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Dual System

Pre-game for soccer referees in the dual system:

  • Head referee outlines the lead and trail directions (left or right).

  • Head referee designates touch line and end line responsibilities for the officiating team.

  • Review proper mechanics and techniques. 

  • If unsure of a call, establish eye contact with each other. 

  • If both referees whistle simultaneously, defer to head referee for call / indication.

  • Referees stress eye contact between officials whenever possible.

  • Recording / time keeping duties and procedures are reviewed.

  • Questions / uncertainties are discussed and cleared up.

  • Decide touch line / end line responsibilities.

  • Referees change sides of field at halftime and lead in the opposite direction

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Match Situations:
PATTERNS OF MOVEMENT:​

  • During the match, each referee has responsibility for one end line and one touchline.

  • As lead referee, move even with the last defender, parallel with the touch line.

  • Pinch in toward the goal as you near the end line. 

  • As trail referee, move with play behind the attack. 

  • Watch for any fouls on or around the ball. 

  • Both referees should try to "box in" players at all times.  

  • Pinch center when and where possible to gain a better view of play.

 

KICK-OFF:

  • Lead referee stands near to even with the second to last defender.

  • Make eye contact with the trail referee.

  • Trail referee should be in position to judge encroachment and proper kick-off.

  • Trail referee (behind the ball) blows the whistle to start.

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SUBSTITUTION:

  • Raise hand (open palm) overhead

  • Sound the whistle and establish eye contact with your partner.

  • Release substitutes according to pre-game agreement.

  • Whistle on restart to be discussed during the pre-game conference (usually referee on the touch line of the team substituting).

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THROW-IN:

  • Indicate direction by raising arm up (with open palm) at 45-degree angle.

  • [Optional] Indicate spot for throw-in.

  • [Optional] Whistle

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GOAL KICK:

  • Signal with arm extended parallel to the ground and pointing to the goal area.

  • Look for the proper placement of ball in the goal area.

  • Then move to the top of the penalty area or even with the second to last defender.  Use judgement based on the players' positions. 

  • Trail referee watches for encroachment, and kick leaving penalty area.

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CORNER KICK:

  • Lead referee signal with arm extended to nearest corner flag.

  • Lead referee takes a position on the end line but off the field at a point in-between the goal post and the outer edge of the penalty area.

  • Lead referee watches for ball placement, encroachment, and kick leaving play.

  • Hold position for possible goal judgement.

  • The trail referee takes a position near the top of the penalty area.

  • The trail referee watches activity in and around the goal mouth and off the ball.

  • Prepare to make judgement on deflections, fouls and unusual situations.

PENALTY KICK:

  • Lead referee takes a position on the goal line, at least six yards from goal.

  • Lead referee serves as goal judge, rules on keeper movement, and taking of the kick. 

  • Trail referee takes a position at the top corner of the penalty area.

  • Trail referee focuses on the kicker and possible encroachment prior to the kick.

  • Trail referee (behind the ball) blows the whistle for the kick.

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AFTER A "GOOD" GOAL:

  • Lead referee signals properly and moves back towards the halfway line while observing player behavior and establishing eye contact with the trail referee.

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AFTER A "PROBLEM" GOAL:

  • (Either or both referees) sound the whistle.

  • Move to the position to indicate and implement the proper restart.

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SHOTS:

  • Lead referee moves with the ball as quickly as possible to the goal line.

  • Anticipate play near the end line (rebounds, off side, fouls, etc.)

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FREE KICK DURING PLAY:

  • After the whistle is sounded to stop play.

  • Lead referee takes a position even with the second to last defender.

  • Trail referee deals with possible encroachment and the restart.

  • Trail referee (behind the ball) blows the whistle for the restart.

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FREE KICK NEAR GOAL that is not a quick restart by the kicking team:

  • Lead referee sets the defensive wall, then takes a position even with the second to last defender, ready for possible end line responsibilities (on a shot or rebound).

  • Trail referee deals with possible encroachment and the restart.

  • Trail referee (behind the ball) blows the whistle for the restart.

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