Control Issues

So finally took off at 5:45pm and making use of the next 90 minutes to blog offline.  The app works really smoothly on my Xperia Z so looks like it's my default this week during Kangacup for microblogging events around the grounds

Flight is full and only a few look like their part of the Tournament. Sunset is amazing and hopefully is a good omen for clear weather this week

Frustrated at missing the start after organising early departures from Cairns this morning.  Can't control all things I guess, similar to how games sometimes work out.  Regardless of your manmanagement, communication style, match prep and positive attitude, some games at high stakes tournaments just go south

Here comes the coffee service down the aisle - yep another caffeine hit to get me thru the evening

Rugby league referee across the aisle, going down to cover the game on Sunday afternoon.  His a bit casually dressed but I guess it's a travel day. He did the AIS scholarship last year and knew Lucien Laverne? from FFV - small world hey

I used to assess in Vic and looked at Lucien on a Manu Cup final when he was a teenager

Back to control or losing it in games. I'll use the old analogy of flying a jet. To fly from Bris to Kangacup you don't make big, sudden changes in direction but small incremental steps. That way the referees assessor drinking his 5th coffee of the day doesn't spill any and gets madder.  The pilot also consults a map (GPS system nowadays) to guide him and keep on track to the final destination.
So if you see / feel your match this week going off the map, make usage if your GPS's(Go early to get closer to play, Position yourself best to see fouls, Seek advice from the coaches / mentors on how to improve)  The small "s" is for Sanction when necessary but be sure - many Kangacup alumni have given their first Red Card at the Tournament.  If this happens this week, talk to someone after your day about it (other refs, mentors, your favorite coach) as it helps you to think about you actions and deal with any stress you may feeling - remember we all had a first time

Make small improvements each game, see what works and reject what doesn't. Just remember to make small changes so you don't suddenly steer off course and upset the assessor (and a few players / coaches)
Kanga is a great place to try new ideas and ask questions from your peers

There's lots of theory about this we'll cover this week but there's my two cents worth from 25,000 feet

Coming into land, looking forward to a great week

See you soon