Official Debut

It's harder than it looks. That's what I found out last Thursday as I had my first football game not as a player, but as a referee. A couple of weeks ago the sports director here said they were short on flag football refs and were looking for anybody who wanted to do it. Never really feeling in place on any of the teams I played for I decided to sign up since I was out there to watch every night I got the chance to. So I figured while watching I might as well get some money for doing it.

The training was a couple of weeks long and included several videos and hours reading the rule book. And it all paid off as I quickly remembered how fast the game went. You almost have to act instinctly on some plays due to the quickness at which they happen. But the best you can do is get in the right position to make the best call. Overall I did rather well and got used to it quick.

The funniest (most embarassing) moment came late in the last game. I was the side judge reponsible for the side line. A pass was launched quickly down field and as I turned to run the 20yd sideline marker jumped out and tripped me. I did a full nose dive and scraped my arms up on the turf field. I quickly got up and continued to call the game, which included a penalty on that play. I got kudos for keeping watch even though i was laying flat on my chest in total embarassment. Luckily it was late and there weren't alot of people out there. But the ones who were have given me grief every time they have seen me since.