Referees

Was sort of an eye opener, this article in CNN.com.

How granted are referees taken in a game of sports? I don't know a single WC referee although I know a bunch of international players.

This snippet stands out for me from the article..

Referees, who can be twice the age of the players, sprint across the field keeping up with the players and closely tracking the action. They tend to run 12 miles during the game -- five more than the players, according to data from the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Hmm.. now that's something. Add to it this..

Unlike the elite soccer players who have a cadre of trainers and specialists, most of the referees have day jobs, like teaching or office work, and must find their own time to train.

I think I have a new found respect for them now.

As the world prepares for the biggest sporting showdown starting next week, I sure will keep in mind, that guy wearing black T-shirt and shorts running all across the field in stressed out situations making split second judgment calls. Salut to their Tribe.