Date:         Sat, 17 Dec 2005 21:33:25 -0500
Reply-To:     Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees
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Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees
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From:         phil rogers <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Jersey pulling  - was -  is it a trip?
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A number of years ago when I was dragooned into coaching my kid's U16 team after the other coach moved out of the area there were two teams that constantly pulled jerseys - a foul much talked about but rarely called mostly because the CR is usually working alone and invariably behind the players and obviously a taught maneuver.  

It took some digging but we were able to find "flimsies" favored by football players years ago. Everyone got a suitable looking sports bra and some (14-15 Ute  old females with a sudden rash of self consciousness) would wear a "tenement T"  
under the numbered jersey.  We kept spares with appropriate numbers on the bench so a player could quickly get into another one (unlimited subs do have an upside!).

That had some effect,  but the more determined opponents just made sure they got more jersey.

It took one of the more forward thinking players who was made "deshabille" to understate the matter to yell "Jesus Ref she can't keep her hands off me!) a comment that brought a flood  of tears to the opponent's eyes, and a quick application of TLOG much to the distress of the opposing coach  Wonder of wonders peer humiliation works miracles and the jersey pullings came to a screeching halt.  

Unc"  
Based upon Lin's nice idea, my wife and I were just discussing  
tear-away uniforms that would come apart in small pieces so a handful  
of jersey or short would make the call trivial to whistle.  In the  
future, nanotube technology may (??) make it possible to  
differentiate between the amount of force applied and could change  
color from normal to yellow or red as appropriate.

-- Glenn