After a day of refereeing 5 games on Saturday, in the Comstock Shootout, I was pretty beat. For that I was less enthused about signing up for more games then the championship match I had scheduled on Sunday. As it turned out, I got an extra game earlier.
The morning after I decided to sleep in. My buddy I traveled with wanted to sleep in. I slinked in around 10am and decided to do a 10:40 match. It was told to me that these two teams don't like each other. I was hoping it wasn't going to be like the previous day. 5 minutes in the match a called a penalty kick for a mistimed tackle. They were deverting away from the goal so no red for a DOGSO. After that call, it was physical, but they knew I wasn't screwing around so game control wasn't an issue.
Second game was two Idaho teams. It was funny because they are both in the same league and they came all this way to NV just to play each other in the U16 finals. No big controversy.
My center in the U19 girls final was fun. It was the North Lake Tahoe team vs. the South Lake Tahoe team. It was a hard fought match, but I called minimal fouls just to let them know I was still there. The S. Lake tahoe team was subbing more then my liking so I added two minutes and made that decision before the regulation ended. Before the regulation time ended, one goal scored by the losing team to narrow it to 2-1. I know my ARs were nervious when I indicated there would be two minutes left in the match. No goal resulted. But it was a good end to a weekend away from home.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
A near perfect game surrounded by crap.
I'm sitting in my hotel room writing this after refereeing 5 games. I'm getting too old for this. I''m over at the Comstock Shootout, which is a tournament in Carson City NV. I have been doing this tournament for a number of years (except for one year I missed) and usually what is more enjoyable is the friendships I maintain and the new friends I make.
Game number 1. Los Vegas vs. South Shore.
Los Vegas pretty much took charge of the game with possession of the ball. They scored one early goal. They were the more physical team, but both teams had their fair share of fouls. For the most part, it was a good game. Then here's where it hit the fan. I called a passback, because it was played by a defender and the keeper had time to decide to pick up the ball. I called it and the keeper was pissed. I should have booked her for dissent, but I let it go. Nothing came as a result. But I notice LV was kicking the ball a little far out then normal. There were also some injuries so with a 1-0 differential, I added time. Two minutes to be exact. Well in the final minute of regulation, South Shore scored the equalizer. This apparently pissed off LV. Then in the final minute of extra time, the scored again. Coach and keeper wanted to "ask me a question". Truth is they wanted a pissing match where I said, "This conversation is over."
I found out I had LV again and demanded to be removed, moved to another game, whatnot. After 2 hours of debating they moved me to another center in an U19. I had South Shore. I really don't like to see the same teams but this was the lesser of two evils. And it also was a near perfect match. I only called two fouls and one offside. The only problem is RSU, the losing team's coach, wanted stoppage for chasing the ball, but with a 4-0 match, I wasn't going to go there. Especially since I knew they lost their first match and are most likely out of contention of playoffs. But since the coach mildly complained about that, well I'll take that imperfection as there is no such thing as a perfect game.
My last game I was an AR. Coaches on both sides were jackasses. Apparently according to Tim S., my travel buddy, the spectators were just as bad. Didn't know the first thing of offside.
Well I'm headed to the Fandango for a buffet and hopefully to get in a Texas Hold Em game.
Game number 1. Los Vegas vs. South Shore.
Los Vegas pretty much took charge of the game with possession of the ball. They scored one early goal. They were the more physical team, but both teams had their fair share of fouls. For the most part, it was a good game. Then here's where it hit the fan. I called a passback, because it was played by a defender and the keeper had time to decide to pick up the ball. I called it and the keeper was pissed. I should have booked her for dissent, but I let it go. Nothing came as a result. But I notice LV was kicking the ball a little far out then normal. There were also some injuries so with a 1-0 differential, I added time. Two minutes to be exact. Well in the final minute of regulation, South Shore scored the equalizer. This apparently pissed off LV. Then in the final minute of extra time, the scored again. Coach and keeper wanted to "ask me a question". Truth is they wanted a pissing match where I said, "This conversation is over."
I found out I had LV again and demanded to be removed, moved to another game, whatnot. After 2 hours of debating they moved me to another center in an U19. I had South Shore. I really don't like to see the same teams but this was the lesser of two evils. And it also was a near perfect match. I only called two fouls and one offside. The only problem is RSU, the losing team's coach, wanted stoppage for chasing the ball, but with a 4-0 match, I wasn't going to go there. Especially since I knew they lost their first match and are most likely out of contention of playoffs. But since the coach mildly complained about that, well I'll take that imperfection as there is no such thing as a perfect game.
My last game I was an AR. Coaches on both sides were jackasses. Apparently according to Tim S., my travel buddy, the spectators were just as bad. Didn't know the first thing of offside.
Well I'm headed to the Fandango for a buffet and hopefully to get in a Texas Hold Em game.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Poker night tomorrow
And I am barely holding a table together. Some people are wonder if I am doing something funny with the cards. Can't say I blame them. Just take a look at my site for the results and you will see I have cashed out of my home game every time.
I promise you I have not rigged the deck in any way, shape, or form. I always start with a brand new deck in hopes of keeping the integrity of the game. As a matter of fact I invite someone else to bring a deck of cards. Anything to preserve the integrity of the game. I may just experiement tomorrow.
Problem is I don't know how not to play. Meaning on my last game, I was experimenting with a few things and I had a calling station who beat me with a 3-4 offsuit. When I saw that hand, I tightened up my play and wound up winning.
In a home poker forum when people evaluated my blinds structure, their only problem was in the big tourneys I use the $1.00 unneccessarly. Since I have built up my chips, I can take the ones out of the big games. I also noted I didn't use the minimum blind rule. Nobody, except for 1 member in passing said anything and I was ready to get hammered for it.
The one thing they did mention was that perhaps I out class most of the players. I play on average 2 games a night online. I read up on the game. A lot of these guys are not that obsessive.
As poor of a turnout that may happen, I kind of hope I don't blow everyone out of the water.
I promise you I have not rigged the deck in any way, shape, or form. I always start with a brand new deck in hopes of keeping the integrity of the game. As a matter of fact I invite someone else to bring a deck of cards. Anything to preserve the integrity of the game. I may just experiement tomorrow.
Problem is I don't know how not to play. Meaning on my last game, I was experimenting with a few things and I had a calling station who beat me with a 3-4 offsuit. When I saw that hand, I tightened up my play and wound up winning.
In a home poker forum when people evaluated my blinds structure, their only problem was in the big tourneys I use the $1.00 unneccessarly. Since I have built up my chips, I can take the ones out of the big games. I also noted I didn't use the minimum blind rule. Nobody, except for 1 member in passing said anything and I was ready to get hammered for it.
The one thing they did mention was that perhaps I out class most of the players. I play on average 2 games a night online. I read up on the game. A lot of these guys are not that obsessive.
As poor of a turnout that may happen, I kind of hope I don't blow everyone out of the water.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
In Memory of A Fallen Star
When I first met Carly my wife and I were in our first year of dating. She was 4 and my first impression of her was, "Here is a kid that is going to grow up and be somebody." She spoke very intelligently for a 4 year old. I knew this was contributed by the fact both her parents were educators.
Unfortunately for everyone that knew her, I was half right. She never finished growing up, but she was definitely somebody special for the short time she was here.
Unfortunately for everyone that knew her, I was half right. She never finished growing up, but she was definitely somebody special for the short time she was here.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Deja Vu
Before I go into that one, you may want to read the previous post. Woke up Sunday morning and could barely walk, my calf hurt like a mother f---er. Some Icy Hot, Motrin and just walking it off made it feel better. Jesse and I decided to ride up together despite the fact I had a double header and Jesse was scheduled for one game.
We arrived at the polo fields and had this overwhelming need to hit the head. As I was just going, a certain National Referee called me over in the manner of "Here boy!" His first mistake. I was scheduled to AR for him on my second game. He wanted me to take his center. There were a few reasons I wouldn't do this for him. One, I'm injured and by all rights I shouldn't even do lines that day. Two, one team I issued a red which is still fresh in their mind. I told him I barely had enough for my AR spots and my calf was sore, and my groin muscle was nagging. He said he had a nagging, not excruciating pain. He had a pro match he wanted to save himself for. He tried, but I bottom lined it for him. I made it clear I was not taking any centers. He asked me if I was handicapped. His second mistake. I just replied, "Look who's talking." It's not the first time he pulled this crap. Last year he was scheduled to be in Alaska and he missed his flight which caused an uproar in the car rental department, not to mention money spent down the drain. There are also rumors he does crap like show up to MLS matches in less then 30 minutes. Needless to say, I don't respect him. Great referee, but not who I would call a respectable referee.
So Jesse decided to do back to back centers. I felt bad for Jesse. The first game was Sons of Italy and SF Celtic. Turned out to be a good game, and Jesse had the teams well under control despite the complaints from the Italy coach.
The second game, I'm not going to name teams, but call them Red and Black. This is the same Red team I had a month ago in the middle. Jesse kept things pretty much under control for doing back to back games. Late in the first half Jesse pulls his first yellow. Unfortunately I couldn't tell if it was #10 Red or #6 Black. A minute passed and Jesse shows #10 the yellow then the red card. I guess it was # 10. I couple minutes passed and then I thought wait a minute! That's the same guy I sent off a month ago. The deja vu was in my match he got a yellow, and then got his second yellow in the next minute, just like Jesse's. Apparently it was still fresh in their minds because the other AR mentioned one of the teams asked Jesse, "Did you guys talk about us prior to the team?" as they realized I was the one who sent #10 off earlier.
Second half, Red got a goal despite playing with 10 players and the Black team was demoralized. Red scored another goal and Black was basically "dead man walking". According to Jesse I was adequate enough for him, but he said he noticed I was limping the second half of the second game.
Even though the WCYWS policy makes the referee who issued a red buy the beer, I broke the rules and insisted on treating.
We arrived at the polo fields and had this overwhelming need to hit the head. As I was just going, a certain National Referee called me over in the manner of "Here boy!" His first mistake. I was scheduled to AR for him on my second game. He wanted me to take his center. There were a few reasons I wouldn't do this for him. One, I'm injured and by all rights I shouldn't even do lines that day. Two, one team I issued a red which is still fresh in their mind. I told him I barely had enough for my AR spots and my calf was sore, and my groin muscle was nagging. He said he had a nagging, not excruciating pain. He had a pro match he wanted to save himself for. He tried, but I bottom lined it for him. I made it clear I was not taking any centers. He asked me if I was handicapped. His second mistake. I just replied, "Look who's talking." It's not the first time he pulled this crap. Last year he was scheduled to be in Alaska and he missed his flight which caused an uproar in the car rental department, not to mention money spent down the drain. There are also rumors he does crap like show up to MLS matches in less then 30 minutes. Needless to say, I don't respect him. Great referee, but not who I would call a respectable referee.
So Jesse decided to do back to back centers. I felt bad for Jesse. The first game was Sons of Italy and SF Celtic. Turned out to be a good game, and Jesse had the teams well under control despite the complaints from the Italy coach.
The second game, I'm not going to name teams, but call them Red and Black. This is the same Red team I had a month ago in the middle. Jesse kept things pretty much under control for doing back to back games. Late in the first half Jesse pulls his first yellow. Unfortunately I couldn't tell if it was #10 Red or #6 Black. A minute passed and Jesse shows #10 the yellow then the red card. I guess it was # 10. I couple minutes passed and then I thought wait a minute! That's the same guy I sent off a month ago. The deja vu was in my match he got a yellow, and then got his second yellow in the next minute, just like Jesse's. Apparently it was still fresh in their minds because the other AR mentioned one of the teams asked Jesse, "Did you guys talk about us prior to the team?" as they realized I was the one who sent #10 off earlier.
Second half, Red got a goal despite playing with 10 players and the Black team was demoralized. Red scored another goal and Black was basically "dead man walking". According to Jesse I was adequate enough for him, but he said he noticed I was limping the second half of the second game.
Even though the WCYWS policy makes the referee who issued a red buy the beer, I broke the rules and insisted on treating.
Limped my way through a CPSA match
I'll get to the meaning of the title in a moment but I would like to start at the beginning. Saturday night I had a center on a CPSA match. That alone gets me nervous. Now add the fact these are the top two teams where I have a history with one of them (not the best kind), who can be very volatile and add the fact that I have one AR I can't completely trust, well let's just say my wife told me, "Honey, I love you but I wouldn't want to be ya."
So the game was at Shorty Garcia (I nickname it Shorty McShort Short). My 2nd time there but the first time I actual got to referee the match. Very nice field, but to me, it seemed rather small in length. It was easy to keep up with play and trust me that was another challenge. You see I am currently nursing a calf injury. 600mg of Motrin 4 hours prior to the game and then just before the game and I was doing fine.
My plan prior to the game. Show up an hour prior (I never understand the referees who show up less then 30 minutes). Pray that the "kid" scheduled to be AR2 shows up before AR1. Then use every legit excuse in the book to put AR2 to AR1 and AR1 to AR2. Why you ask? Because I had a heads up from the big man who assigns my games that he was confrontational in a previous game and to keep an eye on him (though I wonder what he was doing assigned to this match to begin with). Shows up with stripped socks after I took a leap of faith when the 30 minute mark hit to put on logos. I asked him if he had logos, he said no and "What is the big fucking deal?"
I explained to him we have to look alike. So I take off my logos to put on stripes. Then he starts swearing regarding my switch. Nothing makes him happy.
Well as it turns out AR1 shows up slightly less then 30 minutes prior. Dammit to hell! AR2 shows up just when we were about to check in the teams. He informs me he was in a car accident and is shook up and didn't want AR1. I had two evils and decided against my best judgement to leave things as it was. AR1 decides to be proactive and check in the other team and I sent AR2 to make sure AR1 stays out of trouble.
So I hit the opening whistle and Red seemed to be in rare form as the fouls happened. Green was playing good ball, but was getting hacked quite a bit. Then the cards come out flying. Their captain told me to "be fair". I got annoyed with that comment and I looked him right in the eye and said, "You calling me a cheat? No, really, are you calling me a cheat?" He didn't want anything more to do with me at that point. The fouls were 75% Red and 25% Green as a rough estimate. I was able to keep up with play until they decided long ball was cool play. Fortunately it didn't happen all the time, but the field was short enough that it was a punt, to the forward who tries to score.
So how was AR1? He didn't bury me completely but he started to make a spectacle of himself. He called me over because defense was giving him a hard time and was swearing at him, but didn't give me specific numbers. He kept repeating like an insulted drunk and finally I said, "I got it." twice. I went to the Green and said, "Please don't swear at my AR1."
One Green defender said, "We weren't"
I said, "I'm not saying you did, I'm not saying you didn't, just don't do it."
He smiled and said, "Fair enough."
At half time the assistant coach came up and demanded I deal with the spectators. Now it could be the stress of the importance of this game, in combo with a rogue AR1, and the pain in my calf nagging a bit, I didn't take to kind to his way of asking. I called him on his rudeness and I said, it's a fair request, but ask me, don't demand me. Him being the ass said, let me remind you we pay you guys. My response to that was, "Let's go earn our money then." My friend Jesse told me it would have been a great opportunity to ask for a raise.
So I went to the Red coach first and asked him to move his spectators to the other side. He took this as a good time to tell me what I am missing and how much I suck. I said, "Fine but my request still stands and I will not start the half until you comply." I went to the Green head coach and made the same request. Now mind you the green coach called me an idiot when I may have missed a foul (he may have been right about the missed foul to be honest with you and myself). He told me who is staff was and asked if he can keep his daughter with him. I said no problem as I'm a dad and would be reluctant as well. I said help me out and I'll ignore the idiot remark. He rolled his head like he realized he was caught and shook my hand and said, "Fair enough."
Unfortunately they were slow on the compliance so I looked at a few shivering players on either side and said, "Hmmmmmmm." I went to one of the players and said, "Feels like hell froze over, huh?"
He said, "Yeah, can we get this game started?"
I said sure, "As soon as your spectators move to the other side." Players couldn't help me any faster then that.
The second half was much like the first, but Green managed to earn 3 bookings to almost catch up with Red. Red still thought I was unfair. By all rights I could have sent a couple of them home for all the dissent they gave me (at least 3 had a card already). But I managed to finish and nobody was sent home prematurely.
So the game was at Shorty Garcia (I nickname it Shorty McShort Short). My 2nd time there but the first time I actual got to referee the match. Very nice field, but to me, it seemed rather small in length. It was easy to keep up with play and trust me that was another challenge. You see I am currently nursing a calf injury. 600mg of Motrin 4 hours prior to the game and then just before the game and I was doing fine.
My plan prior to the game. Show up an hour prior (I never understand the referees who show up less then 30 minutes). Pray that the "kid" scheduled to be AR2 shows up before AR1. Then use every legit excuse in the book to put AR2 to AR1 and AR1 to AR2. Why you ask? Because I had a heads up from the big man who assigns my games that he was confrontational in a previous game and to keep an eye on him (though I wonder what he was doing assigned to this match to begin with). Shows up with stripped socks after I took a leap of faith when the 30 minute mark hit to put on logos. I asked him if he had logos, he said no and "What is the big fucking deal?"
I explained to him we have to look alike. So I take off my logos to put on stripes. Then he starts swearing regarding my switch. Nothing makes him happy.
Well as it turns out AR1 shows up slightly less then 30 minutes prior. Dammit to hell! AR2 shows up just when we were about to check in the teams. He informs me he was in a car accident and is shook up and didn't want AR1. I had two evils and decided against my best judgement to leave things as it was. AR1 decides to be proactive and check in the other team and I sent AR2 to make sure AR1 stays out of trouble.
So I hit the opening whistle and Red seemed to be in rare form as the fouls happened. Green was playing good ball, but was getting hacked quite a bit. Then the cards come out flying. Their captain told me to "be fair". I got annoyed with that comment and I looked him right in the eye and said, "You calling me a cheat? No, really, are you calling me a cheat?" He didn't want anything more to do with me at that point. The fouls were 75% Red and 25% Green as a rough estimate. I was able to keep up with play until they decided long ball was cool play. Fortunately it didn't happen all the time, but the field was short enough that it was a punt, to the forward who tries to score.
So how was AR1? He didn't bury me completely but he started to make a spectacle of himself. He called me over because defense was giving him a hard time and was swearing at him, but didn't give me specific numbers. He kept repeating like an insulted drunk and finally I said, "I got it." twice. I went to the Green and said, "Please don't swear at my AR1."
One Green defender said, "We weren't"
I said, "I'm not saying you did, I'm not saying you didn't, just don't do it."
He smiled and said, "Fair enough."
At half time the assistant coach came up and demanded I deal with the spectators. Now it could be the stress of the importance of this game, in combo with a rogue AR1, and the pain in my calf nagging a bit, I didn't take to kind to his way of asking. I called him on his rudeness and I said, it's a fair request, but ask me, don't demand me. Him being the ass said, let me remind you we pay you guys. My response to that was, "Let's go earn our money then." My friend Jesse told me it would have been a great opportunity to ask for a raise.
So I went to the Red coach first and asked him to move his spectators to the other side. He took this as a good time to tell me what I am missing and how much I suck. I said, "Fine but my request still stands and I will not start the half until you comply." I went to the Green head coach and made the same request. Now mind you the green coach called me an idiot when I may have missed a foul (he may have been right about the missed foul to be honest with you and myself). He told me who is staff was and asked if he can keep his daughter with him. I said no problem as I'm a dad and would be reluctant as well. I said help me out and I'll ignore the idiot remark. He rolled his head like he realized he was caught and shook my hand and said, "Fair enough."
Unfortunately they were slow on the compliance so I looked at a few shivering players on either side and said, "Hmmmmmmm." I went to one of the players and said, "Feels like hell froze over, huh?"
He said, "Yeah, can we get this game started?"
I said sure, "As soon as your spectators move to the other side." Players couldn't help me any faster then that.
The second half was much like the first, but Green managed to earn 3 bookings to almost catch up with Red. Red still thought I was unfair. By all rights I could have sent a couple of them home for all the dissent they gave me (at least 3 had a card already). But I managed to finish and nobody was sent home prematurely.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Raising a special needs child
I read this article and it hit me as if I wrote it myself.
For the record....Gabriel is doing fine. Best way to describe it is, his therapists set goals and he meets them far sooner then expected.
For the record....Gabriel is doing fine. Best way to describe it is, his therapists set goals and he meets them far sooner then expected.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Viewing Perspectives.
Saturday night I spent time with a friend. He was disappointed, no upset about the performance from his son at State Cup. So I stood there patiently listening to him telling how upset he was that he spent all this money on his boy, only realizing now he may not have the drive to continue the sport.
After my games on Sunday I spent time with my fellow referees. One of them I learned teaches a coaching clinic. One of the thing he sees is there are plenty of coaches that took the course 10-15 years ago, but never come back for a refreasher. Sounds like several referees I know. Another ref works in the CYSA office and said something profound: The city leagues are giving so much attention and money to the division one program and the players who play for the city, are not even from the city. Having my daughter in Division 4, that really doesn't sit well.
I read a blog where the parents were really getting into the "spirit" of things in a State Cup match. I have a feeling it was not only for winning, but about the investment the parents made in winning things like State Cup and regionals. Or how so much money goes to the technical directors whom the player sees not nearly enough. But to the TD's defense, there's only one of him.
To the parents who invest that much money in the player, need to know this: You can shell out thousands of dollars, have the best trainers, coaches, and what not. However, when it comes down to it, there are two teams, and one winner. Which means there is one loser who invested a lot of money just to lose. That's alot of pressure to put on your kid.
After my games on Sunday I spent time with my fellow referees. One of them I learned teaches a coaching clinic. One of the thing he sees is there are plenty of coaches that took the course 10-15 years ago, but never come back for a refreasher. Sounds like several referees I know. Another ref works in the CYSA office and said something profound: The city leagues are giving so much attention and money to the division one program and the players who play for the city, are not even from the city. Having my daughter in Division 4, that really doesn't sit well.
I read a blog where the parents were really getting into the "spirit" of things in a State Cup match. I have a feeling it was not only for winning, but about the investment the parents made in winning things like State Cup and regionals. Or how so much money goes to the technical directors whom the player sees not nearly enough. But to the TD's defense, there's only one of him.
To the parents who invest that much money in the player, need to know this: You can shell out thousands of dollars, have the best trainers, coaches, and what not. However, when it comes down to it, there are two teams, and one winner. Which means there is one loser who invested a lot of money just to lose. That's alot of pressure to put on your kid.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Broke the Red Card Streak
And it was about time. I was getting sick of those send off reports. Mind you there were a couple of yellows and it took most of my personality to keep one of them in the match. That and it took took even more skill to keep one player from doing something stupid as it turned out he got off of a red card suspension....because of me. Their captian decided to inform me he would write a letter regarding my performance. Hope he spells my name right. I hate it when the screw up the spelling. Anyway he confronted me after the game regarding the caution. He thought it was for dissent. It was for delay of game, but I also told him his constant bitching didn't help his case.
Doing my next game I was AR. The white captain complained about an offside I called. And I informed him he was there the whole frigging (yes exact words) time. He told me to watch my language. Frigging? Dude! If he was overly sensitive on that one, then to stay away from me after the game. He hasn't heard anything yet.
Ended the day with a beer, pizza (been eating too much of that), and a winning game of poker.
Doing my next game I was AR. The white captain complained about an offside I called. And I informed him he was there the whole frigging (yes exact words) time. He told me to watch my language. Frigging? Dude! If he was overly sensitive on that one, then to stay away from me after the game. He hasn't heard anything yet.
Ended the day with a beer, pizza (been eating too much of that), and a winning game of poker.
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