we'll see you someday in the MLS or better!

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Nick a THREE MAN duel system?
Pistols at twenty paces in a triangle?

As my colleagues point out a dual system of two referees with whistles working matches from either half is a by-product of multiple matches and too few referees. I do understand why it is done but I do not particularly like it nor feel it is a s effective as a 3 man diagonal system with a 4th official.

That said the system is ONLY as good as the people working in it! If the referee and ARs are not properly trained, motivated and blessed with a good work effort, understanding of the game, effective mentoring and monitoring the system is immaterial, the results will always be poor.

The learning curve of officials is often very steep and many are thrown into battle ill prepared! This has created the not so good impressions many might take away unaware of the limited experience these officials might have. Just as you take time to develop your skills to become a better player only matches officiated can do the same for an official.

I will grant you there are those who referee with ego or attitude just as there are those who referee with an easy assurance of all is well or those who quake at the thought of making any decisions. No one referees effectively without a backbone or a through grounding in law. Uncompromising in the safety and well being of the players the well rounded referee has compassion for the needs of a match but the courage to do what is required for the match in equal portions! In essence the referees are sympathetic to the match needs and friendly to the players but we are NOT the player's friend! We are NEUTRAL administrators of justice who ensure a competitive match is played within the spirit and meaning of the laws that govern it.

We all have our good days and bad days even as we progress into the realm of thousands of matches played!
We can only call what we see and we unfortunately do not always see everything.

We inspire some as role models, commanding their respect and admiration to take up the whistle

I was inspired to take up the whistle because I thought I could do better then that bozo in the middle!.
Even as it is likely there could be those that did the same because I was their bozo in the middle. Thus even when we irritate we can inspire others to take up the whistle if only to prove they can do it better.

Such is life!
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 21291

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See Question: 21300