2014 Football Brisbane Finals Appointments released

Evening everyone,

Night two at QSAC for me this week, with the junior's meeting on Monday and tonight Seniors.

Here's the 32 Grand Final appointments as released tonight, of which 9 attended Kanga Cup at some point in their earlier refereeing career.


U/18 Div 3 - Daniel Olsen - KCRYA 2012

Daniel at O'Connor 2012

U/18 Div 2 - Dylan Lambert - KCRYA 2012

`

Dylan at Harrison 2012

• U/18 Div 1 - Matthew Male 
• U/20 - Liam Jackson, formerly of Maryborough / Wide Bay zone

• City 7 Silver - Jeff Lewis
• City 7 Blue - Nik Fawcett - formerly of Gold Coast
• City 6 Silver - Chris Kenward
• City 6 Blue - Jose Neves
• City 5 Silver - Robert Brose, repeating Finalist from 2013
• City 5 Blue - Steve Smailes
• City 4 - Shane Holdsworth
• City 3 - David Porter
• City 2 - Darren Quinlan - KCRYA 2014 Coach and many years alumni from 2006
  Here's DQ in action at Technical training this year
• City 1 - Ashley Stout KCRYA 2011

• Capital 4 Reserves - Phil Tracey
• Capital 4 - Camelo Pulvirenti
• Capital 3 Reserves - Tony Mortensen
• Capital 3 - Scott Russell - Kanga Cup 2004 Alumni

Scott in action U/18 Final 2004 at Hawker

• Capital 2 Reserves - Colin Brooke
• Capital 2 - Rebecca Dureau
• Capital 1 Reserves - Joseph Lee - Kanga Cup 2009 Alumni - sorry Joey, no few pics from 2009 exist
• Capital 1 - Matthew Skinner

• Trophy Superstore Premier U/18 - Isidro Terol Crespo
• Trophy Superstore Premier League Reserves - Tony Sarai
• Trophy Superstore Premier League - Nathan MacDonald

• SEQ Womens Premier League - Casey Reibelt
• SEQ Womens Premier Div 1 - Lara Smith
• Elaine Watson Cup - Avrol Beecham
• *City League Cup - John Vasiliadis
• *Canale Cup - Jason Crow - Kanga Cup 2007 Alumni

* already held

Post season competition, new this year

• Champion of Champions Cup Play off - Martin Krenes
• Champion of Champions Final - Jarred Gillett - Kanga Cup 2004 Alumni   

Scott, Jarred and Norm - FB crew on Final 2004

England Exchange

The yearly exchange this year is all former Kanga Cup alumni - perhaps the boys can promote KC to the PGMOL for a Youth Exchange??

Andrew Lindsay - 2006 Alumni

2006 Final Team, Andrew second from right

Jason Crow - 2007

Greg, James, Jason (R), Mick on 2007 U/18 Plate Final

Congratulations to everyone on well deserved appointments and good luck on match day.  No doubt further Kanga Cup alumni will be Assistant Referees and Match Commissioning 

on some junior finals games in the next few weeks.

What is your local branch doing about promoting their referees outstanding performer's this year? How many Grand Final appointed referees in your State / Region can claim Kanga Cup alumni? - drop me a line I'd love to post further updates in the next few weeks.

Happy whistling this weekend, the end is in sight...

KangaCupRef

Busy week for National Tournaments

Evening all,

Late post and shout out to all the referees taking part and competing in the following National tournaments this week.  Given it's after midnight, I'm certain your all in bed already and most likely won't see this until next week.

School Sports Australia U/19 Football is being played at 3 venues across Sydney
Field 1 Lily Homes Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills.
Field 2 Sydney United Sports Stadium, 223-227 Edensor Road, Edensor Park.
Field 3 Valentine Sports Park – 235-237 Meurants Lane, Glenwood.

Games started on Sunday and will go through until Friday, round robin style.  Here's the draw but unlike the Qld event I don't expect any pictures as it has a low profile.  Local paper Blacktown Sun had this article in the leadup.  I have fond memories of the Valentine Sports Park, having attended National Titles there back in the day.

NTC Challenge is at the AIS in Canberra, commencing Monday - Friday.  

AIS Food Hall / Athletes Accom - Paul Smith 2014

This tournament has moved around in dates over the last few years and is the best young players from each state from their respective development academies and have been seen as the 2nd most important tournament for officials after National Youth Championships - girls were held in July and the Boys are in late October, both in Coffs Harbour.  NTC draw here, thanks to the good folk at Capital Football.

Further links from some of the state branches 

FFTAS

FFV

And to not forget them, the A-League / W-League / FIFA AR's officials get into serious preseason mode this weekend with their seminar also at the AIS 29 - 31 August.  The NTC crew might get a chance to say hi on their way out?

 

I'm hopeful some pictures of officials may appear via FB or state branches attending - happy to post online if anyone is kind enough to drop me a line.

Good luck to everyone taking part (referees, coaches, coordinators) and make the most of your chance to stake your claim as part of Future Elite.

Time for bed - any updates throughout the week I'll re-post here.

KangaCupRef

Finals are here - Feeling the Stress?

Here's some screen captures from this mornings U/20 Womens World Cup 3rd place match, officiated by  Sachiko Yamagishi (Referee, Japan) Allyson Flynn (AR1, Australia), Sarah Ho (AR2, Australia), Esther Staubli (4th Switzerland).

The team looked very together and professional, and finally more relaxed in the pre-game routine than the preliminary matches, having made the Finals.  
Congratulations on a great job, the second half certainly was exciting and produced some stunning goals.

Lots of concentration in the tunnel

So it got me to thinking about what makes for a good, positive Finals process? It's the last week in August and most winter competitions are wrapping up regular rounds and looking at the final 3 weeks of Semi/Finals/Grand Finals.
If you get appointed, how do you make the gameday both memorable and as stress free as possible.



Prepare / Plan - This week both the local Juniors and Senior referees here in Brisbane will be informed who's going to be refereeing the final games, most of which are 3 weekends away.  This gives the referee involved some time to mentally plan for the match, ensure he/she is available, have their gear ready, stay match fit in the lead up, the usual things you'd do for any game.  Finals being a bit bigger in terms of expectations from both players and self imposed performance expectations, it's worth trying a few other things that the professionals at FIFA do.

If you get a chance, watch the semi finals of the age group / division you'll be refereeing - you're likely to be refereeing teams you've regularly been involved with already this season and may not be involved in the Semis. It's worth looking closely at how they develop play, their style, routines on the field for set plays(short corners) and identifying key players (these are not always the ones that get sanctioned but are the game changers).  This will give you a edge on thinking about where your best positioned, match intensity (likely to be high) and may help with player management.

2-3 days before, try and reach out to your Assistant Referees and 4th official (if you have one).  They are likely to be appointed after Semi Finals and might change, but it's important to have a pre-game conversation / chat.  It might be just a quick phone conversation, catch up after training or coffee, but it's important to get them thinking about their role on match day and have some understandings of logistics - 

• Confirmation of teams / venue
• When is kickoff scheduled / when are you arriving at the ground (make it earlier than usual as there is always more to do )
• Liaison with the match coach / commissioner, they will have details about dressing room access / grounds / last minute logistical changes
• Comprehensive ground inspection
• Warmups together - even if this isn't part of your usual routine, think about or ask someone with experience what would be appropriate given your fitness / current training routine - breaking down on a Finals match because you weren't warm is poor performance
• Team gear check - some teams may never experience this in the regular season, but it's worth doing your job fully and checking equipment in the change rooms before the game - it allows you to ensure there are no jewelry / uniform issues on the field when everyone is ready for the game to commence - so make certain you let the coaches know you want to do it and when is it convenient for them - remember they are under lots of match day stress too.
• Fifa lineup - you can also explain during the gear check to the coaches how the teams may walk out / FIFA handshake if that is being done in your match - ask your Match Commissioner
• If your travelling together, allow extra time for parents to take photos of the "Finals" team
• Your equipment - ensure your AR's have the same uniform your expected to wear and their alternative colours - it'll allow you both time to borrow spares if needed
• If your really looking to be proactive, arrange for dinner out after the game - Celebration of your performances is worth it and it'll make the day more memorable.

And Finally, having called a fellow colleague who may be disappointed in having the AR instead of the Referee role, your making him/her feel better as your congratulating them on the appointment and setting the positive tone of teamwork that'll be needed on match day.  

Match Day

Today's U/20 WWC third playoff match for the AFC team produced some great stress relieving smiles from the team before the tunnel walkout - Sachiko had done some funny head twists between the first picture and second (above) and I can imagine they saw it on delay on a monitor in front?  Whatever it was, it worked for breaking any tension just moments before the big walkout.
Not a bad practice for any referee moments before the big game, as the use of humor / cheesy smiles will always break your concentration just enough to remind you to enjoy the experience and take it all in.

Don't overthink the match - everyone has their own particular pre match routines.  Rafa Nadal, champion tennis player is notorious for regular practices prior to and between points.

Copywrite brain-spec.blogspot.com

So ensure you have time on the match day for your regular routines, plus allowing your team to do theirs.  Some referees need loud pumping music, some quiet mediation, some practice physically or mentally their responses.  But regardless, it's another game and you need to treat it the same as much as is practical, as this will allow your regular best performance to come to the surface.  That performance is what got you to this point, so don't over think it.

Grabbing the match ball

Match Balls
The only equipment you may not have much control over until just before is the match balls - likely to be new, with the Match Commission or home team, under pumped and need checking - even at FIFA level the referees teams check all the balls and pump them prior to the game, so make time for this.  Great job for the 4th official if you have one.


FIFA Handshake / Walkout
Does your local branch / FA require the more formal FIFA handshake during Semi / Finals?  If so, have a look at any Aleague or International Team match for how it's done.  Key points:

1. Teams walk out together behind the officials team
2. AR's on outside, holding flags outside hands, 4th official to right of Referee in centre of field
3. Ensure you have the teams face the side with all the parents / spectators (not always the same as the benches) - they are wanting photos of faces, not backs on this big day
4. Remember to smile - you'll be in lots of photos
5. Team to referees left walk through first, handshakes all round
6. Team to referees right walk second, handshakes with officials
7. Get the captains back and do the coin toss.
8. Shake hands of captains and officials team - it shows your teams unity

Teams lined up FIFA handshake style

Third Playoff Team U20WWC - smile !!

You might also get pesky Match Commissioners / parents who want a picture for the digital scrap book prior to the match / post match with your medals.  This is the picture format you want, but try and stand close together and look like your having fun. 

Thats it for now, I'm off to Junior coaching to see who's doing what Finals in three weeks. Remember, its a reward for all your hard work during the last 7 months, so enjoy your Finals and good luck to everyone appointment for 2014.

More pics from U20WWC later tonight

KangaCupRef

U20 Womens World Cup - AFC Team appointed to Third Playoff Match

Morning everyone,

Wet Saturday morning here in Brisbane with many games called off in the last round for Seniors / penultimate round for Juniors - going to make the last week of the season busy with catchup games midweek.

AFC team heading out in Toronto Copyright FIFA

Checked into the U/20's Womens World Cup site this morning and to my pleasure found that the AFC team is officiating the Third place playoff match Korea -v- France on Sunday afternoon Monteal time (6am AEST Monday), so congratulations and well done to Sachiko Yamagishi (Referee, Japan) Allyson Flynn (AR1, Australia), Sarah Ho (AR2, Australia), Esther Staubli (4th Switzerland).

The AFC team has performed well throughout, having officiated Germany -v- USA (Edmonton), Canada -v- Finland (Toronto, infront of a capacity crowd at the National Soccer Stadium in a cracker comeback by Canada), Nigera -v- New Zealand Quarter Final (Moncton, which looked a lot like Bruce Stadium in Canberra to me) and now the runners up match in Montreal at the Olympic Stadium.

Quarter Final Team

Good luck team and we're all very proud of your accomplishments.  This definitely puts Allyson in to a guest speakers slot for Kanga '15 when she and Sarah return from the 2015 Women's World Cup, also being hosted in Canada, having done the Final.

The all Canadian team are on the Final at 8am AEST.

OFFICIALS

• Referee:Carol Anne CHENARD
  

  CAN
• Assistant Referee 1:Marie CHARBONNEAU (CAN)
• Assistant Referee 2:Suzanne MORISSET (CAN)
• Fourth official:Michelle PYE (CAN)

Just a shame that there is no coverage in Australia at all.  SBS / FFA, where's your commitment to Women's Football? Canadian Broadcasting Corp is providing live streaming if you can access it.

Updates as they occur...

KangaCupRef

Aussies in Action U-20 Womens World Cup

Morning everyone,

Australian FIFA Assistant Referees Allyson Flynn and Sarah Ho are again in action at the U-20's Womens World Cup later this morning (10 AEST Saturday 9th) in one of my favourite Canadian cities, Toronto.  They will assist again reigning AFC Women's Referee of the Year Sachiko Yamagishi for Canada -v- Finland, forming the same team as the opening game on Tuesday in Edmonton (USA -v- Germany).  Fourth official is Therese Neguel (Cameroon).

Allyson is Kanga Cup Alumni from many years, most recently being Capital Football's Referee Development Officer and Academy Director / Big hat wearer in 2013.

This year Allyson stopped in at the Academy HQ for a few minutes to wish everyone luck during Monday nights education sessions and to briefly catch up with a few coaching friends.

Allyson visiting the Academy 2014

Other refereeing teams of note include the New Zealanders, representing the team from OFC

9 August 2014

England – Mexico

Referee: Finau Vulivuli (FIJ)

Assistant Referee 1: Jacqueline Stephenson (NZL)

Assistant Referee 2: Sarah Walker (NZL)

Fourth official: Salome Di Iorio (ARG)

Referee Observer: Michal Listkiewicz (POL)

Good article on the OFC team here

And referee observer / assessor Jacqueline Leleu (Aus), former FIFA AR from Rockhampton - with thanks to http://refereeingworld.blogspot.com.au/ who has the entire rounds listing.

Coverage locally is non existent, but you might be able to stream it from overseas sites if you have VPN capability.  Check out this site for possible providers. 

FIFA's match site can be found here for a text commentary.

Go the Cannucks and the Aussies.

UPDATE 10 AM AEST - posting live updates on FB for those interested in the action

Some screen captures from a exciting and well managed game - Well done Team AFC

Allyson's Offside Decision

Returning from half time

Signalling for foul by Beckie / Canada

Yellow card coming your way

Keeping control late in match

2014/15 Hyundai ALeague Referee Panels Released

Evening everyone,

Well Ben Wilson and the crew at FFA have done their assessments and reviews of the "Possibles and Probables" list and released today the 2014/15 HAL / WWL / FNYL panels for the upcoming season commencing September / October.

Here's the list (with the FNYL listed first as that's our focus here)

Foxtel National Youth League

• Adam Powers ACT
• Sam Nixon ACT
• James Cleal NNSW
• Joshua Cornick NNSW
• Matthew Garrett NNSW
• Alex Merkel NNSW
• Trent Nash NNSW
• Ben Abraham NSW
• Adrian Arndt NSW
• Sebastien Brennan NSW
• Lachlan Daniel NSW
• Karl Davies NSW
• Samuel Grasso NSW
• Lachlan Keevers NSW
• Thomas Lee NSW
• Kearney Robinson NSW
• Daniel Stack NSW
• Adam Vainauskas NSW
• Liam Jackson QLD
• Dylan Lambert QLD
• Joseph Lee QLD
• Matthew Male QLD
• Daniel Olson QLD
• Ethan Quinlan QLD
• James Sherry QLD
• Trent Sleeman QLD
• Kyle Bartlett SA
• Daniel Cook SA
• Aaron Galanti SA
• Sean Grimmond SA
• Andrew Kite SA
• Jarrod Muller SA
• James Hortle TAS
• Brenton Kopra TAS
• Ahmad Al Jelali VIC
• Alessandro Arbizanni VIC
• Oliver Bannister VIC
• Adam Bavcar VIC
• Jordan English VIC
• Jack Morgan VIC
• Harley Natis VIC
• Elliott Cirkovic WA
• Tom Dowle WA
• Nico Hoyle WA
• Joshua Nixon WA
• Zac Picciacco WA
• Matthew Southern WA

Westfield W-League Referees (8)

• Kirralee Andruschak NNSW
• Rebecca Durcau QLD
• Kate Jacewicz VIC
• Kelly Jones NSW
• Rachel Mitchenson QLD
• Katie Patterson NSW
• Casey Reibelt QLD
• Lara Smith QLD

Westfield W-League Assistant Referees (15)

• Michelle Allen NSW
• Avrol Beecham QLD
• Joanna Charaktis VIC
• Renae Coghill QLD
• Lily David NSW
• Delfina Dimoski ACT
• Sarah Drake QLD
• Tanya de Boer NNSW
• Allyson Flynn ACT
• Eleanor Hayes NNSW
• Sarah Ho NSW
• Maddison Kennedy SA
• Ana Nevjestic SA
• Karlee Patchett QLD
• Nia Southwell ACT

Westfield W-League 4th Official

• Liz Shorter NSW

Hyundai A-League Referees (13)

• Chris Beath QLD
• Matthew Conger NZ
• Strebre Delovski NSW
• Shaun Evans VIC
• Adam Fielding WA
• Jarred Gillett QLD
• Peter Green QLD
• Kris Griffith-Jones NSW
• Lucien Laverdure VIC
• Stephen Lucas NSW
• Alan Milliner QLD
• Peter O'Leary NZ
• Ben Williams ACT

Hyundai A-League Assistant Referees (28)

• Hakan Anaz VIC
• Jonathan Barreiro VIC
• Ashley Beecham QLD
• Luke Brennan VIC
• Paul Cetrangolo SA
• Mathew Cheeseman WA
• Matthew Cream SA
• Scott Edeling NSW
• Allyson Flynn ACT
• Ryan Gallagher NNSW
• Andrej Giev NSW
• Lance Greenshields NSW
• Jan-Hendrik Hintz NZ
• Brad Hobson VIC
• Sarah Ho NSW
• George Lakrindis VIC
• Andrew Lindsay QLD
• Glen Lochrie NZ
• Nathan MacDonald QLD
• Josh Mannella WA
• Tim Mihevc WA
• Owen Goldrick ACT
• Leigh Pigram NSW
• Mark Rule NZ
• Anton Shchetinin QLD
• Greg Taylor ACT
• James Tesoriero NSW
• David Walsh QLD

Hyundai A-League 4th Officials (10)

• David Bruce WA
• Patrick Chaplin VIC
• Matthew Cropper ACT
• Daniel Elder SA
• Adam Gehrig NNSW
• Alex King QLD
• Rick Schneider SA
• Nick Waldron NZ
• Luke Withell ACT
• Chris Young NSW

Haven't had much time to assess the new comers to the panels yet, but great to see lots of Kanga Cup Alumni listed here and will do a further posting later tonight tracking some Alumni's rise to the Elite level in Australian Football.

Congratulations to everyone listed and good luck on the upcoming fitness tests - the hard work has only just began.