Save the Ref: Keep Your Boots On

Jun 2 2009 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

“Yet many will readily admit they’ve criticised a referee for getting decisions wrong when they’ve never read the Laws themselves. Later on when we meet up again during an in-service training event and I ask if they are enjoying refereeing, these same people quite often say they wish they’d taken it up earlier.”

So why not change the colour of your kit and become a referee? It can be challenging, but refereeing is a great way to start or maintain involvement in the game.

Anyone can take up refereeing by contacting the West Riding County FA and getting themselves booked on a Basic Referees Course. All that is required is a reasonable level of fitness, a willingness to learn and a passion for the game.

People can qualify from 14 years of age, but there’s a level of refereeing to suit all ages and ambitions.

Course fees may sound expensive at £60 or £80 according to age (although £10 or £30 is refunded once you’ve qualified), so we suggest a club might act as sponsor. If they struggle for referees every week, they should be happy to help someone offering their services and, perhaps, buy the kit.

“To the younger players who maybe struggle to maintain a regular place in their local team, I would offer this simple statistic,” added Rhodes.

“At 16, with an ambition to become a professional footballer in the Premiership, the chances of success are one in 100,000. To reach the same level as a referee, the chances are nearer one in 100 and to anyone who dreams of following their team to an FA Cup final at Wembley I would offer this thought – my team is there every year!”