Poor Ref'ing to Our Advantage

Last night our U9 boys played a 6pm game against a fellow board member's team. The importance of who we played against is being critical of the ref while maintaining control of our own composure and sidelines was within our duties of being on the board. Let's just say the level of judgment the referee displayed in the match was less than adequate and our referee director will be receiving a note.

The advantage in this came when one call of handling the ball, which results in a direct free kick, was called. From my view I could not tell whether it was in our out of the opposition's penalty area but the hand came up signaling direct and my son placed the ball amid the confusion, stepped back and shot the ball up and over and into the back of the net. The goal counted.

Now, whether the referee confused the situation and awarded our team a direct free kick outside the penalty area or should have delayed and set up a PK is irrelevant to this portion of the post. What I was pleased with was how quickly and intelligently my son placed a quick kick to our advantage. The confusion likely contributed to his success but I found his thinking logical and timely.

Way to go J!

First Time Ref: Son to Assist

I'm pretty excited to start a new chapter in my soccer career this weekend. Since I certified with my son as Grade 9 referees back in Aug. I just haven't had the opportunity to put my cert. into action (schedule is just too busy). But this Sat. all of that will change. Not only do I get to referee, I get to center referee with my son as an assistant or AR. I'm a little nervous as making my debut where the parents and coaches are considerably more vocal in their dissent can be daunting. That being said, I believe I'm prepared to handle it. Should be fun. I'm also excited to have this experience with my son whom I absolutely adore and love. Wish us luck.