In one of my games this past weekend, I worked with a CR who's specialty is to call this foul. I say 'specialty' because I've seen him do it in every game he's worked. I also say this because he is about the only one who calls this foul. He is 100% correct in his application of the law, the problem is the rest of us aren't; therefore, when it is called inevitably there is a howl from the coaches. And in my game the call led directly to a goal, as the attacking team immediately took their IFK and scored (simple touch, then kick by player #2 while the defending team was confused). A part of Law 12 that I need to watch for in my games, especially U-14 to about U-18.
Other observations:
- The tournament was held at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park Complex (or, as we affectionately refer it to as, "Dick's"). I know these fields are heavily used, but we are coming off of a wet May, what was up with the fields? Mine was your basic concrete! Did they turn their sprinklers off? Come-on Dick's, lets get some water on your fields. Teams play a lot of money for these tournaments!
- The forementioned CR is an older gentleman (early 60s). He has good foul recognition, takes the trouble to explain his calls (perhaps too verbosely), and manages the game well. He is a bit too social on the sidelines though. I was CR in a U-14 game and he was AR2. He calls a foul then proceeds to start explaining it to the parents near him. Um, I need your direction first. I also saw him out of position on one possible Offside call - he obviously doesn't have a 'sprint' mode.
- My U-14 game the one boys' team added 3 U-14 girls for the start since a) both coaches agreed, b) the game was a consolation game, and c) the team only had 10 healthy players. The coach said "don't favor the girls". I said "don't worry coach, they're probably the ones I'll end up cautioning." LOL. Actually, I didn't think of it at the time, but these girls ultimately left to go play their 'Finals' game which was occurring 30 min after our game started. If I had to "send-off" the girl, what would've happened? Anyway, it was interesting to observe the difference between the genders at that age level. The girls had no problem mixing it up (I was told they trained with the boys quite often). They could beat the boys laterally, but for sheer speed and vertical play, they were outclassed.
- And to tie it all together, I ran Center for these same U-14 girls on the prior day. One of the girls on that team turns out to be Chauncey Billups' daughter! Yes, that Chauncey Billups, PG for the New York Knicks. Since we had abbreviated check-ins, I didn't read any names; besides, I probably would not have made the connection. All I remember is a) she was fast, b) she scored two goals, and c) I called a tripping foul on her. He was rumored to be around, but I didn't see him at my game.
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