Introduction

Random and unofficial insights and happenings at Football Tournaments nationally from the officials perspective

Friday, September 28, 2012

GCCC Day 6 Late update

Hey everyone,

Quick one just to let everyone know that more Gold Coast Champions Cup 2012 photos are going online overnight to the Flickr account for your viewing pleasure.  I had hoped it would be updated by now, but crashed sometime during my evening out.  Funny how even though I'm not coordinating anything, I'm still updating the blog late into the evening..... 

Been too tired to do much blog updating, even with only a few games per day due to high referee numbers involved.  I have been doing some coaching with local GC junior referees between games, so this takes some energy as well I guess. 
Always interesting to see who turns up for this type of event and how far they have travelled.  Several Brisbane juniors / seniors, Cairns junior, South Australia senior and NZ of course is represented.  
The quality of local refs is good to excellent given their resources and looks like their new structures have helped from what I observed in 2010.  Some new first years still making those first year mistakes, but overall the tournament must be happy with the service being provided.  Happy bunch too, with lots of humour and loud music playing in the early morning roll call to get everyone syched up.  Had my first ride on a golf cart yesterday, almost as dangerous as refereeing a U/12 centre.

Match officials golf carts are however a geninue OH&S issue around the grounds and I'm surprised that no one has been run down yet as they wizz between, across and around grounds, usually during live matches.  I even saw one drive directly onto the FOP tonight during an all in melee on U/18.  I wasn't sure what he thought he would be able to do, drive over the offenders wrestling on the ground? Way to much power, way too little direction as to their roles.

After some dinner I headed back to Field 2 to watch the end of the 18's match and support the New Zealand crew on the U/21's.  Unfortunately I was able to witness at close range a completely out of hand losing player in the 18's make some poor choices post game in confronting the Assistant Referee, expressing his view in some colourful language and then feeling the need to push the AR in the chest before being dragged away. 
I won't say too much as I'd hope the organisation running the tournament will deal with him appropriately and pass onto the relevant authorities any necessary reports to ensure this young man learns that this conduct is totally unacceptable in Football. 

U/21's was a fairly tame affair in contract, with Mark and the crew managing the game well, including a penalty within 20 seconds of kickoff, perhaps a record for this years tournament.

Left before the end to watch the opening matches of the Croatian Football Tournament, being hosted just down the road at the GC Knights ground.  Big turn out for the opening night, beer tent, rides and lots of buzz amongst a crowd easily several hundred.  GCCC coordinator Neil O'Connor strongly officiated the opening game, with AR's Geoff Talintyre (GCCC Coordinator) and Craig O'Neill (GC Football Referees Coach).  Craig did game two and it looks to be a competitive tournament for the next few days, so GC referee's will need to be on it (and those outoftowners who are helping out)

Off to bed - last pics from today have completed as I speak and I have a game at 9am in Nerang.  I'll have the afternoon off to relax and focus before running the U/21's Semi Final, rather unexpected appointment but a nice surprise regardless.  Unsure what will happen on Saturday with finals and might be happy to just watch the juniors / take pics, but think I may have some Croatian FT games.  We'll see....

Will try and update twitter / FB over the day.



Monday, September 24, 2012

GCCC Day 3, storms are brewing...

Evening everyone,

Here's your update from Day 3 of Gold Coast Champions Cup, a day that had it all.

Since the orientation day on Saturday, I've moved into my regular mini break location at Varsity Lakes.  Figured the travel would be too much daily and give me more time to relax / recover and do some blogging.

Day 1 (Saturday) had a few late afternoon older games, covered by the Gold Coast locals.  A full schedule of matches started on Sunday and the first red cards occuring at U/18 level and U/21.
For my first centre U/18 on Sunday it was a one sided affair 8-0 to a Olympic over Wanders.  No issues and got to work with Mark (NZ) and Ethan (GC local), who I'd watched do U/13 girls on Saturday afternoon.  Mark is visiting along with Pat and Steve from the North region, taking the opportunity to do some holidaying along with experiencing QCCC.  Mark had the U/21's tonight, but I left before his match.  Ethan is a local up and comer, having attended State Titles in Townsville earlier this year.

Today, I had U/15's at 10am, with Sho (FB) and Dion (GC).  Another one sided event, 14-0 to Nth Star over Devonport in hot conditions.  It leads the the conclusion that a mercy rule should be in affect at tournaments to stop games once they get to 10 goals.  11.50am U/17's was more fun, running a line for Darren Q (FB, Kanga Alumni) and Pat (NZ National Youth League panel, looking for move up) on the other side.
First half was 5-0 to Rangers, but Cook Island got back into the match with 3 quick goals in 13 minutes and it finished 6-4 to Rangers, 1 RC for some poorly choosen comments from a Rangers play directed to Darren.  Darren had been out of refereeing for a while but you wouldn't know it, back on form and should be a strong contender for finals on Saturday.

Some overpriced lunch and then watched as the afternoon storm rolled in, lightening and thunder (see below)






It's a interesting point to note about severe weather events and football tournaments.  The storm had been forecast and building for several hours.  It was fully occuring for easily 15 minutes overhead before the matches were suspended, way after the first lightening strikes were within a 5km distance.  Yet none of the referee's stopped their games and from what I saw, no one even consulted with the teams / coaches about the increasingly poor weather. 

Eventually the administrators determined the matches needed to be suspended and word was passed by available referees running between grounds.  This was quickly done and everyone found shelter until the storm cell passed, about 20 minutes duration.

Who remembers Law 5 - The Referee?  page 12 LOTG (Aus version)

  • "stops, suspends or abandons the match because of outside interference of any kind"

 Is a severe lightening storm outside interference? Is it possible that players safety could be compromised (in the same way that a spectator running onto the field of play to punch a player) by a lightening strike / hail?


To quote the International FA Board decision, page 13 LOTG (AUS version)

"A referee (of where applicable, an assistant referee or fourth official) is not held liable for:
any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator
any damage to property of any kind
any other loss...

Such decisions may include:

  • a decision that the condition of the field of play or its surrounds or that the weather conditions are such as to allow or not allow a match to take place 
    •  a decision to abandon a match for whatever reason"
So this IFAB decision makes it easy to make a decision to suspend or potentially abandon a match in severe weather conditions, as the LOTG absolves the referee from any decision he/she may make.

And locally, from the Gold Coast Football Competition Centre Management Rules, section 4.10.1

"Once the match has commenced, the Match Referee has sole responsibility to determine if the match should be suspended or abandoned due to severe adverse weather conditions, serious on field injury requiring ambulance or matters that may compromise the safety of the participants of the match" 

Remember, its junior football folks and as such player safety and protection is the first priority.  Let the administrators worry about delay in fixtures, rescheduling games and unhappy teams / parents.  I think everyone would sooner be safe and out of the threatening conditions than having to call a ambulance for a player / referee struck by lightening.

Be brave and make a early decision.  And if you haven't looked at it recently, Law 5 is a good bedtime read.

Have fun Tuesday and pictures from Day 1/Day 3 will be posted on the flickr account overnight (Thanks Scott - supporter of Tournament football and please checkout his site at Ausref.com )





Saturday, September 22, 2012

Return to Gold Coast Champions Cup

Evening everyone,

Just a quick update.  Season's over here in Brisbane, with warmer days and post season adventures.  I've signed up again to officiate at the Gold Coast Champions Cup.
I was last running around on this 7 day youth tournament in 2010, having a mini - break from Hervey Bay and looking to see how it compares with the Kanga Cup.  At that time, only 1 coordinator was involved and lots of games daily and quality was average at best from a football perspective.  To be clear, I did have a good tournament throughout and was given the U/18's Final in pouring rain.  However there was no coaching or development, just games to referee.

Today's 20 minute meeting of officials was to sign off on appointments for Sunday and meet the coordinators (there is now 4),  collect the hot pink sponsored shirt and white hat.  Fees are GC levels, so I won't be making any money but its never one of my concerns.  There this year to see if there is improvements, talk up Kanga Cup to potential juniors and liase with the new RDO's for Gold Coast Football.

I believe there are 4 New Zealanders attending and some others from interstate, so I'll keep you posted on performances throughout the week and hope to upload photos again to flickr.

Friday there is a need for senior referees for the 38th Croatian Football Tournament, happening just across the road effectively, so my focus may change with senior appointments likely for that event.

Are you involved in any post season events?   If so, what do you think is their value?

Good refereeing if your still running around this week.


Wednesday, September 5, 2012

That special time of the year, Finals

Hi everyone,

Well it's hard to believe but finals have arrived along with warmer Spring weather and September.  Most if not all junior competitions around the country are hosting or have in the last few weekends the semi finals and finals for 2012's winter competition.

Football Brisbane is hosting the Grand Finals this coming weekend and whilst appointments have been known to some for upto 3 weeks, the final appointments have now gone out.  Congratulations to everyone who has been appointed to any role in Finals weekend (Referee or Assistant), they are all equally important and your attitudes / performance and skill has brought you this far.

 So, it's time to think about what your going to do this weekend?  I had a look at the Book of Knowledge (Google) and couldn't find any definiative blog / web site or article about how to be prepared for what may be your first or twenth final?  So here's a list, in no particular order, for your consideration based upon a few finals I've been involved with.

Prematch

If you normally train during the week, maintain your regular schedule but don't overtrain to get a edge this weekend - if anything try and avoid obtaining a last minute injury that may make you unavailable for the biggest game this year.

If nerves are there, acknowledge them.  Share your excitment with your family / friends, go for a run to burn off nervous energy, get lots of rest.  Go to bed early during the week to be well rested.

Check the regulations regarding finals for your league - specific to how to determine a winner, extra time, penalties if they are used.  Read it, know it and take a copy in your bag to the game

Read the instructions in the LOTG concerning how to determine a match winner.

Check your kit - time to empty out the bag of lolly wrappers, dirty socks and broken flags.  Ensure your gear is correct, sufficient and clean for the day  (including boots) - don't be looking for that blue shirt on Saturday morning.  And have your alternative strip - borrow a shirt if needed.  If possible, look up the teams and their colours.  Also be prepared to warm up with your referee / team if requested, so a plain white or black shirt would suffice if you don't have a warm up kit - some refs will want to do this and it may not be your regular process - be prepared.

Touch base with your team, especially if your the referee (captain of the team).  Check they can get to the game / offer to pick them up if needed, suggest a time to arrive (bit early if possible), congratulate them and ask if they need anything / have questions about the fixure.  It will help create that team focus, remind them they have a big committment for the weekend that your taking seriously (and so should they) and that they are a critical part of the team necessary for a successful match day.

Night before
Eat a good meal and have snacks for eating prior to your match the next day.  If is a 3pm game Saturday, try and eat lunch early then snack whatever you'd normally eat in preparation upto kickoff.
Get to bed early

Match Day

Arrive early to help calm the nerves.  Your at the ground safely, so no issues of being stuck in traffic / having to rush onto the field stressed or being replaced because your late - I've seen it happen and its a crushing event to the referee who missed out.  Meet your team, watch the preceding match, hydrate and take in the finals atmosphere.   Your ground coordinator / match commissioner / person in charge of the officials will be impressed with your promptness and professionalism.  Seek them out promptly upon arrival.

Don't interfere with the other officials teams preparing.  They are focusing on their match and going through their own process, so give everyone the space they need to be able to perform their best.

Get changed early if possible, warm up and if it's your normal process, visit the teams / check equipment / team sheets and match balls.  Remember that the teams / coaches / managers are under lots of pressure and stress as it's the biggest day of the season for them too.  Be aware of grounds running late due to extra time / penalties and keep teams informed if necessary.  Creating a professional yet relaxed atmosphere with the teams by being proactive today and do all you can to make their experience of the officials team positive - it may help during the match.

Liase with your ground official - Introduce your team to them, know their name, ensure they escort your team on / off the field and understand any expectations you have.  They are likely a parent, also stressed by the day's matches, so remember to smile and ask politely.

Give good, solid prematch instructions.  If your the referee, remember to model confidence and professionalism for your AR's, who may be on their first final and more nervous than yourself.  Smile, make small jokes and keep the atmosphere light in the change room.  If there are others in the room who don't need to be there (family, friends, other collegues who are watching your game), politely ask them for the space until your out the door.  It's your teams moment and on a busy day you need a few moments with them to focus and become the best team you can be.  Social time is for after the game.

Kickoff on time. Coaches will plan their teams final moments down to the seconds, with last minute warmups and inspiring words.  You'll create issues quickly if you start the match prior to it's scheduled kickoff time.  Again, be proactive and tell coaches when you require the teams lined up for coin toss / FIFA handshake (if appropriate for your competition) early in the day.

During the Match

  • Stay focused and strong in the first few minutes.  You'll set the tone of the match early if your confident and this may relax the players to know they have a quality referee in charge
  • Read the game early, determine the tempo and attitude of the game, adapt if you need to
  • Do what you normally do - it's what has gotten you to this appointment instead of being home playing FIFA 12, so just relax and don't do anything that the players wouldn't normally expect.
  • Be Consistent
  • Smile lots even if your nervous - fake it until you make it, but you've made it so....
  • Enjoy the experience

Half Time

  • Get off the field quickly, don't discuss any issues / incidents until back in the privacy of the referees room.  Even then, don't try and analysis every missed advantage or decision.  Lots of time after the game for that (its 6 months until next season). Stay positive and re-affirm any instructions if needed.
  • Hydrate, snack and relax - its half over
     
  • If the match is drawn at half time, sometimes it's not a bad idea to take your water / sports drink to the sideline / halfway upon re-entering the field of play.  If you have to play extra time and its hot, the abiliy to quickly hydrate prior to extra time is good management for you and your AR's to stay focused and sharp for another 30 minutes.

Extra Time

If it's nearing full time, drawn and your competition allows extra time, follow your competition rules.  Ensure coaches and the captains know that the half time switch in extra time is not a break, just a straight switch.  A quick, friendly reminder before kicking off extra time is all that is needed.

Penalties

  • If its nearing the end of extra time, drawn and your heading to penalty shootout, ensure your AR1 knows to mention to the coaches they should start considering their first 5 penalty takers and working on a list of numbers.  This may also be done by attentive match commissioners or 4th officials if you have one, but usually AR1 can do this easily.  It helps to keep the post match / penalty taking period flowing and not being hung up whilst coaches work out their kick takers.
  • Be Consistent again here, as everyone is focused on you now more than any other part of the match
  • Be clear in your final whistle / indication of kicks being completed.  Nothing worse than the referee / assistant knowing the game is over, but the teams / coaches / spectators being unsure.

After the Final Whistle
  • Get together with your team quickly - AR's should run to the Referees side - your still a strong, professional team and having three officials together in the centre of the field can put off arguments from players / coaches / others post match about "that decision in the 3rd minute you missed"
  • If your've completed a penalty kick to decide the winners, cross check your records with all members of the team who were recording before leaving the field of play
  • If the atmosphere is positive, congratulate the winners and losers equally.  It's usually their best and worst game of the season, but players and coaches have performed to a high quality to get here today and it promotes good sportsmanship.
  • Remember to shake hands with your team - they did their best today and in a public form everyone should be aware of their achievement and your appreciation of them.
  • Some matches may have presentations on the field following the game - check with your ground official / match commissioner about the procedure to be followed.  This may include medialian presentations to the officials.  Hopefully, they do it before the teams and stand together as a team until your called up.  Stay on the field following until the teams have been presented, again a excellent display of your teams sportsmanship and appreciation of the teams performance.
  • If a eager parent / friend is nearby, get a officials team photo following the final whistle.   It's a great memory to keep of the day.  Remember to have AR's outside, 4th official to the Referees right (if you have one) and Referee holding the ball.
  • Get in the referees room, exhale and thank your team again - you couldn't have done it without them today and it's worth making a fuss.  Finish your paperwork promptly (including reports if necessary) as match commissioners may be waiting for it to send onto the football authorities and do your normal post match recovery.
  • Go and enjoy the compliments from your collegues, peers and occasionally strangers following the game. We are rarely recognized week to week, but today your've earnt that nice comment or two.
     
  • And if your match is followed by someone else, stay if you can to support them from the stands.  They will appreciate it.
Nothing listed here is new information that you may not have heard at coaching or experienced before.  Mostly just common sense and best practice.

What do you do differently on finals day?  Do you have a special dinner / lucky coin or specific routine you go through pre match.   Would love to hear from you out there.....

Remember,
it's just a game
enjoy your last weekend on the field.


P.S I'd also love to cross post everyone's final appointments from Kanga Alumni - if you got a local semi / final in your branch / association, let me know match details, how you went, funny stories about the day and I'll put it together in a post season blog for everyones enjoyment.  Also looking for information on those going to Nationals post season.