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![]() HTML Version of Maple LeafThis page contains both English and French articles. If you require PDF versions of specific articles, please send your request to hamilton.ac@forces.gc.ca. Volume 1 - Volume 2 - Volume 3 - Volume 4 - Volume 5 - Volume 6 - Volume 7 - Volume 8 - Volume 9 Page 16, Maple Leaf, 08 October 2003, Vol. 6 No. 37 page 16, La feuille d'érable, Le 08 octobre 2003, Vol. 6 No. 37 Land Force Command winner WO François DemersIn pursuit of EXCellence This is the second in a series of articles celebrating the achievements of CF athletes, coaches andofficials who will be honoured November 1 at the 15th annual CF Sports Awards Ceremony. By Kristina Davis Without the official, there is no game. Often overshadowed, these unsung heroes maintain the spirit of sport, allowing athletes to excel on a level playing field. For Warrant Officer François Demers, from CFB Valcartier, that field is the soccer pitch. In 2002 alone, WO Demers officiated 80 soccer games. From the CF National Soccer Championships at CFB Borden to the Quebec Region Soccer Championships, his professionalism and impartiality was key at CF championships. On November 1 at a ceremony in Ottawa, hosted by the CF Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) and sponsored by SISIP Financial Services and the Royal Canadian Legion, WO Demers will be celebrated as the Land Force Command Official of the Year. He is also nominated as the CF Official of the Year. Sergeant Phil Thompson is the Chief Official for soccer in the CF and has worked with WO Demers at three national championships. Appointed by the CFPSA, the Chief Official selects regional officials for the National Championships, and most importantly, are rule and regulation experts. They provide technical expertise to the athletes, coaches and other officials. He says that WO Demers has the perfect personality to be an official—and a good one. "He’s quiet, well-liked and presents himself well on the field," he explains. "Ultimately, he just looks the part." "He also lets the game flow and reads the game well and he’s always ready to make a call if things get out of hand. Plus, he’s laid-back, which is good for an official." While WO Demers may well be laid-back, he’s also passionate about soccer. He loves to be in the middle of it all, with the adrenaline pumping, controlling the flow of the game. He also agrees that detachment is key for an official. "In a game," he explains,"It’s the black shirts against the white shirts. All players, no matter who they represent, must be treated the same way." And what makes a good official? Impartiality and, he adds with a laugh, having your shoelaces tied. While he knows the rules of the game intimately, both as an official and a player, he is always keen to improve his skills. "As a referee," WO Demers says, "It’s about knowing and interpreting the rules." However, it often goes beyond that when difficult decisions must be made with split-second timing. Often it is the spirit of the rules, he says, which must be applied. And he is not afraid to evaluate himself or his performance on the field. He considers his use of hand signals, his speed or his timing to prepare for the next match. Ultimately, WO Demers says the hardest match is always the next one. "You have to be physically and mentally ready for it." Ms. Davis is the Media Relations Co-ordinator at CFPSA.
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