Busy Weekend

First things first, well done to Fat Lad who passed his fitness test this morning with Mr H beating him around the last lap with a stick. Commiserations to JP who didn't pass but has another chance in a couple of months. I'm sure he'll be fine when the time comes.

My weekend has been filled with the trials and tribulations of helping out one of my coachees from a course earlier this year. He contacted me asking for help refereeing a tournament but didn't explain it was a youth tournament (U7-U16s boys, girls and mixed teams). I spent all of yesterday morning looking after the U10s and even had the honour of looking after the final.

In the afternoon, I started looking after the U12s but switched to the U13s. I had a few breaks for food and water - especially important because of the heat. There was the usual disagreements between players and the occasional one between coaches and match officials, but it was a very good day.

This morning I was asked to look after the U16s and was sharing responsibility with another referee. He started the first game but before I could get going I was asked to look after a couple of exhibition games between U7s. It was great fun and the players were really doing their best.

Soon I switched to the U16 games and they were a very different prospect. Some high octane football was being played but it was generally enjoyable. I had some challenging situations to manage but nothing I hadn't seen before. Eventually I was asked to look after the final and the hosts were narrowly defeated by another local side.

I then took charge of one of the U15 semi finals before making my way home. I feel slightly crispy around the edges as the sun didn't relent today, so I now have a referee's tan ... including my obligatory sunburnt head. Less than 7 days to my Instructors Course and less than 3 weeks to the international youth tournament that I regard as the proper start to my season - can't wait!