2016

So what have I been able to achieve this past year?

Assessment #1

“You haven’t passed your assessment”

I was sitting on the other side of the bench with both legs on either side and

2015

Reflection and goal-setting is how the ambitious achieve what seems impossible to the ordinary. As a result, I’ll be keeping in check with this habit and giving me more accountability in developing as a referee and a blogger.

Common Sense

Easier said than done.

Week 1

It’s a quiet week having returned from a long haul flight but things are about to return to normal with the refereeing routine. Almost a month off since the last game.

What is tomorrow?

Super Cup, Day 4

Day 4

I came into Day 4 with three goals:

1. Aiming for the highest appointments
2. Selling referee equipment to at least one referee
3. Learning the names of as many referees on the roster as I could

This was a nerve-wracking day. They would

Week 47

As you may have noticed, I’m far behind on blog posts. As a result, I’ve decided to tell this story in flashback because there are tales and stories to tell about the last six months. I will tag posts and title them with Past/Present as we jump back-and-forth.

Present

I begin with a jump to the present after my last post about the Super Cup almost 12,000km away.

Super Cup, Day 3

Day 3

It was a relaxing start to the day because I had plenty of time before my games. I was initially afraid I had arrived late because the dressing room was empty. I frantically got changed into gear and rushed out to look for everyone and where I was assigned to.

The first set of referees I ran into pointed me to the field behind the complex that we hadn’t used yet in the tournament. The games that had been postponed from the day before were to be played there. I walked briskly over to find 4-5 referees walking around the pitch inspecting it. Only…

Super Cup, Day 2

Day 2

Come morning, the Middle East brought its flavour to the International Super Cup. A sandstorm had enveloped the city. I looked out the window early in the morning.

Super Cup, Day 1

Week 14 and 15 were dominated by the Super Cup.

The countdown was on as it was leading up to the end of March. I knew the tournament was getting closer but it was more exciting to know it was in my own backyard! A local international tournament. I don’t think an opportunity like this would ever happen again.

I touched-base with the referee coordinator (RC) who sent last minute instructions ahead of the opening match day for arrival, equipment and attire. The field venues were in the outskirts of town in the desert area but once you stepped into the complex, it looked far from it. The facilities looked beautiful.

Day 1

Week 13

My request for late night games worked because two rescheduled games appeared for the week. I accepted both game offers and prepared for a bit of travel. The first game was Monday night at a local school. I had already been there a few weeks ago so I knew what to expect in terms of facilities.

Monday

I arrived at the school about 27 minutes before kick-off. I was rather annoyed at being three minutes past when I wanted to be there. To my utmost annoyance, the security guard at the entrance of the school didn’t permit me to enter through the entrance I did the last time. That meant I had to walk around the boundaries of the school. Arrival went from 27 minutes to 7 minutes before kick-off. I was clearly not happy