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If one of the boys has sock tape, you can use it to make numbers on the backs of shirts. I usually carry some tape around with me, in case a home team has forgot tape for their goal, or I need to use it in this situation.

First of all, if someone told me to piss off, I'd be dealing out a yellow. Your cards are tools to help you control the game. Don't be afraid to use them, it sends a message that dissent will not be tolerated. If someone talks themselves into a red, again that's their fault. With the fouls, I'm...

I actually had a player bite someone in a Saturday League game, drew blood and everything.

I don't mean right behind it, but a couple of yards. If you're directly square on with the goal post you can't see what's going on if there's a contentious decision to make.

Don't be afraid to keep moving with the back line, if the second time last man is on the goal line you can keep going so rather than being a few yards in front, you can be a few yards behind the goal line. If the ball gets cleared down the field you can push up anyways, and you'll have a perfect...

In the local youth leagues near me, it is a league rule and part of the FA Respect campaign that there is a clear barrier between the pitch and spectators, all spectators must stand behind this barrier. Usually this is in the form of a rope barrier. I would insist the home team sets out a...

If there's one thing that refereeing has in common with playing football, is that confidence makes you a better player/referee. Think of it like that. If you're a player and your head is constantly down instead of looking up, you aren't communicating effectively, your body language is all...

1: Sometimes players will be honest, and managers can help out with decisions, I'd be careful with this, because you and your club assistants are the only ones on the pitch with the authority to make decisions. It's unlikely that a manager is going to make a call against his own team for no...

Don't be afraid to ask the home team to find a groundsman or help sweep standing water away. It looks like a bit of sand and sweeping and the pitch would be playable. If the pitch couldn't be made playable then fair enough, but it never hurts to try.

Should have been retaken, I may be mistaken but aren't opposition players supposed to leave the area for a free kick as well?

Had a 0-0 a few weeks ago, was absolutely dire. Think there was about 3 shots on target all game. Wasn't one of those games where the teams were being good defensively either, it was just dire all round.

It may or may not go to a hearing, they'll probably get witnesses in from both sides, and then they'll fine the club for wasting everyone's time on top of the original charges. Don't sweat these things, the FA may not be perfect all the time but they don't just throw their referees under the...

CAR could have made a mistake and flagged early, or maybe is saying that because they don't want the grief. When you brief CARs, make sure you show them the proper way to flag, nice and high up. If that flag isn't straight then I'm not blowing. If the CAR was flagging then we can always come...

Two kids games Saturday morning, 25 each way, and a men's Saturday and Sunday usually, standard 45 each way. You might think you're fit enough to do loads but you don't always realize how straining it can be on your body, especially at higher standards. It's not worth the few extra quid to end...

Laws of the game apply, except where competition rules state otherwise. Where there is confusion, be proactive and ask your referee secretary for clarity. Just out of curiosity, what conflict between LOTG and competition rules could arise?

Put the report in for the parent as well, he shouldn't be approaching you as a spectator after the game.

That's got to be a yellow at least IMO, bordering on a red card. To me, saying that isn't as bad as calling me an outright cheat, but it's the implication that warrants a sanction.

Definitely not offinabus, if you felt that it was leading to an altercation then you'd be right to issue a caution. Consider why he's saying shut up as well, has the opposition player wound him up? For the most part, I'd just say a quick get on with it, and go back for a quiet word afterwards...

1) Do you feel as if it was a natural position? Consider how far the arms are from the body, the amount of time the player had to move his hands away, whether or not they moved their arm towards or away from the ball, and if the ball bounced up unexpectedly. I think you have to be a little...

I feel bad for the level headed ones. I had a player manager throw my flag down in disgust and yell "f***s sake lads" at a mass confrontation after the final whistle. I reminded him that I don't like my flags being throw around but I couldn't really blame him for reacting that way, it had been a...