In our world, introspection is king

'It's not a red card, it's an arrestable offence!'

Webb on De Jong horror tackleThe Netherlands international kicked Xabi Alonso in the chest during the 2010 World Cup final but was not sent off, and the referee has admitted that he made a mistake

Howard Webb admits that he should have sent off Netherlands midfielder Nigel De Jong after his kung-fu kick on Spain counterpart Xabi Alonso in the 2010 World Cup final.

Having been chosen to officiate the showpiece fixture, Webb showed the former Manchester City midfielder a yellow card after a recklessly high tackle on Alonso in the 28th minute of the fixture, which ended 1-0 after Andres Iniesta's extra-time strike.

Webb was subsequently booed when he collected his medal after the final whistle, and he has now conceded that he made a mistake in refusing to dismiss the Dutchman, but has suggested that he did not see the incident clearly enough to take such a decision.

Speaking to BT Sport, Webb said: “I still thought I got it right on the pitch. So I get back into the dressing room and my assistant referee has gone to his pocket and got his phone out, and his face dropped. ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of Goal.com.

Kicking Back Comments: Much has been made about the World Cup Final that Webb oversaw. Some great, some horrible. Here at Kicking Back we did an in depth analysis and contrasted it to an "A" licensed coaches analysis which proved very interesting, and not surprisingly the two entities see the game in the same was in many aspects, but have separate views on others.

This article reaffirmed an old axiom that is true among referees as well as in general for successful people in life in my opinion. Reflect and learn from your mistakes. Take what you can and implement it for next time. Webb obviously has done this.

The real trick is twofold in such cases however.

First, you have to keep going even in the face of a massive screw up. As we and many others have written, missing that send off started to unravel that match. Getting back on track to what got you there is critical in such a case.

Second, when you learn the lesson, you have to let the rest go. Hanging on to all the negative stuff that goes with such an incident is not a good thing and has the potential of dragging you back into that mindset.

Experience, reflect, learn, evolve.

Upgrade Kudos

Congratulations to the following Massachusetts referees for their significant accomplishments to upgrade! May their success continue well into the future.

Jeff Alcoforado, Ayer, Grade 6

Risto Gjeorgiev, Dorchester, Grade 7

Eversley Teddy Linley, Roxbury, Grade 7

Casey Frankfort, Framingham, Grade 7

Upgrade Kudos

Congratulations to the following Massachusetts referees for their significant accomplishments to upgrade! May their success continue well into the future.

Nabil Benchekroun, Tyngsboro, Grade 6

Leonard David, Malden, Grade 7

Andrew Rogers, Somerville, Grade 7

Mark Stern, Somerville, Grade 7

How would you like to referee this one?

Gaza, West Bank teams face off for first match in years

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) Divided politically and geographically, Palestinians made strides toward unity with the first football match between a West Bank club and a Gaza Strip team in 15 years on Thursday.

Gaza's Shijaiyah United played Hebron's Al-Ahly to raucous cheers in a packed stadium. The match ended 0-0.

Israel restricts the movement of Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and the local league's teams were under the same limits, meaning teams from the Palestinian territories hadn't faced off for years. Israel approved Al-Ahly's entrance into Gaza following a request, according to Cogat, the Israeli defense body that handles civilian issues with the Palestinians. ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of Fox Sports.

Kicking Back Comments: Can you imagine the pressure on this refereeing team? I've "played some tough houses" but when the venue is war torn and the number of riot police is a substantial percentage of the spectators, it give me pause ... great pause.

Kudos to this officiating team for seeing this historic match take place. Kudos also to the Israelis for allowing the movement through Gaza to make this happen. 

You are now free to have a ball.

Photo courtesy of Skift

Southwest Turns Discarded Leather Seats Into Soccer Balls

Remember those relatively cushy leather seats on Southwest Airlines’ 737-700 aircraft that gave way to slim-line seats, enabling the airline to pack an additional six seats into the cabin?

The new seats, which also can be found in some of Southwest’s 737-300 aircraft, are said to be lighter and made out of eco-friendly products. ...

See the whole article here, courtesy of Skift.

Kicking Back Comments: Good on Southwest Air for doing this. A very neat idea and a very worthy cause.

Hat Tip to FIFA

FIFA completes first-ever development course in South Sudan

Eighteen months after South Sudan became FIFA’s 209th member association, a programme for top referees and assistant referees in the country finished in Juba on Thursday. It was FIFA’s maiden development course in South Sudan.

Thirty participants – 28 male and two female – from all over South Sudan gathered in the country’s largest city for the five-day programme, which aimed at upgrading the theoretical and practical knowledge of referees and assistants referees on the interpretation of the laws of the game. The course was opened by the President of the South Sudan Football Association, Chabur Goc Alei, and it sparked great attention from the local media. ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of FIFA.

Kicking Back Comments: As I have said before, FIFA has a great opportunity to do some real good in the world. Here is another case that they truly have.

What I found interesting is that FIFA wanted no time in telling us that they have spent $426+ million over the last 13 years for Africa. This is not surprising as an article of this type should tell us that, as it is truly significant.

Where I get suspicious is how much is lining the pockets of officials (which I recognize is also a "legitimate" way to do business), and not going toward the end goal of helping the people of Africa. With a number that large however (Almost half a Billion dollars), you figure some significant amount is getting through.

For the goal of getting The Game, and help to Africa however, all credit where credit is due.

Upgrade Kudos

Well this is a special day indeed for Anthony Brossi, who has earned an upgrade to Grade 5, State referee 1st class.

There are many milestones in a referee that are noteworthy. A first match, upgrade to Grade 7, or becoming a State referee ... there are so many.

An upgrade to Grade 5 however is a big one in my opinion as it marks a significant commitment to the craft, and a significant investment US Soccer has placed in the referee.

Such an individual will now likely be looked at for a future position as a National referee, and in some cases inclusion into the professional ranks.

So please join me today in congratulating Tony for reaching thins milestone, and his bright future ahead.

Upgrade Kudos

Congratulations to the following Massachusetts referees for their upgrade to Grade 7 (Referee 1st class):

Cara Pember, Watertown, Grade 7

Mohamed Fnine, Fitchburg, Grade 7

Upgrade Kudos

... and as if by sheer coincidence from my question of "does one want to remain a youth referee forever?" comes the following announcements from the Massachusetts Refereeing Committee.

Hearty congratulation to the following individuals for their significant accomplishments:

Erl Burns, Belmont, Grade 6

Damian Bell, Westminster, Grade 7

Cassio Ribeiro, East Bridgewater, Grade 7

Maynard Sangster, Duxbury, Grade 7

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, please join me in congratulating
John Eckart for the achievement of attaining Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!!

Happy Veterans Day

With thanks to those who are serving, or have served.

Cartoon courtesy of Jeff Parker

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Steve Dileo and Ken Koopmans, who have recently been upgraded to Grade 5 (State Referee 1st Class).

While all upgrades are worth mentioning, this particular move to a Grade 5 is particularly noteworthy. With this move it most clearly demonstrates the commitment these folks have to The Game. Now in full disclosure I have the pleasure of knowing these guys and can attest personally that is true. They are both excellent referees who put a lot into their craft.

Also noteworthy is that Grade 5 is a place where a referee has to make a real decision. National or not? Some may say this decision should have been made earlier, even before going to a Grade 5. I am mixed on the topic as I believe there is a place for "State Nationals" as it were ... the best a state has to offer within its own boarders. There is a place for these referees. These folks are the best within the state that want stay within the state, so to speak.

For others the decision is a mere formality as they already know they want to go on to do games that only a National Badge will let them do.

In all cases it is an event to be celebrated, as with it, these referees enter the top 1% of referees in US Soccer.

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Richard Williams and Moulay Ridaoui, who have recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Jason Shafferman, who has recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Matt DeNapoli, who has recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Jordan Cavaco and John O'Brien, who have recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

THANK YOU - AGAIN!

As I completed another long day in the saddle for the Memory Ride, I wanted to take a second to thank all of you - AGAIN, for all continued well wishes and support of all kinds. Without you all, it just would not be the same.

Here are the gory details for all interested (click to enlarge):

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Amanda Diver, who has recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!

THANK YOU!

As I completed this long weekend in the saddle for Ride the Rhode, I wanted to take a second to thank all of you for the well wishes and support of all kinds. Without you all, it just would not be the same.

Here are the gory details for all interested (click to enlarge):

Day 1:

Day 2:

Next ride is the 2011 Memory Ride for Alzheimer's research on July 23rd 2011.

Upgrade Kudos

As we have done here in the past, I would like to congratulate Aaron Lewinter, who has recently been upgraded to Grade 7 (Referee 1st Class).

Well done!