Scheduling Question

[JefferMC]

One thing I didn't note was that instead of two 45 minute halfs, there are four 8 minute quarters (at least at U10), so each game is more like a half. Still, that's 4-5 hours in the heat without any significant break.

[JerBear]

Trying to get a tournament like that done is difficult. Too few refs, too many games. I know they probably want to get it done in one fell swoop but maybe suggest two weekends or evenings two or three days prior to the big weekend finale. The amout of refs is probably fine during the regular season. When it is that hot proper rest and rehydration is vital!

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by JefferMC

One thing I didn't note was that instead of two 45 minute halfs, there are four 8 minute quarters (at least at U10), so each game is more like a half. Still, that's 4-5 hours in the heat without any significant break.

I assumed that the games were not full length, even for the younger ages, which would be 25 minute halves. Most tournaments shorten the length of the matches if the teams are going to play more than once a day.

In my opinion it is still too much to ask of someone to have them out there in the sun for that length of time. Of course, as an adult I would not be shy about saying what I was willing to do and what I needed for a break. Most kids/teens aren't going to know to speak up in that manner until they get into trouble physically. Heat stroke is easy to get, difficult to deal with, not simple to recover from, and not usually something that the individual is aware that he is suffering. An adult needs to take a leadership role in looking out for the youths that help officiate at these events. I'm not saying that someone wasn't in this particular case, but given the details and workload that you have described I would have my concerns.

[Mark Padgett]

Situations like this are one of the main reasons I work basketball. The games are indoors away from dirt, heat and cold. You have air conditioning or heat, water fountains and bathrooms. Oh yeah, you can go into a private room at halftime and between games and sit down to rest.

On the down side, you're a lot closer to fans and coaches than in soccer.

[refnrev]

Come on Padgett, you gotta love a sport that has porta potties! And, in soccer fans are 10 feet away from the touchline. Can't you just feel the love in the air.