Search Forum Home   Discussions  Events  Rochester Quali...  Rochester Qualifier-Apres tournament    4/5/2006 7:45:48 AM Jeannette 176 posts Rochester Qualifier-Apres tournament   One Regional down, five more to go… When the first USAT Regional Qualifier descends upon Rochester, Minnesota, it seems to come as a surprise. This is a very quiet town. Apparently bed time is at 9 pm. But enough about the town. The tournament is over, and you want to know, “How did it go?” From the point of view of a referee in ring four, it went pretty darn well. The greatly reduced tournament committee stretched themselves thin, but did a great job. Our ring never sat empty, and the computers gave very little trouble. When technical services were required they were prompt, and quickly effective. There were sufficient volunteers (there are never too many) and they were well trained and hard working. Medics were their usual highly trained and effective selves. It was a pleasure to be able to see so many referees new to the regional scene being mentored by the best. It was also a pleasure to spend time with them afterwards. The venue had lots of restrooms (very important to the older bladders amongst us) was close to the tournament hotel and was large enough for the event. The lighting wasn’t too bad. I heard a few grumbles about the size of the holding area, and I suspect the early closing of the concession stands in a building that allowed no outside food or drink to be brought in was not to popular amongst the coaches, athletes and fans. The food was fine. The hotel service was pretty crappy for a place that bills itself as a ‘fine hotel’ but there were no cockroaches and there was hot water for showers. While there are always a few childish or ignorant coaches, most of them were great. I always get a charge out of seeing those extraordinarily special coaches who will coach the child who either doesn’t have a coach, or whose coach decided to sleep in. Big gold stars to those guys. Injuries were few and apparently there were no major ones, although I guess the definition of major injury depends on whether it occurs to you or someone else. I’m pretty sure that the referee who blocked a back fist with her face thought this was a major injury. Teamwork between the Tournament Committee and the Referees got us done ahead of schedule at every milestone. This left more time at the end of the tournament for socialization. Yes, I said socialization in Rochester. Did I mention that Rochester is a very quite town? Even with the early finish, the venues for socialization were rather limited. There were, I think two bars. They closed, I think, at 11pm. This leads to a healthy lifestyle if you ask me. Referees however are never ones to let minor setbacks interfere with their enjoyment of their off time. Did you know we have a lot of really talented people refereeing? The normally taciturn Ron Rose displayed another of his amazing talents and served as the core of a group of merry musicians, jolly jongleurs, yes even groovin’ groaners, who entertained themselves and others with their skills. If you add in the well honed skills of Paul Woodson and the absolute lack of dignity of the rest of us, you get a lot of fun. One really bored group even whiled away the evening composing a series of new verses for that old Three Dog Night chestnut, Joy to the World. It received significant attention at the reception given by the new CEO for staff, coaches and referees when it was sung by Mark Biviano. Sing along with us now… Joy to the World Holloway was an IR Was a good friend of mine I never understood a single call he made, But I helped him to drink his wine. And he always had some mighty hot sauce chorus Joy to the world All the boys and girls Joy to the juniors and the seniors too Joy to red and blue verse 1 If I were the CEO I tell you what I’d do I’d fire all the refs and the coaches too And make sweet promises to you. chorus verse 2 You know I love the players They love to hold and run I’m a kyong-go caller and a gam jeom dealer And kaleyo you son of a gun chorus chorus New verses are encouraged. We’ll be looking for a new verse from each of the Qualifiers. Stretch your creative muscles and kick out your verbs.  4/5/2006 8:15:59 AM MWickham 39 posts Re: Rochester Qualifier-Apre tournament Jeannette- One other observation I think was vital for some referees. There were two Starbucks in close proximity to the venue. One in the hotel and one was walk past to the venue. Mike  4/18/2006 6:35:14 AM Jeannette 176 posts Re: Rochester Qualifier-Apre tournament Sounds like the folks in Portland didn't have time to add to the song. We'll have to write them a verse in absentia. I'll bet there was no shortage of Starbucks in Portland. Jenny  Page 1 of 1   Discussions  Events  Rochester Quali... Flat View Tree View Oldest To Newest Newest To Oldest