RefJef
RefChat Addict
My preference is fo OA men's football, but I often work Saturdays* and so can only officiate on Sunday's and round here that means youth football.
Not too much of a problem as I've got myself established as a regular on the U16s league.
On Wednesday I got my match allocation - a top of the table clash (1st v 2nd) at a ground I haven't done before. Have done the away team a few times when they've been at home. Been looking forward to the game all week.
Arrive at the ground, introduce myself. "I think they're going to ask you to swap games. Can you go and have a chat with Pat"
Pat is called over, who explains that their U13 side is in a County Cup game, and the ref has let them down. As the county cup takes precedence, they would like me to ref their U13 game rather than their U16 game.
I agree, but must say I was a little disappointed - the U16 game promised to be a high tempo, reasonably skilled, challenging game - what I give up my Sunday afternoons for. U13 football doesn't always do it for me.
As it happens, the cup game was good, away team won 9-0, but good standard of football from all, and I did enjoy my afternoon. Did find myself glancing over to the U16s game on the adjacent pitch - it did get a bit heated, ref was not often up with play, etc. Did think to myself, at least they'll be pleased to have me back ref-ing them next time I'm allocated to them ...!
Not too much of a problem as I've got myself established as a regular on the U16s league.
On Wednesday I got my match allocation - a top of the table clash (1st v 2nd) at a ground I haven't done before. Have done the away team a few times when they've been at home. Been looking forward to the game all week.
Arrive at the ground, introduce myself. "I think they're going to ask you to swap games. Can you go and have a chat with Pat"
Pat is called over, who explains that their U13 side is in a County Cup game, and the ref has let them down. As the county cup takes precedence, they would like me to ref their U13 game rather than their U16 game.
I agree, but must say I was a little disappointed - the U16 game promised to be a high tempo, reasonably skilled, challenging game - what I give up my Sunday afternoons for. U13 football doesn't always do it for me.
As it happens, the cup game was good, away team won 9-0, but good standard of football from all, and I did enjoy my afternoon. Did find myself glancing over to the U16s game on the adjacent pitch - it did get a bit heated, ref was not often up with play, etc. Did think to myself, at least they'll be pleased to have me back ref-ing them next time I'm allocated to them ...!
