GK checks just before kickoff & water break procedures
Sometimes goalkeepers come out in different colors than you expected. Also water breaks are very important when it's hot outside; just integrate them correctly.
I worked a middle school boys game yesterday afternoon.
The game was about as close to perfect as I could have hoped for. I was seeing the ball well, moving around well and managed the game without any incidents.
Here’s what I’m keeping with me moving forward!
1. Double check goalkeeper colors at kickoff
Per usual, I checked goalkeeper colors with both coaches during pre-game and took their word for what both keepers were wearing.
I didn’t check again right at kickoff and one of the keepers was wearing a very light pink instead of the darker color I was told. Because the other team was wearing white, the light pink was just too close to be able to differentiate easily.
I didn’t catch this before kickoff and 5 minutes into the game, the opposing coach asked if he could put on a penny at a stoppage. I of course obliged and there were no hard feelings from anybody.
No big deal. But I was just a bit embarrassed that I hadn’t caught it.
Takeaway: While counting players before both kickoffs, just do a quick double check on keeper jerseys. Easy!
2. Water breaks during stoppages
It was REALLY hot during the game yesterday.
To be honest, I should have been prepared for water breaks before the game even started and let the coaches know.
But I decided ~5 minutes into the game that water breaks were a necessity to keep all the players safe.
During the second half, I called for a water break while the ball was still in play in the middle of the field instead of waiting for a stoppage. This was silly because the restart was an unnecessary drop ball.
Takeaway: I was keeping my water break a high priority, which was good! But it was probably OK to let them play for a few more seconds to get to a proper stoppage. That way when the water break was over, they could have a proper restart.
Know a soccer ref? Feel free to share this with them 💙