Kickoff!

The regular season has started!  The bumps and bruises from recent action:

• Injuries.  In my games this month I've seen a broken wrist, a knee injury, a possible concussion, a broken foot, and (in my son's game) a fractured shoulder.  I know soccer is a contact sport, and as referees we generally try to let the players "play through" contact, but when I see an injury my first thought is "was there a foul I could've called now or earlier to have prevented that injury?"

Cramping My Style

Highlights from weekend of Aug 6/7:

• We had hot (mid 90s) and dry (dp 30s or lower) weather here along the Front Range.  On Saturday, I had 4 consecutive games - AR, CR, AR, CR.  Late in the 4th my calves started cramping BIG TIME.  To the point where there was a moment I could barely walk.  Not a good way to run center, even if it is just U-12 Boys.  I must have consumed 100oz of water during those 4 games just to stay hydrated.  If someone has an excellent idea on what to take during the middle of a tournament (read:  15 min between matches max, so it has to be fast, preferably something I can add to water) I'd love to hear it!