I reffed a match once when at Uni. The official didn't turn up and I was injured and couldn't play for my team but had travelled down to the match to support the lads. Being the away side we were asked by the opposition to supply the ref. I ended up hobbling round the field on my knackered ankle in a borrowed tracksuit and boots having to shout when offences had occurred as I didn't have a whistle. Gave me a lot more respect for the refs but would never ever do it again!

good read. i refereed football at pro and semi pro level and you make the F.A. look like a well run organisation.
we also did the cooper test twice a year but we got two free kits a year and sometimes boots and bags thrown in. also we got a match fee and petrol expenses, usually 30p a mile so you were covered taht way.
you should write a book though, good reading

I think he just did

A great read and rare insight into one of the least known part of our game. You highlight some striking concerns in my opinion, we are in desperate need for more good match officials, with the NRL now able to boast two good standard referees for every game, there's even a call for three!

Yet we're way behind yet again, it seems the RFL do nothing more than pay lip service when and where required, yet have for years sat and gobbled up huge salaries and ignored the most important facets of the game, refereeing be just one on a long list.

People may treat referees as one big joke, but they're a hugely important part of the game, I firmly believe they deserve a much better service from our governing body to ensure these issues are dealt with. I'd add to that, if the RFL's inadequacies are being highlighted worse than what this guy had to deal with at grassroots level from fans and coaches on a weekly basis, then they have some serious issues to work on.

To me its a double edged read. Some of it seems a little whiny. But other parts of it make points that should be taken into account.

Like any account there will be bias from the author. But I can't understand the need to divorce entirely from the game.

I am not what I was as a supporter, but I still dip in and out as a fan. I hardly watch cricket at all anymore but the interest is still there. I am torn between two opinions on this. In the end some of it seems like a moan with good points being made.