DaleM
New Member
Got my first game at 5pm (u17s, a prime age for abuse from both parents and players I am sure!) and I'm starting to brick it a bit now. This is the 10th appointment I've had but with the weather I've yet to actually get one played - today's had been called off but they've managed to book a 4G pitch to get it on, 5pm under the floodlights, kindly put back to a later time so I can wind myself up about it all day .
The good news is that it's been moved to a facility I've played on it before a fair few times so am aware where it is etc, should be comfortable getting there. The bad is that I've played on it before and it ruined my back after 60 mins (I'm only 21 ffs!) so that should be interesting.
Anyway, I thought as a result of my extended wait for my 'debut' I've been monitoring these forums closely and thought I'd collate some advice for my own benefit to give a read over today pre-game and help me not brick it. Then I thought I'd be best off posting it for the potential benefit of others. If you feel I've missed something or disagree please do debate - can only be helpful.
Night Before:
The good news is that it's been moved to a facility I've played on it before a fair few times so am aware where it is etc, should be comfortable getting there. The bad is that I've played on it before and it ruined my back after 60 mins (I'm only 21 ffs!) so that should be interesting.
Anyway, I thought as a result of my extended wait for my 'debut' I've been monitoring these forums closely and thought I'd collate some advice for my own benefit to give a read over today pre-game and help me not brick it. Then I thought I'd be best off posting it for the potential benefit of others. If you feel I've missed something or disagree please do debate - can only be helpful.
Night Before:
- Equipment check - Cards, whistle(s), boots, kit, flags, watches, coin, water. Night before where possible.
- Confirm travel arrangements, be wary of deceptive Google Maps time estimates etc.
- Try read a law of the game to settle your nerves and clarify any doubts you may have.
- Fill in any relevant details of your match card you may wish to do before arrival.
- Write offence codes on back of a match card (Still not familiar!).
- Head off to arrive around 45-60 mins prior to kick-off.
- Check competition rules.
- Consider taking the law book. Could come in handy on the way home!
- Change in to warm-up gear, hang match gear up.
- Introduce yourself to coaches, inform them equipment check will take place 5 mins prior to KO, check shirt colours & find captains' names (add to match card).
- Collect teamsheets if relevant & add to match card if possible.
- Check pitch, nets, ball, markings, corner flags.
- Change into ref gear.
- Perform equipment check - ask about how season has gone etc, use opportunity to briefly explain refereeing style. Note what CARs will be responsible for, distribute flag.
- Distribute flags to CARs if you haven't during equpment check.
- Quick word with captains, toss coin, winner chooses side .
- Set/start watches.
- Collect match fee.
- Sign off result sheet (may just be my league).
- Report game online.
- Come on to this forum and tell everyone of the meltdown you had in the 29th minute, whereby you sent off a 12 year old for picking his nose before abandoning the game.
- Check against the law book for any situations which you were uncertain on, draw on the expertise on here if you're still unsure!
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