And there you have it. Just a couple days past the typical Sunday release date and the next and most recent podcast can now be delivered unto you, faithful listener.
If you haven't started spreading the word that the podcast doesn't completely suck, please let your friends know to check us on out.
Hoping to get a couple more new bodies in the studio in the next few weeks and may even have a remote show at the Baker Blast Tournament this weekend (where I'll be spending the entirety of my Saturday). Bound to be a couple amusing stories from that fiasco...there always are.
I sincerely appreciate you stopping by and checking out the blog. With any luck, I'll have a bit more time to scribe something interesting in the not too distant future.
You rock.
Jonathon
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Show 004 is up!
The good news is Show 004 posted as planned.
The bad news is Show 005 will be a bit delayed.
Why you ask? Well, before I go and blame it on my leaving town on vacation this past week (a handy excuse I know), the real problem is libsyn.com. Or me. Let's call me cheap and let that be the end of it.
As I am only willing to pay for 100/mb a month from libsyn.com and releasing the show every week with sizes just over 26 mb, well, the 30 days in the month and the 28 days in the every Sunday release schedule...well, there's gonna be problems here.
The final result: as I mentioned, I am cheap and will not be springing for more storage space, so the show will post just as soon as I have some available room (should be the 26th).
Thanks for your support.
Jonathon
The bad news is Show 005 will be a bit delayed.
Why you ask? Well, before I go and blame it on my leaving town on vacation this past week (a handy excuse I know), the real problem is libsyn.com. Or me. Let's call me cheap and let that be the end of it.
As I am only willing to pay for 100/mb a month from libsyn.com and releasing the show every week with sizes just over 26 mb, well, the 30 days in the month and the 28 days in the every Sunday release schedule...well, there's gonna be problems here.
The final result: as I mentioned, I am cheap and will not be springing for more storage space, so the show will post just as soon as I have some available room (should be the 26th).
Thanks for your support.
Jonathon
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Show 003 with Jadon!
Click the title to hear the show!
Ok, so the topic of last weekend's LPT's didn't happen on Show 003, I guarantee they will for Show 004. And maybe even Show 005, if you're lucky.
As summer approaches, so does the madness of the tournaments and all the fun moronicy that happens with them. The stories should be flowing like the beer (which should be flowing like it means it).
Still hoping some of you will call up and offer up your stories of most memorable coach and player, but as Chris is returning for Show 004, we are changing topics (so as not to be OVERLY redundant).
Call in and let us know about your:
1. Most recent issuing of a card and the circumstances involved therein.
2. Your first send-off as well as your feelings about it.
Also, Euro 2008 started yesterday, did anyone disagree with the referee's determination of a PK against Austria (vs. Croatia)? If so, what was your take on the call?
The number to leave us a message is (641) 715-3900, then dial extension 91965.
Thanks for all the support.
Jonathon
Ok, so the topic of last weekend's LPT's didn't happen on Show 003, I guarantee they will for Show 004. And maybe even Show 005, if you're lucky.
As summer approaches, so does the madness of the tournaments and all the fun moronicy that happens with them. The stories should be flowing like the beer (which should be flowing like it means it).
Still hoping some of you will call up and offer up your stories of most memorable coach and player, but as Chris is returning for Show 004, we are changing topics (so as not to be OVERLY redundant).
Call in and let us know about your:
1. Most recent issuing of a card and the circumstances involved therein.
2. Your first send-off as well as your feelings about it.
Also, Euro 2008 started yesterday, did anyone disagree with the referee's determination of a PK against Austria (vs. Croatia)? If so, what was your take on the call?
The number to leave us a message is (641) 715-3900, then dial extension 91965.
Thanks for all the support.
Jonathon
Monday, June 2, 2008
Show 002 is up!
Click on the title to access the podcasts.
This past weekend held a couple different events for idiot-boy here.
Last year one of the local soccer associations put together a 3 vs. 3 recreational tournament. The tournament director contacted the referee association about providing referees for the event, but because the tournament was put together relatively quickly, instead of using licensed referees, the director brought in high school players (as a fund-raiser for their soccer programs). The event went off pretty well for being a first year gig although as the assignor, it was a bit messy.
The director contacted me at the beginning of 2008 to assign the tournament again, stating that this year we would use the tournament as an instructional event for the referee association's younger referees. He then informed me about a month ago that we'd again be using high school soccer players as referees. Needless to say I was disappointed. It was around this time I asked the director to provide me with the schedule of matches as soon as he could so I could piece together something.
A week before the tournament, I still hadn't received any information in regards to assigning the gig. On Monday the tournament director let me know we'd be running 14 fields every half an hour, but didn't give me start times or the number of high school players I'd have to work with. On Wednesday I received the list of high school players and the times they were planning on being at the tourney as well as the start time of the gig. I put together the assignments based on the information given to me and Friday evening at 9pm I received two emails from the tournament director. The first informing me that two individuals had changed their availability for the tournament the next day. And the other email was a breakdown of fields, times and age groups. Along with this was a note from the director suggesting I use the older kids on the U-14 matches. As I didn't recognize more than 4 names on the list, I had absolutely no idea how old the people were I was assigning.
The information regarding the times and ages was for 12 fields, not the 14 I was originally informed. Also, there were several time slots where all fields were not in use. So Friday evening I reworked the entire tournament schedule, staying up until 1am to try to assure every referee had breaks at regular intervals, worked when they were available and were not idle for extended periods.
When I arrived at the tournament on Saturday morning, the director introduced me to the high school players who were being briefed on the modified rules for the 3 v. 3 play. He then handed me an air horn and let them know I was in charge of the keeping time on their matches, which was to be controlled by the air horn.
The coach of the boy's soccer team was in charge of the kids and informed me that a few people hadn't arrived so the assignments may have to be modified from what I'd put together. We discovered 5 of the referees weren't there and this trend continued throughout the day. As I was blowing the air horn every 12 minutes to signal the start of matches and half-time, I had to try to modify the assignments between the blasts of loud. All in all, the day turned out with every match being covered (albeit several from the soccer coach, another volunteer and the father of one of the players (who was leaving early to attend the Brazil vs. Canada in Seattle)).
I will not, however, be assigning the tournament again if licensed referees are not used, if I do not receive a workable schedule at least two weeks before the event and if I am responsible for keeping time for the matches. While compensation made to me last year was fair (I have yet to be paid for this year's debacle), I do not find the role of horn-blower interesting, nor is what I was doing assigning referees (as I have come to understand it).
Oh and then there was LPT's yesterday, but that's a lengthy story, worthy of the podcast.
Thanks for your support.
Jonathon
This past weekend held a couple different events for idiot-boy here.
Last year one of the local soccer associations put together a 3 vs. 3 recreational tournament. The tournament director contacted the referee association about providing referees for the event, but because the tournament was put together relatively quickly, instead of using licensed referees, the director brought in high school players (as a fund-raiser for their soccer programs). The event went off pretty well for being a first year gig although as the assignor, it was a bit messy.
The director contacted me at the beginning of 2008 to assign the tournament again, stating that this year we would use the tournament as an instructional event for the referee association's younger referees. He then informed me about a month ago that we'd again be using high school soccer players as referees. Needless to say I was disappointed. It was around this time I asked the director to provide me with the schedule of matches as soon as he could so I could piece together something.
A week before the tournament, I still hadn't received any information in regards to assigning the gig. On Monday the tournament director let me know we'd be running 14 fields every half an hour, but didn't give me start times or the number of high school players I'd have to work with. On Wednesday I received the list of high school players and the times they were planning on being at the tourney as well as the start time of the gig. I put together the assignments based on the information given to me and Friday evening at 9pm I received two emails from the tournament director. The first informing me that two individuals had changed their availability for the tournament the next day. And the other email was a breakdown of fields, times and age groups. Along with this was a note from the director suggesting I use the older kids on the U-14 matches. As I didn't recognize more than 4 names on the list, I had absolutely no idea how old the people were I was assigning.
The information regarding the times and ages was for 12 fields, not the 14 I was originally informed. Also, there were several time slots where all fields were not in use. So Friday evening I reworked the entire tournament schedule, staying up until 1am to try to assure every referee had breaks at regular intervals, worked when they were available and were not idle for extended periods.
When I arrived at the tournament on Saturday morning, the director introduced me to the high school players who were being briefed on the modified rules for the 3 v. 3 play. He then handed me an air horn and let them know I was in charge of the keeping time on their matches, which was to be controlled by the air horn.
The coach of the boy's soccer team was in charge of the kids and informed me that a few people hadn't arrived so the assignments may have to be modified from what I'd put together. We discovered 5 of the referees weren't there and this trend continued throughout the day. As I was blowing the air horn every 12 minutes to signal the start of matches and half-time, I had to try to modify the assignments between the blasts of loud. All in all, the day turned out with every match being covered (albeit several from the soccer coach, another volunteer and the father of one of the players (who was leaving early to attend the Brazil vs. Canada in Seattle)).
I will not, however, be assigning the tournament again if licensed referees are not used, if I do not receive a workable schedule at least two weeks before the event and if I am responsible for keeping time for the matches. While compensation made to me last year was fair (I have yet to be paid for this year's debacle), I do not find the role of horn-blower interesting, nor is what I was doing assigning referees (as I have come to understand it).
Oh and then there was LPT's yesterday, but that's a lengthy story, worthy of the podcast.
Thanks for your support.
Jonathon
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Podcast, It Lives!
Only two little months after I said I'd produce the podcast, I actually got things together enough to produce something.
I am still concerned about the direction of the show, as in, more production? bumpers? sound fx? more frivolity? a perkier host? And what about content? Snarkier? More information for non-officials?
Well, any and all input is welcome. Please let me know, refereepov@gmail.com.
Thanks.
Jonathon
I am still concerned about the direction of the show, as in, more production? bumpers? sound fx? more frivolity? a perkier host? And what about content? Snarkier? More information for non-officials?
Well, any and all input is welcome. Please let me know, refereepov@gmail.com.
Thanks.
Jonathon
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Stalled and getting stallier
Two months after what should have been the release of the first podcast, I am still hoping to start recording the first episode. Oh, hope. What have you done to me?
My thoughts have turned on the format of the podcast once again from attempting to get a co-host or a revolving door of co-hosts, to simply releasing a show of my stupid self and if I can drag someone kicking and screaming along with me on occasion, well, all the better.
Another couple of thoughts have entered the arena surrounding the show so I have managed a healthy distraction contemplating how to make my first million with them (instead of actually producing the show so I can have a springboard...the logic defeats me). But I am committing myself (and shall never be heard from again), to record show number one, take care of hosting the beast, get listed on iTunes and other outlets by the end of the month. A realistic goal, I fear (as I can accomplish all of the above tasks in an afternoon). I suppose what I am getting at is I will have a show available in the next couple of weeks.
Unfortunately, I have learned the hard way that if your first podcast isn't impressive, most won't check out another. As a result, I've been fretting about not just segments, but actual format, bumpers, theme music, length and have made no firm decisions on any of the above.
As I plan on spending the majority of the day at the soccer park here in Bellingham this Saturday with a gaggle of other refs, I will be actively seeking inspiration and ideas from the masses. I may also be able to finally finish photoshopping the album artwork for the show (something I have had in my head for months but have yet to complete).
I do have a couple amusing stories regarding the high school season and the middle school season so far but as I should have a bit of content for show 1, I will save it for that forum.
Thanks for your patience. I can't imagine it will be worth the wait.
Jonathon
My thoughts have turned on the format of the podcast once again from attempting to get a co-host or a revolving door of co-hosts, to simply releasing a show of my stupid self and if I can drag someone kicking and screaming along with me on occasion, well, all the better.
Another couple of thoughts have entered the arena surrounding the show so I have managed a healthy distraction contemplating how to make my first million with them (instead of actually producing the show so I can have a springboard...the logic defeats me). But I am committing myself (and shall never be heard from again), to record show number one, take care of hosting the beast, get listed on iTunes and other outlets by the end of the month. A realistic goal, I fear (as I can accomplish all of the above tasks in an afternoon). I suppose what I am getting at is I will have a show available in the next couple of weeks.
Unfortunately, I have learned the hard way that if your first podcast isn't impressive, most won't check out another. As a result, I've been fretting about not just segments, but actual format, bumpers, theme music, length and have made no firm decisions on any of the above.
As I plan on spending the majority of the day at the soccer park here in Bellingham this Saturday with a gaggle of other refs, I will be actively seeking inspiration and ideas from the masses. I may also be able to finally finish photoshopping the album artwork for the show (something I have had in my head for months but have yet to complete).
I do have a couple amusing stories regarding the high school season and the middle school season so far but as I should have a bit of content for show 1, I will save it for that forum.
Thanks for your patience. I can't imagine it will be worth the wait.
Jonathon
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The game must go on
Friday evening my throat caught fire and Saturday didn't bring relief. No, Saturday brought various aches, pains and exhaustion. Yes, the first nice day of spring here in Bellingham and I caught myself the bird flu.
Unfortunately, with the late scheduling of the State Cup I was unable to bribe or swindle anyone into taking one of the matches this morning. So, unwillingly and still depleted from my Avian Sickness, I made my way to the pitch and managed to officiate a game. The match itself was uneventful (a relatively mild 3-1 contest) in which I may have called 10 fouls total...may.
With about 15 minutes left in the match I asked one of the gals from the visiting team if they often played without assistant referees. She said, "No, we usually have 'em. Why?" I replied, "Every time the ball goes out of play, all your coaches yell about who's ball it is as if the referee needs help."
Unfortunately, with the late scheduling of the State Cup I was unable to bribe or swindle anyone into taking one of the matches this morning. So, unwillingly and still depleted from my Avian Sickness, I made my way to the pitch and managed to officiate a game. The match itself was uneventful (a relatively mild 3-1 contest) in which I may have called 10 fouls total...may.
With about 15 minutes left in the match I asked one of the gals from the visiting team if they often played without assistant referees. She said, "No, we usually have 'em. Why?" I replied, "Every time the ball goes out of play, all your coaches yell about who's ball it is as if the referee needs help."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
