The Ref Stop

Friendlies

Most clubs in our area normally arrange 3-5 Friendly fixtures over the close season. I just wait for whoever to contact me and do the ones I'm available for. Match fees are the same as per a normal fixture. 😉
This summer however, I'll be saying "No thanks" to any requests. Plenty of footy to watch on the TV from mid June plus my 2 week holiday in July. My crumbling frame also needs a rest and my brain needs a break from grassroots football. :D
The term "Friendly" is always a source of amusement for me since these games are rarely played with any less tenacity, attitude and desire to win than any other fixture.
Ironically, in 13 years of refereeing, I've only ever had to abandon 2 matches because of mass cons and yep, they were both "Friendlies". :rolleyes:
 
The Ref Stop
Kes said:
Most clubs in our area normally arrange 3-5 Friendly fixtures over the close season. I just wait for whoever to contact me and do the ones I'm available for. Match fees are the same as per a normal fixture. 😉
This summer however, I'll be saying "No thanks" to any requests. Plenty of footy to watch on the TV from mid June plus my 2 week holiday in July. My crumbling frame also needs a rest and my brain needs a break from grassroots football. :D
The term "Friendly" is always a source of amusement for me since these games are rarely played with any less tenacity, attitude and desire to win than any other fixture.
Ironically, in 13 years of refereeing, I've only ever had to abandon 2 matches because of mass cons and yep, they were both "Friendlies". :rolleyes:
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I'm the same, stopped doing friendlies years ago as found they were far more hassle than any benefit they gave me. Same for tournaments, unless I know they are well organised there's no chance I'm going near them.
 
MarcusLoveRef said:
A tiny bit off topic, and I’m sure has been posted elsewhere, but how do you guys get involved with summer youth football tournaments/friendlies? I can’t find anywhere that tournaments are looking for refs, and I’m not sure whether or not to chat to my Club sec to see whether he has games? Thanks for your help in advance everyone
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I've seen a lot of tournaments asking for referees on Facebook ref groups, based on what I have seen, I would imagine if you offered your services to a club running a tournament they'd snap your hand off.

I recall posts on here and also on Facebook about exercising caution around summer tournaments, especially remuneration offered (as if we haven't discussed that enough this week! 🤣). I saw a tournament on FB expecting 14 hours of refereeing over a weekend for £150! and another was £50 for a 10am - 4pm tournament.
 
The Ginger Ref said:
I've seen a lot of tournaments asking for referees on Facebook ref groups, based on what I have seen, I would imagine if you offered your services to a club running a tournament they'd snap your hand off.

I recall posts on here and also on Facebook about exercising caution around summer tournaments, especially remuneration offered (as if we haven't discussed that enough this week! 🤣). I saw a tournament on FB expecting 14 hours of refereeing over a weekend for £150! and another was £50 for a 10am - 4pm tournament.
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Keep in mind, no chance it'll finish on time either.

In my first few months of officiating I ended up doing 10 hours for £50
 
MarcusLoveRef said:
A tiny bit off topic, and I’m sure has been posted elsewhere, but how do you guys get involved with summer youth football tournaments/friendlies? I can’t find anywhere that tournaments are looking for refs, and I’m not sure whether or not to chat to my Club sec to see whether he has games? Thanks for your help in advance everyone
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Avoid them like the plague! Always at least one team and/orset of parents that are a nightmare.
 
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