Question Number: 21208

Other 4/27/2009

RE: N/A Other

Derek H of Vacaville, CA USA asks...

Re: Ref Fleischer
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Chuck. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
I can freely admit that Chuck had more influence on me as referee than any other person by a wide margin. My referee skills were greatly improved by him. I attended more than one of his classes. I've never met anyone who had a better command of the rules. Locally here in Vacaville, we have lost a great ambassador for refereeing.
I'd like to share a Chuck story, or as he was referred to here 'The General.' Back in 2007 I'd been actively attempting to up my skills (I'm a grade 8), so I signed up to Center a U19 Boys competitive game. Lo and behold, my 1st AR assigned was a grade 5, another local ref. We had no other AR assigned, 10 minutes before game time 'The General' comes strolling in, next thing you know I've got 2 grade 5's as AR. No time for more than a 1 minute pre-game with 'the General' who stated be sure to make eye contact with us. Okay I nod. So I tried to remember to make eye contact with my AR's, well about mid way through the 1st half Chuck is running up the touchline with his flag tucked up under his arm, I'm thinking what the heck... Half time arrives, I go ask Chuck what was that flag deal, his response 'you weren't making enough eye contact with me' I said okay, I'll try harder in the 2nd half, but what was I supposed to do when I saw you with your flag under your arm?? His repsonse, at the next stoppage you should have had a private chat with me and asked 'what the @%$& were you doing with that flag you dimwitted skallywag.

Chuck was rarely politically correct, but he was always real.

Again my condolences to Chuck's family and friends.

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

Derek,
Yep. That was Chuck alright! He also used to hand problem coaches hard candy to eat, tell the coaches not to talk with their mouth full. Then tell them to come see him for more when they finished their candy!

I still cannot believe he's gone.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Sounds like classic Chuck! We all miss him.