Been a long time between posts, but waited until I had something to say and today had a great experience back refereeing the Manchester United Premier Cup, almost 10 years since my last game on this international tournament. I was involved in it's first year in Melbourne, sometime around early 2000's as a referee and the high level of skill and excitment of sudden death tournament play is still evident.
With 9000 teams competing from 43 countries, its a amazing concept and I was lucky to be on the final game today. Originally the Qld finals were scheduled about a month ago, but due to weather issues and teams travelling from outside Brisbane metro area the dates were moved to today and given it's holidays, lots of young potential up and coming refs weren't avaiable. So with a highly experienced crew (number of years refereeing experience must have been into the 100's), we began the first of three pool games at 12noon out at SouthPine Sports Complex.
Teams participating from the new National Premier League competition, standards were high and agression high initially. Conditions stayed warm, with rain during the consolidation playoff matches and many players suffering cramps late in the day. Good parent support, with Greg mentioning at one point "its the biggest crowd I've refereed in front of".
The best part of the day was without doubt the crew of experienced officials. Most over 40 years of age and ranging in experience (8 weeks to 20+ years), we all had a great fun day, working hard to make the right decisions, keep up with quick play, dealing with heat / sunscreen and pouring rain and cover extra games due to some no shows. Supporting each other, giving positive feedback and working as very strong third teams on the fields.
Reflecting on the day, whilst the youngesters may have missed out this year locally on the experience, the energy in the room and on the field of play displayed by passionate, experienced referees meant that our respective ages wasn't a factor in any game. And it's satisfying to know in a refereeing culture that sometimes overlooks the third group as "just making up the numbers". Today we did what every referee wants, to be a part of the game but not the focus - the players and the competition were the focus.
So cheers and Thanks for your passion to some of the best referees in Football Brisbane:
Greg Birnie, Dale Price, Simon Brodie (the rookie), Tony Papa, Adrian O'Connor (AR1 Final), Peter Sams (AR2 Final)
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| Greg Birnie, Peter Sams, Dale Price |
For the record, Moreton Bay United 1 - Sunshine Coast FC 0 in the final, both teams suffering physically from 3 earlier games for fitness but still played fast and without giving an inch, the winning goal from a excellent free kick outside the box. Moreton Bay now travel to the Wanders home ground Blackall Park in Sydney on 27-28 April. Goodluck representing Qld boys.
Just a reminder, Kanga Cup 2013 is approaching fast. If your interested in attending and want to get a feel for the biggest youth tournament in Australia, look at my past posts and/or contact me directly.
Back to recovery (cheeky white wine) and posting some pictures to FB.
If your attending tournaments and have a story to share, would love to hear it.
Good refereeing if your season is kicking off next weekend, have fun and show a few cards for me.
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