Well, since I decided to become a soccer ref this year, at the young age of 44, one of my first thoughts was that I needed to get in shape. I didn’t want me first assignment to be marred by my lagging behind every play and gasping for breath. I had spent a couple years in my late-30s doing a few sprint-distance triathlons, but I had taken a few years off. So, since the beginning of December, I have been working on getting back into the shape I felt I needed to be in. I spend about three nights a week at the gym doing a lot of cardio work. In addition, I’m focusing a lot more on nutrition. Since I started, I have lost 15 pounds, which as a bonus allows me to use my driver’s license weight without any ethical ramifications. I think I’m probably in the best shape ever. I’m really looking forward to getting out on the pitch.
I guess we should point this poor guy in the direction of Vetshak's thread on his state. Who wants to be the bearer of bad tidings?
Ironically, I found out about what was going on the day after I completed all of my online training. Since I was halfway through, I figured I would just carry on until the end. After all, how bad could it get.
Just wanted to say great job on taking the initiative to get in shape, keep it up dude! Things may be tough at first, but it'll get easier as time goes on. Staying fit is one of the perks of the job.
I recommend you request (or self-assign if your club does that) a U11 or U12 C3 game for your very first assignment, both at AR and center, even if your fitness would allow you to keep up with a much higher level.
I have the fealing my inexperience rather than my physical capabilities will govern my initial assignments.
What threeputzzz said though - sometimes an assignor will see an adult 44 year old ref and think an older age will be no problem, and maybe it will not be. Just remember that it really is WAY different when you are in the middle with the whistle than when you are watching it so even if you get what looks like an easy assignment, it is better to start with the youngest age 11v11 match you can get and start there. Ask me how I know - my first year I was put on a U14 classic 1 (and I didn't even know what classic 1 or 4 or anything was) and it was a disaster. Thankfully no one was hurt but it was obvious FAST that I was in over my head. When I got the assignment I was thinking no problem at all, U14 - I got this. Having done plenty of U littles and some rec level 11v11 I was WAY over confident all the way into about the first 5 minutes of the match. It shook me up for a long while. Partnering with an experienced referee (find a mentor or mentors) with you on the line for the more competitive matches is the way to go, get your centers in at less competitive matches and work slowly up.
Not that you ever stop learning, but I’m going to be sponge. BTW, 17 days until my classroom training … not that I’m excited or anything.
My daughter was newly registered as a referee when she was drafted to be AR1 (with no AR2) for a men's open 2nd division game between the #1 and #2 teams in the division, both Hispanic teams. She was 13. She even called a foul. The players thought it was cute.
What you don't understand yet, because your daughter is still only 13, is that it is your parental responsibility to embarrass your children.
I've started a program of heavy lifts in addition to my running. I'm not too far along with the program, but I'm enjoying it so far. I've included an exercise for legs, push, pull, and core in each workout. For example, day 1 is back squats, bench press, chin-ups, and planks. As someone who has never lifted weights regularly, I found a lot of good information here: http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/10/11/the-beginners-guide-to-building-muscle-and-strength/
I have been fortunate to be able to use a trainer in the last month. He has stressed flexibility. I needed someone to show me the ropes and to give me guidance. I meet once a week, and although not in everyone's budget, it has worked wonders for me. Best shape in 10 years.
My sons are 21 and 23, I still feel it is my job to abuse and embarrass them whenever the chance presents itself, now it includes girlfriends since they've been around long enough The joys of parent hood don't have to stop