preparation

I’m still awaiting my first appointment and haven’t refereed a proper game for about 2 or 3 months (I did a small sided tournament in June). I’m worried that I’m going to be really rusty in my first game back. This is also going to be my first full season refereeing. I was wondering what’s the...

Hi all, After 3 seasons out from refereeing, due to various personal events, I did my exam re-take yesterday and passed it and I'm now re-registered with Wilts FA. I'm now raring to go and get back in the middle after my break, and reading through this forum has been helpful and comforting, so...

Hi guys I’ve been reffing Sunday league for over a year now and still finding pre match talks to managers pretty awkward. All I do is collect team sheets and ask for linesman to be volunteered. Is there anything important I need to do as well and how do I make it less awkward?

Gallin gently forces open the heavy, ill-fitting door to the referees’ changing block to be immediately hit by the familiar pong of well-ripened muck, damp leather, ammonia, Ralgex and various indefinable but nonetheless appreciable scents of the body. It is a combination of smells you just...

A rectangular, brown road sign for Old Leaf Playing Fields looms large at the roadside. Gallin vigilantly pulls the car to the left, presses softly on the brake peddle and indicates to turn into the car park. The butterflies, which have occupied his stomach since the moment he woke, begin to...

Gallin holds a misted glass to his face, quaffing the last few mouthfuls of chilled water, all the while his eyes point upwards, fixed on the outsized, old-worldly clock hanging high above the kitchen door. Its large hand clunks gracelessly down to mark 12.27pm. Gallin places the glass down on...

Evening all, I've applied to go from 5-4 this coming season, but unfortunately I recently failed the L4 fitness test on Wednesday. I was 300m short and I feel it was more physiological then it was physically. I feel I prepared poorly for this in terms of food I had, just general preparation...