1. Three Person Positioning -Colleen Spiegelhoff -Maggie Walsh
Welcome to our webinar on 3 person positioning.
With playoffs coming up in the next few weeks for some of us and more schools wanting 3 officials on these games, we offer this review of the 3 person positioning and responsibilities.
With this presentation, Colleen and I have hopefully covered the topics you need to review as a 3 person crew.
The 3 person system has special challenges that are not seen in the 2 person system.
Three Person Positioning -Colleen Spiegelhoff -Maggie Walsh

2. Purpose Three Person System
Enhances officials ability to ensure Safe and Fair competition.
Provides better opportunities for officials to see space between opponents.
Allows the officiating team to see the game from multiple and changing angles.
The purpose of using three person officiating crews is to add another dimension of field coverage to the game, and therefore make the game s
Safer

3. C A B 2-Person vs. 3-Person TABLE Trail Lead
In the two-person system, Lead and Trail basically split the field in half (lengthwise) and overlap in the middle third of the field. When play is in the CSA, Lead is responsible for on-ball calls for most of the area and Trail generally covers off-ball fouls.
In the three-person system, coverage is further defined.
A or B serve as Lead for their end of the field when ball is in the CSA and a deep trail in the opposite end. In this situation on the slide, A is the Lead. C serves as a “second lead” and picks up the ball when it is on her side of the CSA.
C will be off ball( or a ‘second trail’) when the ball is on Leads side of the Arc .
B is the Deep Trail here and she is responsible for off-ball fouls.
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4. Three Positions A B C Leads to her RIGHT side
Trails the ball going to her left
Signals the goal to her RIGHT
The three positions you will rotate through in a three person game are the following. Let’s take a look at the A position
Here are her basic assignments.

5. C A B 3 Person System TABLE Let’s get rid of B and C for now.
Position A will lead to right as in normal 2 person system.
And will serve as deep trail when ball goes to the B end of the field.
This should be familiar as this is the same assignments in the 2 person system.
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6. Trails the ball going to her right Signals the goal to her LEFT
Three Positions
A B C
Leads to her RIGHT side
Leads to her LEFT side
Trails the ball going to her left
Trails the ball going to her right
Signals the goal to her RIGHT
Signals the goal to her LEFT
B will have the same assignments as A, but will do these assignments going to her LEFT.

7. C A B 3 Person System TABLE OK let’s work with B
Position B will lead to LEFT
And will serve as deep trail when ball goes to the A end of the field.
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8. Three Positions A B C Leads to her RIGHT side Leads to her LEFT side
Is both a Second Trail and a Second Lead
Trails the ball going to her left
Trails the ball going to her right
Escorts in transition
Signals the goal to her RIGHT
Signals the goal to her LEFT
Takes all Draws
Now C has different assignments.
She is a ‘second Lead’ and a ‘second trail.’

9. C A B 3 Person System TABLE Lets eliminate the A and B for now.
C will conduct all the draws and will act as a SECOND LEAD and second trail in both CSA’s at both ends of the field.
C will escort the ball down the field while A and B are adjusting to the direction of play.
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10. Good 3 Person Positioning leads to …
Seeing the big picture vs. the small picture
Better game management
More thorough foul recognition
Because we are working as a unit of 3 and not 2, We will see more fouls simply because we have more eyes on the game.
Seeing the big picture will help us determine, not just the play at the ball, but the next possible play and be prepared.
We also have opportunities to better manage the game.

11. Small Picture vs. Big Picture
Empty?
Empty? Stick on body?
Stick behind her?
Big Picture is Your focus as a single official. The Bigger Picture should give you a wider view of the action around the ball .
Notice the difference between the width of vision and game coverage on each picture. On the left, the official is focused on the ball and the two players.
On the right, the official can see a wider frame and has better understanding of what the player with the ball is doing but also what a wide range of players around her are doing.
And with an additional set of eyes, we as a crew can add even more visual space and help with the play around the ball.
Our bigger picture here demonstrates that while one official is on-ball , the other will be able to see those off ball fouls that might be overlooked/missed in the 2 person system.
Big Picture
Small Picture

12. C calls entire sideline and helps Lead with
Boundaries
C calls entire sideline and helps Lead with
“coffin corner” C A B
C will have the entire sideline on the far side of the field and will assist each Lead with the ‘coffin corner’ (where the endline meets the sideline on C’s side)
The Lead (A or B) will have the end boundary on her lead end of the field as well as share the side boundary on her side of the field.
The Deep Trail (A or B) will be responsible to move to the boundary to assist the Lead with calls deep in the Lead’s end and headed to the side boundary. If the Deep Trail moves to cover this call, the Lead can stay in closer proximity to the goal and be in position to make a call should a quick pass put the ball in the CSA.
B call this
end line
A calls
this end line
B calls this boundary
A call this boundary
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13. The Draw
X O C
“Circle players wait for the whistle and RL players wait for the possession”
C always administers the draw.
A and B are watching both the players on the circle for early entry or off-ball fouls and the players on the restraining line who cannot cross until officials signal “possession.”
As you know form the two-person system, it is a lot to manage. But the additional set of eyes on the field makes it much easier!
There are times when A and B may need to discuss who is watching which players on the circle. The players may set up closer to B, for example, but A may have a better angle to see between players and make a call for an off-ball foul.
DITTO!! B A

14. C will restart illegal draws
Restarting Play
C will restart illegal draws C
X O XG OG
C will restart all illegal draws. If one team draws illegally, C will set up the free position and will restart play with the whistle. What if both players draw illegally? Where does the ball go for the restart? C will call time out and administer a re-draw.
What if a push occurs at the restraining line? Where is the restart? Any fouls during the draw are set up at the spot of the ball.
As you know, If the Red team draws illegally, but the Blue team commits a push foul on the circle at the same time, the fouls offset. The alternate possession takes place at the spot of the ball. The direction the ball is heading will determine who restarts play. B A

15. Restarting Play C A B C will restart play in their third of the field
Ogk
Xgk
X O
Let’s discuss restarting play in the midfield.
C will restart play in her third of the field (lengthwise).
C will set up the free position and be even with the ball to restart play and then escort the ball down the field.
In this situation, C will set up the foul and give A the opportunity to get ahead of play and have the play transition towards her, into her CSA. C will then restart play.
B should begin to get a count for [players over the Restraining line to be sure no one from the Attack team goes offsides or that the defenders pressuring the ball go offsides. B will follow behind play. A B
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16. Restarting Play
A and B will “RELEASE” each other on their third of the field C OG XG
X O
When fouls occur on the A/B side in transition, the new Trail should come up and release the lead. This procedure is used on fouls in the midfield as well as sideline boundaries calls.
In this situation, A has made the call. When B moves in to restart play headed toward A’s end of the field, A gives the pertinent information to B (Player fouled, # of player to go behind) and then moves toward the CSA to get in position to receive the play.
The C official in this scenario should have a player count for the offsides. If A and B are focused on ball and the ball is transitioning into one end or the other, C should pick up the restraining line responsibilities. A B

17. In the middle of the field…It Depends
Restarting Play
In the middle of the field…It Depends C
Which direction?
Where are the players?
How have the teams been playing? XG OG
X O
Ball is center for restart. Who does the restart? As you have heard us all say countless times, it depends!
Ask yourself these questions:
Where is the ball is going? Is it coming towards you or moving away from you?
How are the other players positioned? Move to be in position to see the ball and see between the players prior to the restart.
How have the teams been playing? If it is very physical game, you may need to stay closer to play to catch on body fouls, checks in the sphere, etc.
Again, depending on which way the ball is heading, the Trail and C need to be aware of the restraining line count and be prepared to call offsides, if necessary. A B

18. In the middle of the field, C may “release”
Restarting Play
In the middle of the field, C may “release” C XG OG
X O
Once we decide which way play is going, C may look to B and be able to release the restart to B and get a bit ahead for her to ESCORT the ball down field.
Of course, this may also apply when the ball is going in the other direction. In that case, A and C will make the decision.
The RELEASE of the restart does not need to be a lengthy discussion. The officials will make eye contact and let each other know, either by a subtle point towards your partner (saying you have it) or a subtle pat to your own chest (saying I have it) who will restart. Communication should be quick so play can restart. B A
B will restart

19. C A B ARCS OF MOVEMENT Gk Now we are down with play inside the CSA!
Note the arcs of movement on the slide: This is the ‘General’ movement of the official at each position. They will of course move in RELATION to the location of the ball!
Note that C will cover FSG and A is off-ball while B Lead is on a High Tangent
(Click and the movement will be demonstrated.)
Now A will cover FSG and C is off-ball while B Lead is on a Low Tangent
Each official’s responsibilities may change when the ball moves within the CSA. For example: the FSG call will move from C’s responsibility to A’s responsibility as the ball moves across the CSA. Gk

20. Umpire Triangle C B A Ball stays in “triangle” between officials.
As ball moves, officials move! C XG
The general positioning of the officiating team inside this third of the field (at each end).. B will adjust from a HIGH to LOW tangent. While A and C will move to cover FSG and off-ball fouls while making sure there are eyes down the middle of the arc.
In the next slides, note where the ball is and how the triangle changes shape and the area it encloses. B
X O A

21. Umpire Triangle C
The size of the triangle changes as play progresses. XG A
X O
The Size of the triangle is dependent on the way the teams are playing. If they are playing tight to the CSA the triangle is smaller. Follow the ball and then look at the triangle. B

22. Umpire Triangle C
Wider play (ball out towards sidelines or out of CSA) creates a bigger triangle. XG A
X O
If the teams play a very wide attack the triangle will be larger.
Note that A is covering the middle of the arc while C is on-ball.
B has moved to a higher tangent B

23. Umpire Triangle C B A Play dictates how the triangle moves.
Officials should work to keep the ball in the triangle. C XG
The triangle will shift based on where the ball is on the field.
Make sure the middle of the arc is covered as demonstrated by the movement of C and A as the ball moves across the arc.
‘A’ here is responsible for FSG. B
X O A

24. Umpire Triangle C A B Lead Official (B) adjusts to ball.
C and Deep Trail (A) adjust relative to the ball and each other. C XG
You will note that the Lead is adjusting to the ball, the Deep trail (A) and C are adjusting relative to the ball and each other.
As we go though the slides again, Let’s look at the movement of the triangle and the ball.
Is the middle of the arc covered in each situation?
Is the Lead moving correctly in relation the ball? A B
X O

25. WARNING Positioning is based on changing play rather than
We must be clear that there is not one spot that you have to always be, IT DEPENDS.
This WARNING SYMBOL will be seen on other slides- this means IT DEPENDS and positions and responsibilities demonstrated on this presentation may FLEX according to live play. Here we are giving you the general locations and duties.
“X DOES NOT MARK THE SPOT!”
Positioning is based on changing play rather than
being in particular places on the field
X does NOT mark the spot

26. Areas of Coverage in the CSA
DEEP TRAIL C
WARNING
Now let’s discuss Areas of Coverage in the CSA
Lead is in pink – on-ball here. C is off-ball but is “ball aware” and ready to pick up the ball should it transition to C’s side. And Deep Trail is off-ball.
We should emphasize that there are no lines on the field that says “this is where you stop looking!” Areas of coverage can and should overlap in the three-person system.
IT DEPENDS on where the ball is in the CSA!
LEAD

27. RESPONSIBILITIES DEEP TRAIL C LEAD Shooting Space
DFT/DP/Fouls after shot
Hold/Detain
Illegal Picks
3 Seconds
Restraining Line
Hold/Detain
Illegal Picks
3 seconds
DFT/DP/fouls after the shot RL
DEEP TRAIL C
Each official has specific responsibilities with each changing position of the ball is in the CSA.
As we go though the next slide, pay particular attention to the underlined responsibilities!!!
That warning sign again --- IT DEPENDS! Where is the ball? Where are the players? A lot to consider when officiating the CSA!
LEAD
On ball fouls
Goal Circle
Fouls After the shot

28. Responsibilities and Priority Shift
On ball fouls
Shooting Space
DFT/DP/Fouls after shot
Hold/Detain
Illegal Picks
3 Seconds
Goal Circle RL
Hold/Detain
Illegal Picks
3 seconds
DFT/DP/Fouls after shot RL
DEEP TRAIL C
Hold/Detain
3 Seconds
Illegal Picks
Goal/Goal Circle
On ball fouls
LEAD
When the ball moves to C’s side, responsibilities and priorities shift.
Who is on-ball?
While C and Lead are both listed as ON-BALL, note that it is on the top of C’s list and the bottom of Lead’s list. Also note that these responsibilities may vary a bit, depending on the play. If offense is stacking players on C’s side, for instance, C may be in the best position to see an off-ball pick and make that call.
If the ball is in the middle of the arc, officials will shift to maintain the triangle and cover the CSA. Depending on the ball’s movement (towards C’s side or towards Lead’s side), fouls in the middle and above the CSA can be covered by C or Deep Trail.
Another warning here --- these responsibilities are not written in stone. We all help each other! If one of us is drawn into an unusual situation, our partners are there to cover and help us get it right!

29. Restarts inside the Restraining lineC
Another coordination between 3 officials is who will restart play in an attacking end of the field?
Restarts for end line boundary and fouls below the goal line extended are generally the responsibility of the LEAD Gk B
End line and most restarts
Below the Goal Line Extended will be the Lead

30. Restarts inside the RL, A/B sideline
The Deep Trail (A) will cover the sideline when play is inside the RL C A
In settled play inside the Restraining Line, the Deep Trail will cover the side boundary, both making the call and possibly restarting play.
Eye contact with the Lead is important to determine if the Lead is ready and possibly wants to do the restart.
Eye contact is always necessary with all officials to determine readiness. Gk B

31. Restarts inside the Restraining line
C will cover this sideline and some restarts in this third A C B
C will restart play in her general third of the field inside the Restraining Line, including her sideline..
Again always make eye contact with the Lead before you restart or to see if the Lead wants to take the restart. Gk

32. Restarts inside the CSA
Generally, the Lead will restart play A C B
(click to bounce the ball in )
Inside the CSA ,the Lead will restart play.
Always check(eye contact) with your partners before you restart anywhere on the field. Gk

33. Calls/Restarts in the Coffin Corner
Lead and C will work together to cover the “coffin corner,” based on players’ locations A C
Which way are we going?
Other players?
See spaces?
The coffin corner is a tricky space on the field where officials need to work together to make the call and restart the play. In the pregame, officials can discuss which official has the best look between players to make a call if necessary.
Restarting in the coffin corner depends on which way the ball is going. If the ball is staying with the attack player, the (B)lead may want to start that play. If the ball is awarded to the defender and therefore is now heading up field, the B may want to start that play also so C can move up field to “take” the RL from A.
Look to each other before you assume it is/isn’t your responsibility. Gk B

34. Three Person Officiating Summary
General Positioning (A, B, C)
Boundary Coverage
The Draw
Restarting Play in the Midfield
Arcs of Movement around CSA/Umpire Triangle
CSA Responsibilities
Restarts in the CSA
As you have seen, there are numerous changes when you go from a two-person to a three-person system.
Your positioning, areas of coverage, and general role in the game are all constantly changing. You need to be clear as to your responsibilities as A, B or C and know how those responsibilities shift as play progresses.

35. Three Person Pre-game How does this change from Two Person?
Shared Areas
In the CSA, 8M, Between C and Trail
Communicating to each other
Before starting, After goals, players down
Coach Communication
Pre-game, Halftime/TO, Unruly coach(es)
Based on what you now know about the 3 person system, how is the pregame different than the 2 person game?
Some topics remain the same (communication, coach interaction, for example ) while others are specific to the 3-person system.
A good 3-person pregame covers A LOT! You need to discuss Shared Areas of Coverage, Communication between officials and Communication with the Coaches.

36. Three Person Pre-game Shared Areas of Coverage The Draw In the CSA
Between C and Trail
Off Ball Responsibilities
Counting proper # of players before draw, players on circle, RL early entry, substitutions
Assistance with FPs, false starts, end line coverage
Discussion on Shared Areas of Coverage includes:
The Draw
Who is counting proper number of players for each team?
Who is watching players on the circle? Monitoring early entry, substitutions?
In the CSA
How are we helping with FPs?
Handling false starts – flag? Or immediate Whistle?
Endline coverage in the coffin corner – how much help do you want from C?
Between C and Trail
Be clear on how to manage play near the restratining line – who will pick up ball? Who will watch the line for offsides?
Middle of the arc coverage – how are we managing shooting space right down the middle?
And finally, Off ball fouls
In transition – who is watching off ball?
How Deep Trail will help on FP set ups
Off ball play in the CSA
Restraining line coverage, middle of the arc coverage
In transition, help on FP set ups, CSA play

37. Three Person Pre-game Communication Between Partners
Managing Midfield Play
Eye Contact
Boundary Coverage
Restraining line
Off-Ball Responsibilities
Double whistles, restarts in shared areas
Restarts (especially in the CSA), Boundary calls, fouls during/after the shot
Communication between partners is crucial in the three-person system!
Managing Midfield Play
What do we do with double whistles? How do we communicate who restarts in shared areas?
Discuss Need for Eye Contact
Restarts, Boundary calls, fouls after the shot – check in with each other before we restart play!
Boundary Coverage
Deep Trail getting wide to handle sideline calls so Lead can stay closer to the CSA
Restraining Line
How to hand off the line, who does what for setting up offsides fouls
And Off-Ball Responsibilities
Making sure the important information is conveyed
Deep Trail covers side boundary in attacking end of the field
The “pick up/hand off ” between C and Deep Trail, setting up offside fouls
Transfer of information for 3 seconds, off-ball fouls in the CSA

38. Three Person Pre-game Coach Communication Stick Check Requests
who performs it?
Questions during play
Unruly coaches
Game/Clock awareness
Who performs it?
Working as a team to respond, share information
It is also very important to have a discussion about how we are communicating with the coaches
Stick Check Requests
Who performs it?
If questions during play
How and when to respond
If we have a problem with a coach
Share any warnings given, discuss efficient card administration
And finally, Game/Clock awareness
Making sure calls are consistent and we are using cards effectively, and following proper procedures for injuries, time outs and overtime.
Warning/carding procedure
Discussing rough play, upgrading cards, injuries (no coaching), OT procedures

39. “Work together to get it right!”
3 Person System
“Work together to get it right!”
Patty Daley C B A
Now you have learned the basics of the three-person system. And once you work the 3-person system, you never want to go back!
As they say…
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