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I attended the Ontario Football Officials' Association BiAGM this past weekend in Hamilton, Ontario, in preparation for the upcoming season, which starts is early June. Printed on the back of our name tags (people from across the province were in attendance) was the following:
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Mr. Referee
Hello Mr. Referee and how do you do
I just started football, so this is all pretty new
There's much I'm not really sure about
And it means a lot when you help me out
I haven't been playing for very long
So let me know if I do something wrong
Tell me and show me the proper way
And guide me as I learn to play
This game can be so very rough
And I'll do my best to play it tough
But please understand my youthful fears
And please be there to comfort my tears
Teach me respect and show me some too
For helping me grow is the challenge for you
My game's not as big as others you'll do
But it's important to me and it should be to you
All I ask is that the game be played fair
With special concern for safety and care
Officiate wisely and call what you see
But if there's no advantage, then just let it be
May the better side win and I'll go home with pride
If I've done my best and I know that I've tried
And remember sir, when it's all said and done
The game is ours and we're here to have fun.
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These words appear on the Hamilton Football Officials' Association EMS award for outstanding officiating at the minor level.
Please, do what you will with words, but passing them on to players, coaches and the like is encouraged!
..Mike
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