Well, done my first game on Sunday as a referee, I did one AR the Tuesday before, and one this Tuesday just gone.
The AR's - first one, really enjoyed, didn't make a mistake as far as I remember, didn't flag for a couple of fouls that the referee DID call, but I would've let go (or maybe it was because it was my first match).
Either way, it was a fantastic first match, and I rather warmed to AR.
It was U11, I was surprised at the standard of the play, given that I don't watch kids play football, and there was no trouble or anything, so again, a great first match, and set me up nicely for my second AR appointment.
Second AR was U13, again, a really good match (both were at the Derby County Training Ground), I flagged for an offside that I shouldn't have, as I was watching the ball go forward, and a player in an offside position moved forward, but the ball actually went to an onside player.
All part of the learning curve, and got a bit of banter for that from the parents, I do find I struggle to keep an eye on everything going on at the same time, ball in play, tackles, offside etc. But it'll come in time, and I'm improving.
Onto my referee appointment, it was U15.
One team was a few places and points higher in the table than the other, this match was a Sunday league match.
Game was won by the team that was in the higher position, I got there nice and early, which surprised the home set up.
Did my pitch check, found some bits of rubbish (mirror /glass type stuff) that needed discarding so that was seen to, spoke to managers etc, got changed, got the game underway and everyone seemed happy and content with everything, no cards, no real fouls, no official AR's and had to give an offside that was contentious, but I could only go on what the (unofficial) AR flagged, overall the game was a massive success, after being very nervous beforehand, collected my fee, had a quick chat with the managers etc at the end and made my way out of there with a big smile on my face.
Then found out both teams had scored me 100/100.
Didn't expect that, a little bird had told me one team had done that before I left the match, but didn't expect it from both teams.
So onto this Sunday, a game slightly more local to me, with a team from the area I used to live in for a good few years.
U14, off the top of my head.
Nervous again, but I know I can do it. I know I forgot procedures in my first game, but everything went smoothly, no complaints, shown by the marking of myself by teams, I just want to do well in every game.
Cheers for reading, I'll add bits as and when (and if anyone comments).