What a week.

[Marc Wakeham]

This week has to be the highlight of this old ref's "career":

Tuesday I was in the middle at the Principality Stadium Cardiff for the National Girls U18 Cup Final and Wedenesday saw me referee the Freshers' Varsity game between the Universities of Cardiff and Swansea. Two wonderful experiences for an "old fart".

To referee at our National Stadium was amazing. I'd say to any "out in the sticks" guys, if you get the chance, take it

 

[number11]

I was AR2 at the Welsh youth Bowl final. A fantastic experience. Looking forward to being in the middle next time though!

 

[smeagol]

Had my first taste of "national" level rugby last week (CRCs), and I can't wait for next year's event.

Despite the horrendous conditions (a large number of games were postponed/cancelled due to weather), it was the greatest individual experience I've had as a referee.

 

[SimonSmith]

West Point,, with the match ball delivered by parachute, was special.

I'm always excited by any kind of finals rugby, no matter the level and no matter where it's played.

 

[Marc Wakeham]

I was AR2 at the Welsh youth Bowl final. A fantastic experience. Looking forward to being in the middle next time though!

Emerging onto the pitch from the tunnel is quite special. Glad you enjoyed it.

 

[Marc Wakeham]

West Point,, with the match ball delivered by parachute, was special.

I'm always excited by any kind of finals rugby, no matter the level and no matter where it's played.

If they tried that in Cardiff the ball would have ended up in the river.

Must have been a great spectacle.

 

[Volun-selected]

West Point,,

As in the US Military Academy? They have a great facility there.

If they tried that in Cardiff the ball would have ended up in the river..

If it’s that West Point, the pitch has a narrow road, a rail track and then a vast expanse of the Hudson available for the same risk

 

[SimonSmith]

If they tried that in Cardiff the ball would have ended up in the river.

Must have been a great spectacle.

Nobody told us.

We'd all lined up for the national anthem, which was led by an Honor Guard.
And then the three MOs looked at each other and wondered "have you got the match ball?" to which everyone answered "no. You?"

So we stood there, and in the background there was a 'whomp whomp' noise getting louder. So we looked up and there was the parachute team, who landed close to us, detached the 'chute, and delivered the ball.

Then I went and laughed at George Armstrong Custer's grave/memorial.

 

[Marc Wakeham]

Good job the ball didn't land on your head!

 

[Stu10]

Nobody told us.

We'd all lined up for the national anthem, which was led by an Honor Guard.
And then the three MOs looked at each other and wondered "have you got the match ball?" to which everyone answered "no. You?"

So we stood there, and in the background there was a 'whomp whomp' noise getting louder. So we looked up and there was the parachute team, who landed close to us, detached the 'chute, and delivered the ball.

Then I went and laughed at George Armstrong Custer's grave/memorial.

So a person/team parachuted down with the ball? My initial image was that a helicopter flew over and dropped only the ball with a parachute. Including a person probably better to ensure it landed in the stadium!

 

[SimonSmith]

So a person/team parachuted down with the ball? My initial image was that a helicopter flew over and dropped only the ball with a parachute. Including a person probably better to ensure it landed in the stadium!

Yes. A real life Black Knight.

 

[Phil E]

Yes. A real life Black Knight.

I've seen that go wrong quite a few times.
You need to land into wind, but as soon as you drop below the top of the stands the wind direction changes and swirls.
Seen a few very experienced skydivers come a cropper in a stadium.

 

[Decorily]

I've seen that go wrong quite a few times.
You need to land into wind, but as soon as you drop below the top of the stands the wind direction changes and swirls.
Seen a few very experienced skydivers come a cropper in a stadium.

Which is why they should carry a few blades of grass to throw in the air as they enter the stadium to ascertain wind as per kickers!
BTW.....how do kickers 'test' the wind on artificial grass?

 

[chbg]

Which is why they should carry a few blades of grass to throw in the air as they enter the stadium to ascertain wind as per kickers!
BTW.....how do kickers 'test' the wind on artificial grass?

Rubber crumb?