pre-season delusion

[Big Cat]

I only take a friendly if there's something in it for me that outweighs what's in it for them

 

[RustyRef]

Same as above. Team sheet/list doesn't have to be "formal'. If there is none I only ask for a piece of paper with all players, jersey numbers and any 'team officials', and if they already have my mobile number a text message does it as well. If I have it, I consider it official.

I fully suspect that if you took that approach in England the clubs would either grudgingly comply whilst marking your card or just get someone else to do it. Either way you'd be on a hiding to nothing when you do referee them in a competitive match, there's every chance they'd remember and reflect it in your club mark.

It would be the football admin equivalent of sticking your head above the parapet to have it shot off. No one else will have asked them for a team sheet in a friendly so anyone that does will stand out like a sore thumb. Fully understand how that could sound strange to someone not refereeing in England, but it is just how it has always been.