Beth the Ref awoke this fine morning of December 11 with that sense of accomplishment that can only precede the first big career step in what hopes to be many big career steps. In a few short hours she will be refereeing the Division II women's soccer National Championship game. This is what she had been working for her entire post-collegiate life.
Beth steps out of her mountainside Colorado house, taking a moment to breathe in the fresh mountain air before walking to her car.
It's a short drive to the stadium. Or, it would have been a short drive to the stadium if she wasn't stopped by the flashing red light, ringing bell, and black-and-white striped barrier lowering down on the road that signified a herd of buffalo could take their sweet ol' time crossing.
"Beautiful animals," she said as the last one crossed. Nothing could derail her good mood; she left a half hour early for the game just to make sure.
Beth arrives at Switchbacks FC Stadium to the crisp, sunny temperature of 40 degrees. Perfect soccer weather.
The teams take the field for their warmups. The introductions are made. She blows the first wistle. Grand Valley scores 5 minutes later.
"All right," said Beth to her officiating partner. "A nice, simple game looking to be a blowout. Should be no drama at all."
90 minutes later Beth checks her depends to make sure they haven't been soiled yet. It's 1-1. She is in the middle of the field doing her ref thing and it could not be going worse. Yelling and screaming on both sides, players and coaches... and even the Grand Valley drumline? Grand Valley has a drumline?? There is no hiding here. All the ridicule is aimed squarely at her. She longs for her cozy, mountainside bed and the serenading sound of ska music to put her to sleep.
With 19:31 left in the game, something happens, she misses it, and out of the corner of her eye she sees a player go down. She blows her whistle. It's a reflex.
"Uh oh, I didn't mean to do that," she says nervously under her breath. "Welp, I have to call something now, I guess. Think, Beth. Think."
She looks at the carnaige.
"Hmm, number 12 in white looks like she could've caused this destruction. Let's call this on her. I'm sure she'll be understanding."
"I've... I've just made a very big mistake, haven't I?"
"Okay maybe if I just call her over to talk..."
"What am I doing with my life."
2 minutes later.
...........
Full replay here. Start watching at 20:00 left in the second half. Absolutely wonderful confusion and chaos.
beth the ref, 