Date:         Fri, 29 Jun 2001 09:47:05 -0400
Reply-To:     Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
From:         Rich Wise <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Simply soccer.

Thursday evening, six PM, on a ninety degree day in Denver. After my run at
Wash Park, I spot some soccer. It's been two weeks since I got to ref and I
head over to get near the game. The players are sixteen to eighteen guys in
their twenties and thirties. Shirts vs skins. Most without shin guards. Not
a single uniform short in the group. Goals are two equipment bags about four
feet apart - one set about five yards out from a goal and the other two
thirds of the field away. The play is quick with excellent touches and
relaxed traps that demonstrate complete familiarity with the ball. After a
"score", applause from team mates on the execution. Clear admiration for the
moves by those who assisted the scorer. At one point, a player goes down
turning from a challenge. Defender helps him up and ball is returned to him.
Seems that his "trick" leg crumpled under him as he turned. I realize that a
careless foul would be out of place for these control-artists. A cardable
foul would be unthinkable. Simply soccer.