20050606 Monday June 06, 2005

My Life Between Now and Next Easter

I received the availability form for refereeing in the National Volleyball League next season. I have to indicate when I am and am not available from next September through to next April by the end of the week.

Anyone got a crystal ball I can borrow? :)

( Jun 06 2005, 04:38:49 PM BST ) Permalink Comments [0]

If You Package It Right, It Feels Better

Yesterday I got to experience the difference that a setting makes to the feel of an event.

The match was played at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, a 16,000 seater venue which hosts international athletics meetings.

Apart from the championship games which are held in the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, it has been a while since I refereed in what I would consider a good spectator facility. Yesterday it definitely added a lot to the feel of the game as an event rather than just another fixture.

Credit to the London Olympians for a big move in the right direction for the sport. There weren't that many people watching yesterday, but with good facilities and an admissions policy which encourages kids to come along, it bodes well.

As a ref, I do not comment on performances on the field, but they do definitely deserve credit for their performance off it.

( Jun 06 2005, 04:23:57 PM BST ) Permalink Comments [0]