Count down to the rematch. I’m retaking the LSAT on December 6. Unfortunately I haven’t been as disciplined in my preparation as I would have liked. But that’s me. I can’t believe the year’s almost over. I’m still trying to figure out what my greatest accomplishments have been this year. Oh I have an idea. I should make a list of my high points in each sphere of my life this past year. Of course the most notable will be my scoring 9 goals in a 9 game season. I still don’t know how I was able to do that given that the previous year, I managed only one. Thierry Henry in the making!
And while we’re on the subject of soccer, I should probably tell you my latest experiences officiating an adult co-ed indoor soccer league. First, while it sounds simple and easy, it’s not. Unless of course the teams playing are just there for fun and don’t care whether or not they win — but that’s hardly ever the case. I’ll admit, I’m soft. Heck, timid sometimes. But when I reach that threshold, I can be brutal.
So there was this 7pm game I was officiating. The teams were on different levels — a total mismatch. The captain of the better team kept complaining that he was being fouled. His reasoning was that anytime he got the ball, someone made contact with him. He wanted me to blow the whistle anytime such a “contact” happened. Dumb. I totally ignored his complaints and went on with my job — which was … ummm… ok I remember … to ensure a free flowing, safe, and potentially fun game.
At one point, Mr. Captain grabbed the ball cos he felt he’d been fouled. I blew the whistle and pulled my cards to give him a yellow. He got mad and threw the ball at me. I ducked and immediately gave him his marching orders. He got even more incensed and threw his fist at me. Now I’m no fighter but, since time immemorial, I’ve been watching Pernell Whitaker duck during his boxing fights. So I pulled a Whitaker. After reminding me that he’d be outside waiting, he took off his shirt and left the court. I smiled and blew my whistle. The game resumed.
The following week, he showed up to play. I politely reminded him that because of his previous distasteful actions stupidity, he had to miss the game. I also succeeded in gagging him. I pulled out my cards and said for every word he dared mutter, he’d have to miss a game. He left quietly.