Laser focus ... at 16?

So as many of you know, I am an amateur bike racer on the weekends ... well actually a lot more given the amount I train ... but compete on the weekends.

I was at a local criterium series the other day, and in the race I compete in, there are usually a group of very talented junior teams. These kids, and they are kids, are 14 - 17 years old, and are already tremendous riders that are very well coached.

I was talking to one of the coaches in what they are looking for in a young rider, and attempting to glean a parallel to young referees.

I was not disappointed.

He mentioned the #1 quality was that of commitment. Not genes, not "raw athletic ability", not a fancy bike that was bought for them, commitment and a desire to get better.

I reflected on my own career growing up and how, at times, I was supremely un-focused at 16 years old with my refereeing.

It can be somewhat "unnatural" in have someone at such a young age, have such a laser focus, particularly for something that will take a very long time to develop, like refereeing.

For the referees out there who are youths themselves, I salute you. It ain't easy growing up, and being asked to have such focus at such a young age.

For the referees who are a bit more seasoned, and working with these young referees, take some extra time and look out for these younger referees.

You might just make their day knowing they have a friend who has been there.

Again ... No "plan B" from FIFA

US not approached to host World Cups
The United States has not been approached about hosting the 2014 or 2022 World Cups should concerns about security or weather force them to be moved.

After widespread protests marred last month's Confederations Cup, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said additional unrest during next summer's World Cup could mean that Brazil was the wrong choice for host. FIFA also has had concerns about the pace of construction, fearing that some stadiums won't be ready in time for the tournament. ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of Fox Soccer.

Kicking Back Comments: It's too bad actually, as I think FIFA should, just as part of doing business, have a Plan B for the World Cup. While I am bias and think the US is ready made for the opportunity  there are certainly other countries capable at the drop of a proverbial hat to do this as well.

By there way, in the article it tossed in there that Mr. Gulati sits on FIFA ExComm. While he was not approached to host in lieu of Qatar, he is a very, very skilled politician, and one who I believe has the best interests of The Game at heart.

Keep a sharp eye out there folks ... I think we will see more.

Cheers to the FA!

FA anniversary friendly at Wembley will honour English referees

England’s friendly with Scotland as part of the Football Association’s 150th anniversary will also celebrate the high esteem in which English refereeing is held around the world.

The four officials all hail from nations where English referees have overseen World Cup finals. The FA has invited the German referee, Felix Brych, to oversee the first ever international in Europe with Hawk-Eye goal-line technology. Who said the FA does not have a sense of humour?

England are the only nation to have provided four World Cup final (or final game) referees: George Reader in Brazil 1950, William Ling in Switzerland 1954, Jack Taylor in West Germany 1974 and Howard Webb in South Africa in 2010. ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of The Telegraph.

Kicking Back Comments: A fitting tribute for a talented group of referees.

It is an opportunity lost however for US Soccer in its own centennial year. How amazing would it have been to honor such greats such as Socha, Mauro, Angeles, Baharmast, and Hall among others ...

While the US does not have a World Cup final to its name, it has far less to do with ability than it does politics.

Too bad too, as US referees at that level are, measure for measure, some of the very best in the world.

Hey look at me ...

Jamaican Soccer Player Suspended by FIFA for Failed Drug Test

World soccer governing body FIFA provisionally suspended a member of Jamaica’s national team for failing a drug test during World Cup qualifying.

FIFA said in a statement the player and a Jamaica team official, neither of whom were identified, were banned for an initial period of 30 days and that an investigation has been opened.

The player tested positive in his “A” sample for a prohibited substance following a qualifying match in Honduras on June 11 and has waived his right to have the “B” sample analyzed, FIFA said. ...

See the whole article here, courtesy of Bloomberg.

Kicking Back Comments: With all the doping news going around right now, I wonder if FIFA just wanted a headline to show they were doing "something about doping."

Who knows ... but I am curious, if this was a case of PEDs, or the other recreational drugs (that are WADA prohibited).

Either way, the timing of the two stories from FIFA ... and all the other doping news is ... interesting. 

FIFA on the big screen

Depardieu back in Paris for FIFA film after fallout with French

Veteran French actor Gerard Depardieu is shooting a film in Paris for the first time since he sparked a huge outcry by leaving France for tax reasons and taking Russian nationality.

In an exclusive interview with AFP, the 64-year-old film star said he did not move out of the country to escape the taxman but to flee "the way governments use the money they take." ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of Yahoo! Entertainment.

Kicking Back Comments: While I have no public comment of the reasons for Depardieu's departure from France, I am excited (yes excited) to see this movie. I have great respect for Jules Rimet and am curious to see how they portrait one of the greatest men in The Game.

I expect it will be a straight to BluRay deal, and out in time for the 2014 Jules Rimet World Cup.

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!!

This is getting boring

FIFA warns Brazil's WC organizers

With the World Cup less than a year away, FIFA pledged to increase its monitoring of stadium construction in Brazil. The world governing body wants all 12 stadiums ready for the June 2014 kickoff of soccer's showcase event, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said Friday.

There were several delays in stadium delivery for the Confederations Cup this year, and FIFA has made it clear that it will not tolerate the same problems again. Brazil needs to deliver the final six World Cup venues by the end of the year. ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of Fox Sports.

Kicking Back Comments: Can we just jump to the end when a couple of the stadia are not complete and FIFA is left scrambling? I hope I am wrong, but this seems to be the inevitable outcome here as there seems to be no end in sight for this.

What really stinks, is that FIFA really would seem to have no other option than whip the organizers, then distance themselves when it all goes wrong. I would find it hard to believe that FIFA has, and Brazil has accepted, a second source for getting these stadia completed in time.

While there will certainly be a happy face on it, I am sad to think there will be many failings of the host country to complete their obligations, and FIFA impotent to help in any way. 

I'm Baaaaaaaack ...

Well folks I am happy to be back and certainly will have a few interesting stories from a week in the mountains.

One was on the drive back today and listening to (sports) radio and catching up on some of the other goings on in the world.

As you can imagine, I was keenly fixated on A-Rod and others who later today (August 5th, 2013) should be receiving "punishment" from MLB for violating the PED rules.

Given my recent stance, and in large part my current stance, on Lance, which I will expand on, I am finding the whole incident farcical.

What was even funnier was FIFA's recent (August 3rd, 2013) reaction to the "doping scandals" that seem to be rocking every major sport right now, which was (it's only) cocaine and marijuana that the majority of players are getting caught for.

Wow.

See the whole article here, from Yahoo! Sports, and the statement directly from FIFA stating (in their opinion) "... their is no systemic doping ... ."

I found three things interesting.

First, from the FIFA article was the clear link to cycling and doping and how FIFA seems to be taking some queues from it. It is odd that cycling is "leading the way" in cleaning up all sports from such activities ... at least non-US sports.

Second, was the statement from FIFA CMO Jiri Dvorak who stated that:
"For me as a scientist I believe in facts and figures, not in speculation: We have no evidence that there is systematic doping."

I don't know how hard they are looking honestly. If there are no biological passports in place, as their is with the UCI, and FIFA is relying on "random" drug tests, as an engineer looking to solve problems (not a scientist who seeks the truth through experimentation), is FIFA looking to monitor, or just turn a blind eye to what really might be going on?

Finally, the blasé statement that most of the (70 to 90 out of 30000 samples) come back with "recreational drugs" and that does not alarm FIFA. Listen, I'm no prude, and certainly not a fool, but a few things came to mind.

First, are these recreational drugs on the banned list? While I don't think marijuana is a PED, except maybe for a brownie eating contest, I am not so sure about cocaine. In fact a very quick check of the WADA site indicates ... these substances are banned at all times. So while there may be no rampant PED use ... there is certainly a significant about of abuse of WADA banned substances.

Second, as the FIFA CMO, where is the outrage that this stuff is bad for you? I mean come on ... my sports heroes as role model fantasy left the station years ago, but a MD and CMO should at least have thrown in a ... you know kids this is not good for you ... statement.

Third, how is this not a problem? .3% Are popped for a WADA drug violation ... where is the line?

In my head it is ZERO. Anything bigger is an issue. Now, is there a PED epidemic in football? I dunno, but unless FIFA starts looking they won't ever know ... and that may be the plan (a la MLB). BUT, what about all the other drug use? Why isn't that considered systemic? Should it be?

Again, I dunno, but for FIFA I think they need to at least acknowledge the non-PED drug use. 

Programming Note

Photo Courtesy of RSNT

Friends,

Over the next week or so I will be off finishing my training for an upcoming mountain pass race.

Remember that training is a year round proposition with any sport, and while my similarly titled note on February 23rd this year focused on early season fitness, now is the time to be focused on maintenance fitness, or even in my case (and maybe yours) another build phase for upcoming challenges.


Gone are the days of getting fit by refereeing. It is now imperative to get fit to referee.

While there are tales of folks who "work themselves into form" by competing, if you expect to excel, you need to be fit from the start.

Please enjoy the archives to the right, and we'll back at it again!

More Blowback for Winter World Cup

FIFA Exec and Premier League Chief Hit Out at 2022 Qatar Winter World Cup

COMMENTARY | Little by little, the foundation of the 2022 QatarWorld Cup is crumbling down. It was but a little over a week ago that FIFA president Sepp Blatter admitted what we all knew was true several years back, that a World Cup cannot take place in Qatarduring the hot summer months. Now, multiple noteworthy individuals are coming forward to voice their displeasure about an event that is becoming more and more a debacle nine years before it is even set to begin. ...

See the whole article here, courtesy of Yahoo! Sports.

Kicking Back Comments: Well, I'm not at all surprised by these reactions. In fact, I am a little surprised regarding how muted some are.

I think that will change however if FIFA actually goes ahead and moves the 2022 Cup to November. Not sure how that is done procedurally (EX-Comm vote, Presidential FIAT?) but Sepp's recent comments may have been a trial balloon to gauge reaction.

As we can see, it is not going well ... and I don't expect will if FIFA actually moves the dates.

Gotta Talk

I caught this video when I was doing research for an article regarding the (mis)use of referees in commercials. (I am getting bored of the Axiron TV Commercial using a baseball ump for low testosterone treatment)

In it, it is clear just how much communication is necessary to effectively manage players.

When listening, ask yourself, do you talk that much during a match to manage things?

Should you?

Happy Thanksgiving!!

FIFA now considering November World Cup

FIFA is now planning to host the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in November rather than January, a source at the governing body told kicker. FIFA president Sepp Blatter has confirmed that he intends to ask for the tournament to be held in the winter as temperatures in the Gulf state can reach 50°C during the summer.

Critics of the decision to award Qatar the tournament flagged from the outset that conditions would make hosting the event at the traditional time impossible and have called for the bidding process to be reviewed. ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of ESPN.

Kicking Back Comments: This is going to wreak havoc across the European leagues. I wonder of Qatar still would have won (assuming a fair bid) if this fact would have been disclosed BEFORE the vote was taken.

If I had to guess, I would bet, it would not have.

Can we review this process please? It continues to stink to the heavens.

Welcome Back!

Fifa lifts a global ban on Cameroon for government interference

Fifa has lifted its global ban on Cameroon after a normalisation committee began its work on Monday to run the country's football federation.

It is being headed by former Minister of Education, Sports, Joseph Owona.

Earlier this month, Fifa banned Cameroon for governmental interference into the running of the country's football. ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of the BBC.

Kicking Back Comments: Does skimming pond scum off the top make the water any more drinkable?

This is a general statement of course, but one that ran through my mind here.

Playing the "black card"

I just don't know where to start with this one.

I could use it as a warning to referees everywhere that there is no such thing as a "friendly match."
What referee gets prepared for a mass confrontation event during a badminton match?

Seriously, how do you deal with something so extraordinary that it has only happened (per the announcers) once or twice in history!

While the referee apparently got the call right ... I wonder how much training is given for such an event.

I was waiting for Hulk Hogan to charge in and rip his shirt off.



I could go down the path of a horribly named penalty ... I mean a "black card"? Why not just say disqualification? Then again, as I listen to how a caution is described in MLS stadia across the US it is generally a "yellow card, caution, warning."

I get the origin ... but ... I dunno ... any sport that uses a shuttlecock is just weird to me. Then again I ride around in a colorful spandex suit that practically shows what religion I am.

I had to chuckle when the female announcer let an explicative go at :17. But the more I thought about it the more I knew they would not be fined as no one was watching. Then again more than a couple MLB teams are suffering this right now.

I think my overall point while trying to be somewhat tongue in cheek, is sport is sport, and it does not matter if it kids playing youth anything, or adults playing professional something, a referee has to always be ready for anything.

Even a hockey game breaking out in the NHL.

FIFA loses TV fight

Fifa loses free-to-air World Cup TV battle

Fifa and Uefa have lost an appeal against a European ruling that the World Cup and Euro Championships should be shown on free-to-air TV in the UK.

In 2011, the European General Court said the UK could keep the events on a list of "protected" events of national sporting interest broadcast for free.

It means the two tournaments cannot be sold exclusively to pay-TV firms.

Fifa and Uefa had appealed, after saying they could not sell the events fairly for their real value. ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of the BBC.

Kicking Back Comments: There is a (business) part of me that feel for FIFA in this case. They legitimately own the rights to the World Cup and as such can reasonably exercise these rights as they see fit within legal and moral bounds.

Also, FIFA certainly has the right to make money, while I typically don't like how they use it, there is nothing to stop them from exercising this commercial right in a way they want, not just to a public broadcasting outfit. It is reasonable they could make more from a pay-per-view channel.

The argument that won the day was interesting. It was a "crown jewel" argument where the World Cup is such an event, a "crown jewel" of sport that it MUST be free for all (i.e. on a non pay channel). Similar to the Olympics or other such World Wide events (Le Tour?) it must be free for all.

It's a great argument, and one that I agree with.

It is ironic too, as FIFA has done a tremendous job marketing The Game around the world. So good in fact, they made the case against themselves here.

Law 11 Redux ... courtesy of US Soccer

And if you think the LOTG are tough to interpret ...

... please read the thought provoking piece by Paul Levy at NRAH, When the rulebook has no remedy.

It is a pale comparison to be sure as in our typical context we discuss the most minute exceptions to what is detailed in the NRAH article, but articulates (a) that not everything can be solved by a "rule book" (or an advanced directive in this case), and (b) There are times that we as humans are pressed into untenable positions where there may be no "right" answer, only a "best" answer.

As humans, and as referees, we have to accept his is a part of life.

So why become a referee?

I'll be honest, after writing the story from the other day (There are bad days ... and there are BAD days) I had to ask myself if I want to continue refereeing, or let my kids consider the craft. Seriously.

It is downright tragic to see people has so much animosity over a game that they need to strike each other, a referee, player, coach, or spectator.

I can't even begin to imagine the barbarism involved in what happened in Brazil where (2) deaths resulted, one of which was not only gruesome, but also truly inhumane.

I also tossed out a warning for all to see in big red letters ... it read as follows:

IN SHORT, DO NOT EVER REFEREE AN UNAFFILIATED MATCH. THERE IS A HEAVY PRICE TO BE PAID IF THINGS GO WRONG.

That did leave a few questions unanswered however:

1. Was this referee registered?

2. What would have changed if he was?

3.  If you can referee matches unregistered ... why should you?

While I have received information about the answer to #1, as I sit here that answer is not really material as the league itself is not registered as we saw from the link in the previous article.

Tell the truth ... how many of you checked to see if you "Sunday Leagues" were registered?

Regarding #2, what would have changed if the referee and league was affiliated with US Soccer would be the remedies afforded the referee in the form of additional insurance, and additional discipline that the league, players, and teams would have faced would they have been found to be in violation of US Soccer and MA Soccer bylaws. Also, all parties involved would be afforded appropriate procedure to determine any culpability. This serves to protect all involved.

This would be in addition to any remedy at law that could be undertaken. Unless otherwise agreed, such procedures from US Soccer are not intended as any type of binding arbitration procedure.

Now let me say that, just because a league, team, and a referee are registered does not mean this stuff does not happen. Quite the contrary. Assaults happen, and referees at all levels need to be ready for such an occurrence. That topic is outside where we are going today, but will be up in posts to follow.

So again, why register with US Soccer? It costs money, takes time, and aside from the additional insurance coverage, what do you get?

Well, it just so happens US Soccer outlines some of these benefits on their web site, here. Specifically for referees, there are several benefits listed which include (quoted directly from the site):

• Education through production and presentation of materials by US Soccer Referee Department
• Licensing and insuring of US Soccer registered referees
• Continuing education of referees
• Training and licensing of instructors, assessors and assignors
• Assignment and assessment for professional leagues and others by US Soccer
• Priority rights in game coverage goes to affiliated games
• Fair Play publication to all referees
• Up to date website for referee information

There are others that are listed on the page ... and some not, such as the insurance coverage we all receive notice of each year.

I have to honest though, this list is both confusing (what is a "priority right" anyway?), and incomplete.

You want to know what the real benefit of getting registered with US Soccer is?

A community who dedicate themselves to the craft of being the best they can when serving as referees, and supporting each other in the process.

Sounds simple huh?

It's not, but it is extraordinarily powerful. Imagine a very large diverse group focused on exactly the same thing, and helping each other get there. This includes folks from all over the world, not just in the US.

JAFO touched on the diversity of this group in "Making Connections" and it is clear to me the power of these connections while formed by The Game, goes far beyond it. As I have said here before, I have learned more about life through becoming a referee that I could have just living it.

I know, I know, it sounds silly, and a couple of people may be rolling their eyes and going "cheeeezzzzyyyyyy", but ask yourself again when someone comes out to watch your match for no other reason than to help you, and asks for nothing in return, or you walk into a referee tent at a tournament and see tens and tens of referees there for the same reason, or a player who you think was your nemesis smiles at you and quietly says "good job" after a tough match, or on your wedding day, or death of a family member, or even your own failing heath, reaches out to pay respect.

Refereeing is a gateway to some of the toughest character building a person can face, yet do so with a community of like minded people around them who would be willing to lay it all out there to have you succeed.

A community that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Why become a referee? Why indeed.

U.S. Soccer’s Platinum Program

First Three Officials Graduate from U.S. Soccer’s Platinum Program to Join Professional Ranks 

CHICAGO (July 8, 2013) – The U.S. Soccer Federation has announced the graduation of the first three officials from the Platinum Program: Katja Koroleva, Christina Unkel and Robert Sibiga. All three have moved on to the professional ranks as PRO officials after a successful year in U.S. Soccer’s intensive training program for select officials.

The Platinum Program provides select up-and-coming male and female officials with up to three years of personalized training in preparation for assignments at the professional and international level. Training is provided through a number of national training events, instructional webinars and through the support of mentors.  ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of US Soccer.

Kicking Back Comments: Congratulations to all, and a significant accomplishment to be sure. Even in "my time" as one of the first in a generation to go "coast to coast" from youth to amateur to professional, the programs and available resources have become so much more advanced and structured to allow referees to flourish.

Long gone are the days of being "discovered" in a Sunday "ethnic league" match. While certainly that experience is absolutely necessary to be able to survive at the international level with resources such as those created by Dr. Silva, these modern day referees have some of, if not the best, training in the world today.

Uh oh ...

FIFA: Cameroon ban stands

Johannesburg - Cameroon club Coton Sport won't be allowed to play in the African Champions League this weekend because the country's football federation is still suspended for government interference, FIFA said on Monday.

Coton Sport's ineligibility adds to the complications surrounding Africa's top club competition with Egyptian rivals Zamalek and Al Ahly, the defending champion, without a venue for their meeting because of the political turmoil and threat of violence in their country. ...

See the whole story here, courtesy of Sport24.

Kicking Back Comments: This again makes me wonder who needs whom. Outside of the world Cup (obviously), why just not play without FIFA?

When the UK threatened to cede from FIFA it seemed to be taken a bit more seriously ... why not here?

Can you imagine if that actually happened ... liberated from FIFA ... what a thought.