Over here, we either have NARs appointed, or it is a case of asking somebody from each team to take a flag. One assistant coach from the away team took a flag once, then at kick off, I noticed it was someone else in a tracksuit on tat flag - after twenty minutes, the team call for a sub, the guy drops the flag, strips off and comes on! Rest of that half spent with only one AR!
We are instructed to ONLY ask for in/out from these people so I simply adjust my pre-match chat to the players:
"Look guys, I'm the one calling offsides today in the absence of neutral flags, I'm sure you will understand just how difficult it will be for me to get every call correct, but do bear in mind that I will ALWAYS give any benefit of the doubt to the attacker so just play to the whistle"
During the game, running a 'middle rectangle' rather than a left-wing diagonal gives you a bit more of a workout, and your positioning for free-kicks and corners should also be altered.
Without an AR giving off-side, for free kicks in the attacking third I position myself where I can see the line (not necessarily dead level) but also get a decent view of the players faces.
Corners, I stand just off the pitch, where the 18 yard box meets the goal line, between the kicker and the goal. Allowing me to see the players in the box, and also stay reasonably level with the defenders who are usually on the posts. Soon as kick is taken, step back onto the pitch by a yard but keeping reasonably level with the 2nd last defender.
If you call an off side, and players object, as soon as they realise you are actually in a good position to make the call they generally shut up.
