Road to Hawaii (Can we make it to Arkansas?) Referee

[Redkard]

It is 11:06am and I'm almost out the door.

I'm going to go through my bags one last time to make sure that I don't forget anything.  Those who know me Know that I always forget something.  My civilian bag is fine.  All of my referee stuff is accounted for.  I've already said good bye to the pair of shoes (that I referee in) that will not be making the trip.

Now it's time to change clothes.  We referees have to wear our Washington Meeting outfit (Carolina blue polo, khaki pants and dress shoes) not only to each meeting while in Hawaii, but on the airplane as well; we always have to represent.

The goal is to give you a day by day report of my adventure over the next 10 days.

We'll send a message later on today.  Maybe just prior to departure?  Definately when we get to the hotel tonight.  Until then,

Ray Moffatte, Jr.
Redkard.........

[yote19]

Ray thanks for doing this.  We are in your corner for sure and if you could bring some more sun with you when you come back.

[cheese]

Sounds like a blast.  

A Hawaiian play by play.......could be better then Dragon's game play by play.  

[sockemgirlz]

Thanks for your time....I'll look for you while I am there basking in teh sun watching some soccer getting this TEXAN girl some color.... FINALLY!!!!  Is it Sunday yet???

[Islander]

Thanks for your time....I'll look for you while I am there basking in teh sun watching some soccer getting this TEXAN girl some color.... FINALLY!!!!  Is it Sunday yet???

So when a TEXAN basks in the sun is it only their arms and necks that change color

[Redkard]

7:25 am Hawaii time

We made it.  Some might call it a day from hell,  I'll call it a day that I survived.

We (the wife and the child) headed north at the desired time.  Had to make a stop in Seattle to pick something and got lost (I'm terrible in downtown Seattle).  We did get back on schedule until we got to the border.  The person manning the booth must have been reading the his "How to Allow Vehicles to Cross the Border Manual".  It took an unsual amount of time to get my turn to be questioned.  When my turn came, it was really quick.  He must have know it was Redkard crossing the border; thus there was nothing to worry about.

Once into Canada I was happy that the speedometer has the conversion table on it.  I didn't want to revert back to 5th grade and the metric conversion section of math class.  I didn't want Dudley Dooright stopping me with his flashing lights.  For those who complain about the roads through Seattle; who was the smart guy who has 6 lanes funnelling down to one lane (we got to the express lanes at the wrong time).  We were now in jepordy of being late for the flight; you know get there 90 minutes or 2hrs prior to your flight.

This is where I became a typical male.  We finally get to the airport.  Drop the Truck off at the parking location.  Get on the shuttle bus and get dropped off at the domestic counter for Air Canada.  Should have been dropped of at International counter.  The wife gave me a yellow card.  Once inside with our pre printed boarding passes some how we were directed past the booth to get our check bag stickers.  Had to call he ticket people to bring down our check bag stickers   I think she wanted to give me my second yellow; but I got a stearn talking to instead.  She must be watching me referee games.

The plane ride was actually pretty tame; very smooth in fact.  The food was good,  It was long, 5 hours 55 minutes long.  Thank goodness that I had my movie with me.  My kid teases me because I always watch "The Outlaw Josey Wales" everytime I fly.  Once again it was great.  My favorite scene is when Long Waddy talks about his experience in Washington DC and quotes a government saying "endeavor to perservere".

We get the rental car and off to the hotel.  I'm about to get into more hot water.  Do I follow the directions that I printed from home or follow the directions that the rental staff gave us?  Somewhere between the two we get lost on the way to the hotel.  Needless to say I received my second yellow card for Perisisent Infringement; and thus a redcard from the wife.  I might add that she had been up since 3am because of her job so here tolerance level wasn't high in the first place.

I appealed the two yellows that I received.   I apologized for my manly ways to get harmony back into our trip.  The one thing about me is that for me to be at my best on the field, there must be good vibes within my intercircle.  When something negative is on my mind I suck while on the field.  Thus the reason why people often times hear me blasting my "old school jams" in either of the vechicals, "The Redkard or "Law 18".  By putting myself in the right frame of mind, it allows me to relax on the field and have a good time.

After getting my yellow cards recinded, we ordered pizza and went to sleep.  The sun is out with some clouds in the sky; it is just beautiful.  I'm off for a little run to get acclimated to the hot humid weather that I experience when we arrived.

Ray Moffatte, Jr.
Redkard.........

[Squash]

Awesome Ray, I love the recap of the trip so far....almost like we are living it with you. Keep it up, and enjoy the games, fields, and all that regionals and Hawaii can offer.

I have been to the fields and unless a disaster struck, they are top notch, especially the stadium fields. :mrgreen:

[cheese]

Ahhhhhhh, I can almost feel that thing I once heard of (the sun) with a gentle breaze blowing.  

This is great.  I can't wait until the next update.  

[Brat Jr]

Great stuff Ray.

I only have ONE question.....
why did you have to go to Canada to fly out?

[cheese]

Great stuff Ray.

I only have ONE question.....
why did you have to go to Canada to fly out?

Better drinks on the plane eh!

You can also hear the pilot say "It's aboot time we get this bird up right boys.  Fasten your belts eh"

[Brat Jr]

Great stuff Ray.

I only have ONE question.....
why did you have to go to Canada to fly out?

Better drinks on the plane eh!

You can also hear the pilot say "It's aboot time we get this bird up right boys.  Fasten your belts eh"

ROFL

[On-the-road-again]

Great stuff Ray.

I only have ONE question.....
why did you have to go to Canada to fly out?

Better drinks on the plane eh!

You can also hear the pilot say "It's aboot time we get this bird up right boys.  Fasten your belts eh"

ROFL

His wife must really love him because he would have received a red card from me when he didn't make the left to head to Sea-Tac!!   :?

But there's no love lost because he had me at "7:25 am Hawaii time"

[famj]

If you had seen the prices out of SeaTac compared to those out of Vancouver, you'd know why he chose Canada!  About a $300 difference!  Of course, that was before gas hit $4+ per gallon!

[Walt Disney]

O'ahu is great!!! wish everyone was here to experience this. the only question is WHEN DO GAMES START! time is so slow here.

[sockemgirlz]

Got lucky with my ticket....
Work had a silent auction for only 1 ticket to anywhere Alaska flies.... nobody was bidding since it was only 1 ticket.... so there I went and put in the lowest bid.... $350.00 .....
This was before hubby had confirmed he was going to the Regionals to recruit for UW and watch the 92 Green team he will be taking over after they are done (hopefully that is at Nationals!!)

So, I won the ticket for $350.00 and I leave early tomorrow morning!  Hubby is there today and loving it!  The hotel is beautiful overlooking the pool and the palm tree lined beach to the water.....
GOSH I CAN'T WAIT!!

Walt Disney-- we'll see you in the first game of Regionals... let's meet up afterwards!

[Redkard]

4:45pm Hawaii Time:

Someone already beat me to the punch, it was indeed the price.

I had been checking prices for a while just in case my name showed up on the regional list.  When my research began all of the airlines had prices ranging in the $750 plus area.  An assessor who already was on tap to make the trip suggested that I check out Air Canada.  To my surprise the price was as low as $378 the first time I looked at their website.

When the regional list was made to ball began to roll.  Had to wait to see what the exact vacation time that the wife had secured.  To bad she didn't find out until 1pm the afternoon I booked the flights.  If she would have call me at 10am the tickets would have been $401 each.  At 1pm the tickets came out to be $456 each.  Now we did have to obtain passports for the three of us at $100 each.  But all in all we saved some money on the deal.  Anyway I had not ventured across he boarder since I drove my grandmother to an evangelist meeting when I was 17 years old.  I figured why not cross the board one more time before my time was up.

Since I'm hear I let you know what we did today.  After my first message earlier this morning.  I did some physical training to prepare myself for the conditions that we are going to face this coming week.  I did my normal stretching routine.  Making sure that these old legs were nice loose as well as the back; especially the back.  When my back is right, life is good.  I then went for a little jog in downtown Honolulu.  I already told you of my misadventure the previous night, so not to get lost I decided to run around the outside of the mall that is right across the street.  I haven't figured out if that was the right decision or not.  Remember I hate to run, but I needed to so to be properly prepared for the task at hand.  My goal was to run for at least 12 minutes.  Well let me say that the mall was more than a 12 minutes run.  At first I was a little scared thinking that I had gotten lost, but then I could see the red and white radio tower on top of the hotel.  I made it back safe and sound.

After getting cleaned up, we made the trek out to see the fields where the games will be played.  About 15 miles to the west of downtown Honolulu we found the fields.  Wow! What a site.  20 plus field in excellent condition.  The stadium field was fantastic.  Hopefully I'll get to run around that field at least once in the upcoming week.  The locals were out in force stringing up nets, setting up tents and setting up displays for the venders.  Looks like they will be painting the lines on the fields tomorrow.

On our way back to Honolulu the wife mentioned that her friends had told her about some big Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium.  Boy was it big.  There were people selling stuff three rows deep surrounding the stadium.  If I've never told you before, I love going to Swap Meets.  The wife bought three Hawaiian style dresses for herself.  She bought me a cool wide brimmed hat that has material that drapes down the back of my neck.  She does care; not wanting my dome to get too much sun.  She also bought me a Super Shami  and a set of shot glasses (not for drinking out of, just to collect.

When the child travels with me we always find a local soccer store to see if they have anything on sale that might be usefull for either one of us.  I bought a ManU flag to hang on wall at work.  

After a late lunch it's now back to the hotel to figure out how to kill time until the big meeting tomorrow.

Ray Moffatte, Jr.
Redkard.........

[CrazyLadyBlue]

http://www.regioniv.com/regional08/Program%20Game%20Schedule.pdf

I thought this might be helpful to those of us following along, all the game times, and I hope it will stay updated as we go.  I see Lester put it on another thread too.

Redkard, keep it up---love the posts!!! Sockemgirlz--safe travels!!!

[Redkard]

Monday 10:50pm Hawaii time:

Sorry for the delay Sunday was a world wind.  To spend some time with the family we made a quick trip to the Nu'uan Pali Lookout a few miles north of Honolulu,  What a view!  I was dumb enough to suggest that we follow the trail down past the viewing area.  After a mile on the winding trail, we turned around and walked back up.  Walking down is much easier than walking up.

Sunday was a meeting day for referees.  First the Washington Family meeting to refresh the memories of some and create an expectation for the rookies for the upcoming week  The official checkin followed.  Getting our credentials and our goody bags.  Then the Youth Referee Awards Ceremony.  Low and behold we took home the boys award as Zach Pendt of Bremerton is the Region IV Youth Referee of the Year.

After a quick dinner break we headed back for the General/Rookie meeting where the rules of the event were gone over one more time.  As well as the other techincal referee stuff that I won't bore you with.  Finally another family meeting where the assignements were handed out.  For day 1 my assignments were AR2 on a GU17 match between teams from New Mexico and Hawaii and a center assignment on a BU18 match between teams from Alaska and Cal North.  Hawaii ended up winning a nail biter 1-0.  In the boys game Cal North jumped out to a 4-0 lead and had to hold on for a 5-2 win.

Following Monday's games another referee meeting to go over the good, the bad and the ugly of the first day.  Let's say that the mechanics of the 4th Official was the focal point of the meeting.  Coaches sitting and being quite.  All equipment put a way.  Subs with bibs on.  Most important of all, not letting coaches behave in an unresponcible way in the techincal area.

Finally Tuesdays assignments where I will be working as a 4th Official on a GU18 match between teams from Alaska and Utah.  The big test will be later in the day wnen I get to blow the whistle on a BU16 match between Cal North and Cal South.

I'm going to sleep now to rest up for tomorrow's action.

Ray Moffatte, Jr.
Redkard.........

[Dragon]

Fun to read!  I will make this a sticky for you  :mrgreen:

[Redkard]

Dragon, What is a Sticky?

Tuesday June 17th 11:50pm

Just got back from our referee family dinner where we received our assignments for Wednesday and we discussed what we need to do to shine as a group tomorrow.

Today was a good day for me.  Trying to read through the lines of the politics of the assignments; some feel that they (those in the know) are watching me.  My first game (4th Official) GU18 was a great game between AK Rush 90 (Alaska) vs Avalanche 90 Premier (New Mexico).  Rush 90 won the game in stoppage time on a goal that was preceeded by an advantage call by the center referee.  The final score was 4-3.  My second game was I believe a test.  Cal North (San Jose Sporting Ruckus 90 Green vs Cal South (Los Angeles Rampage) in a game that featured a latin flavor.  A lot of passing from touch line to touch line.  A lot of trickery from every player on the field.  A lot of bumping and grinding on the field filled with plenty of players hobblng off the field.  One tired referee after the game.  A back and forth contest that included three yellow cards.  The final score had the Los Angeles Rampage winning 3-2.  I felt really good after the game.  My assessor was happy with the effort of the crew.  Both the coaches and players from each team were happy after the contest.  A most important of all; Sporting Ruckus Coach who lost was very complementary after the game.

Wednesday will bring on a new challenge.  I'll be AR1 on a BU15 game between Nevada (Las Vegas Premier) and Colorado (Colorado Storm Royal) at 10am.  All four teams in their group has one win and one loss; thus both teams have a chance of being 1st or 2nd in the group.  At 4pm I'll be in the middle of a GU19 game between Cal North Wild Card (De Anza Strykers) vs New Mexico (Albuquerque United FC 89) who'll be playing for 1st place in their group.  I think this might be another test.  Hopefully I'll pass.

Ray Moffatte, Jr.
Redkard.........

[Dragon]

Sticky is when the post is important for all to read, so I "stick it" to the top of the forum so it won't slip down the page :mrgreen:

Keep up the great work, we love reading about your journey :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:

[Redkard]

Thursday June 19th 12:02am

Sorry this is so late butt I'm really tired.  The humidity is taking it's toll on me.  

Today was a good day.  I received some nice comments from my assessor/mentor today for my role as AR1 on the BU15 game.  I provided information on the issuing of a yellow card in early in the second half.  Later in the half I provide knowledge to prevent that same player from receiving his second yellow of the game.   My afternoon game with the GU19's was a work out.  It felt like the hottest part of the day.  The two teams battled to a 0-0 tie.  I never had to reach into my pocket to deal with any problems.

Following the game the referee family had their traitional dinner with the WYS volunteer staff who attends the regionals to provide support to the Washington team in attendance.  It was a festive event, with awards given to the leaders of the referee family and gag give presented by the 2008 family rookies to unexpected referees in the family.. Guess what I received along with a fellow follickly challenged referee.  Yes a brush.

Thursday is an off day for the tournament.  Giving those teams that advanced a day to rest up for the knockout portion of the compeitiion.  The Wife, the Kid and I will be making a drive around 2/3 of the island which should be around 120 miles.  

Thurdsay evening we'll be attending the Region IV referee dinner; which will be followed by receiving our assingments for the quarter final round of the tournament.

Ray Moffatte, Jr.
Redkard.........

[Dragon]

Great job!  Hope you enjoy your drive with your family and make sure to get some pix's along the way :mrgreen:

[Redkard]

Thursday June 19th 10:51 Hawaii Time

We did it, we made the drive around the island, what a sight to see.  I got a chance to sleep in late today.  I woke up at 8am just in time for the Portugal vs Germany game.  Lets say that I was rooting for the team that lost.  When the game ended it was time to get on the road.

I feel embarassed to be confused by the size of the island on a map compared to the actual size of the island itself.  In no time at all we were driving on the northeastern side of the island for a day on the road.  We stopped at a number of places and took soom pictures.  The road curved along the coast line providing views for a driving nerd like me.  I love to drive around and just look at the scenery.  In this case lots of beaches, palm trees, sugar cane and other tourists taking pictures like me.

Our number one goal was to find a hole in the wall shrimp truck for a plate of shrimp for $12.  It was the most cost effective purchase I made on this trip so far.  My wife hates it when i lick my fingers out in public when I eat.  This time she gave me her blessing; I licked my fingers with pride and joy as I ate that plate of shrimp and rice. Neither she or my son like seafood so they were happy when the next town had a Jack in the Box so they could have lunch as well.

To my surprise it took us no time at all to be back in Honolulu once we got back on one of the main highways the Interstate H2 that runs north and south on the island.  Is it just me or has anyone else wondered how an island can have an interstate?

After a quick change of cloths it was off to the Region IV dinner at the park just a few blocks from the hotel.  There was quite a variety to choose from with an island flavor as the them.  At 9pm another family meeting to get quarterfinal assignments.  I'm proud to say that each Washington Referee received at least one assignment, while some of us received two.  I believe that this is the first time that has ever happened.  Now is the time for some referee dreams can turn into a nightmare.  The assignments were the type that show that the performances thus far have been on the positive and that some of us are being looked at for prime slots for Saturday and Sunday.

Tomorrow I have to be on the road at 6am in the morning for an 8am kickoff on a GU17 center that will feature the Mustang Mavericks vs Real So Cal.  Prior to writing this entry I did my homework on how each team has done thus far and how they compared to one another during the tournament.  I anticipate a defensive struggle that may end up going to Kicks from the Mark.  I've found out who the superstar players so i'll know who to watch out for.  The final piece of the research is to find how which players have received misconducts thus far, so I'll know who the heavy hitters are.  My second game will be as AR1 on a BU16 game with Oregon Rush Nike going head to head with CS Slammers FC at 2pm.

Not it is time to get some sleep.

Ray Moffatte, Jr.
Redkard.........

[Squash]

Ray i have been there as well and the roads once off the highways can be a bit confusing to get where you want. I got lost one of the days driving the players back from the fields.

I gave them the grand tour of neighborhoods, the hills, and all over the island...haha

Also drove in cricles for hours looking for the Costco one day.  :lol:

[bastante]

Sorry this is so late butt I'm really tired.

I like the thread discussion, Ray. Keep it coming.

I have to say some ofr your prose is Dufferesqe...

[Redkard]

Friday June 20th 10:42pm

What a long day.  For the first time this week I had to get up at 6am to make it to the field by the 7am checkin time.  The highway to the field can be adventurous.  One wrong turn and you're heading in he wrong way.  Luckly I had made the same mistake earlier in the week and knew how to get back on the highway.

My first game of the day was a barnburner as I expected.  A back and forth contest (2-1) with the winning goal coming in the 88th minute of the match.  A real clean game with limited fouls.  Both teams came to play soccer and not foul each other everytime the ball changed posession.  The superstar player for the Cal South team made the difference, playing the part in both goals by her team.  This game only featured 1 yellow card that was issued in the 90th minute of the game.

After watching the MRFC Santos advance in their quaterfinal match up against the Alaska Rush team in extra time 3-2.  I was time to get ready for my 1pm match.  I was not a happy camper.  My referee from Idaho decided that we would wear our long sleeve shirts (it looks more professional?) then out game went into overtime.  The game featured two PK's, 1 yellow card, 1 bloody nose, a bunch of winey players and some pissed off coaches.  Let me say that our assessor/coach mentor felt I had a true understanding of what offside is.

Back to the hotel for our nightly regional referee meeting.  Another review session to hype up the expecations of each of tomorrow's crews for the semi-final match-ups.  Another review of 4th officials duties for the upcoming games.  How to deal with problem technical areas.  How to work with coaches doing what is necessary to keep coaches in the games before they cross the magic line.

At the family meeting we found out that 19 of the 35 Washington referees will get to work semi final matches.  We are told not to read anything into the assignments.  No one knows if these assignments will dicate whether one will work a final match or not.  And for the 16 referees who didn't receive an assingment, they could still be in the picture for an assignment on Sunday.  I know that some are not happy tonight; if it was up to me some of them would be working tomorrow.  I know this, when I step on the field tomorrow (GU12 AR1) I will be refereeing for 16 people tomorrow at 8am in the morning.

Tomorrow is the big day. The Semi Final time slots are at 8am and 10am in the morning.  The big gala referee event will be at 3pm.  We will find out what 64 referees will be working in the 16 final matches on Sunday.  We will also find out who will be going to Arkansas to the National Championships.  Who will be going to the Director's Cup in Deleware.  Who will be going to the ODP Regional in Arizona.  Hopefully I will hear my name and other Washington referee names being called out.

Ray Moffatte, Jr.
Redkard.........

[joemma]

Thursday June 19th 12:02am
 Guess what I received along with a fellow follickly challenged referee.  Yes a brush.

quote]

Hmmmm....I wonder who that could have been!!!!! :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:  

[Dragon]

What great writeups Ray!

We are all rooting for you here in Wa! :mrgreen:

[Rock27]

Love the stories and the Ref perspective.  Can't wait for your next write-up.