Judges Forever

Everybody talks about them. Nobody has an idea who they are. Unknown people's fame is spreading around the city. Well it is not completely “notoriety”, it is just a rumour. Reality stands behind the rumour. Actually rumour is very familiar for people are from where they come from. Place was structured on rumours by outlanders.

They are a football team and called the Judges. There was no living creature that sees them while they are judging. They support the Judges but they have no idea what is going on there. Every player is part of the village and citizens share lots of things with these guys. However, as whole team, they are stranger.

I am proud of Judges many times before I met them. One day I was looking for the Giants'¹ Super Bowl² match. Then I realised I have a team and I do not have to look for transatlantic targets. Afterwards, I got a mail that invites me to the meeting of Judges Student Group. It was a sign for me. At the day meeting was held I felt little nervous. Being in a place full of stranger is tough for me. Plus, there was nonsense prejudice about the guys. The prejudice is that I try to break-down for years around the campus. After the meeting, interestingly I feel comfortable and happy. Suddenly a feeling that pokes me for wanting me to do something for the group and team. Between first and second meeting I went to see them on process. It was the last match of group qualifying. The opponent was other notorious team of Ankara, “the Red Deers”³. Windy and cloudy weekend presented us a league game in Beytepe. Two quarters, one touchdown⁴, one injury and wind did us part. I left the Judges behind on a Valentine's Day.

Football is always entertaining for me. Watching Argentina - Brazil, Boca - River and any Beşiktaş match are “priceless”. However, football love is clearly decreased year by year. Another football helped me to get over the “soccer” frustration. We all see legendary and unbelievable last quarter performance in Hollywood films. Genius offence tactics and great pass game hold team to touchdown in last minute meanwhile the gap is six. We also know these just happen in NFL⁵. However it does not mean beyond the NFL and films, it is a boring Sunday activity. I love this sport, Judges and playing it- as a computer game for sure.

Many years ago, venerable member of the team said: “one time Judges, always Judges”. You feel the passion of football, the Judges, pride of representing the school and fun of challenge. And yes he was right, one time Judges, always Judges.

¹ New York Giants – Football team in New York. It plays in National Football League.

² Super Bowl – The championship game in National Football League.

³ Hacettepe Red Deers – Hacettepe University Football team.

⁴ Touchdown – When a player passes the end line of opponent with ball, he scores a touchdown. The team scores it, gets six points and an extra point chance. Successful kick gives one more point. Team also tries to play a game called conversion. It gives two more points.

⁵ NFL – abbr. National Football League. Biggest professional football league in the world.