The last of the checks rolled in today, the tournament I had 8 mini matches on Saturday and then was hurt on Sunday. The total was $140 for that one, and compared to the $125 from the other tournament where I was just backup, it does not measure up in terms of compensation. Still, in the end, my season's haul was just north of $1,000 in 39 matches with comes out to about $26 per match but that average is skewed due to the fact that $125 were for being a backup ref. Still you take what you can get, right?
I centered 21 matches and was an AR in 18 of them. I only worked as a center in 2 matches where I had a full crew at my disposal. That is something I will need to improve on next season. It was interesting to do the U-13 match with a full crew, that was probably the best game I worked, because it was a challenge. I certainly want to work more of those matches for this season, but I do enjoy the U9 U10 crowd as well, as they are not yet jaded and not trying to play you as much.
As far as I can recall, I pulled 4 yellow cards, none during the regular season, but rather at tournaments. No reds this season, but I am sure that time will come. I will post more tidbits here and there during the off season and get to some of your comments, questions as they roll in.