Work Hard - Play Harder...

Pranks are an integral part of Norway Cup life for a British Referee. In this blog, I’m going to revisit some of the best pranks we ever undertook that are broadcastable…

The key to a prank is to know someone’s weakness i.e. what they hate or love, opportunity, and timing. The best pranks over the years have been a good proportion of calculated or spontaneous. I have taken credit for many pranks. But as a true sportsman, I’ve also graciously received many pranks in return.

In no particular order, here are some of my favourite pranks.

As stated, the art of pranking has been delivered by UK Referees at Norway Cup for many years. The early days were usually provided in the company of Jersey’s finest Coxy and Alcohol.

One of my first memories of calculated prank was 2009 at Baekkelaget. Scouse being a scouse loved coming over to Oslo in his van and if it wasn’t for logbooks, we would believe even the van wasn’t his. One year, on his way back from the tram stop he spotted a similar van sporting some lovely looking hubcaps. Not one to pass an opportunity, but he popped back to acquire said accessories. Within 24 hours they were re-acquired by a secret army of UK referees looking to ensure there was retribution in the world. When Scouse gets Scoused, imagine his reaction.

The same year also saw the first memory of the key to a successful prank – Opportunity. As a fully licensed landlord of Alcoholic and Soft Beverages as determined by the City of Oslo, he proudly stocks his bar in a fridge which for the exact reason of no trust of anyone, he locks it when out refereeing. The one moment he forgets to unlock it presents just that. Opportunity. The fridge was swiftly emptied, stock suitably hidden and relocked.

This year and location was superb as we hit a hat trick ball. Flags in Norway are flown passionately. No more so at Baekkelagetskole with the Germans deciding to take down the Norwegian flag for their flag. The first time since 1944 the flag has been seen confidently in Oslo. Our banter with Germany goes back through history and we were not ready for them to think they were winners. The flag was simply discarded and the Union Flag flew proudly for the remainder of that week.

Pranks come in all shapes and forms. Some are visual and obvious. Some are subtle and only known by those involved. 2009 was also the year that Michael Jackson sadly died. The weeklong “prank”/game to get as many Michael Jackson quotes into games was interesting to say the least.

Knowing someone’s dislikes and likes, can also help perform a great prank. Tom Danaher’s fear of salami ensured that one year he went to a game with Norway Cup’s finest suitable for vegetarians Salami stuffed in his socks.

Respect the Bed campaign has always been promoted by ex-Army Stu Pater whose military precision of his bed came a target for frog splashes, Man Utd based pranks and other smaller pranks. One of my all time favourite pranks in the last year of Branfjell accommodation was Hotel California. The single fact of someone else laying in Stu’s bed is enough to make his toes curl. The thought of 30-40 plus posing in his bed for a photo was enough to make his face go a beautiful grey. When all photos were delivered on a montage for the end of week Awards night to the tune of Hotel California, it was a beautiful – very nervy – moment. British referees to Man Utd loving Norwegians and even Big Jan taking their place in his bed to pose for the photo.

As a large instigator of pranks and general faffing around, you have to take the rough with the smooth. Revenge is best served cold they say. My god 2018 was sub-zero temperatures. Stu knows I love a joke and is an advocate of Opportunity… catching wind that his 10 years was on my radar for some special jokes, he went to work. “Borrowing” my headphones and Ipswich Town shirts, he ensured that my own video was made to promote the hygiene of Norway Cup Referees and broadcasted at the end of the Awards evening. Luckily, we are great friends and all was taken the way it should be.

Some jokes do go wrong. An excitable game of gaffer tape the towel transpired into gaffer taping a half box of cheerios into someone’s hand luggage with a coin to ensure a security alarm at Gardermoen went off, wasn’t the finest idea we ever had.

Thankfully, most jokes are taken well. It is always nervous doing jokes on people who are asleep and wake up during the prank. For example, launching 1kg of corn flakes directly on Sheridan’s head, Dean getting tea bagged whilst sleeping, Tom Burns face getting vandalised by mascara by the girls and that shaving foam incident we cannot talk about.

One member is deceptive to jokes from the UK team – step up Howesy. A victim of an international prank getting Twat of the Week at Dana Cup, getting his bed shrink wrapped in the most skilful moment of Bungalow’s career, being forced to sleep on the balcony to be awoken by Jack’s manual fire alarm. Sadly, on the last night one year he a victim to a serious gaffer tape incident with his bed being secured to the outside wall. A jovial ransom video was produced and sent to him and the release fee secured. Only after a brief nap in the rain.

Pranks are an art. The Brits are immensely proud of this. Norway Cup isn’t the same with the motto of “Work hard… play harder”