When Howard Webb took over as Chief Refereeing Officer for the PGMO, he made what may seem an odd comment, seeing he started refereeing at the age of 15.
He said he would like to see footballers becoming referees. We often hear players complain that ‘referees don’t understand the game’, but I remember hearing a PGMO referee, who had played before turning the refereeing, say that he hadn’t become successful as a referee, until he stopped thinking like a player.
There are probably two main reasons why professional footballers don’t become referees. One is the time it takes to become a referee at the top level.
There are 10 levels for a referee plus three more at PGMO level. I think professional footballers could probably start at level five, which would mean refereeing senior, but still local football, plus running the line at what is called supply league level.
To be promoted to level four they would have to referee at least 15 matches and be assistant referees at 10 matches.
This dual task of being referee and assistant referee remains whilst moving up the levels of leagues, until reaching level 2b, which is the National League North and South.
From then on, they will referee only but with perhaps a smattering of fourth official duties. It’s possible to climb two levels in a season but requires an added number of matches.
The other big drawback is of course the money. It is not until the Premier League that referees can earn big money. I remember Martin Atkinson who was England’s number two referee to Howard Webb, disclosing that he could earn £100,000 in a season but this meant a lot of time away on UEFA and FIFA appointments.
In grassroots football the problem is that years ago, many players when they stopped playing, would take up the whistle. That doesn’t happen today.
As any referee tutor will tell you, referee trainees are mainly young people between 14 and 16. Many only referee junior football for a few years before giving up refereeing. Adding this to the over 30s not turning to refereeing, there is a constant shortage of referees in local adult football.
This season is nearly over and if you are one of those coming to the end of playing, then why not think about staying in the game as a referee.
Email referees@berks&bucksfa for full information. You will be most welcome.
By Dick Sawdon Smith
