The Joy of Nothing
I recall, when I was in high school, a teacher berating me when I said I didn't have the energy to do some extra-curricular activity by comparing me to the class whiz-kid. Back then, I didn't say anything. Now, I can say with confidence, "Well, bugger him - I know when my body is telling me I've done enough. If he can do more, fine, but I - AM - DONE."I wasn't quite at this point, but I was getting close, and I am damn glad I took this long weekend off, and have done absolutely nothing. I've slept in, I've watched movies, and I feel much better now than because of it. Good thing, too, because next week starts the USA Cup - a week of soccer every day, weather permitting. I'll have internet access during that week, so as long as I have the energy, I'll keep making entries. I've made some claims about the number of games I've done, and decided to actually take a look to see if I was accurate. Yes, referees actually keep track of the number of games they do - it a prerequisite for some upgrades. I didn't actually do it my first year, but since I still had my date book around, was able to piece together the number of games I did. I also keep track of the ages, some refs keep all the scores for future reference. I keep all the supplemental reports (to keep on hand when things don't go well) - most of those involve high schools. The numbers are just USSF games, which means these numbers reflect usually the months of May, June and July - there sometimes a handful of games in August, but it's a relatively tiny number. Also, tournament games don't count, unless they're full-length games (which usually isn't the case in tournaments).
In 2001, I did a total of 50 games, I centered no older than U16, and had a pair of U17 lines. I also recall this year because the very first official center I did (following a tournament) was on a 1st division game. Now, of course, I know it was a mistake, but at the time, clueless newbie I was, I took it; while it wasn't a disaster, I clearly wasn't ready referee that level. I didn't get another 1st division game from that assignor until this year (I've gotten several from other assignors this year, too).
In 2002, I did a few more games, 56, with a single U17 center, and eight lines at U17 and above.
This year, and I'm not done yet, I've had 66 games, 11 centers at U17 and above, and 13 ARs. So I've had far more high-level games this year, done more of them, and further more, the last two years I had 47 centers total, and I've 34 just this year, so even if the game isn't 90 minutes, I'm running more than I would have.
To go back to my first paragraph, I know referees who do far more games than I have. If they can do them well, bully for them. I, on the other-hand, do plenty of other strenuous exercise away from the pitch, and I'm quite happy with the number I've done and to do more would be a disservice to those I'm supposed to be working for.
To go slightly off topic, for those who wonder, here are grades the USSF has for their referees. It used to be that the higher the number, the lower your grade (with the exception of Emeritus badges, which are the equivalent of an eight), but the USSF threw in some new grades, and I'm unsure on a couple of these.
12 (Assistant Referee): This is a new grade, with the requirement that the person be at least 18, and can AR on all youth and adult games. Since grade 10 can only do youth (which, last I checked, was U16 and under), this seems like a higher grade, but yet it's a 12. Hmmm.
11 (Associate Referee): Can officiate small-sided games only.
10 (linesman): The interesting thing about this grade is that linesman is an outdated term - FIFA and USSF use Assistant Referee instead, in part to emphasize that the officials are all a team, and to get them to call fouls, too. Since I've never been this grade, I don't know if this means they can't - but I know from the description that they're supposed to run lines on youth games (BTW - this is why, in my earlier entry about my last-minute insertion into a U10 game, they wouldn't have been able to start with the two that were there - they were both grade 10s).
9 (Recreational referee): Can center U12 (though U14 is allowed) recreational games (technically that U10 game was "competitive" - though I have to wonder why it's so bloody necessary at that age - then again, I don't have kids).
8 (Referee): This is the entry level referee position - generally, with the exception of 12, this is where you start unless you're too young (although there's no age limit here, either). Something like 98% of all referees are eights (that number could be totally bogus, because of those who have 9s, 10s, or 11 - but there's only a tiny number who actually go above 8 - so I don't think it's too off- maybe 95%).
7 (Referee Class 1): What I'm aiming for. Basically certified to do the U19 and below, AR amateur games except the first division (I'm not sure if that means the Premiere Development League - which is technically amateur, or the state amateur leagues.
6 (State Referee): Center through 2nd division amateur leagues and AR through top division.
5 (State Referee Class 2): Center and AR through top amateur division.
4 (National Referee): Can referee all games except format FIFA international matches, but can AR them. This is what most of you see at MLS and A-League matches.
3 (National Referee 2): By description it looks very much the same at grade 4 - I've heard, although it's not officially stated), that those on this grade have basically stated their intention to get a FIFA Badge (grades 2 and 1).
2 (International Assistant Referee): The badge reads FIFA Linesman - and my understanding is that you choose to either be a FIFA AR or Center, you can't switch, and you can't turn down the offer if given to you (well, it'll never be offered again, anyway).
1 (International Referee): Brian Hall's badge - you can center all games, at all levels, including the World Cup (although you still have to be selected for it).
I used to think I wanted a six - but I know I'll have to give seven a try and see how I like it. If I still want a six, good; if I don't, good. The way reffing works in this country is that you do some games above you level, so if I get the seven, I'll also get a taste (in a few years) of what a six is like.