Bad Game

A major learning experience for me this evening. By far the worst game I've done. I agreed to ref this match as a favour to a team I used to play for - it meant kicking off at 6.30 and I could only leave work at 6 to get to the ground for 6.10.

What a mistake. I wasn't switched on mentally and after 20 minutes I just didn't want to be there. I know I missed loads of fouls challenges. I should have issued at least three cautions but somehow didn't feel I should as I wasn't league appointed. Also I should have given a penalty late in the game but was still flustered by an incident where I was unsure how to restart the game. The goalkeeper had the ball in his hands and I blew because I wanted to talk to him for bumping into an attacker and I just wanted him to calm down not to give a free kick but he threw the ball away. At least that didn't affect the result (the non-awarded team won 2-0).

Generally felt I lost respect of the players, full control and engagement with the game. Hugely disappointing and for 10 minutes sitting alone in the ref's changing room I just felt like giving the whole thing up but I then I started talking myself round and thinking what I should learn: I will not take another game where I don't feel I can go into it fully prepared, mentally and physically, and ready to issue whatever cautions I see.