Recent content by Tom_R

This looks like typical 'non referee language'/frustration from a team who weren't good enough and had a couple of KMIs go against them. We hear this type of thing every week from players, coaches, fans etc. and unfortunately they don't always fully understand the job we do and the framework we...

I went last summer to Estoril. It was an incredible experience but also incredibly demanding! As some of the posts say above, you may have 4 or 5 games on the bounce in 25-30 degree heat. My advice would be to eat as much as you can whenever you get the opportunity (usually lunch and dinner is...

Most likely you'll find out next week. I believe 4-3 automatic promotions and assessment day selections were sent out today, so once the FA knows how many they've got at each level the 5-4 promotions will be announced. I was promoted mid season 5-4 last year and found out on 14/01, equally those...

For me, the first foul is careless, often referees get swept up in the moment when a player is already on a caution; a time to be strong. I agree there's two cautions for adopting an aggressive attitude in the second clip. I did notice at one point in the clip both players seem to be holding...

Substitute enters FOP and interferes with play. What is the restart and disciplinary sanction? Whilst a team official can be sent off for entering FOP to interfere I can’t find anything in law for subs. Therefore, my restart would be DFK for interfering with play and caution for entering FOP...

I cautioned a manager on Monday night for dissent following a decision (backed by observer). He stepped outside of TA displaying low-level disagreement. I got a major dev for TA in my last observation so wasn’t going to be lenient. I may be overthinking, but should this be a red card? From...

As stated above, I often try to display some empathy in these situations. I got stuck in a rut about a month ago when my dissent tolerance level was far too low and I produced far too many sin bins. Now I look to 'match' the player. It's likely they'll be very frustrated when you turn down their...

I had a really tough game a few weeks ago. Was a big knock to my confidence and the first time I even remotely contemplated quitting (now a month later I couldn't be further from wanting to quit). For me, I focussed on my headspace and mindset with a few useful coping strategies. I found I got...

I think it was difficult to see both of the player's feet leaving the ground but it was right in front of the assistant.

Last minute Sheffield United penalty; what do we think? I can’t see the foul personally but I’m also a West Ham supporter so maybe looking through tinted spectacles.

I’ve heard observations in the middle are similar though (maybe not to the same extent). Does the observation criteria need a redo?

I think specialist AR route from level 5 could be a good addition to help with numbers. Quite a few 5-4 candidates and L4 I’ve met this season are only going to L4 so they can move to the specialist route ASAP.

Hi All, just curious if anywhere else in the country is experiencing the problem we’ve got down here in Kent? From what I’ve heard there’s far too many level 4s so they’re getting a middle and two lines a month if they’re lucky. We’ve also got another 60+ 5-4s this season who normally referee...

Should technical area occupants be cautioned for entering the FOP to celebrate a goal?

Just curious what is considered good club marks at level 4 (step 5/6). They don't mean a great deal to me right now but just interested in what I should be aiming for.