Recent content by DE-REF

When being whinged at by a player for giving a throw in to the opposition when the player thinks it should have gone his teams way, I like to use "Well if I got that wrong, and that is the worst decision I make today, you won't have done too badly out of me will you?"

We are expected to do the respect handshake before every game here in Worcestershire. I have never had a problem getting the two teams to take part (even in bitterly cold and wet weather when they just want to get on with the game). Does it improve player behaviour? Maybe, maybe not.

I have always liked the idea of moving free kicks forwards 10 yards for dissent or failing to respect the 10 yard distance (as they do in Rugby Union). I wonder if this would help cut out the backchat at all. I would also be interested to see the results of an experiment to remove the offside...

Cheers chaps. So I think what you are saying is that I am doing nothing wrong in law in allowing a quick one, but I will save myself a lot of potential aggro by slowing things down and controlling the situation with a whistle to restart play. I guess this would also allow me more time to take...

When giving a penalty to the attacking team around the edge of the penalty area, I have got myself into the habit of offering the attacking player the option of me ensuring the wall is 10 yards away or giving them the chance to take a quick one. If they want the 10, I make clear that they must...

I will take 17 please.

Hawkesey, I was in that very same position 12 months ago. After a lengthy absence I got back in touch with the County FA and resat the exam. You will be fine mate, it all comes flooding back! Hope you enjoy your first season back as much as I did.

I would give it a go.

I will endeavour to be there sir.

Fox 40 Classic for me. I have it in yellow or blue currently, but probably expanding the colour chart in time for the new season. I have a couple of spares in the bag in case I need a different tone to distinguish from colleagues on neighbouring pitches. The spares are an Acme Thunderer and...

There are some really top officials in the Select Group right now and it is tough to choose just one. Mike Dean has always impressed me, obviously Webb is top drawer and I like Mark Halsey's style, however for me (and just to be different) in my opinion the top guy right now is Andre Marriner.

Well if all the cool kids are using 2p's as well, perhaps I will stick with them. Thanks for the pointer though Ross.

Anyone know where I can get my hands on a decent "tossing" coin? I am currently using some 2p pieces, but fancied getting something a bit snazzier (and more easy to find when it lands on a muddy field when dropped by a clumsy skipper!).

Thanks guys. Already had a good dig around previous threads and I have come across some really useful documents and discussion. My season may have come to an end last Sunday but I will be popping by here on a regular basis all being well to benefit from the experience of others and join in...

Just signed up to this forum having stumbled across it accidently. I am a level 7 referee who is coming to the end of my first season back in the game. I originally took up the whistle at the start of the 1998/99 season at the tender age of 15. After 3 seasons I toddled off to university and...