It was nice while it lasted...
- Thread starter BrumRef
- Start date
Perhaps now we’re teaching remotely I can squeeze you into the back of my virtual classroom...
(Next up: Vectors in 3D with my year 13 A level class if you’re interested!)
mental arithmetic was never my forte...!
Only because I'm getting fat.
I was scheduled in for the fitness test in Wales, but I took the COVID opt out - I think I would have failed the test anyway if I'm honest because, when lockdown happened in March (or whenever, I don't even know the date anymore) I wasn't in a place I could actually exercise reasonably often.
I'm glad I elected not to do the test because there's been zero games. We had some friendlies arranged, which I wasn't available for anyway - I got approached for the U18's second tier, but rejected it on the basis that I had told the FAW I was unavailable and it would be cheeky to turn up for friendlies like.
Then firebreak, and then Christmas lockdown. I'm not entirely sure how promotion would have happened etc.
I'm looking forward to going back, when it is safe, but I've forgotten which way to hold the whistle, whether we tuck shirts in or not... And I don't know what a foul is anymore? What is a football? Who knows? Not I.
I think if I went back, I would effectively lose two promotion windows, this season, a write off, and next season because I need to work on both my fitness, and my form to get back to positioning and identifying things as I was.
I think I took the right decision not doing the testing etc, so many people have died. The first lockdown, I didn't see much, but now I'm hearing of friends and family catching COVID, some of them dying even, so it has absolutely not been worth the risk of returning. It has been frustrating watching at grassroots, because local teams were breaking COVID protocols and causing local outbreaks (one ended up on the BBC News for it), and yet demanding competitive games and fans back in attendance etc. Just a nightmare all round.
Oh well, just have to stay in and stay safe really.
(Hello everyone btw, long time no see.)
santa sangria
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one
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@RobOda thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience after a short absent. It hasn't been easy for many. Staying safe is the highest priority but also mental health. Support your friends and loved ones and likewise get as much support as you can. Staying in touch is a big part of this.
I feel so lucky living in a place where impact has not been as much as some other parts of the world. But have friends, family and relatives abroad in a similar situation to yours.
I feel so lucky living in a place where impact has not been as much as some other parts of the world. But have friends, family and relatives abroad in a similar situation to yours.
PinnerPaul
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All we can do is look at the positives, where we can, and for the moment at least, it seems that infection rates and deaths have peaked.
Of course, they have both fallen before and then gone up again, but as I say lets try and stay positive.
Tonight would have been my 6th game in 9 days, would probably have ended up being my 7th game in that period, and no doubt, without Covid I would have been moaning about the lack of space between fixtures - if I ever get back to that level of activity I won't be moaning!
Of course, they have both fallen before and then gone up again, but as I say lets try and stay positive.
Tonight would have been my 6th game in 9 days, would probably have ended up being my 7th game in that period, and no doubt, without Covid I would have been moaning about the lack of space between fixtures - if I ever get back to that level of activity I won't be moaning!
I live in London which, sadly, appears to have the largest percentage of idiots willingly breaking the rules. I have a good friend working in a London Covid ward and he is now way beyond breaking point, and my blood boils when I see these reports of breaches, Covid deniers claiming it is all fake, and today a BBC article interviewing people (under condition of anonymity of course) who are knowingly having meet ups and house parties.
The countries that have got it right, like China (ironically), Australia and New Zealand, are reaping the benefits now but their lockdowns were honoured as the consequences of not doing so were severe. The sense of entitlement mentality, otherwise known as "me, me, me" that a lot of people in the UK appear to have unfortunately means that we are going to be in a mess for a long, long time yet.
The countries that have got it right, like China (ironically), Australia and New Zealand, are reaping the benefits now but their lockdowns were honoured as the consequences of not doing so were severe. The sense of entitlement mentality, otherwise known as "me, me, me" that a lot of people in the UK appear to have unfortunately means that we are going to be in a mess for a long, long time yet.
Australia & New Zealand are not exactly 'transit hubs' for the World's travellers. Those countries had a tiny number of early infections, unlike Europe and the U.S. who were peppered with thousands of Virus seeds in the early weeks
China is a different world of course. Anyway, they've now concluded the origin wasn't their disgusting 'wet markets' after all. And they'll make sure we never prove otherwise
They weren't hubs for anyone, they shut the borders and used mandatory quarantine hotels. The fact that we are only talking about those now, almost a year too late, shows why we haven't coped well. Although, yes I do accept that more people transit through the UK than Australia and New Zealand.
Fair enough. Am mistaken as to who did what when
Given the announcement that schools will not re-open until 8th March at the earliest; I can't see football being allowed to re-start until then.
I honestly think - that is the season finished at most levels, other than for some special cup comps.
I honestly think - that is the season finished at most levels, other than for some special cup comps.
PinnerPaul
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Sadly I think you're right, but, without getting into a political argument, there DOES seem to be a strong schools lobby regarding what should open, when, how much notice should be given etc.....
Sure grassroots football would return practically over night if allowed - even if its as you say, cup competitions or failing that friendlies/
I'm down to officiate on a JPL finals day, so very much hoping that will go ahead, even if its not until the spring.
Yes. Writing has been on the wall a long while.
Although, we shouldnt rule out some summer football - esp at NLS where ground shares are less common.
Does anyone know why there always seems a reluctance to extend league end dates?
Grassroots, maybe..
NLS, after a 3 month lay off will want preseason games first so would be looking atate March before a full resumption.
PinnerPaul
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Yep, good point James.
Two reasons
1. Players contracts have a set end date
2. Promotion and relegation issues - need to do ground checks and maintenance.
And the old one - FA staff want a holiday....
That makes sense. It has often felt inflexible even when we have had severe weather problems but those reasons are understandable.
Well, we're getting back on the pitch in the Netherlands. Nothing official but intra-club competitions. Having been out with an injured knee since October and blatantly overeating on the on-sale easter eggs, Saturday's going to be a challenge. How are things in the rest of the world?