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.