Finally got the IRF rules

Well it is Monday, July 27th and we are leaving tomorrow. I got an email from the Technical Director of the IRF that included what the expectations are in terms of what we are supposed to wear away from the rink (although the other Canadian referee left on Saturday, thankfully they fell within the guidelines we expected), and she also sent through the 42 page document that listed the IRF rules. I hadn't put too much thought into this previously however, there are some subtle changes from the Ringette Canada rules, which are going to be very difficult to switch back to. Ringette Canada made some rule changes 2 years ago, which took most referees 18 months to have become habit, as they were some significant changes in the way we do things. Well, for this event we now get to switch back. On top of everything else, this is going to add a large amount of stress. Most referees at higher levels react to situations, as you need to see, process, decide what you are going to call and make the call all within a half second. Not a lot of time for thinking, so most of our actions are because everything is so ingrained it can be just a reaction. Any time we change things, it becomes consious thought and is much more difficult. Well, we will have to see how easily we can switch back to the old way of doing things. It could be interesting.

Decided to take the family out for dinner last night, as it was my last night at home. They had talked about wanting to go to Red Lobster when I got back if they all behaved, so I surprised them with a trip there last night. Everyone had a good time, although, it is still distrubing when they have to give us a party table (as we need 7 seats, which generally means a table for 8) just for my family.

I finished the last of the laundry last night so that it was all done for the family before I left, and was able to finish packing. I also finished up the "honeydo" list, so now it is just time to get some sleep and then one more day of work, before it is time to go.

Very exciting.