I posted last night about my season finishing with a late pickup of a game on Tuesday after the appointed referee didn't turn up and the Ref Appts Sec was on holiday in Ibiza.
He's back home now and one of the referees for the 3 remaining games in the local Sunday League has been taking advantage of the good weather to get some golf in. That wasn't a problem until he either stood on a ball or was hit by one which left him with a bruised foot/ankle meaning he can't do his game on Sunday, so with nothing riding on the game, I'm looking after my 2nd Premier Division in 5 days (and 2 1/2 years if I'm honest).
There are no more games left after Sunday and football shuts down on June 1st (apart from the administrators and international competitions), so this really will be my last game of the season.
Showing posts with label Games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Games. Show all posts
Friday, 25 May 2012
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Game 18
I woke up early and felt every single muscle in my legs complain as I climbed into a warm bath after breakfast consisting of 2 weetabix and 4 slices of wholemeal bread toasted. My whole lower body is feeling the pace because of the constant jarring as I run on the ground which is harder than it usually is at this time of year.
Despite losing a considerable amount of weight in the last year, the battering my hamstrings, calves, pelvis and feet have taken has been unprecedented and has contributed to a decision I made after this morning's game. I am taking a break from all training for a couple of weeks. I have a game on Wednesday, another on Thursday, another on Saturday and finally another on Sunday which will take my number for the season to 26 including my non-competitive games. It took me 3 weeks longer to get to that number last season and 6 weeks the previous season.
I am hoping that the break from training and the break from games in two weeks when we attend a friend's wedding, will allow me to mentally and physically recuperate. The mental side is just a break from the routine of training, meeting, training, instructing, training, game and another game I have been running through for the last two months. With the prospect of no breaks from work until Christmas, the wedding couldn't have been better timed.
I've just booked another break when buying some tickets for Glastonbury 2010. Having not attended the Leeds Festival this year, I was beginning to suffer from canvas withdrawal symptoms! In June next year I will have 5 days in a tent at the 40th anniversary Glasto!
So to today's game which was in the County Sunday Cup. The secretary had struggled to get directions to me as her map wouldn't copy into an e-mail and her letter had gotten lost in the post. I phoned and asked for directions and was given the name of a pub local to the ground. What she failed to tell me was that I was actually going to be changing at Bradford Park Avenue and the game was on a field backing on to their stadium!
The field was freshly cut but the mower had chopped up quite a few drinks cans and bottles, leaving the surface dangerous for the players. I spent a good 15-20 minutes picking up pieces of debris and the home manager made a wry comment about my hard work before kick off. As for kick off, we had to have two attempts as the ball was played backwards on the first attempt.
The home team seemed to settle slowly and the away team pressed them hard which was surprising bearing in mind their current progress in their relative leagues. Suddenly within a 15 minute period, the home team had struck three times to establish a solid lead. Frustration got the better of the away team right back and he made a reckless challenge, jumping into the tackle and collecting the game's first caution. He argued his case and I was grateful for his captain's unsolicited intervention who helped to calm him.
Within a minute, the home team's right midfielder made an almost identical challenge and showed no surprise when he collected the game's second and final caution. His manager wasn't as understanding until I spoke loudly to the player, explaining that his challenge had been identical to the previous one which was cautioned. He then, a little reluctantly, acknowledged that I was demonstrating the one thing that many club officials demand ... consistency.
I had three more incidents of note. The first two came when I awarded goal kicks to the home team and the away team claimed they had deserved a corner. The third was when I was convinced a corner had been conceded by the away team and signalled the same. The players however turned around and set up for a goal kick. It reminded me of the need to wait and see instead of firing from the hip. I'm not convinced I could have worked harder as I was already inside the penalty area for all three incidents.
With little more to talk about in the first half I went to take my drink, which I'd left by the away team's club officials. While there I heard a female spectator complain that the home team were getting a lot of help and she made a stage nod towards me ... gave me a chuckle.
The home team were slow out of the blocks again and then they struck twice more, the second of which was a double deflection own goal. With the game completely beyond their grasp at 5-0 some teams would have wilted, but the away team put up a spirited fight but conceded another 2 goals. I found the pace of the game was slowing but with no training this week, I kept pushing myself to get into corners, penalty areas and to chase down through balls so I could be convincing when awarding goal kicks or corner kicks. At the final whistle, with weary limbs, I accepted the thanks from both teams and hobbled off to the shower. Calories 1366, max hr 89%, average 73%.
This is my 6th straight game which I have really enjoyed. It balances out the difficult game I had before this run.
Despite losing a considerable amount of weight in the last year, the battering my hamstrings, calves, pelvis and feet have taken has been unprecedented and has contributed to a decision I made after this morning's game. I am taking a break from all training for a couple of weeks. I have a game on Wednesday, another on Thursday, another on Saturday and finally another on Sunday which will take my number for the season to 26 including my non-competitive games. It took me 3 weeks longer to get to that number last season and 6 weeks the previous season.
I am hoping that the break from training and the break from games in two weeks when we attend a friend's wedding, will allow me to mentally and physically recuperate. The mental side is just a break from the routine of training, meeting, training, instructing, training, game and another game I have been running through for the last two months. With the prospect of no breaks from work until Christmas, the wedding couldn't have been better timed.
I've just booked another break when buying some tickets for Glastonbury 2010. Having not attended the Leeds Festival this year, I was beginning to suffer from canvas withdrawal symptoms! In June next year I will have 5 days in a tent at the 40th anniversary Glasto!
So to today's game which was in the County Sunday Cup. The secretary had struggled to get directions to me as her map wouldn't copy into an e-mail and her letter had gotten lost in the post. I phoned and asked for directions and was given the name of a pub local to the ground. What she failed to tell me was that I was actually going to be changing at Bradford Park Avenue and the game was on a field backing on to their stadium!
The field was freshly cut but the mower had chopped up quite a few drinks cans and bottles, leaving the surface dangerous for the players. I spent a good 15-20 minutes picking up pieces of debris and the home manager made a wry comment about my hard work before kick off. As for kick off, we had to have two attempts as the ball was played backwards on the first attempt.
The home team seemed to settle slowly and the away team pressed them hard which was surprising bearing in mind their current progress in their relative leagues. Suddenly within a 15 minute period, the home team had struck three times to establish a solid lead. Frustration got the better of the away team right back and he made a reckless challenge, jumping into the tackle and collecting the game's first caution. He argued his case and I was grateful for his captain's unsolicited intervention who helped to calm him.
Within a minute, the home team's right midfielder made an almost identical challenge and showed no surprise when he collected the game's second and final caution. His manager wasn't as understanding until I spoke loudly to the player, explaining that his challenge had been identical to the previous one which was cautioned. He then, a little reluctantly, acknowledged that I was demonstrating the one thing that many club officials demand ... consistency.
I had three more incidents of note. The first two came when I awarded goal kicks to the home team and the away team claimed they had deserved a corner. The third was when I was convinced a corner had been conceded by the away team and signalled the same. The players however turned around and set up for a goal kick. It reminded me of the need to wait and see instead of firing from the hip. I'm not convinced I could have worked harder as I was already inside the penalty area for all three incidents.
With little more to talk about in the first half I went to take my drink, which I'd left by the away team's club officials. While there I heard a female spectator complain that the home team were getting a lot of help and she made a stage nod towards me ... gave me a chuckle.
The home team were slow out of the blocks again and then they struck twice more, the second of which was a double deflection own goal. With the game completely beyond their grasp at 5-0 some teams would have wilted, but the away team put up a spirited fight but conceded another 2 goals. I found the pace of the game was slowing but with no training this week, I kept pushing myself to get into corners, penalty areas and to chase down through balls so I could be convincing when awarding goal kicks or corner kicks. At the final whistle, with weary limbs, I accepted the thanks from both teams and hobbled off to the shower. Calories 1366, max hr 89%, average 73%.
This is my 6th straight game which I have really enjoyed. It balances out the difficult game I had before this run.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Game 17
Picking myself up from the disappointment of last night wasn't too hard and I set off early for my trip to Halifax for the 1st round of the County FA Challenge Cup.
I had refereed at the same ground in the 2nd round last season and remember being very dissatisfied with my performance (reading back on the match report I had suffered from a virus during the week before the game). The clubs must have felt the same and that, coupled with my match report disappearing into the e-mail system probably contributed to my not being appointed to any further games from the County FA during the rest of the season.
I was determined not to make the same mistakes again and despite the foul weather I arrived in good time, got ready and headed out for an elongated warm-up. I noted the surface was greasy, wet and covered in freshly mown grass - surely a fast game was in prospect. Well the weather had other ideas and the strong wind seemed to constantly change direction making it difficult for the players (and me!) to read play.
Eventually the home team scored and went 3-0 up with only 30 minutes played. I had also disallowed a goal for offside and the away team, already struggling without any substitutes were suffering from a few knocks. One of these "knocks" came from a foul challenge and when I pulled the player out for a chat, he must have expected a caution. Instead I decided to exercise some "management" in my match control and it worked. I had two or three more similar situations in the game and all turned out well for me.
The away team scored what turned out to be their only goal to make it 3-1 at half time. The level of respect and response form both teams was absolutely unparalleled in any of the previous 350 or so games I had previously been involved in. Shortly after the start of the second half I awarded the most obvious kick from the penalty mark ever as two defenders made two of those ridiculous 5 a side sweeping reverse challenges.
I then had to deal with something which has only happened twice in 10 years of refereeing. The away team had a goal kick and it was played out towards the corner of the penalty area. As an attacker ran towards the ball, a defender also ran towards it, into the penalty area and then turned to kick the ball upfield ... it hadn't left the penalty area directly and therefore wasn't in play. It was time for a re-take.
The home team added another 4 goals without reply after that and the final scored was 8-1. In between times I had to manage a player who believed he had been the subject of a "two footed challenge", another who had wrecked his knee in the first half in making a brave challenge and the acrobatics of the home goalkeeper.
Back at their pub, I was happy to get some warm food inside me and then head on home.
Calories 1344, max hr 87%, average 71%
I had refereed at the same ground in the 2nd round last season and remember being very dissatisfied with my performance (reading back on the match report I had suffered from a virus during the week before the game). The clubs must have felt the same and that, coupled with my match report disappearing into the e-mail system probably contributed to my not being appointed to any further games from the County FA during the rest of the season.
I was determined not to make the same mistakes again and despite the foul weather I arrived in good time, got ready and headed out for an elongated warm-up. I noted the surface was greasy, wet and covered in freshly mown grass - surely a fast game was in prospect. Well the weather had other ideas and the strong wind seemed to constantly change direction making it difficult for the players (and me!) to read play.
Eventually the home team scored and went 3-0 up with only 30 minutes played. I had also disallowed a goal for offside and the away team, already struggling without any substitutes were suffering from a few knocks. One of these "knocks" came from a foul challenge and when I pulled the player out for a chat, he must have expected a caution. Instead I decided to exercise some "management" in my match control and it worked. I had two or three more similar situations in the game and all turned out well for me.
The away team scored what turned out to be their only goal to make it 3-1 at half time. The level of respect and response form both teams was absolutely unparalleled in any of the previous 350 or so games I had previously been involved in. Shortly after the start of the second half I awarded the most obvious kick from the penalty mark ever as two defenders made two of those ridiculous 5 a side sweeping reverse challenges.
I then had to deal with something which has only happened twice in 10 years of refereeing. The away team had a goal kick and it was played out towards the corner of the penalty area. As an attacker ran towards the ball, a defender also ran towards it, into the penalty area and then turned to kick the ball upfield ... it hadn't left the penalty area directly and therefore wasn't in play. It was time for a re-take.
The home team added another 4 goals without reply after that and the final scored was 8-1. In between times I had to manage a player who believed he had been the subject of a "two footed challenge", another who had wrecked his knee in the first half in making a brave challenge and the acrobatics of the home goalkeeper.
Back at their pub, I was happy to get some warm food inside me and then head on home.
Calories 1344, max hr 87%, average 71%
Friday, 2 October 2009
Track time
I ran myself to a standstill, I had Andy with me all the way around keeping me at a constant pace and I came in at 2250m, so still 250m short. I was almost right on target after 1600m but then even after I gave everything I had, I just couldn't keep going. I now have another 12 months to find the missing 250m!
Thank you to everyone who was there shouting encouragement to every one of us who took the test. Well done to Paul, Chris E, Aaron, Michael, Lee, Chris P, Gareth (?) and all the others who passed. Good luck with your assessments over the next few months.
I'm back in training in a couple of weeks. It would be sooner but I've picked up two midweek games next week. Wednesday is in the County U21 Floodlit League and the other is an U18 trial game when I have Fat Lad and Pete on my lines. I suspect we'll be swapping at half time as I'm not sure I fancy a whole 90 minutes on the back of the 70 on Wednesday.
Thank you to everyone who was there shouting encouragement to every one of us who took the test. Well done to Paul, Chris E, Aaron, Michael, Lee, Chris P, Gareth (?) and all the others who passed. Good luck with your assessments over the next few months.
I'm back in training in a couple of weeks. It would be sooner but I've picked up two midweek games next week. Wednesday is in the County U21 Floodlit League and the other is an U18 trial game when I have Fat Lad and Pete on my lines. I suspect we'll be swapping at half time as I'm not sure I fancy a whole 90 minutes on the back of the 70 on Wednesday.
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Game 10
This was a game of two halves (aren't they all?) and I think we'd all rather remember the first than the second. It was too hot!!!
The game kicked off and everything was going smoothly. The home side were piling pressure on the away team's penalty area and scored two goals in quick succession around the 20-21 minute mark. They added a third almost on the stroke of half time and it was game over.
Well the away side had other ideas, the home side got a little sloppy and we suddenly had a more even contest. They huffed and puffed but only managed to get a single goal. Meanwhile Tom, who was having a good game was obliged to issue four cautions in the last 20 minutes. He missed me on a couple of offside flags and we crossed on two throw ins (I didn't actually raise the flag just had to, against my better judgement, switch hands before indicating the direction of the throw).
There was a big claim for a penalty by the home side, but neither Tom nor I agreed. The assessor did and that was the major point for Tom in his de-brief. Mine was an offside I missed at the start of the second half. Overall though I reasonably pleased with my positioning, movement and fitness (sprint in the 86th minute anyone?).
We still had some fun to come as the home club nearly forgot to pay us and then back at the White Bear, Andy managed to spill Tom's beer, all over Tom. Then it was time for home and I'm just about ready to start piling up the zzzzzzzzs in front of the tv. Another game in the morning! Calories today 1485, hr max 89%, average 73%
The game kicked off and everything was going smoothly. The home side were piling pressure on the away team's penalty area and scored two goals in quick succession around the 20-21 minute mark. They added a third almost on the stroke of half time and it was game over.
Well the away side had other ideas, the home side got a little sloppy and we suddenly had a more even contest. They huffed and puffed but only managed to get a single goal. Meanwhile Tom, who was having a good game was obliged to issue four cautions in the last 20 minutes. He missed me on a couple of offside flags and we crossed on two throw ins (I didn't actually raise the flag just had to, against my better judgement, switch hands before indicating the direction of the throw).
There was a big claim for a penalty by the home side, but neither Tom nor I agreed. The assessor did and that was the major point for Tom in his de-brief. Mine was an offside I missed at the start of the second half. Overall though I reasonably pleased with my positioning, movement and fitness (sprint in the 86th minute anyone?).
We still had some fun to come as the home club nearly forgot to pay us and then back at the White Bear, Andy managed to spill Tom's beer, all over Tom. Then it was time for home and I'm just about ready to start piling up the zzzzzzzzs in front of the tv. Another game in the morning! Calories today 1485, hr max 89%, average 73%
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Game 9
And the conclusion of the weekend came in the form of a FA Women's Premier League Northern Division game, on the line for Jane with Peter on the opposite touchline.
The game was only 40 seconds old when I saw a foul only 15 yards in front of me AND inside the penalty area. As I flagged, Jane blew her whistle to stop play and she pointed to the mark. She admitted that when I didn't complete the signal, she thought she'd gotten it wrong and only relaxed when I ran in to my position on the goal line - 1-0 to the away team.
There was little else to talk about except that Jane missed me on one offside flag and I had another couple of close calls, but the quality of the game was poor. The second half started almost as explosively as the first did as the home team equalised with a driven shot that passed through the goalkeeper's hands. The ball had been crossed from a corner, taken at the second attempt as I had spoken to the player taking the kick on the first attempt and then flagged to Jane as the ball was being placed outside the quadrant.
For around 20 minutes the game livened up and we saw some good football from both sides as substitutions from both teams had the desired effect. The away team then killed the game with two quick goals. A fourth was ruled offside despite Peter not raising his flag. Jane explained afterwards there had been a slight touch from an attacker that Peter couldn't have seen from his position. The away team added a fourth and fifth goal to bring the scoring to a close.
The only other incident was a second blood wound of the day. The player argued about it and when Jane came over, she took a firm line with the player. The game petered out and the home manager showed his frustration by punching the dug out at the final whistle. First time I'd been out with Jane and I thought she did a great job. There's a chance I'll be on her line in my Supply League later in the season. Calories 1295, max hr 86%, average 65%. Time to put my feet up and enjoy some of my wife's home made blackberry crumble!!!
The game was only 40 seconds old when I saw a foul only 15 yards in front of me AND inside the penalty area. As I flagged, Jane blew her whistle to stop play and she pointed to the mark. She admitted that when I didn't complete the signal, she thought she'd gotten it wrong and only relaxed when I ran in to my position on the goal line - 1-0 to the away team.
There was little else to talk about except that Jane missed me on one offside flag and I had another couple of close calls, but the quality of the game was poor. The second half started almost as explosively as the first did as the home team equalised with a driven shot that passed through the goalkeeper's hands. The ball had been crossed from a corner, taken at the second attempt as I had spoken to the player taking the kick on the first attempt and then flagged to Jane as the ball was being placed outside the quadrant.
For around 20 minutes the game livened up and we saw some good football from both sides as substitutions from both teams had the desired effect. The away team then killed the game with two quick goals. A fourth was ruled offside despite Peter not raising his flag. Jane explained afterwards there had been a slight touch from an attacker that Peter couldn't have seen from his position. The away team added a fourth and fifth goal to bring the scoring to a close.
The only other incident was a second blood wound of the day. The player argued about it and when Jane came over, she took a firm line with the player. The game petered out and the home manager showed his frustration by punching the dug out at the final whistle. First time I'd been out with Jane and I thought she did a great job. There's a chance I'll be on her line in my Supply League later in the season. Calories 1295, max hr 86%, average 65%. Time to put my feet up and enjoy some of my wife's home made blackberry crumble!!!
Game 8
The opening round of fixtures in the local Sunday league saw me looking after a clash between two teams promoted to the Premier Division at the end of last season.
I had set off in plenty of time but realised I had left my wallet containing my whistles, cards, pencils and coin sitting on the chair. A quick turnaround saw me arrive at the ground 15 minutes before kick off. I was changed and out on the field conducting the footwear/jewellery check within 7 minutes!
The game kicked off and the away team established a 2 goal lead after just 9 minutes. Before the game I had spoken to Perry Mason who had stopped off to watch then game. He apparently injured himself in training on Thursday and was struggling with a hamstring injury - not good as he has a FA Youth Cup game on Wednesday.
The home team scored a goal with less than 10 minutes of the first half left. The game rumbled through to half time and apart from having a chat after a couple of offences, I had little to do. The second half was only 55 seconds old when I issued the game's first caution and it was for a cynical foul. Soon afterwards I had to manage a blood wound (not the last one for today!) and the player wasn't happy at having to take time out of the game to deal with his injury. He was less impressed the second time I sent him to the touchline to get it sorted out and came close to getting a caution.
The home team scored their equaliser early in the second half and the away team were hanging on, enduring almost constant pressure. I then had a hotly disputed offside call in favour of the away team. The home centre forward pleaded with me that he hadn't been offside and then as the resulting free kick was being taken, he gave me a cheeky wink and admitted he had been trying it on. The spirit of Sunday football s alive!
With 15 minutes left, I heard the away team captain say that getting a point would be a good result and giving instructions to slow things down. When I pulled back an advantage that didn't accrue, the away team's centre half kicked the ball away and collected the game's second caution.
By this time, my blood wound person had committed a couple of fouls, so I took the opportunity to ask him to rein things in for the last few minutes. As time ran down, I was convinced it had work, then he jumped up at the goalkeeper who was kicking the ball out of his hands and blocked his kick. I gave him the caution he had earned and ended the game shortly afterwards. Calories 1524, max 95%, average 75%. Two down and one to go.
I had set off in plenty of time but realised I had left my wallet containing my whistles, cards, pencils and coin sitting on the chair. A quick turnaround saw me arrive at the ground 15 minutes before kick off. I was changed and out on the field conducting the footwear/jewellery check within 7 minutes!
The game kicked off and the away team established a 2 goal lead after just 9 minutes. Before the game I had spoken to Perry Mason who had stopped off to watch then game. He apparently injured himself in training on Thursday and was struggling with a hamstring injury - not good as he has a FA Youth Cup game on Wednesday.
The home team scored a goal with less than 10 minutes of the first half left. The game rumbled through to half time and apart from having a chat after a couple of offences, I had little to do. The second half was only 55 seconds old when I issued the game's first caution and it was for a cynical foul. Soon afterwards I had to manage a blood wound (not the last one for today!) and the player wasn't happy at having to take time out of the game to deal with his injury. He was less impressed the second time I sent him to the touchline to get it sorted out and came close to getting a caution.
The home team scored their equaliser early in the second half and the away team were hanging on, enduring almost constant pressure. I then had a hotly disputed offside call in favour of the away team. The home centre forward pleaded with me that he hadn't been offside and then as the resulting free kick was being taken, he gave me a cheeky wink and admitted he had been trying it on. The spirit of Sunday football s alive!
With 15 minutes left, I heard the away team captain say that getting a point would be a good result and giving instructions to slow things down. When I pulled back an advantage that didn't accrue, the away team's centre half kicked the ball away and collected the game's second caution.
By this time, my blood wound person had committed a couple of fouls, so I took the opportunity to ask him to rein things in for the last few minutes. As time ran down, I was convinced it had work, then he jumped up at the goalkeeper who was kicking the ball out of his hands and blocked his kick. I gave him the caution he had earned and ended the game shortly afterwards. Calories 1524, max 95%, average 75%. Two down and one to go.
Saturday, 5 September 2009
Game 7
The first of my three games this weekend saw me take a trip to the venue where an old match report saw this blog go offline for a little while back in 2008.
No such problems today and the welcome could not have been any warmer from the home team. Everything was going well until I checked with the away team why they weren't getting changed. It seems their kit man had gotten lost in transit and they were only able to get changed 10 minutes before kick off.
The pre-match jewellery and footwear check passed without any problems but a player wearing jewellery soon caused me an issue and he got a caution. A club official tried to intervene and his subsequent conduct has been reported. It was good to be able to concentrate on the football for the next 60 minutes or so apart from a nasty wrist injury to one of the away team. The ball had flipped his hand back and his hand appeared to be still vibrating from the impact. After a few minutes on the touchline, he was substituted.
I then had an incident late in the second half, which in hindsight could have been avoided but I sold it quite well. The away goalkeeper had collected the ball and as with every other time he had it in his hands, he looked like he was going to kick it high and long. I have taken to running sideways in this situation until the goalkeeper plays the ball and then sprinting (or what passes for it) to get into the drop zone. On this occasion however I was very close to the goalkeeper and thought I would never make it to the drop zone if I employed my usual method, so I turned and started my run, so turning my back on the main group of players.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw a movement and the ball bounced at head height and was spinning away. I knew something had happened, so I blew a long hard blast on the whistle and shouted "Defence free kick". Now a few players queried this and one said I didn't know why I had given it. In truth I had done it on gut instinct without actually seeing it, not something I recommend that anyone does often. I called in the player who made the comment and spoke to him and his captain. He was the player who had already been cautioned and didn't take much convincing to see the error of his ways!
As I ran upfield the offending player asked why he couldn't do what he did. Before I could say anything he said he was sure that he could play the ball as the goalkeeper bounced it and things fell into place ... the home captain had kicked the ball away as the goalkeeper was bouncing it - I had been right to award the free kick!
The away team had scored a few minutes before this and that turned out to be the only goal of the game. I had no further cautions and no other incidents to manage. One down, two to go. Calories 1662, average hr 76% max 93%
No such problems today and the welcome could not have been any warmer from the home team. Everything was going well until I checked with the away team why they weren't getting changed. It seems their kit man had gotten lost in transit and they were only able to get changed 10 minutes before kick off.
The pre-match jewellery and footwear check passed without any problems but a player wearing jewellery soon caused me an issue and he got a caution. A club official tried to intervene and his subsequent conduct has been reported. It was good to be able to concentrate on the football for the next 60 minutes or so apart from a nasty wrist injury to one of the away team. The ball had flipped his hand back and his hand appeared to be still vibrating from the impact. After a few minutes on the touchline, he was substituted.
I then had an incident late in the second half, which in hindsight could have been avoided but I sold it quite well. The away goalkeeper had collected the ball and as with every other time he had it in his hands, he looked like he was going to kick it high and long. I have taken to running sideways in this situation until the goalkeeper plays the ball and then sprinting (or what passes for it) to get into the drop zone. On this occasion however I was very close to the goalkeeper and thought I would never make it to the drop zone if I employed my usual method, so I turned and started my run, so turning my back on the main group of players.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw a movement and the ball bounced at head height and was spinning away. I knew something had happened, so I blew a long hard blast on the whistle and shouted "Defence free kick". Now a few players queried this and one said I didn't know why I had given it. In truth I had done it on gut instinct without actually seeing it, not something I recommend that anyone does often. I called in the player who made the comment and spoke to him and his captain. He was the player who had already been cautioned and didn't take much convincing to see the error of his ways!
As I ran upfield the offending player asked why he couldn't do what he did. Before I could say anything he said he was sure that he could play the ball as the goalkeeper bounced it and things fell into place ... the home captain had kicked the ball away as the goalkeeper was bouncing it - I had been right to award the free kick!
The away team had scored a few minutes before this and that turned out to be the only goal of the game. I had no further cautions and no other incidents to manage. One down, two to go. Calories 1662, average hr 76% max 93%
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
A late one ...
A phone call from Fat Lad told me that Wednesday's training was off as we both had a game at the local Unibond ground between their academy side and another youth team.
It seemed easy enough as we got there early, warmed up and apparently I terrified the away team by conducting a jewellery and footwear inspection before they entered the field of play. One player was wearing a music festival wristband, which you will know if you've seen one, consist of a fabric strip with a lead like seal pinched across the ends to stop it slipping off the wrist. He wasn't happy as I explained that it either came off or he wouldn't be allowed to play.
With the formalities completed the game kicked off and the home team took an early lead. The heavens also opened and we got thoroughly drenched. I also noted I had a high number of offside calls to make as did Frosty on the other touchline. Neither team seemed to be able to get the hang of the opposition's offside trap.
The goals rained in, Fat Lad had to speak to one player and even more offsides were adjudged in the second half. I was having a problem as my new boots as I've recently switched from an old pair of Nike Tiempo Naturals II FG (firm ground) to a newer design but I hadn't realised that they were SG (soft ground). The only difference is the configuration of the studs/cleats on the bottom.
This is the FG version
...and this is the new SG style (except the whole of the upper is black apart from a white edging on the black Nike swoosh)
The new boots don't seem to spread my weight as evenly and apart from the sore soles from six studs, they have affected my running style. This meant last night I ended up with sore calves and hamstrings. The game finished soon after my legs went from sore to agony. Fat Lad seemed happy enough and I had lost count of the number of offsides I had flagged for (and ignored). Calories 1337, max hr 90%, average hr 70%.
It seemed easy enough as we got there early, warmed up and apparently I terrified the away team by conducting a jewellery and footwear inspection before they entered the field of play. One player was wearing a music festival wristband, which you will know if you've seen one, consist of a fabric strip with a lead like seal pinched across the ends to stop it slipping off the wrist. He wasn't happy as I explained that it either came off or he wouldn't be allowed to play.
With the formalities completed the game kicked off and the home team took an early lead. The heavens also opened and we got thoroughly drenched. I also noted I had a high number of offside calls to make as did Frosty on the other touchline. Neither team seemed to be able to get the hang of the opposition's offside trap.
The goals rained in, Fat Lad had to speak to one player and even more offsides were adjudged in the second half. I was having a problem as my new boots as I've recently switched from an old pair of Nike Tiempo Naturals II FG (firm ground) to a newer design but I hadn't realised that they were SG (soft ground). The only difference is the configuration of the studs/cleats on the bottom.
This is the FG version
...and this is the new SG style (except the whole of the upper is black apart from a white edging on the black Nike swoosh)
The new boots don't seem to spread my weight as evenly and apart from the sore soles from six studs, they have affected my running style. This meant last night I ended up with sore calves and hamstrings. The game finished soon after my legs went from sore to agony. Fat Lad seemed happy enough and I had lost count of the number of offsides I had flagged for (and ignored). Calories 1337, max hr 90%, average hr 70%.
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Not so friendly after all
Despite my legs of lead, I'd promised a friend that I'd do a game for him this morning.
It started easily enough and I worked overtime explaining to players that I was unhappy with a few things, but avoided reaching for my pocket. Everything went well until it reached half time or more accurately about 35 seconds before it. A nothing tackle turned into an argument, some headbutts and two dismissals. The only people who disagreed with the dismissals were the two players involved.
The game restarted for the second half and I did some more running. The home team lost 5-1, my friend was happy, despite the heavy defeat and explained that he'd told his team they would learn more about referees in 90 minutes with me than he could teach them in a season (he's a retired level 5 with 5 years experience).
I took the compliment, calories 1302 (lazy but reflects the pattern and standard of play), max hr 86%, average 71%
It started easily enough and I worked overtime explaining to players that I was unhappy with a few things, but avoided reaching for my pocket. Everything went well until it reached half time or more accurately about 35 seconds before it. A nothing tackle turned into an argument, some headbutts and two dismissals. The only people who disagreed with the dismissals were the two players involved.
The game restarted for the second half and I did some more running. The home team lost 5-1, my friend was happy, despite the heavy defeat and explained that he'd told his team they would learn more about referees in 90 minutes with me than he could teach them in a season (he's a retired level 5 with 5 years experience).
I took the compliment, calories 1302 (lazy but reflects the pattern and standard of play), max hr 86%, average 71%
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Game 6
Field like a strength sapping axminster carpet, legs like lead from training last night and wearing new boots (with studs) for the first time in 10 months, not really a good combination for today's game.
Things started well enough as I noted neither penalty mark was the required distance from the goal line and no equipment available to make new marks. The penalty arcs were therefore a yard short and I then noted that the centre circle was marked out at 9.15 yards and not 9.15 metres.
So all these matters were advised as being reported and I decided we should press ahead with the game. Now I sometimes wonder if it's me and others I know it's not. In the first 10 minutes today, I had 3-4 players run into me. I hadn't changed my patrol path, proximity to play or angle of observation, it just seemed these players kept "accidentally" running into me, then getting on my case for being in the way. After one player had done it twice, I spoke firmly to him and loudly enough for everyone on the field and around it, that I wasn't going to tolerate what I regarded as dissent. He complained again a few minutes later and I cautioned him.
Now miraculously, this killed every single instance of dissent for the next 25 minutes AND players seemed to avoid me quite easily. Once the players started concentrating on playing football, they played some of the best football I have ever seen as a referee. Tackles were well timed, passes were accurate, aerial challenges were all fair and I found myself able to take a back seat.
The away team scored after quarter of an hour and the home team equalised within a few minutes with a beatifully flighted free kick from around 25 yards out in a central position. The away team re-established their lead with a breath taking move which swept from one side of the field to the other, back again and back again before a low hard cross was turned into his own goal by a despairing defender who had been turned inside out more than once in the move. It was simply fantastic.
Unfortunately the away coach kept challenging my decisions and I took the opportunity of a break in play to remind him that I couldn't spend time answering his questions while looking after the 22 players inside the white lines. I asked him to come and see me at half time or full time if he wanted to talk to me.
The away team scored another goal almost from the restart and the home team scored with an overhead kick a few minutes later. This goal wasn't disputed at the time and we reached half time without any further goals or cautions.
The second half kicked off and for another long period I had little to do until a player went to ground in the penalty area. He made no claim but the opposition claimed he had attempted to deceive me, i.e. simulation. In fact one pushed this player around and I had to step in, issuing a caution to him (the pusher) to diffuse the situation.
Each team scored another goal to take it to 3-4 and then the away team thought they had scored another goal, but I had already blown my whistle for dangerous play. The spectators and a couple of the players claimed it was like the earlier overhead kick but from my position, it looked like a straight forward boot to nose kind of challenge!
The game limped through to the final whistle and then I received some apologies for the dissent and the spectator comments. In fact further apologies were made in the clubhouse afterwards. It made me realise that some people can completely detach the person from the uniform when considering referees out on the field and then expect it all to be forgotten when he changes back into his suit. It's frustrating but something I'm trying to deal with. Calories 1551, max 91%, average 77%.
As for the new boots, I'm not convinced that studs are as good as wider spread of blade type soles. My feet hurt ...
Things started well enough as I noted neither penalty mark was the required distance from the goal line and no equipment available to make new marks. The penalty arcs were therefore a yard short and I then noted that the centre circle was marked out at 9.15 yards and not 9.15 metres.
So all these matters were advised as being reported and I decided we should press ahead with the game. Now I sometimes wonder if it's me and others I know it's not. In the first 10 minutes today, I had 3-4 players run into me. I hadn't changed my patrol path, proximity to play or angle of observation, it just seemed these players kept "accidentally" running into me, then getting on my case for being in the way. After one player had done it twice, I spoke firmly to him and loudly enough for everyone on the field and around it, that I wasn't going to tolerate what I regarded as dissent. He complained again a few minutes later and I cautioned him.
Now miraculously, this killed every single instance of dissent for the next 25 minutes AND players seemed to avoid me quite easily. Once the players started concentrating on playing football, they played some of the best football I have ever seen as a referee. Tackles were well timed, passes were accurate, aerial challenges were all fair and I found myself able to take a back seat.
The away team scored after quarter of an hour and the home team equalised within a few minutes with a beatifully flighted free kick from around 25 yards out in a central position. The away team re-established their lead with a breath taking move which swept from one side of the field to the other, back again and back again before a low hard cross was turned into his own goal by a despairing defender who had been turned inside out more than once in the move. It was simply fantastic.
Unfortunately the away coach kept challenging my decisions and I took the opportunity of a break in play to remind him that I couldn't spend time answering his questions while looking after the 22 players inside the white lines. I asked him to come and see me at half time or full time if he wanted to talk to me.
The away team scored another goal almost from the restart and the home team scored with an overhead kick a few minutes later. This goal wasn't disputed at the time and we reached half time without any further goals or cautions.
The second half kicked off and for another long period I had little to do until a player went to ground in the penalty area. He made no claim but the opposition claimed he had attempted to deceive me, i.e. simulation. In fact one pushed this player around and I had to step in, issuing a caution to him (the pusher) to diffuse the situation.
Each team scored another goal to take it to 3-4 and then the away team thought they had scored another goal, but I had already blown my whistle for dangerous play. The spectators and a couple of the players claimed it was like the earlier overhead kick but from my position, it looked like a straight forward boot to nose kind of challenge!
The game limped through to the final whistle and then I received some apologies for the dissent and the spectator comments. In fact further apologies were made in the clubhouse afterwards. It made me realise that some people can completely detach the person from the uniform when considering referees out on the field and then expect it all to be forgotten when he changes back into his suit. It's frustrating but something I'm trying to deal with. Calories 1551, max 91%, average 77%.
As for the new boots, I'm not convinced that studs are as good as wider spread of blade type soles. My feet hurt ...
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Game 5
This was the last of my scheduled midweek fixtures and featured a local team recently relegated from their Supply League. The visitors were another team local to where I live and I've refereed them regularly over the last few years, most noticeably just before Christmas 2007.
The away team were delayed by traffic problems on the M62 but we got away pretty much on time. The game was relatively easy to manage and the recent heavy rain meant the ball was flashing across the greasy surface with a lot of speed. Well it would it either team had played the ball along the ground. They only seemed interested in kicking it up in the air and either heading it or running after it. The skill factor seemed to be non-existent.
A long ball played to the left wing saw a home player chasing it but not before he was wiped out by the opposition centre half. The away team had taken a comfortable 2-0 lead at this stage and the game seemed to be grinding towards a conclusion. Half time saw the home team come back out with more purpose and despite conceding a 3rd goal, they fought back and scored a goal of their own.
Then we had the incident that changed the mood of the game. A challenge by the player already cautioned, saw him commit another cautionable offence and he became the second player to be dismissed in 5 days in one of my games. Shortly afterwards I awarded a penalty to the home team and the goalkeeper protested too much and collected a caution for dissent. The penalty was scored to make it 2-3 but the away team scored almost immediately to restore their 2 goal advantage.
Another late goal for the home team saw a frantic last few minutes but the away team ran out worthy winners in the end. Calories 1538, max hr 91%, average 76%
The away team were delayed by traffic problems on the M62 but we got away pretty much on time. The game was relatively easy to manage and the recent heavy rain meant the ball was flashing across the greasy surface with a lot of speed. Well it would it either team had played the ball along the ground. They only seemed interested in kicking it up in the air and either heading it or running after it. The skill factor seemed to be non-existent.
A long ball played to the left wing saw a home player chasing it but not before he was wiped out by the opposition centre half. The away team had taken a comfortable 2-0 lead at this stage and the game seemed to be grinding towards a conclusion. Half time saw the home team come back out with more purpose and despite conceding a 3rd goal, they fought back and scored a goal of their own.
Then we had the incident that changed the mood of the game. A challenge by the player already cautioned, saw him commit another cautionable offence and he became the second player to be dismissed in 5 days in one of my games. Shortly afterwards I awarded a penalty to the home team and the goalkeeper protested too much and collected a caution for dissent. The penalty was scored to make it 2-3 but the away team scored almost immediately to restore their 2 goal advantage.
Another late goal for the home team saw a frantic last few minutes but the away team ran out worthy winners in the end. Calories 1538, max hr 91%, average 76%
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Game 2
Just like buses ... you wait for one to come along then two arrive together.
It's almost the most joyful thing that can happen during a game, the referee plays advantage and the team given the opportunity to play goes on to score a goal. Well last night it happened twice in one game. It happens usually once a season for me but twice in one game is just amazing.
The game had been going for only a few minutes when the home team took an early lead and they seemed to think they could coast through to the end of the game. The away team had other ideas and by half time they had scored 3 goals of their own to take a commanding lead. I had only issued one caution at this point for an obvious body check, had dealt with a player confrontation after a careless challenge and spent a lot of time running around.
Things got a little hotter in the second half as the away team added two more goals, as did the home team and I issued another 3 cautions, all to the away team. I also had to deal with the home manager who became frustrated at what he perceived were time wasting tactics from the away team. he calmed down when i took the chance to let him know the time was all being added on.
The game finished at 3-5 with 1802 (yes eighteen hundred and two) calories burned with a max hr of 96% and an average around 78%. Personally I thought I had a great game and this was reflected in the compliment paid by the away manager who, although his team collected all 4 cautions, thought my match control was excellent. On to Saturday now and the next one ...
It's almost the most joyful thing that can happen during a game, the referee plays advantage and the team given the opportunity to play goes on to score a goal. Well last night it happened twice in one game. It happens usually once a season for me but twice in one game is just amazing.
The game had been going for only a few minutes when the home team took an early lead and they seemed to think they could coast through to the end of the game. The away team had other ideas and by half time they had scored 3 goals of their own to take a commanding lead. I had only issued one caution at this point for an obvious body check, had dealt with a player confrontation after a careless challenge and spent a lot of time running around.
Things got a little hotter in the second half as the away team added two more goals, as did the home team and I issued another 3 cautions, all to the away team. I also had to deal with the home manager who became frustrated at what he perceived were time wasting tactics from the away team. he calmed down when i took the chance to let him know the time was all being added on.
The game finished at 3-5 with 1802 (yes eighteen hundred and two) calories burned with a max hr of 96% and an average around 78%. Personally I thought I had a great game and this was reflected in the compliment paid by the away manager who, although his team collected all 4 cautions, thought my match control was excellent. On to Saturday now and the next one ...
Thursday, 13 August 2009
A little friendly
A game between an established local side and a newish one rising from the ashes (phoenix like???) of a fall out with a pub's first team. An all too familiar story in local parks football and this one was no exception.
Not for me the politics of football and teams, I just wanted to get some match practice in. I got plenty of opportunities to manage situations, run around the field and try out some other little things I've been working on over the close season ... fitness!!!
The game finished 5-2 to the home side after they had fallen 2-0 after just 20 minutes. I had to bring out the cards for a little spat which occurred near the end of the game and issued a caution apiece. 1513 calories burned, 90% max 77% average.
Not for me the politics of football and teams, I just wanted to get some match practice in. I got plenty of opportunities to manage situations, run around the field and try out some other little things I've been working on over the close season ... fitness!!!
The game finished 5-2 to the home side after they had fallen 2-0 after just 20 minutes. I had to bring out the cards for a little spat which occurred near the end of the game and issued a caution apiece. 1513 calories burned, 90% max 77% average.
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Guiseley AFC vs Sunderland AFC
A text arrived on my phone asking me about the arrival time and dress code for this game and I panicked.
As far as I was concerned the game was called off over two weeks ago and I had a free night at home. Bob assured me that the game was on and that Sunderland were bringing last season's U18 side, who were making up the bulk of their Reserve side for the new season. A mad dash home at lunch time saw me gather my kit, suit and boots before shooting off to Guiseley's ground arriving a little over 75 minutes before kick off.
Bob did a great job of keeping me calm and when we stepped out on the field I certainly felt a lot more relaxed than when I was assistant to his brother Andy for the game versus Halifax Town last season. I also felt reasonably comfortable throughout the game and my pace only flagged in the last 5 minutes or so.
It was an accomplished performance from the young professionals and despite having to work overtime on occasions to keep things under control, Bob did a great job. We only had one occasion when we threatened to cross on a throw in but I took his lead as per match instructions and things went smoothly. It was less straight forward for Tom on the opposite touchline as he had a penalty shout under his nose as well as the full complement of substitutions to cope with.
Even so, it was a good run out and burn of 1584 calories, max hr of 202% (misreading I'm sure) and an average of 75%
As far as I was concerned the game was called off over two weeks ago and I had a free night at home. Bob assured me that the game was on and that Sunderland were bringing last season's U18 side, who were making up the bulk of their Reserve side for the new season. A mad dash home at lunch time saw me gather my kit, suit and boots before shooting off to Guiseley's ground arriving a little over 75 minutes before kick off.
Bob did a great job of keeping me calm and when we stepped out on the field I certainly felt a lot more relaxed than when I was assistant to his brother Andy for the game versus Halifax Town last season. I also felt reasonably comfortable throughout the game and my pace only flagged in the last 5 minutes or so.
It was an accomplished performance from the young professionals and despite having to work overtime on occasions to keep things under control, Bob did a great job. We only had one occasion when we threatened to cross on a throw in but I took his lead as per match instructions and things went smoothly. It was less straight forward for Tom on the opposite touchline as he had a penalty shout under his nose as well as the full complement of substitutions to cope with.
Even so, it was a good run out and burn of 1584 calories, max hr of 202% (misreading I'm sure) and an average of 75%
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Game 1
Did I make a positive contribution today? Yes I did
Did I get a positive report from the assessor? Yes in general it was good
Did I make a schoolboy error? Yes I did and wished the ground would open up
Let's get the rubbish out of the way first ... free kick, moving ball, waves flag to attract referee's attention but play goes on and on and on and ... eventually he spots me and asks what I wanted. He was not impressed and neither was the assessor when play was called back. I listened and learned.
Apart from that it was a good game with plenty for Craig to do supported by me and Penfold. 5 cautions, the odd one went to the home side, and 5 goals with the winner going to the away side. The home team had clawed back from 2-0 down and were heartbroken when the own goal from their defender cost them the game. The major comedy/tragedy moment of the game came in the second half when my right knee locked three times while running up the touchline. I ended up running like Spotty Dog from The Woodentops (ask your grandparents kids!) until it released.
Calories 1442, max hr 89% and average 71%.
Did I get a positive report from the assessor? Yes in general it was good
Did I make a schoolboy error? Yes I did and wished the ground would open up
Let's get the rubbish out of the way first ... free kick, moving ball, waves flag to attract referee's attention but play goes on and on and on and ... eventually he spots me and asks what I wanted. He was not impressed and neither was the assessor when play was called back. I listened and learned.
Apart from that it was a good game with plenty for Craig to do supported by me and Penfold. 5 cautions, the odd one went to the home side, and 5 goals with the winner going to the away side. The home team had clawed back from 2-0 down and were heartbroken when the own goal from their defender cost them the game. The major comedy/tragedy moment of the game came in the second half when my right knee locked three times while running up the touchline. I ended up running like Spotty Dog from The Woodentops (ask your grandparents kids!) until it released.
Calories 1442, max hr 89% and average 71%.
Saturday, 1 August 2009
Yorkshire Cup Day Two
With teams playing their last group games and places in tomorrow's semi-finals at stake, it seemed likely that the scrutiny of the decisions by the teams of officials would become more intense.
In some games, this was very true and yet in others games seemed to be played for enjoyment. I had an U16 game lined up in the second round of matches today but that fell victim to a team withdrawing at late notice, so I was switched to an U15s game. On one line was a young referee and on the other was a successful candidate on one of the courses on which I instructed earlier this year. Both did a good job and just need to tidy a few things up to look really good.
The second game saw me assist on an U13s game and it passed without incident. The third game was a joy to be involved with. Both teams gave it their all in a generally honest way. We lost one ball in the canal and another burst after a challenge. I had some great interchanges with one of the coaches and some parents, all of whom were supportive of their players, respectful of the match officials and really enjoyed their football. The other team, while disappointed by their defeat, still were very supportive of their players and the match officials.
The final game was very different and the referee had to take some disciplinary action after a late winner was scored. That brought the day to an end and I look forward to being involved at the semi/final stage tomorrow.
Game 1 - max hr 85%, average 65% and calories 700
Game 2 - max hr 79%, average 59% (!!!) and calories 405
Game 3 - max hr 85%, average 69% and calories 737
Game 4 - max hr 79%, average 63% and calories 667
In some games, this was very true and yet in others games seemed to be played for enjoyment. I had an U16 game lined up in the second round of matches today but that fell victim to a team withdrawing at late notice, so I was switched to an U15s game. On one line was a young referee and on the other was a successful candidate on one of the courses on which I instructed earlier this year. Both did a good job and just need to tidy a few things up to look really good.
The second game saw me assist on an U13s game and it passed without incident. The third game was a joy to be involved with. Both teams gave it their all in a generally honest way. We lost one ball in the canal and another burst after a challenge. I had some great interchanges with one of the coaches and some parents, all of whom were supportive of their players, respectful of the match officials and really enjoyed their football. The other team, while disappointed by their defeat, still were very supportive of their players and the match officials.
The final game was very different and the referee had to take some disciplinary action after a late winner was scored. That brought the day to an end and I look forward to being involved at the semi/final stage tomorrow.
Game 1 - max hr 85%, average 65% and calories 700
Game 2 - max hr 79%, average 59% (!!!) and calories 405
Game 3 - max hr 85%, average 69% and calories 737
Game 4 - max hr 79%, average 63% and calories 667
Friday, 31 July 2009
Last night ...
I had a run out with Gav and Jamie at the County FA.
Jamie asked me if I fancied helping with a trial game for the County's new U18 team. The game was split into thirds each lasting 30 minutes. I was on the line for the first two and then went in the middle for the last period.
I really enjoyed the run out but was nervous about the tweak I picked up last week on my course. I need not have worried as things went ok. Fat Lad was at a meeting at the County HQ and during a break I heard him shouting to keep up with play!
In the first period my hrm wasn't working properly and I hit a max of 115% and an average of 75% (Calories 510). In the second period the hrm settled down and I maxed at 87% with an average of 76& (Calories 425). In the final period, I hit a max of 95% and an average of 86% (Calories 510). So total calories came to 1445.
After the game I bumped into the County Training Officer and was invited to help facilitate one of the groups at Next Tuesday's Supply League Assistants evening - so feeling very valued!
Jamie asked me if I fancied helping with a trial game for the County's new U18 team. The game was split into thirds each lasting 30 minutes. I was on the line for the first two and then went in the middle for the last period.
I really enjoyed the run out but was nervous about the tweak I picked up last week on my course. I need not have worried as things went ok. Fat Lad was at a meeting at the County HQ and during a break I heard him shouting to keep up with play!
In the first period my hrm wasn't working properly and I hit a max of 115% and an average of 75% (Calories 510). In the second period the hrm settled down and I maxed at 87% with an average of 76& (Calories 425). In the final period, I hit a max of 95% and an average of 86% (Calories 510). So total calories came to 1445.
After the game I bumped into the County Training Officer and was invited to help facilitate one of the groups at Next Tuesday's Supply League Assistants evening - so feeling very valued!
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Kick Off
Arrived at the ground to find that someone had pulled both sets of goal posts out of the ground using something with big tyres (tractor suspected!). So we headed to a new venue.
The game kicked off and it was around 20 minutes before I had to give a free kick. The field had few markings as the grass had recently been cut, so we used small training discs to help the club assistants decide if the ball was in/out of play.
The game went ok with just 3 serious challenges to decisions I made. I had a little chuckle as all the old lines were trotted out ... two sides in the game, he's in his back, never touched him referee ... I really only had one occasion where I would have considered a caution if this was a competitive game. Even then, I probably would have done what I did tonight, which was talk to the player about his actions. I didn't get an apology and there was no handshake from that player at the end of the game, but plenty of others were grateful for my presence.
The game finished 2-0 to the visitors after they scored a goal either side of half time. I think I only gave about 8-10 free kicks in the whole of the game and 3 of them were for offside decisions. The players complained I was "late" on my whistle on the offsides and weren't interested in my assurances that I had to wait for the offending player to play the ball.
My heart rate monitor failed near the end of he first half and had to be reset at half time. It says that I burned 668 calories in the second half, with an average hr of 76% and a max of 89%. Bearing mind that I usually work about 10% harder in the first half and leave the monitor running at half time. I'm guessing that I burned about 1400 calories in total from kick off to final whistle, which isn't too bad. Also despite the pace being slightly higher than I am used to, I hardly felt any fatigue at all.
One more training session, then it's course time!
The game kicked off and it was around 20 minutes before I had to give a free kick. The field had few markings as the grass had recently been cut, so we used small training discs to help the club assistants decide if the ball was in/out of play.
The game went ok with just 3 serious challenges to decisions I made. I had a little chuckle as all the old lines were trotted out ... two sides in the game, he's in his back, never touched him referee ... I really only had one occasion where I would have considered a caution if this was a competitive game. Even then, I probably would have done what I did tonight, which was talk to the player about his actions. I didn't get an apology and there was no handshake from that player at the end of the game, but plenty of others were grateful for my presence.
The game finished 2-0 to the visitors after they scored a goal either side of half time. I think I only gave about 8-10 free kicks in the whole of the game and 3 of them were for offside decisions. The players complained I was "late" on my whistle on the offsides and weren't interested in my assurances that I had to wait for the offending player to play the ball.
My heart rate monitor failed near the end of he first half and had to be reset at half time. It says that I burned 668 calories in the second half, with an average hr of 76% and a max of 89%. Bearing mind that I usually work about 10% harder in the first half and leave the monitor running at half time. I'm guessing that I burned about 1400 calories in total from kick off to final whistle, which isn't too bad. Also despite the pace being slightly higher than I am used to, I hardly felt any fatigue at all.
One more training session, then it's course time!
Service With A Smile
Dennis from the CFA just rang me personally to say the game is now sanctioned. I'm really impressed, a little embarrassed but very grateful.
Game on!
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