Are you Ready? Kanga Cup 2017

Hi everyone,

Figured I'm overdue for my annual pre Kanga Cup teaser, so no time like the present.

Kanga Cup records continue to fall, with again a record number of teams registered (386 teams, 146 minis or small sided teams, 240 junior teams)

Currently 50 referees attending the Academy - not a record in the history of the Interstate Referees group but a marked increase on last 3 years.  44 are from out of town (SA and NT are missing this year, poor showing guys), 6 from Canberra.

First time welcoming referees from Portugal ("Bem vindo a Canberra" Ricardo, attending with our European Coach Alberto), Hong Kong  (Thomas, William and Iiya)

Hong Kong Soccer Sevens - Roger East present EPL Referee

and as usual the New Zealand crew of Alan, Brandon, Cameron, Riley, Salman (Auckland Football Federation - Article in AFF Referee Newsletter ), Jack, Sean (Mainland Canterbury - Profile of Jack), Jared, Robbie (Waibop), "nau mai ki te Canberra" guys.

This is only the 3rd time we've hosted international referees at the Academy, first time being Luke Grinstead (UK in 2010)

Nick (NZ, left), Luke (Centre), 2010

and Oskar Ho (Hong Kong 2015).

Oskar 2015

This group is in support of the 140+ local Capital Football junior referees and game leaders, some attending for the first time along side the long term diehards.

Coaching Team

16 of the finest coaches and assessors from across Australian and New Zealand will be in attendance at all grounds and onsite with the Academy.  Special Welcome to Kate Jacewicz and Sarah Ho, attending for the first time make it a excellent breath of knowledge in the room and around the grounds during Kanga Cup.

Kate 2017 WWL Grand Final

Sarah in 2012

Top Five Kanga Cup Hot Tips

Here's five items to add to your to-do list prior to commencing travel in 9 days time.

# 5. Availability - Ensure your Schedula availability for the weekend prior and following Kanga Cup is showing as Not Available - Appointments officers have a tough enough job without you forgetting to block your time away out of local games.  If you have a different system, today is the time to drop your appointments officer or coach an email telling them your unavailable as many of these games are already in draft form for the dates of the tournament.  And DO NOT even consider taking games on the 8th/9th July - you won't be recovered fully until several days later and again don't want to get on the bad side of your appointments officer after a great week at Kanga Cup with a last minute injury / I'm too tired excuse.

#4. Fitness - don't get injured or sick during the next 10 days - enjoy you warm up and consolidate your fitness program that you've been working on in the lead up - Kanga Cup is a journey, not a sprint and you need to be at your best physically.

#3. Warm Clothing - remember it's cold in Canberra and potentially wet during match days, so bring extra referee shirts / boots, beanie, thermals, refs waterproof jacket (if you have it or try and borrow it this week).

#2. LOTG - Do yourself a favour and re-read the entire book this weekend - treat it as a mid season refresher, as Kanga Cup will test you (not literally), but a strong knowledge of the Laws of the Game will make a difference to your tournament experience.  Whether it's debating points of law during nightly coaching sessions, on the field of play explaining to foreign teams or just to bring your best self as a potential future Elite referee, take on some responsibility for your development and sharpen up on Law before the event.

and the #1.
Journey - I talk a lot about Kanga Cup Referees and the Academy on this blog being more than just another tournament - it's really a journey and for most attending from interstate, just the start of their refereeing adventures outside of local junior league football.  It might be your first time away representing yourself, your branch / zone, your city or country.  Come prepared to work hard / play hard and perhaps cry when it's all over.  You'll make new, strong friendships you didn't expect, connections to elite referees you'd otherwise not meet, insider information on what it takes to be "the best" and experience where refereeing could take you if you have the ambition, motivation, talent and resilience to pursue your dreams.  It's a time and a place along your Journey, perhaps for some a "rite of passage", for others it's just a fun week in Canberra they'll fondly remember years down the road.
But remember, it's not the destination - that's up to YOU.

Capital Football Referees - We're still keen to hear from anyone else who wants to join in this amazing journey, get the chance to referee international teams, feedback and coaching by Interstate / International Coaches (FIFA badges everywhere), meet new youth referees from around the world, make friends and have a great week.

Become a part of the Kanga Cup Referee Alumni like Ben Wilson (FFA Referees Director), Ben Williams (FIFA World Cup Referee), Allyson Flynn (FIFA Womens World Cup Assistant Referee) and many current FFA A-League officials.

Contact Capital Football's refereeing department this week - we'd love to see you at Kanga Cup 2017.

Time to go and re-read Law 12 I think....

KangaCupRef

352 days and Counting...

Hi everyone
Well I'm setting new records this year in KCRYA history, finally leaving Canberra this morning in the company of Yr 6 students from my school after a second week at the AIS. I've finally seen most of Canberra's historic locations (laser tag must be in the schedule next year) and skied at Mt Selwyn yesterday on a 20cm base. Exhausted but content I figured some post Kanga observations as we return to our normal, weekend passion.



Whilst I tried hard to get everything up on Flickr last weekend it isn't complete and hopefully will get done this weekend. Paul's early photos and some random ones will be added to the 2900 photos already there, another KCRYA record.

The social side of Kanga is one of its best features I believe, allowing everyone current and Alumni to share the experience, reconnect and reflect on their achievements. I was really please this year with the local sharing of photos within the Academy, even if it took a few days to configure correctly. I always enjoy the technology challenges, even if I've created them myself.

Its those connections you make at any tournament or intensive experiential program that you really take home with you. In a years time you wont remember which games you did, how many sanctions you gave out or where you put your KangaCup scarf. You'll remember the faces, some of the names and how you connected with them.

I really felt it this year with my 10th year being acknowledged by Capital Football. All those faces and memories being shared as I looked back to try and connect the 2016 Coaches with those that have gone before, trying to learn from history and not repeat mistakes. Tradition I guess plays its part, or perhaps its just nostalgia.

Particularly it was full circle with the visit of Kanga Alumni Chris Beath and Jarred Gillett, two of the best in both their refereeing careers and in just who they are as people.



They both attended Kanga as youth referees, most likely before they had been noticed as #futureelite under the guidance of Norm Armstrong from Football Brisbane. Norm was an amazing coach with a real passion for youth development in terms of your refereeing abilities and equally in helping young people grow to become good people. He served 11 years as assessor, coach, bus driver, counsellor, chief librarian, friend and mentor to many #futureelite, referees and coaches equally. I believe he would have been proud to see his Brissie boys returning as Professional Referees and inspiring role models to the current version of the Academy, quietly taking some pride in that connection from 15 years prior. But being Norm, he'd never acknowledge it.

So whilst you return this weekend to your regular local junior or senior leagues, hopefully taking renewed energy and drive to improve, learn, share, excel, doing Portuguese warmups



or even just sharing KangaCup memories with curious , skeptical colleagues, remember your now part of a larger socially conscious and connected family. And your connected to Chris and Jarred, because of Norm

6 Degrees of Separation

So please remember, not everyone will understand your time in the Academy. You just sometimes need to be "in the room" to understand and appreciate what KCRYA means, both in how improved your refereeing skills and knowledge is, but more importantly in how you're a different young person as a result of making these connections.

As a wise Taylor once said

http://youtu.be/6-sYTAHtzXM

so be prepared to get some pushback.  But with patience and time, your local coaches and sceptical collegues will see the positives.

As time and distance increases from KangaCup 2016, the stories will be retold, embellished a little more each time and perhaps your journey will bring you back someday as a Guest presenter to eager young minds. You just never know....

REMINDER - if you want a voice in improving the Academy and KangaCup experience for #futureelite fill in Alasdair's feedback form sent out this week

Enjoy your weekend refereeing,

KangaCupRef

20 Days and counting...

Well hello there again,

It's that time of the year, when I dig into blogger and return to my forgotten child (this blog) to try and generate some Kanga Cup excitement within the refereeing family.

It's been a busy few weeks with many emails and communication about the planning and schedule of the Academy flying between the regular coaches and the new KC Referee Coach Coordinator Andrew Higginson.  Andrew is a Capital Football local referee and coach / assessor and has stepped into the role with lots of energy and new ideas for the 2016 tournament.

Some key teasers I can share at this stage

30 Academy Referees attending - still looking for more as of two days ago.

12 Coaches in attendance, plus a bigger Capital Football admin crew all staying at the Australian Institute of Sport

Recovery sessions nightly supervised by NZ FIFA Fitness Instructor Greg Gallop

2 new venues from 2015 - Downer and Charnwood but losing Kaleen - ahh the memories....

This years Presenters are the best in the business and is a reflection of the value this Academy has become in development of young referees

Allyson Flynn (FIFA Assistant Referee, off to the Olympics in Rio), 

Ben Williams (FIFA Referee, World Cup 2014 / Olympics 2012), 

Allyson, Ben, Matthew, Owen together for first time as ACT Crew on Aleague - All Kanga Cup Alumni
© http://www.gettyimages.com.au/

Chris Beath (FIFA Referee, recently officiating in the AFC's U23 Championships)  

Jarred Gillett (FIFA Referee, A-League G/Final Referee 2016, recently Referee of the Kirin Cup Final https://t.co/0lUdsCq1G0),

Chris, Ben, Jarred FFA's Full Time Crew - © AIS

Plus your usual house full of experience and wisdom from Capital Football, Interstate and across the ditch (NZ) coaches who are there to look after your health, happiness and enjoyment of the tournament.

A likely bunch of coaches

Capital Football are still looking for additional referees, so if you think you have what it takes to step into some big shoes, live and breath refereeing with other 15-18yos for 7 days, have 2+ years experience, seeking your first international tournament experience or just wanting to get some midseason coaching and development happening and can get yourself to Canberra on 2nd July - 8th July, please contact Alasdair.Grocock@capitalfootball.com.au 

Further updates to follow...stay tuned

New Year Refereeing (own) Goals??

Hi everyone,

Whilst my internet connection uploads 187 pictures from this mornings NYL fixture here in Brisbane featuring Kanga Cup Alumni Daniel Olsen

I figured it was time to revisit the blog and generate some early pre-season excitement and to post again, first time since August.

Lots of internet lists around new year resolutions are no doubt filling your social media feeds, but I figured few if any are football referee focused, so here's my try at it.

In no apparent order:

• Get back into shape for matches - pre-season games commenced in December for some local leagues here, so it'll only get busier in the coming weeks.  If you tend to put on weight due to Christmas festivities and lazy weekends, it's easier to work on getting back to your ideal weight before the season commences and it'll take time and dedication.
  
• If you don't have the advantage of a group training session, put some of that Christmas money (from your distant relatives) towards a decent fitness watch.  I recently purchased a Garmin Fenix 3 and loving the features of having a training program that motivates me to do daily solo runs towards a set goal twelve weeks hence.  Along with the relevant food tracking apps and heart rate monitor, it's helping to keep me on a diet and setting some short term goals in terms of personal fitness.
  
• Review where your career progression is going and compare it to what the FFA currently provides as a structure in the Australian Officiating  Development Schedule.  Make a plan for this season, goals if you must as to where you'd like to be in 9 months (The Finals).  But be realistic about your experience and age - talk with your peers, your mentors and coaches for advice and guidance as each state / competition zone tends to apply different rules or requirements for progression.  But have somewhere to aim for beyond just earning your winter income and saving up for that PS4 game.
  
• Be a big picture thinker and make goals for 2 seasons, 5 seasons and 10 seasons down the road. Again be realistic and SMART about them.
  
• Re-register with the FFA - no doubt your local branch / regional coach will drop you a reminder soon, but you cannot referee in 2016 without it and you'll not be appointed by your appointments officer without it to pre-season fixtures.
  
• Watch lots of Aleague if you can - there is lots to learn from watching (but not always listening to the commentary) whether your live at the ground or on TV.  They are the best in the country and are the standard your seeking to emulate down the road.
  
• Attend your local seminar for this years changes and to re-establish your network.  Three months have passed since September finals and you may have been (couch) surfing / chasing cricket balls or been mixing it up with those strange indoor football types in the off season.  Getting back together at the annual seminar is both factual and a chance to renew friendships, catchup with mentors and assessors and put your face about.  Consider it social networking without a tablet
  
• Find your referee bag, look into the bottom and find the 2015 LOTG and have a read (or view the updated 2015/2016 online if you prefer).  No doubt you'll experience the "surprise" Laws quiz at the seminar and the sooner you remind yourself of the ins and outs of Law 12 the less stressed you'll be when this occurs.  I found this Football West LOTG interactive site, whilst aimed at Level 4 candidates, has good quality video and is interactive - give it a go.
  
• As part of this Law revision, lots of usage is now made of Video assessment - you know, watch this video and decide if it's a Foul / Play On / Penalty / YC / RC.  So here's some current internet resources you should download (some are very big, so check your internet quota) and watch - much more fun than just reading the LOTG
  
• Current FIFA level Videos
  
• Current FFA Teaching Videos

As for me, I'm planning on updating the blog site and being more of a regular poster, taking lots of photos for positive social media presence (and fun for me with my new Sony A6000) for officials and continuing studying and working part time.  And of course continue to referee (for enjoyment and fitness) and encourage junior development / recruitment where I can.

What are your New Year Refereeing goals for 2016?

Kanga Cup is only 181 days away - is that one of your goals for 2016?

And to finish, some Peanuts themed wisdom from Kid President just because it's fun.

Enjoy your summer break and I'll see you on the field.

2015 Football Brisbane Referee Finals Appointments

Hi Everyone,

Well it's late into Wednesday night, but I figured a quick post from tonight's Senior referee meeting, where the Finals referees were announced.  29 Referee Final appointments from 179 senior referees, it was a tough job by Ted and the Coaching Panel with stronger performances from the lower "weekend warriors" this year making their job more difficult.  A great problem to have in a refereeing branch anywhere.

So here's the list, with changes only likely if referees become unavailable.  A few Kanga Alumni noted and if they were involved last year, what game is indicated.
Assistant Referees to be appointed.

Football Brisbane Referees August meeting

U/18 Division 4 - Ryan Mooney

U/18 Division 3 - Patrick Dwyer

U/18 Division 2 - Brad Burton (Kanga Cup Alumni 2012)

U/18 Division 1 - Dylan Lambert (Kanga Cup Alumni 2012, stepping up from U/18 Div 2 last year)

U/20 - David Snape (Kanga Cup Alumni 2010)

City 7 Silver - Jeff Luhrs

City 7 Blue - Jose Neves (City 6 Blue last year)

City 6 Silver - Andrew McGrath

City 6 Blue - Derek Smith

City 5 Silver - Craig Reid

City 5 Blue - Steve Smailes (repeats same final from 2014)

City 4 Silver - Shame Holdsworth (repeats same final from 2014)

City 4 Blue - Tony Mortenson (Capital 3 Reserves in 2014)

City 3 - Jim Roddy

City 2 - Phil Tracey (Capital 4 Reserves in 2014)

City 1 - Joseph Lee (Kanga Cup Alumni 2009, Capital 1 Reserves referee in 2014)



Capital 4 Reserves - Duncan Mansfield

Capital 4 - Trent Sleeman

Capital 3 Reserves - Mathew Male (U/18 Div 1 in 2014)

Capital 3 - John Vasiliadis (City League Cup in 2014)

Capital 2 Reserves - Daniel Olsen (Kanga Cup Alumni 2012, U/18 Div 3 in 2014)

Capital 2 Adam Kersey 

Capital 1 Reserves - Isidro Terol Crespo (TPL U/18 in 2014)

Capital 1 - Casey Reibelt (SEQ Womens Premier League in 2014)


Canale Travel Cup - Paul Eldridge 

City League Cup - Jake Beith

Trophy Superstore Premier League - U/18 Cameron Fawcett

Trophy Superstore Premier League Reserves - Lara Smith (SEQ Womens Div 1 in 2014)

Trophy Superstore Premier League First - Nathan Macdonald (repeats same final from 2014)

Champions of Champions - TBC

Congratulations to everyone selected and best of luck to all Third teams over the Semi Finals and Finals in the coming weeks.   Great to again see KangaCup Alumni featuring in the Brisbane Finals and progressing well in National panels in the coming NYL season.

How has your end of season been?  Did you get the finals appointments you deserved or were you surprised?  Did Kanga Cup participation have a effect on your final 6 weeks of the season?

I'd love to hear your stories....

Enjoy your finals

KangaCupRef

2015/16 Hyundai Aleague Referee Panels

Good evening everyone,

Here's the coming seasons HAL/ WLeague and FNYL panels released on Friday.  

As usual, I've listed the #futureelite referees first as they are the focus on this blog
Some alumni names from Kanga Cup appearing again - Daniel Olson, Aaron Galanti

Foxtel National Youth League 2015/16 Panel List

• Adam Powers  ACT
• Alex Twomey ACT
• Alex Merkel   NNSW
• Cameron Burns NNSW
• Stephen Laurie NNSW
• Adam Vainauskas NSW
• Samuel Grasso NSW 
• Matthew McOrist NSW 
• Patrick Telecki NSW
• Timothy Danaskos NSW
• Cameron Fawcett QLD 
• Daniel Olson QLD 
• Matthew Male QLD 
• Zac Keenan QLD
• Aaron Galanti SA
• Andrew Kite SA
• Daniel Cook SA
• Samuel Kuys SA
• James Hortle TAS
• Daniel Ilievski VIC
• Jordan English VIC
• Oliver Bannister VIC
• Adam Bavcar VIC
• Lachlan Keevers VIC
• Joshua Nixon WA
• Tom Dowle WA
• Zach Piccicacco WA

Numbers on this panel are down from last season (43), due primarily to a restructure and reduction of the NYL to just ten rounds and consequently as a developmental phase a smaller group is necessary.  This restructure is clearly inline with the recently announced 20 year plan, where the NYL's place in the competition structure is aligned under the NPL as the 2nd tier of football in Australia and as a stage of development, not necessarily just a step below the Aleague panel.  So perhaps those not on the reduced list need to concentrate on NPL matches?

Westfield W-League 2015/16 Panel Lists

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

Referees panel remains unchanted from last season, reflecting the consistency of this high performing group.  Qld referees still very strong within this group.

Westfield W-League Assistant Referees (14)

• Danielle Anderson VIC - Kanga Cup Alumni, returner to the panel I believe from Shepparton
• Avrol Beecham QLD 
• Isabella Blaess SA - new to panel
• Joanna Charaktis VIC 
• Renae Coghill QLD
• Lily David NSW
• Delfina Dimoski ACT 
• Sarah Drake QLD 
• Allyson Flynn ACT
• Eleanor Hayes NNSW 
• Sarah Ho NSW
• Laura Moya VIC - new to panel
• Nia Southwell ACT - Kanga Cup Alumni
• Sarah Wikeley TAS - new to panel

Westfield W-League 4th Official (2)

Maddison Kennedy SA
Liz Shorter NSW

Hyundai A-League 2015/16 Panel Lists

Hyundai A-League Referees (11)

• Chris Beath QLD - Kanga Cup Alumni
• Matthew Conger NZ
• Strebre Delovski NSW
• Shaun Evans VIC
• Adam Fielding WA
• Jarred Gillett QLD - Kanga Cup Alumni
• Peter Green QLD
• Kris Griffith-Jones NSW
• Stephen Lucas NSW
• Alan Milliner QLD
• Ben Williams ACT

The top panel drops two (Lucien Laverdure VIC and Peter O'Leary NZ, retired).  Presumably out of this panel three will be selected for the full time positions, expected to be announced just before the season kicks off.

Hyundai A-League Assistant Referees (29)

• Ashley Beecham QLD - Kanga Cup Alumni
• Luke Brennan VIC
• Wilson Brown VIC - new to panel
• Paul Cetrangolo SA
• Mathew Cheeseman WA
• James Cleal NNSW - new to panel
• Matthew Cream SA
• Scott Edeling NSW
• Allyson Flynn ACT
• Ryan Gallagher NNSW
• Andrej Giev NSW
• Owen Goldrick ACT - Kanga Cup Alumni
• Lance Greenshields NSW
• Brad Hobson VIC
• Sarah Ho NSW
• George Lakrindis VIC
• Andrew Lindsay QLD
• Glen Lochrie NZ
• Simon Lount NZ - new to panel
• Nathan MacDonald QLD
• Josh Mannella WA
• Leigh Pigram NSW
• Kearney Robinson NSW - new to panel
• Mark Rule NZ
• Anton Shchetinin QLD
• Greg Taylor ACT
• James Tesoriero NSW
• Stephen Toth SA - new to panel
• David Walsh QLD

The AR panel has the most movements effectively, with Hakan Anaz VIC retired after a successful World Cup performance in 2014, Jonathan Barreiro VIC moving to the 4th panel and it appears to have 5 new rookies making the step up.

Hyundai A-League 4th Officials (8)

• Jonathan Barreiro VIC
• Matthew Cropper ACT
• Daniel Elder SA
• Alex King QLD
• Lucien Laverdure VIC
• Trent Nash NNSW - new to panel
• Rick Schneider SA
• Luke Withell ACT

The 4ths panel drops down from 10, with effectively 1 per state.  Analysis of this group is difficult, as the top 11 referees are effectively a strong group with many years ahead of them and certainly several have goals to achieve higher games in AFC and FIFA in the next few years, so this panel may need to be patient.  But with only 8, they are likely to be kept busy

With 8 FIFA Referees and 13 FIFA Assistant Referees currently in the ranks in both Aleague and Wleague competitions, the quality of the game facilitation in the coming year is in good hands.

Congratulations to everyone who have worked hard to maintain or join the panels for 2015/16 - good luck with your season.

2010 the Missing Year?

Morning everyone,
It's amazing what triggers you to start looking back inorder to look forward.
Whilst reviewing the Flickr feed of old pictures for some of David London I noticed, not for the first time, that nothing existed from 2010.  No album, no pictures on my current or last laptop and so I started digging around old USB drives and came upon a treasure trove of now dated but interesting pictures from five years ago.

Carotel Refs HQ 2010

And what a year it was - the Carotel Year I like to call it, or they year we went missing in north Canberra.  It had it all - Peter Walton, who was still on the English Premier League visited, mentored and stayed with the group, including a star performance covering a U/11 SSG game - it really happened.

Peter Walton, David Ockerby, Heather Reid at Opening Ceremony

This year included the first visit from a foreign referee, Luke Grinstead from the UK.  Couldn't find any pictures of Luke in the ones I've found, but I'm certain they're out there somewhere.

Certainly a year for many highs and some lows I won't mention here, but it's interesting to now look back 5 years at the faces and think about where you were then and where you are now.

Kanga Cup Referees @ Opening Ceremony 2010

I asked this same question to the QSS U/12's State Championship referee group in Brisbane two weeks ago (sucker for referee camps).  For most of them it was their first time away representing their region and participating in a live away tournament.  The question on the last night was, where do you see yourself in 5 years with your refereeing?
Many of the answers were positive, some uncertain and a few perhaps will need some review along the way.  But they all had a excited vision, a goal to work towards and for many of them, 5 years is perhaps too long into the future, almost another quarter of their lives yet to be lived.  But it passes quickly.

So my question today, whilst I reflect on memories of people and places, have you realized your dreams and goals from 2010?  Or if that's too far away, finals are just around the corner for most of us - will you get the final / semifinal game you expected / deserved this year?  Was there a definite goal / desire and commitment to get that outcome reached this season?  Did you seek excellence this season, or was it just another year refereeing?
Or is it still on the bucket list?  And if so, why?

As Stevie sang, there's only five hundred, twenty five thousand, six hundred minutes...how do you measure a year?

Enjoy the additional 184 photos I've uploaded - I have some videos of faces and Peter's presentation that I might upload when I get some more time.

Vale David London

Hello Friends,

It's with a heavy heart that I pass along the sad news that David London, Kanga Cup Academy alumni coach / assessor / Interstate Referees Coordinator has passed away on Sunday night.

In control at O'Connor 2011

David joined the adult assessing crew from 2008, along with his son Matthew participating as a referee from the Hunter Valley branch of Northern New South Wales.














David's time with the Academy included the transitional period, where the referees attending Kanga Cup went from being a social event with some refereeing during the day, the away years travelling at the Scots College / Carotell to 2011 when it became an Academy structure with improvements in educational values and under David's sometime firm teaching hand a more professional approach to referee development and administration began.

Opening Ceremony 2008

Coaches Dinner Out 2008

2008

David's influence was most notable at O'Connor fields, a venue he made his own with many SSG and U/12's taking place, usually in the role of Referees Coordinator.  His friendly, calm personality allowed strong bonds to form with the tournaments star teams, notability Adelaide City and Shingok, with the team's coaches always remembering to say Hi and handshakes all round each year they played at O'Connor and enviably during the finals.

Field inspections 2011

Lunch time at O'Connor

Admin 2012

The two David's together 2012

Cleaning up after the referees O'Connor

David took a year off after the 2012 tournament, attending a wedding in 2013 but I remember him calling at some point on Friday night at the coaches debrief missing the action from the week with my phone being passed around all the coaches so that everyone could say hi and retell the tall stories from the weeks competition.

The NNSW Football notice is here and the Celebration of David's life is at the Maitland City Bowling Club this Friday 7th August at 10am Memorial Notice.  I'll be attending to represent those who can't from Brisbane and the greater Kanga Cup family and would be happy to pass along any pictures or stories you may have of David.

We'll miss you mate, take care.

Clattenburg arrives in Brisbane

Evening everyone,

Well it's finally happened, after ten years of work to get him here by Ted Kearney, Mark Clattenburg has landed and was in the QSAC Javelin meeting room earlier this evening in Brisbane, mixing it up with the local Football Brisbane senior referees during their regular July Coaching night.

Ted Kearney and Mark Clattenburg

A good turnout of 70 local referees arrived early and filled the venue, in anticipation of both seeing and hearing from Mark, who flew up from Melbourne today after last nights #ICC match.

Mark's schedule whilst here is action packed - His presenting a day long seminar Thursday at the Sleeman Sports Centre to a capacity crowd of referees (with participants from New Zealand and across Australia flying in)

Paul Smith and some of the NZ crew

Presenters with Mark include Eddie Lennie  (FIFA / AFC Instructor / Assessor, Football Wests Referee Development Manager), Krys Szokolai (FIFA & AFC Assessor / Instructor), covering a range of topics (Respect, Dissent, Player Management, Requirements of Elite Referees, Fitness, Positioning, Foul Recognition)

Friday has Mark attending the U/15 Queensland Schools State Titles at Tivoli, no doubt creating some excitement for the Future Elite referees in the making.  He has an official dinner engagement then a Charity Golf Day on Saturday, resting up for Sunday's big game at Lions Stadium 4pm.

Tonight Mark took part in drawing out the Assistant Referees and 4th Official for the match from within the Select Group of referees in Brisbane, an excellent experience for those selected to work with someone at the top of their game in the EPL

Whilst tonight's meet and greet was very informal and Mark wasn't expected to be presenting, he was still keen to get involved in the discussions about "The A in Assistant Referee", facilitated by Ashley and helping groups to determine what "Great" assistant referees roles look like.

Cameron and Mark brainstorming

His insights (and a few EPL stories) provided both fresh perspectives to many in the room and contained very down to earth advice, even indicating at one point that "Keeping it Simple" is his takeaway from the evenings discussions and debate.  Really great to see that even though his one of the biggest names in the Football family, his really approachable and willing to be involved at grass roots level on a Wednesday night in suburban Brisbane with some of the local "weekend warriors".

Welcome to Brisbane Mark, enjoy your stay and have a great game on Sunday - I think the biggest group there will be cheering for the #thirdteam

And big shoutout to Ted and his friendship with Mark in getting him in the room - it's my biggest takeaway tonight (aside from this blog post / lots of pictures).  

Ted and Mark

It's the enduring nature of the positive relationships and strong friendships we all can make as referees during our journey around the field that has allowed Mark's visit to occur (and of course the ICC tournament helped).

Many of the strongest memories in my life are around the highs and lows of refereeing, almost always shared by supportive #thirdteam members, coaches, mentors and friends, who without being a refereeing colleague our paths would never have crossed.

Robert Frost (who must have blown a whistle once) said it best

"I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference."

I believe many peoples interactions with Mark during the next few days will make a significant positive difference in their careers and ideas around officiating, in not in their life generally, whether your next on the FIFA list, fighting for attention as a Possible or Probable or just enjoying the Sunday City League tussle weekly.  And that is the REAL value in why we do what we do every weekend.

Thanks Ted for inviting your friend and using your network, it'll be a weekend to remember.

Photos from tonight can be found on here on my Flickr account - feel free to cross post to FB - further updates over the next few days as I get time.

2015 Kanga Cup - Saturday only 7 hours to go!!!!

Hey everyone,

Been a while since I visited the blogging world, busy with life I guess.  But as they say "we're back baby" for a bigger and better KangaCup 2015 or #KangaCup25 (it's the 25th occasion of Kanga Cup), so I'm trying to attempt to get it trending this week.

Busy day as always and it's already late, so just a few shoutouts of significance for those playing along at home

Everyone arrived safe, with referees from New Zealand taking the scenic route via Melbourne - pictures to follow when Smithy gives them to me in the morning

Longest traveled referee goes to Oskar, from Hong Kong via William Lai, coaching alumni and regular "visitor" on Grand Final Friday.  Rumor has it William will make an appearance on Thursday - your coaching sheets are ready William and we expect minimum of 10 before lunch completed please... Oskar is the first international referee back to the tournament in several years and seems to be fitting in already, so Welcome.
Bonus points for anyone who can name the last international (NZers don't count) referee.

A visit and tour to the Australia War Memorial before dinner, some fun icebreakers at the AIS involving skittles and Post-it notes (bill in your tray Alasdair) then back for the obligatory and now traditional 2014 in Review video - Lots of photobombing in 2014 by a cast member of the upcoming Mary Poppings and references to coffee consumption, plus the sound was double speed so it was the House version. I'll post when I've fixed the spelling errors, thanks David

Pictures on Flickr as normal, thanks to Scott Ferguson www.ausref.com for continued support of a photographic archive of Kanga Cup referees going back 11 years, unprecedented in youth tournament history.

Tomorrow we get to catch up with old friends from Capital Football and make new ones at the annual seminar, technical training (I'm running some sort of chasing the ball thing???), some shopping opportunities then onto the opening ceremony at the Stadium - I hope to live stream the event via Periscope whilst my hotspot lasts, so join us sometime after 3pm for all the action.  First time trying it, so I believe you can watch via a web browser  live if you don't have the app or download the app and join the conversation.  Follow me on the Twitter link @KangaCupRef

Guest speaker to be confirmed, details tomorrow.

Excited to be back and it's looking to be another great, if not cold week here in Canberra.

39 referees, 8 interstate / international coaches, 2 Capital Football coaches, 1 Capital Football Logistics guru all tucked up asleep - as am I in 10 minutes.

Might get up early and watch the Womens World Cup 3rd playoff at 6am - go England

Asian Cup 2015 Referees update

Afternoon all,

Hot off the presses from official sources Chris Beath (AUS, Kanga Cup Alumni) will officiate Match 13 Bahrain v UAE in Canberra tomorrow at 5pm AEDST.  Chris was originally just appointed as 4th official and was on Ben Williams first game IRN v BHR on Jan 11. No word yet on who is in his crew, update to follow.  Congratulations to Chris, no doubt he'll do a great job.

Kanga Cup 2002 © Scott Ferguson 

I briefly met the Saudi Arabian crew Monday afternoon as they were heading out for the stadium Jordan v Iraq.  Very excited and a friendly bunch, shaking all the volunteers hands present in the foyer.  It was great to see such a relaxed team just so happy to be here taking part.

Here's some pictures from the cheap seats taken in the lead up to the match

Saudi officials with Ref Liaison Greg and Match Assessor Eddie Lennie

Just before walkout - Reserve AR and 5th official

 The Asian Cup atleast in Brisbane is having the Reserve AR (5th official) sit to the right of the visitors benches, behind the AR1 line.

Referee having a nervous feel for his cards

Another game today but my alternate is working this one, but hope to get more pictures and impressions after Friday's Iraq v Japan blockbuster and also will have some more reports from the Australia game

Hope everyone's enjoying their Asian Cup referee spotting