August's Cayuga Football League is a completely different animal than July's Cayuga Hockey League. The coach, referee, and camper involvement has greatly increased. Despite being considered a coach, my main, and really only, job is to referee the games. The three referees were very nervous for this season up until the first play of the game. It all just seemed to fall into place. Coaches were spreading around the ball, there were highlight reel catches made, and all the kids had a good time.
There were some plays that could've gone either way, but there is not 5 pairs of eyes watching the play from different angles, similar to the NFL. The plays had to be called on a gut instinct, and one team was always happy while the other was always upset regarding the call but would quickly forget about it. Refereeing CHL games is one of the most boring things someone could do. All that is said are high stick warnings and when the ball ends up in the goal, there is no issue. In CFL, refereeing was an enjoyable way to be a part of the games. Despite wanting to make the best calls, you aren't stressed out like the coaches and you have eyes on every big play that happens, which make for great stories later on.
No one generally likes refs, not in pro, amateur or even in camp sports. Referees are often looked at as a hindrance to the game and rarely correct. They have to deal with arguments from coaches and players and have to deal with any on-field issues. It's a hard job and it is even harder when you don't get appreciated for what you do. This is generally the case for either CHL or CFL games.
After teams were shaking hands at the end, I was just standing there twirling a football in my hands not expecting any acknowledgement as I've learned to get used to. A camper in C-3, Josh, walked up to me and said, "I realize your job is hard but you did a great job, thank you". I was floored after that comment. A 10 year old boy saying that, is incredible and it really made me happy that these kids really understand that life isn't only about winning and losing, but fairness and sportsmanship. I like to think that camp helps to shape the kid's minds into a better mindset. In reality it's probably the parents but it's a nice thought.
Follow Cayuga on Twitter @UgeEverybody for scoring updates and other fun stuff regarding the CFL and the Uge.
Adam Stein
C-5 Athletics Activity Counselor
