IMO - you cannot ref a HS game with only 2 refs. Well at least at the 3A and 4A levels. The players are too big and fast at the varsity levels. At the varsity level you have the crafty club players and then some thugs both of which will push the rules. The 3rd ref does help with discipline during the game. Yes the 3 man system is not perfect but neither is the World Cup. Just ask Ireland after Henry!
In the first scenario it appears that the center ref did his job and if he doesn't get help I consider that part of the game. I would venture to bet that very few offsides calls were questioned during the game. I would rather a ref not make a call if he didn't see it then make a "I think" call. The 3rd ref should put the AR and center ref in position to make the calls. That is all we can ask of these humanoids!
The second scenario is just not understanding the rules.
