Finally...

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

The 3-person system provides a better product, than the 2-person system all factors being equal.
Yet what happens when these factors aren't? It really matters which individuals fill the slots.

If there are three physically fit and well-trained officials working, then that system will work well. However, if one of the crew members is unfit or lacking in proper knowledge of rules, positioning, or judgment then this will cause a real mess. The other two partners will be depending upon this person to handle his coverage area and when he doesn't, the call will be missed or made incorrectly.
In fact, if there aren't enough quality officials to staff the 3-person system for the games in a league or area, then 2-person with two quality individuals will actually provide a better result.
There is no question that objectively the 3-person system is theoretically better, but the subjective factors will play a much larger role in determining the quality of the outcome in real world practice.

True, but you can't get to the better product of a 3-man game without some growing pains. Do it now, and your better product will be there in two or three years. Wait longer, and the entire process is delayed.

[JetMetFan]

Originally Posted by Adam

True, but you can't get to the better product of a 3-man game without some growing pains. Do it now, and your better product will be there in two or three years. Wait longer, and the entire process is delayed.

Agreed. If two of the three officials know three-person and the third person is a decent official, you'll be okay. If the argument against doing it in the regular season is not enough people know how then how is anyone supposed to learn? A couple of scrimmages in the preseason isn't enough and neither is a few times during camps in the summer.

As for guys who wouldn't want to do three-person GV because of the quality did it ever dawn on them that's the place to get practice?

[JRutledge]

You will never have a great system if you never have people work it. So since the biggest games of the year will be in the post season, then schools, conferences or tournaments would be better served to have many 3 person games the entire season. It tooks us a few years for everyone to feel comfortable when we changed in the late 90s. Now you almost never have to talk about basics and we can just officiate games even when you work with people you have never worked with previously.

Peace