2-Ref system will be used for all but the oldest (3 refs) and youngest (1 ref) age groups.  Each referee in 2-Ref system will have a whistle. The “lead” referee only refers to positioning.  Each referee will generally run to their RIGHT, along the touch line from midfield to the goal line. "Lead" is when the ball is in (or on the way to) the referee's half of the field which will also be the "attacking" end. This positioning designation changes back and forth between “lead” and “trail” referee.  The “lead” referee should ALWAYS be even with the second-to-last defender or the ball, whichever is closer to the goal line - ready to judge offsides.  The “trail” referee should be near midfield and perhaps into the attacking half of the field, BUT only as far as they can easily and quickly return to being even with the second-to-last defender on their "lead" half of the field.  Typically, the “trail” official will venture no further than halfway between midfield and the attacking goal line.  “Trail” official’s position will vary and be dependent on level of play and field size.  Each official needs to ALWAYS be positioned to evaluate offsides in their “lead” role.  "Lead" ref may also move from the touch line "into the field" 5-10 yards to better see play in opposite, far corner.  "Trail" partner will look down the touch line for ball going out, but "lead" ref may have a better view of play even from across the field.

Whistles:  Be heard! Your whistle shows your confidence and gives you respect. The players and your partner need to hear it!  The game is primarily controlled by the whistle.  Clarification can be made verbally when necessary; primarily based on level of play.  At the “recreation level,” EVERYONE is still learning! Whistle primarily STOPS play.  Refrain from using whistle to re-start play with the exceptions of: kick off, penalty kick, after substitution is completed (often verbalizing is preferable at this level), or for a "ceremonial" DFK. ("Ceremonial" DFK is after ref has measured 10 yards to help set the defensive "wall" at the request of kicking team.)

Signal with your arm in the direction the team you are awarding the ball to is attacking.  Full arm extension between 90 and 45 degrees.  If it's a Direct Free Kick (DFK), lower your arm after signalling direction.  For Indirect Free Kick (IFK), move your arm from direction to "straight up" holding it up until any player touches the ball after the kicker; then drop your arm.  This signals that now a goal can be scored as the required TWO players have touched the ball from an IFK.

Dissent:  This is ANY "public disagreement" from players, coaches, or spectators that the referee PERCEIVES to be negative or challenging.  Dissent needs to be managed just like fouls: decisively.  Speak ONLY to players and coaches.  “Speak” to spectators through coaches.  Abandon the game if the coaches cannot help with spectators.  The recommended method for handling dissent is, “Ask, tell, remove" - ask to stop, tell to stop or be sent off, remove on subsequent dissent.  Referees will get the FULL support of the league administration when dealing with dissent.  Coaches will know to the program expects “Coaches to bring up their concerns only after the match only with the league referee development director or the program's designee.” Please REPORT all dissent to referee coordinators and development director!

Offside: Be in position!  The “lead” referee should ALWAYS be even with the second-to-last defender or the ball, whichever is closer to the goal line. Whistle for offside infraction AFTER confirming that the player in an offside position has indeed interfered with play, touched the ball, or gained an advantage.  Remember: player's position - being closer to the goal they're attacking than last two defenders (GK usually one) or the ball - AT THE MOMENT the ball is kicked to them from their teammate.  And, they can't be offside if they start in their own defensive half of the field. The player is NOT penalized for offside just by being in an offside position - they have to be "involved" which usually means touching the ball.