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.
