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Straight red in my book.

I wish more top flight refs had the backbone to punish both simulation and dissent. Lower level players definitely replicate the pro’s in thinking they can do and say as they please.

Yeah but even if there’s doubt you have to sell it as if there isn’t any. There’s often value in telling players you weren’t sure, for small things like 50/50 throw-ins and maybe GK/CK calls, I find they admire the honesty...anything beyond that doesn’t work.

I think the MLS model for offside is better for that reason. Referee is asked to check for OS, if it isn’t clearly OS after looking at the screen then it’s not given. No daft 1 pixel lines, no goals ruled out because the wrist is over the line etc.

Spot on regarding the ‘other checks’. I’ve always been uncomfortable with the lack of balance with VAR protocol in that it’s actively looking for reasons to rule goals out. Personally I’ve always been a fan of the ‘challenges’ system deployed by cricket and various US sports. If it’s not a...

Anyone else get the impression some of these guys would definitely eat themselves if they were made of chocolate?

Not suggesting top level (PL, CL etc) referees are the best to use as examples. Plenty could be learned from mic’d up refs in the football league.

Surprised with that advice as in the lower echelons where a player coming off and giving the sub their shirt isn’t too uncommon. Short numbers not matching the shirt is another pain in the arse!

Always wondered why recording isn’t more common? Can’t think of a better training aide for new referees as well as referees on the promotion ladder.

It looks better on Instagram.

Just when the waste line was getting back to pre-covid measurements too! Disappointing but understandable. It’s a physical sport where social distancing is impossible. Not sure about anyone else’s area but a fair few of my games have had a line full of spectators too, despite it being against

I agree with the academies, aside from them being less physical, possession and build-up play is encouraged so I find there’s long periods of players just knocking it around the pitch, not really going anywhere. They can be fun but frequently boring! I’m with spuddy on the poorer quality games...

Parents are by far the worst part of amateur football.

Done a double-header yesterday due to ref shortages. Could’ve cried when I arrived at the first match and seen it was grass on soft ground! Made a conscious effort to conserve energy for the second game as I knew it was on 3G with better quality teams. Second game cramp kicked in early and I...

Yeah you’ll get them, but if he goes to see 5 plus games, it won’t take long to figure out what is required compared to what isn’t.

I’d start reading through the laws, read it again, so some online referee quizzes, read it again, then keep doing quizzes until you get none wrong. Go and watch some matches of the age group you’ll be refereeing initially, and watch the ref, what he does, what he says. Pay attention to his...

Have you considered one of these? Sure, it MAY draw a bit of stick from players and effect your match control initially, but as soon as they’re used to it’ll be plain sailing...

Contacts all the way, guys. You just have to get over that initial barrier of getting used to putting them in & taking them out. When I first got mine it used to take 10 mins to get them in. As soon as you find your technique it’s a matter of seconds. Plus once you get used to them on your eyes...

One thing I’d bear in mind with players at this age is that they won’t be in full control of their bodies yet, have a lower skill level and can be eager at times. All the above can result in a few kicked shins and late tackles, none of which are likely to be intentional. I don’t recall carding...

I thought this was a wind-up at first 😂. I wouldn’t even consider saying it with a Cheshire Cat esq grin and very jokey tone! I’ve found players can go from being your best mate, to threatening to report your decisions within the time it takes to give a decision they don’t like. If you give...