The Referee scores a double hat trick...

...on yellow and red cards. It was a match I expected two classy teams to be playing each other. I figure I would have a couple of players each to manage, but that was it. SFC vs. UFC. As the opening whistle hit, the first 20 minutes seemed fine. Only one caution to a SFC player for a reckless challenge.

The SFC captain was fouled twice and I gave advantage on both counts. When he was fouled again, I realized they were either trying to hurt him, intimidate him, or just piss him off. Probably the latter because he is known for losing his cool and doing something stupid. I sent him off two years ago for headbutting a player.

After the next foul, I booked the UFC player #19 for PI. He knew because he didn't say much, but the others did on his behalf. I love teamwork. 3 minutes later, a UFC player chops a SFC player from behind, possible red, went with a yellow, but it was #19 again, so he had his marching orders.

Seven minutes later, SFC decided to return the favor and kick a UFC player, challenging for the ball, which forced me to send off a SFC player with a little assistance of my AR. So by half time I already had a hat trick in yellows.

Started the second half and I was hoping they would calm down. Called a PK against UFC when he tripped a SFC player on the line of the penalty area. Yes I was 100% sure. So one player decides to protest, not the foul, but the place where the foul occurred. He said, "It was out of the box."
I said, "No it wasn't."
He replied, "yes it was."
I said, "Nice try, no it wasn't"
He said, "But referee, it was on the line."
I said, "Thank you for clarifying that. Do yourself a favor. If you are ever arrested, don't represent yourself."
So the PK was taken and SFC scored their 3rd goal as it was now 3-0, SFC and it seemed like they would win.

Here's where it hit the fan. 14 minutes in the second half, there was a hard challenge between the two players, but #10 of SFC got the worse of the challenge. I started to turn to follow play when I heard, "I'm gonna break your fucking legs!" I turned back and saw the SFC player go towards the UFC player as ball was leaving the field of play. It looked like he was gonna push, but he extended his arms and a hand partially closed struck the UFC players face. By the time I got there I managed to get between them and keep UFC players with the help of their captain from making it worse. I then sent off number 10. The two captains then shook hands.
Things mellowed out as far as my responsibilities because I think they got the clue I was not putting up with any crap. However SFC series of unfortunate events were getting worse. UFC score a couple of goals back to back. The keeper was losing it. The bad part was the keeper was trying delay tactics until he was tired of me being on him like flies on crap. After 3 seconds I was telling him to put it in play.
Still the keeper was sweating bullets, cursing his back line for player more possession and not trying to score. In poker, we call that going on TILT. Sure enough, UFC managed to get that 3rd goal in.

At the end the score was 3-3. I was filling out the send off reports and #10 came to me as I was filling his and he said, "Ref, I'm sorry for putting you in the position to send me off." We shook hands as well as the captain.

I had a second game where Dave F was going for his 5. He had a good game.

Passed my assessment...I'm back baby!

I didn't want to talk too much about my assessment prior to the match because the way my year went, I didn't want to jinx anything. Now that it's over (well for catching up purposes) I can talk about it.

For those that were unaware of my situation, I'll catch you up. I had a groin strain and an achillies tendonitus. Lovely combination, let me tell you. I spent 6 months in theropy and the rest of my time was just stretching and doing a game or two to see where I was physically. Now some of you might be wondering, "Shouldn't you have gotten a medical waiver for the year?"
Well that was the master plan. If it meant I could not do any games in 2007, I would have stuck with that. However, the powers that be (names will cost you a good beer) said no medical waiver. Either I drop down to a grade 8 or go Emeritus and either case I could go back once I make up my requirements in a timely mannor. This didn't sit well with me, but I have learned over the months I was not the only one affected of this. A few other referees took a downgrade due to this (names will cost you another round).

You might say I was pissed when I learned this. I put 20 plus years in this program and I felt it turned its back on me. I was told a glimmer of hope which was to heal, then get the requirements done, and then I would be reinstated to a 5.

I was discouraged a bit but a couple of things happened. One, I wasn't going to accept a grade 8 when I actually certify people for that level. I went Emeritus, knowing I can come back in a timely mannor. However (no names third round) was talking to a novice referee and was called a professional. He said, "I'm no professional," looked right at me and pointed and I know he saw my Emeritus, turned desparately to find someone else. I'll have to thank him for motivating me like that when at the same time calling him on it.

At the assessment day, I was expecting a good crew of assistants. I know John tried to set it up like that for my benifit. However, I found out late in the game, one guy bailed out and I got a rookie I have never seen before. I wasn't too worried. In fact I almost had a "I don't give a flying ---- what happens." Reason? I'm not going national. At one time I thought I was, but I have to be honest with myself and know it's not in the cards for me. Plus I don't like where the program has been going these days. So I called yesterday my fork in the road. Either I pass it and get my 5 and a sense of accomplishment that I made a come back or I fail and remain an Emeritus (Another round for why it wouldn't be so bad tens years from now).
The game, well boys will be boys, but 5 cards I thought I settled things down, but after the game, there was a melee and I was smack in the middle of it. Managed to separate them before things got really bad.

The feedback. I have to say was not what I expected. To be honest, I am still not to my old self. He noticed that. Actually he was more worried about my health then assessing me. Was kind of somber in a way. The first thing he said to me was, "I'm here for you. I'm here to help you." Then he asked me to be frank. I told him if I was more physically fit, I would have handled some stuff better. We were in agreement of that. He asked me how long have I been back. I said this was my 3rd week. He told me I passed, but if I am not in good health, don't ask for an assessment. Better work on that.

The Major Div game was a pleasure

I had two teams which have been a part of my Amateur career since year one. I'm now in my 8th year and my experience has played a good part for this game.

Guadulj. lost someone last week whom was very important to them. I noticed because everyone was getting black armband, so I asked when checking them in. They asked for a moment of silence before the kick off and I was more then happy to oblige was well as Bay City.

After the moment of silence which Guadulaj. was very grateful for my orchestrating it. Both teams at first were playing real nice. I mean there were hard challenges but nobody seemed to be out to stomp the other guy. Well that was until Guadulaj. scored first.
Then bay city decided it was time to get a bit more physical. When Guadulj. scored again it was like Bay City said, "Okay mourning period is over."

I managed to go through the first half with no cards. However after my AR gave me some information regarding the Guadulj. forward and Bay City defender going at it, I thought I was going to have my hands full in the second half. Well as far as they were concerned, I didn't have a problem. In fact the forward in question was very well behaved. On free kicks when he had to retreat he asked me if this was far enough. If only all players would be so nice. He pulled a hamstring later when I saw him landed. I went to him on stoppage and I knew he was done for the day, hence no potential problem.

However bay city was racking up on the fouling and I booked the first guy after two consecutive late fouls. I booked another after I whistled a call, he just kept plowing into the player. Then I got another PI which I could sprinkle dissent on.

After that third card, I got the game under control again and was a great way to end a Sunday. Personally, I am bummed I missed the Dublin festivities.

It's nice to know even though you have been out for 10 months...

...your reputation is still intact. Did an amateur match for the first time since the injury. It was great to be back. For a 2nd division match, it was a pretty competitive match. Had to grab the game by the balls and twist early in the match.

My first card was for dissent as one player wouldn't shut up, despite my warnings to do so. Another card for a reckless challenge. Then I called a PK for an obvious trip in the Penalty area. Easy call. South city answered back in the beginning of the 2nd half. Then South City defender thought he was going to get away with a handling in the penalty area with his arm out stretched and "arming" the ball. Again, easy call. Got some protests on that one. Even after the PK was converted and scored and I wound up giving a card to the captain while Bosnia tried to delay game. One got a card for their trouble.

Overall I did fine, my AR's noted I was up with play and not bad for being 10 months out.
ARed a second match where one team was late. I'll get into some key points here.

1. I'm too young to be Emeritus so I'm keeping my graying beard.
2. You know you are getting old when a coach is saying, "I remember you from last year." and despite the unique figure, you can't rememeber where you have seen him.
3. If a game is at 3:45pm, why do you show up to a game at 3:30pm with no filled roster?
4. If a game is at 3:45pm why do the subs show up at 3:50pm expecting to play when they just had enough time to put 11 starting players (no subs around) by the time we should be kicking off? (trivia question).
5. To the guy I had a pissing contest with over getting the ball close to goal while the other was half a field away. I wouldn't yell at you if you didn't argue with me. Deal with it! You're lucky I didn't call the center to card your ass for dissent and delay restart.
6. To the subs who begged and plead to write their names in. Let this be a lesson. Get your asses on time and tell your manager/coach to do the same thing.
7. Speaking of item 6. I thought it was pretty hypocritical of the manager to yell at the subs of getting there 30 minutes before the game when he showed up 15 minutes prior to the match.

It's great to be back.

America vs. Poker gets closer to home

Well across the bay actually. I'm not going to re-write the account as you can read it here:

http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/ci_7966662

As for personal accounts, I can give you two here:

http://ksnydersj.wordpress.com/2008/01/13/reno-911-the-home-game/

http://pokersoup.com/blog/pokeradical/show/san-francisco-poker-meetup-group-busted

Basically I thought it was over done. My wife asked what was with the riot gear and from reading the accounts, it sounded like one of them was using the gear to conceal his identity since he played in a game undercover (a total donk too).
Now as bad I as feel about these guys they made three mistakes:

1. They asked $5.00 for refreshments. What's the big deal? Not much when you first hear about it, but when you really think about it, a game that averages from 6 to 16 that can average about 90 bucks. Now I know I don't spend that much on refreshments. And when the game is over, where do the refreshments go? Most likely they stay at the house it was played in. Hmmm I got an average of 90 bucks to cover food and I have a lot of left overs in beer and food. Not a bad night. Add the fact I cashed out, well it makes it a great night. $5.00 doesn't sound so innocent now, does it? I'm not saying there were bad intentions in this because if one hosts a tourney and pays for food and drinks and doesn't cash out is really in the hole. The thing is you host, you can have your guest bring food or their own beverage or be prepared to foot the cost for as many as possible. Just don't ask for a kickback is the key.

2. The skimmed off the top. Again, intentions seemed good. Skim off the top and put it towards a free-roll for a Tournament of Champions or something similar. My TOC's people just have a larger buy-in. It's still their choice if qualified to play. Granted I throw in card guards for all participants, I do this expecting nothing in return but a good night in poker.

3. This one was a "WTF" were they thinking? Last year I invited my step-brother and brother-in-law to play. Also invited a nephew who was 18. My other two nephews who were under 18 didn't get an invite because I wasn't clear of the legalities of doing so. Turns out my instincts was dead on, because after my invite which none showed, I felt they were put off by the fact I didn't invite the younger nephews. Well I'm not being charged for contributing to a delinquency of a minor either.

A local league closed up shop due to the recent events, but on the surface it doesn't look like they are doing anything illegal. My know my doors are still open.

Texas Close Em

This is real, but what they did was a joke. Unfortunately most gambling laws state you can have a home poker tournament as long as the house does not get a cut. This cut would have gone to charity, but a cut is a cut.

Update on life

I haven't been here since the crossroads so here's what has been going on.

1. My first game back that I haven't decided I needed more rest, was a crossroad match. It went fine, but physically I could have been better.

2. I had a second stab at it the night before thanksgiving. It was the Dublin High School Alumni vs. the High School team of today. It went well and I covered the field well according to my AR. I felt pretty good.

3. I had the fun run, survived the physical part, but it was freaking cold. I took the written and for the first time since I began refereeing, I failed. I missed it by 3, and I needed an 85. A brain fart, but some of these questions were brain teasers.

4. I had my poker tournament to end the season. Table of champions. The tournament overall went well. I didn't cash out, but it was all good there. I did have to ban someone from participating in future tournaments. He spent the evening offending some of the guests, directly and indirectly and was being a pain in the ass. I pulled him aside when he busted out. If you have a choice, it's easier to throw someone out after they bust out then while they are still in. I told him, "Look, I have rules laid out for a reason. You will abide by these rules, you will not dis me in my own home, and more importantly, you will not dis the other players. If you can't handle that, then don't play." He responded, "Then I won't play."
I left him in the cold, he came back, didn't say much and even helped me put chips away. I was still pissed at him. Then one of my players told me attempted to pull his blinds back in. Apparently I missed this. Well it was the last straw and I decided he was not going to be invited to anymore tournaments.

5. Retook the test. Got a 98. The two I got wrong were trick questions.

6. I have been working from home since Thanksgiving week. It's a nice commute.

Now that's justice

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-uswomenscoach&prov=ap&type=lgns

My take: Sunil obviously doesn't want to point the deciding factor of the release but since this is Ryan's only loss, I think we all can guess why the move was made. Hoefully if this keeps Solo on the team, the girls will finally tell her she had every right to be angry. If they don't then they don't deserve to be in soccer.

Back on the pitch, but too soon

I got clearance from my doctor last week, reluctantly. He told me to start slow. I figured an U12 boys class 3 match was slow enough for me not to put a lot of effort in keeping up, but fast enough so I would not die of boredom.

At the opening whistle there was a hard foul by Union City, which was met with a hard whistle from me followed by, "I don't want to see anymore of that!" For the most part I believe that and a couple other foul calls after the fact let the players know I was on top of this game. Didn't hear a c'mon ref once which is a silent complement by itself. Union city beat Dublin 7-1, but I had fun.

However a few things surrounded the game which was, in my opinion, unpleasant. So let's bring out the list:

The Dublin league and the counties surrounding it are extraordinarily protective of their fields after rain. It's been getting worse as the years go by. You have to call the rain out schedule 2 days out. I did out of instinct. The game before us got the message and played at the Dublin Sports Ground. My game, the teams did not get the message so I had to gather my crew get over to Emerald Glen. This caused the game to be late and the irony of it was the coaches of Dublin took my class last summer and heard my lecture of being on time. 30 minutes prior to the match.

1. I was about the start the game and the league president shows up and tells me to move the game to the other field. I told her the "problem" she stated is not a big deal and we're going to play. I also told her that to expect people to call the rainout number 2 days after it rains is unrealistic. So I'm sure she is seething, but the 8 by 10 mud hole wasn't an issue.
2. My physical fitness has deteriorated from being off 5-6 months and need to build it back up. Not ready for amateurs yet. Foot was sore, but it wasn't my Achilles so to speak, but the parts surrounding my ankle. Still for the Achilles sake, I'm playing it cautiously.

Another US player sells Solo out

You may want to read the article first:

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-uswomen-chalupny&prov=ap&type=lgns

My take: Chalupny's response to the goalkeeper fallout should have been, "No comment!" They get "mad" because Solo threw Ryan under the bus. What the hell is Solo's teammates doing to her? First Wombach and now Chalupny. I liked these two as players, but I have no respect for either one of them. What? You're not getting your good press because you didn't win the cup so now you need press time at the expense of others. "I hope she's learned a lesson." What a hypocrite.

edited to add: Yes, the method of Solo's expression of anger was wrong. However an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. She still has every right to be pissed for the decision and so do the rest of the US.

Another one for Solo

http://onmilwaukee.com/sports/articles/czaban101007.html?12943

For the record, I am siding with Solo, even though she let her emotions get the best of her infront of the TV cam. She still has every right to be pissed. Wombach and her, "I am working towords forgiving her." Well I'm working towards forgiving the US team for a shitty performance up to the 3rd place match where I saw a different team out there. At least Scurry warmed up by then.

Did Abby Wambach sell Solo out? You decide

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071008/SPORTS/710080307

Happy Birthday Gabriel

Yesterday was Gabriel's birthday. We just had a small gathering and cake. Immediate family and grand parents. It was a nice get together. Gabriel always reminds me to enjoy every day as if it were our last. This was due to spending one month in NICU where 95% of the medical professional predicted he wouldn't make it out alive.

Hope Solo is really gone Solo in the 3rd place match

Well the US, even though we didn't win the cup, managed to keep the record of not placing below 3rd. Reminds me of my hme poker games, except that record was broken this spring. They played some good ball. I wished they played like that during the other games but as someone pointed out, it's a bit unfair to compare them to team 1999.

However the controversy seems to be surrounding Hope Solo being replaced by Brianna Scurry. Then it surrounded Solo's outbursts to the media. Then it surrounded Solo's suspension from the team for the 3rd place match.

Now I believe the outburst was directed at Greg Ryan and Greg Ryan only. Scurry unfortunately got caught in the crossfire or should I say friendly fire. I believe Solo has respect for Scurry, but just failed to show it when giving the outburst. I feel Scurry may be able to read between the lines and realize she wasn't the one being attacked. I believe those two will reconsile.
Coach Ryan however is another story. It amazing he can have an impressive record and then one game screws everything up. I agree with Solo that you cannot live in the past. I just don't fully agree with the method of speaking out.

Dispite Solo's outburst I have come to admire her this year as this is the first year I got to know of her. And I understand where it came from and if I were in her shoes (does she wear a size 10?) I might have reacted the same way. Yes she had a bad game against Korea, but it was wet out there and people screw up. She has more then atoned for that one. 3 shut outs and you reward her by benching her for the Semi Finals. Crap I must say. Maybe she figured she had nothing more to lose by speaking out. Anyone ever thought of that one. Wynalda did it in 1998 when Sampson put him in the midfield vs. forward and kicked Harks off the team.

World Cup Final Recap..Beauty doesn't score goals.

I have to say the better team won and I was pleased to say it was not Brazil. Why? Don't get me wrong, they play a beautiful game....when they want to. Meaning when they are not going down too easily and trying to draw a foul. And even worse yet, trying to draw out cards like they successfully did against the USA.
Germany's touches on the ball were not spectactular in comparison to Brazil, but Germany's touches counted with two goals. Beauty doesn't score goals.

The refereeing? I have to say I was surprised that Seitz was not in the middle, but then again, I'm not. There seems to be a stigmatism against the USA when it comes to World Cup finals. Esse Barharmist didn't get it in 1998. And that was after the incredible display of courage of calling a PK while most of the world booed him...until a swedish camera picked up the foul. Not 2002's Brian Hall where players who had his game stated they had very little problems with his refereeing. Not 2003 where Seitz or Hunt could have done the final. I won't go into 2006.

This austrailian referee was okay, but my only problem was she didn't use her cards enough because in the second half, things got agressive on both sides. Danilla should have gotten a red card (second caution) for that bad tackle. Verbally talking to the players only goes so far.

Still it was an entertaining game to watch and Germany did deserve it. Oh for those who ask, I wouldn't have called that PK a DOGSO because there was another German player who may have been able to contest for the ball. When it's not "Obvious" then it's not a red. I'll give the referee Kudos for that one.

The Day After

So I have plenty of time to think about the game yesterday. The one thing I have to say is that USA losing and playing like crap doesn't take away the fact that Brazil did great. The scored the first two goals with 11 players on the field.







The USA team was flat from the time I saw their exhibition game against Japan at Spartan Stadium. They were flat on the opening game against Korea, but for the Korean coach to say they can take the USA on is bogus. They got both their goals with a man(woman) down. I would like to see a rematch with a full squad 90 minute game.







They were better against Sweden. Could have played better against Nigeria, but the one thing I noticed was, there was a lack of a midfield. A lot of long balls.







Quarter final I thought they got their grove back and Hope Solo regained my confidence shortly after the Korea match. For the first time I thought they stood a chance of winning the cup.







However, you have to look at the catalyst of things. When Ryan decided to change the keepers out, the team was demoralized. Solo was understandably furious. Even Scurry had doubts of this change. Her teammates were questioning the decision. Former US players and coaches questioned the change. The only one who seemed to be confident in the change was Coach Ryan himself. I will take the bet that either Ryan will step down or USSF will fire him. I like to follow the philosophy that you never change a winning team. Ryan should have had that same philosophy. But like I said, there is enough blame to go around.







Osbourne headed the ball into her own goal. It could have been Solo or Scurry and it would not change the fact we had an own goal. Of course this probably demoralizes the cold keeper Scurry while Solo watches in horror.









Then Marta scores a goal which I felt Scurry could have reached if she was warmed up enough. Problem is she hasn't played much while Solo was Juiced with 3 shutouts in a row. Again, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

















Then if they were not demoralized enough, Shannon Boxx gets the second yellow card. A bogus card because Christiane' took Boxx down and even celebrated when the 2nd card took place. To her credit though in the 2nd half she did perform an excellent display in footwork.

So would USA won without all these controversies? Maybe, but they still would have had a major fight in their hands because as even Lilly quoted, "They were the better team."

USA loses against Brazil

What happened you might ask. Well first let's look at the 24 hours prior. I'm watching the Germany vs. Norway and it turns out Ryan makes a decision to replace Hope Solo with Brianna Scurry. This didn't fly will with the keepers, the announcers, the teams, and the fans. Except for Ryan, I don't know who favors the change.

So we're stuck with this decision and to make matters worse, Osbourn heads the ball in her own goal. I would like to believe that Scurry called her off. It could have been Solo in the goal and I think it wouldn't have change this.

Then we had another goal scored against us. Then if that was not enough demoralizing, lose Boxx to a bogus call. I would really like to know how this Swedish gal, keeps getting the assignments when she blows them one after the other.

Then they start changing the defense and not the offense.

I guess you can say there is enough blame to go around.

Quarter Final Review

You're going to get a condensed version as I have watched all the games, but have not had time to jot my thoughts yet.

USA vs. England

It seemed as though USA was going to keep repeating the flatness while playing England. However, when Abby Wombach scored a goal it seemed to wake everyone in the USA and they had an explosive second half.

Germany vs. Korea

I'm not surprised by the outcome of this match. Korea was lucky tying the USA when Wombach was out getting stitched up.

Brazil and Austrailia

This was the best game of the weekend. Brazil scores, Autrialia answers. May have been a missed PK call for Austrailia but the angle was bad, I would have needed to see it from a different POV, namely the referee's. (If correctly postioned). Still Brazil won, will be playing the USA, but Austrialia was fun to watch.

Norway vs. China

Kind of good news going into the Semi finals as there isn't a stigma of playing the host nation. However the goal Norway got was a weenie goal. I challenge you all to take a look at the replay of the match. Norway midfielder passes the ball up to her forward. If you listen you will hear a whistle sound just as Norway was about to receive the ball. You will notice the chinese defender slowing down as if she thought an offside call was made. Then you will notice the Norway attacker take the ball to goal and the chinese defender realizing just a second too late that was not the referee's whistle.
I suspect it was a chinese fan that blew the whistle (and a good whistle as well). I think he was hoping to stop the attack, but it backfired and stopped the defense.

Looking forward to the Semi Finals in a couple of days.

USA still flat as they tie Korea

You would think they would stay on guard as they enter the first game on asian soil, against an asian team. Wrong. They were flat. The management on the sidelines did a lousy job getting either Wombach back on the field or subbing. Wombach socred the first goal. Then gets a head injury which there is blood so she has to leave per FIFA law.
It takes well over 5 minutes to get her bandanged up and as a result they played a player down and Korea capitized on that not once, but twice. Luckly we tied it in the end, but like USA women, we take it as a loss.

The silver lining is the other two teams in the group of death also tied so it's almost a level playing field.

Japan ties England to a standstill...

...and quite frankly were the better team. Now I really had no interest in either team, but Kari Seitz and Jennifer Bennett were the officials for the match so I wanted to see how well they did. Jennifer really didn't have much work to do, holding up that sub billboard.

Kari had to make what John Kennedy used to call, "the moment of truth call." It came at the final minute of stoppage time. It happened so quick that even the replay didn't do it justice, unless you are a referee and know what to look for. What was found was the England defender held #9 of Japan as she was going up for the ball. However from the angle we were looking at it could very well look like two players going up for the ball. Where's the foul? Well if you took a close look at the play you will see the English player never really attempted to play the ball but did what she set out to do; keep the Japanese player from playing the ball. In slow motion you really could see it. Again, you need to know what to look for in a hold because not all holds are obvious. If what I say is not convincing, then look at this photo for a more obvious look.



And just bare in mind...Kari didn't have the luxury of a replay. Great call Kari and great guts in making that crucial call. Yes Crucial call. Because not only England committed a foul, but then choose to do a misconduct by encroaching the ball during the free kick in a desperation Kari would call the game. However it backfired on England because this occurred after Kari blew the whistle for restart, then had to caution the player. However, it doesn't say she has to blow the whistle twice and the keeper let her guard down as Japan took their final shot to score the tying goal.