RefJef
RefChat Addict
Perhaps the the Respect Barrier being erected should have been the first clue ...
Whilst I wouldn't say my progress as a referee has been stellar, I would like to think that I have reached a level of compentancy that had the home manager at last week's game trying to sign me up as his ref in residence to do all his home games, and I recently had the luxury of one of my games being videod - other than one possible error I'd already accepted responsibility for, I was delighted to watch back 80 mins of footage in which I ref-ed with a calm authority and got everything else right.
So I rock up today at a pitch I've done before, but both teams were new to me, as was the Respect barrier tape that was being unwound as I arrived - not seen it (or needed it) at any other game. Weather was awful - wind and rain- and the pitch playable but muddy.
We kicked off and it soon became clear that this was not going to be a walk in the park. Plenty of "ref!" from all quarters - players, coaches, the Harridans (mothers) on the sideline. I even gave the home Lino a good b&&llocking as he, once again, questioned my decision. (That put him back in his box & I didn't hear from him again)
Now, I accept it may not have been my best performance in the middle, but I also don't think it was that bad. I think that one side (top of the table, quite physical) were quite "streetwise" and I didn't endear myself to them early doors when I twigged them and penalised them. But the other side don't think I offered them enough protection - in wet and muddy conditions they felt they were getting pushed around when it was just them losing their footing. I think it was one of those days where I was going to take the blame from everyone for everything - including the mud, wind and unremitting, cold, stinging rain.
Just wanted to get it off my chest. Any tips for ref-ing when the field resembles the Somme rather the beautifaul baize of the Crucible?
Whilst I wouldn't say my progress as a referee has been stellar, I would like to think that I have reached a level of compentancy that had the home manager at last week's game trying to sign me up as his ref in residence to do all his home games, and I recently had the luxury of one of my games being videod - other than one possible error I'd already accepted responsibility for, I was delighted to watch back 80 mins of footage in which I ref-ed with a calm authority and got everything else right.
So I rock up today at a pitch I've done before, but both teams were new to me, as was the Respect barrier tape that was being unwound as I arrived - not seen it (or needed it) at any other game. Weather was awful - wind and rain- and the pitch playable but muddy.
We kicked off and it soon became clear that this was not going to be a walk in the park. Plenty of "ref!" from all quarters - players, coaches, the Harridans (mothers) on the sideline. I even gave the home Lino a good b&&llocking as he, once again, questioned my decision. (That put him back in his box & I didn't hear from him again)
Now, I accept it may not have been my best performance in the middle, but I also don't think it was that bad. I think that one side (top of the table, quite physical) were quite "streetwise" and I didn't endear myself to them early doors when I twigged them and penalised them. But the other side don't think I offered them enough protection - in wet and muddy conditions they felt they were getting pushed around when it was just them losing their footing. I think it was one of those days where I was going to take the blame from everyone for everything - including the mud, wind and unremitting, cold, stinging rain.
Just wanted to get it off my chest. Any tips for ref-ing when the field resembles the Somme rather the beautifaul baize of the Crucible?
Lol