Football Referee
Who would be a referee? Why not? I have nearly 20 Years Experience as a County Football Referee.
Once I could no longer play football to the standards that I enjoyed, I decided that I wanted to stay very active in football. Officiating is a good challenge mentally and physically for me.
Get to know your County
There are many benefits to becoming a sports official, such as a football referee. I was new to Bedfordshire back in 2000; so officiating got me travelling to various villages in the county.
Communication
Being a referee motivates you to keep fit, to get out running in the week and to exercise well in general. I run around 7km per match on average. You have to be fit to make sound decisions and to communicate them effectively whilst having to run back and forth that much during a match.
The fitter you feel; the better judgement you make.
Lonely but Friendly
You get to give something back to the game if you once played football like I did or you "Get Involved" in the beautiful game. I was also once a football coach and manager. But officiating tests me a lot more.
It can improve your communication skills as well as your overall mental attitude.
You get to meet people and make friends.
Fitness
I have been a Bedfordshire Football Association affiliated registered referee since 2000. I am currently a Senior Level 5 Referee and have also served as a referee's assessor in the county.
Officiating football matches requires physical fitness and stamina. Referees are constantly on the move, which helps me maintain an active lifestyle and stay fit.
Get Involved in the Beautiful Game
By being a referee, you can gain an in-depth understanding of the rules, regulations, and intricacies of football. This knowledge can enhance their own playing skills or coaching abilities.
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You will never watch football matches in the same manner again.
Giving back to your community
Being a football referee promotes personal growth and development. It involves facing challenges, managing emotions, and coping with criticism. These experiences can help build resilience, self-confidence, and mental toughness.
​By officiating games, referees are actively contributing to the local football community. They facilitate fair play, uphold the integrity of the game, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.