I’ve generally had good success in setting up the defensive wall on attacking free kicks deep in the attacking zone.  I follow the formula, long espoused by Gordie, of picking one brick in the wall and making that brick responsible for bringing the wall back.  Pick the first brick in the wall and in a loud and authoritative voice, ‘Number 10, bring ‘em back.’  Sometimes the walls are heavy and slow to move and I may have given, at most, a couple of cautions in the last 12 years to help a slow wall realize what’s too slow.  But generally for me, it’s been easy and not an area of struggle.  Things are about to change. 

           

I’m standing 13 yards from the Celtic goal line in the SkyDome and I recognize that number 10 is one of those problem players.  Tough, headstrong and by appearances on TV he is not very friendly with referees.  This is going to be difficult.  ‘Number 10 bring ‘em back.’  He quickly retreats the 2.5 yards back to where I’m indicating.  Hmmm, not so tough.  He is, however, alone.  Number 9 is the next brick.  His failure to retreat with number 10, is already forcing my hand, but I would rather not caution him.  ‘Number 9, bring ‘em back.’  Nothing, no retreat to 10 yards, no step, no muscle twitch.  Somewhere a fly buzzes.  I quickly place myself in front of number 9 and vocally and by gesture (Celtic….Scottish…hey, maybe he doesn’t speak English!) try to push him back.  He stares down at me in contempt.  His feet have not moved.  He scorns the final ditch offer of moving back or being cautioned and I show him the yellow for failing to respect the required distance at a free kick.  He finally retreats the required distance.

           

I’ve never had a wall not move before.  Slow, yes, but always some movement.  And so went my game at the SkyDome.  The entire game was a test in man-management skills at a level above anything I’d experienced before.  At times in the first half, I felt that the players weren’t listening to me, but it became apparent, as they ‘toed the line’, that they were in fact listening, begrudgingly. 

           

The game, part of the ChampionsWorld Series, was a fantastic experience that I shared with Amato DeLuca, Denise Robinson and Silviu Petrescu.  It was fantastic to work with officials that I’ve grown up with and have known for so long — it made my first ‘real’ international game that much more special for me.  Working in the SkyDome, our backyard in a sense, also added to the occasion.  Some of the highlights were not what I would have predicted.  The field inspection was a fun time to relax, and take in the surroundings.  The warm up was great.  Running back and forth along this unlikely pitch as a team, soaking in the atmosphere (without the pressure of the game yet), friends and family waving at us.  And then leading out the procession of the teams on to the field. 

           

The game itself was enjoyable, but (wait for it Isaac) quite busy as I was tested throughout.  But we came out the other side and the game was entertaining for the fans, and fair for the players – true success for the officiating crew.  Thanks to my officiating team and also Ed Kohl who did a number of tasks behind the scenes that made both nights easier for the referees.  Thanks to the ‘boys’ for the beer and debrief after the game and finally, thanks to the referees before, during and after the game who supported us in this awesome experience. 

Sincerely submitted, Steve DePiero