So much has happened since the last blog post. Yesterday, while the officials from the semifinal matches had recovery training, we had our last day of technical training. The assistants lined up and performed some small sprints and agility work near the side of the pitch and the ref
erees did their own exercises in the center of the field. We met up at the halfway line and got in position for our first situation. Just like a real game, there could have been an offside, a foul, nothing, or even a card and we had to work together to get the call right just like a normal match. Then we had an offside decision followed by another real game type situation in the penalty box. It was a really great opportunity to practice the teamwork that is so vital in a match. Unfortunately, the end of training meant we had to say goodbye to our players, but we did get one last photo with the guys. They were really great and had a fun energy.
erees did their own exercises in the center of the field. We met up at the halfway line and got in position for our first situation. Just like a real game, there could have been an offside, a foul, nothing, or even a card and we had to work together to get the call right just like a normal match. Then we had an offside decision followed by another real game type situation in the penalty box. It was a really great opportunity to practice the teamwork that is so vital in a match. Unfortunately, the end of training meant we had to say goodbye to our players, but we did get one last photo with the guys. They were really great and had a fun energy. 
After the training, we had our last group free time activity. We went on a cruise down the river on a boat and got a completely different perspective on the places we had seen biking. I think everyone really enjoyed one more chance to kick back as a group. It may have been a toss up whether that was more popular or the shopping trip at the end of the boat ride. I think my vote has to go to the boat trip though. There's just something about getting out on the water that's so relaxing. 
We also had our last debriefing yesterday with clips from the semifinals to review and a few more administrative details to review before the last two matches. For those who are wondering, I will be working one more match. Carol Anne from Canada will be the referee and Rita from Mexico will be an assistant, Eun Ah from Korea will be the fourth official, and I will be the final member of the team working the final between Germany and Nigeria. We'll be travelling tonight to the match with the officials for the third place match, so I won't be able to blog again before I get back to the US. Thanks for following and I'll post some more photos when I get home.
Thanks
Marlene
No comments:
Post a Comment