Recent content by benmc

Sounds to me like two teams were trying to make you second guess yourself to sway the game their way. You mention that the home team have been vocal previously, even though your decisions have been correct, so they have form for it. Maybe you just got two of those sort of teams which is why it...

We need to see a link now...

Seems odd. Would advantage be played if the ball was rolling during a goal kick, but the ball went to an opposing player? Either way, I wouldn't be playing advantage even if it's "allowable". More hassle than it's worth.

I had a similar issue a few months back in an U17s match. Away coach constantly asking for foul on every bit of physical contact. I gave a "let me ref the game, thank you" style in the first half which stopped it until second half. Another loud shout for an absolutely nothing contact while I was...

Every single referee has gone through the self doubt you mention. You'll be your own worst critic and second guess yourself after games. My advice is to keep going. Open age football is tough, but the more confidence you portray in your decisions, the more respect (or the closest approximation...

Yellow. Red didn't even cross my mind when I watched the clip. Stupid challenge, but not a dangerous one.

I find that this sort of "feedback" needs to be taken in the context it was given. And the same with praise or high marks from coaches. Feedback from coaches is nearly always tainted by the result or what cards were handed out. The few that I found give useful feedback are the rarest of beasts...

I have some Northumberland FA tops I don't use - size M if they'd be of any use @RayCharles?

If the goalscorer was in an offside position from the original ball of the top, then I'd say it is correct to give the offside as he did interfere with play when he collided with the defender, and I'm saying that as a Sunderland fan too! Great shout if that's what happened. Terrible comms and...

Derby players were chasing the referee asking for, I'd assume, the foul that ruled the goal out. Decision itself isn't the problem, it's the unclear or lack of communication/indication. It's just added unnecessary fuel to the "refs are clueless" brigade. Worth noting that at full time the...

I've done a few younger games recently and actually find that fouls are far easier to spot for two main reason - the kids (mostly) haven't learned how to make the most of any contact from an opponent and they are their to genuinely just play football purely for the joy of it. I would suggest...

Never heard of this before. I'd be tempted to give them your payment details via text/whatapp/email, confirm the match fee (as per the league rules), and ask for payment by set date. If they don't pay, go to the league. Even if the league didn't appoint you (which happens as some leagues expect...

Your RDO will be best placed to answer in case of any local differences, but in my case I did not need any mentor or visitor to any of my first 5 matches. Once they're done, you log them on a form (which you should have been sent after your course). I also had to attend a half day follow up...

It seems to me to be one of those wonderful "grey" decisions in football. No penalty is not wrong, and nor would the award of a penalty. These sort of decisions are exactly why I love the game. VAR and the frame by frame analysis is not for me - it seems to be an attempt to make every decision...

Confidence is key. And do not mention it is your first OA game. They will challenge you more, so focus on giving short but loud "good tackle", "all ball", "clear trip" type feedback when giving or not giving a foul. I've found that helps stop the moaning before it starts. Where there is a...