santa sangria
RefChat Addict
Earlier this season I had probably my hardest game in my 5 years of doing this. Greens were arguing and blaming me and my assistants constantly, disagreeing at every decision. It came about as I had one AR who was not up to the task and repeatedly flagged in error. I had to repeatedly wave down offside flags and he wasn't going with me at ball in/out, just randomly flagging. My mistake was perhaps not to tell him to stop flagging and treat him like a CAR. Couple of yellows for dissent. Understandable complaints but only from the green team after the game which was drawn.
So, the same team again tonight playing against red. Two good ARs, though AR2 over 60 struggles to keep up at times. Before kick off, atmosphere good, remind the teams to play to the whistle. 5 mins in, first offside flag is raised against red with good timing by AR1 but a defender has played the ball deliberately after the initial pass - AR1 couldn't have seen it so I am happy flagged - but I have to wave down the flag and scream to continue playing. There's not a goal and I am glad I didn't shirk it... but of course the greens start whinging and don't understand the offside law.
They are 6-0 down after two thirds of the game. 6-2 finish. Nearly every goal is a breakaway through a static defence, appealing for offside. I would stand by every decision made by the ARs in the game. I didn't do any favours. I didn't shirk. Couple of YCs, one for dissent when green GK insults the older ARs corner flagging technique, which is a bit "rhythm gymnastics"... and then my nemesis, green DM, runs into me accidentally, won't shake me hand after the bump and tries to tell me "it's another strange game for you ref". NO IT ISN'T PAL. And you are a lucky boy I don't bring out the YC for that. I stand by every decision, AR1 was excellent throughout including calling one goal over the line, and the first offside flag was the right thing to do IMHO. AR2 might have been behind a few times but never guessed. And I probably had my best game. 3 good advantages, one really good wait and see the lob but no advantage so bring it back for the DFK in the centre circle, one lightning YC to diffuse a retaliation situation, not too much movement, not too little, of course a few little things - I did point the wrong way for the opening kick off! Anyway...
But the club marks are going to be dismal from the greens. The whinging, the whining. In the face of their absurdity I am amazed I could be so fair with them for another two halves of football.
I want them again next week with video!
So, the same team again tonight playing against red. Two good ARs, though AR2 over 60 struggles to keep up at times. Before kick off, atmosphere good, remind the teams to play to the whistle. 5 mins in, first offside flag is raised against red with good timing by AR1 but a defender has played the ball deliberately after the initial pass - AR1 couldn't have seen it so I am happy flagged - but I have to wave down the flag and scream to continue playing. There's not a goal and I am glad I didn't shirk it... but of course the greens start whinging and don't understand the offside law.
They are 6-0 down after two thirds of the game. 6-2 finish. Nearly every goal is a breakaway through a static defence, appealing for offside. I would stand by every decision made by the ARs in the game. I didn't do any favours. I didn't shirk. Couple of YCs, one for dissent when green GK insults the older ARs corner flagging technique, which is a bit "rhythm gymnastics"... and then my nemesis, green DM, runs into me accidentally, won't shake me hand after the bump and tries to tell me "it's another strange game for you ref". NO IT ISN'T PAL. And you are a lucky boy I don't bring out the YC for that. I stand by every decision, AR1 was excellent throughout including calling one goal over the line, and the first offside flag was the right thing to do IMHO. AR2 might have been behind a few times but never guessed. And I probably had my best game. 3 good advantages, one really good wait and see the lob but no advantage so bring it back for the DFK in the centre circle, one lightning YC to diffuse a retaliation situation, not too much movement, not too little, of course a few little things - I did point the wrong way for the opening kick off! Anyway...
But the club marks are going to be dismal from the greens. The whinging, the whining. In the face of their absurdity I am amazed I could be so fair with them for another two halves of football.
I want them again next week with video!
