As I promised some time ago, I am going to try to keep up with technological developments in this powerful communication medium of blogging, so here are a few improvements which will make things easier to refer back to archived material.
All the previous posts are archived, and you can reach them from the month-by-month list on the left. For those readers who wanted to take a look at the suggestions I had for the pro clinic, see October 2005. Note also that the most recent comments are immediately accessible.
I'll just make a few comments about the World Cup issue and who is to blame. Both Pat Smith and I grew up in a culture where if there is a major cock-up in government or administration, the person or persons responsible for it do the right thing, and resign. Now Pat is more familiar with the uppermost workings of the federation than I am, so I can attach no responsibility beyond the referee administration. He thinks the causes go higher, and I won't argue with that. What goes on in the executive board I don't keep up with, except for that directive that came some time ago from FIFA, that we ought to reduce the size of the board. However, he and I agree that there should be changes somewhere. Perhaps in the next few months we will see some.
Jim Gordon's comments summarize all the elements that probably affect World Cup selections. And I agree with him that mere whining about things doesn't do any bloody good. He hit the nail right on the head, for that is why when I complain, I make a suggestion, as I have done for the pro clinic and other flaws I have seen..
But this present administration has been reluctant to accept ideas outside the little pale drawn around Chicago. I know many who have tried; I have tried on numerous occasions, and it does no good. The administrators, instructors and assessors for many states finally gave up and organized their own convention in Florida (more on that soon). So for me this blog is a public place where I (and others if they wish) can post ideas, in the hope that readers will pick them up, and use them either locally, or if they happen to have any influence in Chicago, around the country.
I may be persona non grata in Chicago, but I'm not going to give up on my fellow referees.
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