Right, Im in my mid 30s and have played since I was under 10. Im ready to pack in. Ive coached a fair bit. Academy is good, but i dont want to do it 5 times a week, amateur isnt for me as 5 turning up is a waste of time.

Shock horror, Ive qualified as a referee. No massive ambition, but want to do it to stay involved and enjoy my RL. Thing is, the amateur game is having its own revolution and looks to be almost totally switching to summer. Now for the playing side, I agree and see the benefits totally.

But for me, Im not sure I want to ref in summer, too many other things Id like to do!

I just wondered if the switch was going to have an affect on the number of refs and volunteers? There is so many more attractive things to do in summer.

For me its an interesting side effect of the switch. Thoughts?

Can't see how it would have a negative effect. Surely it is more pleasant reffing in summer, as it is playing and watching.

You mentioned that it isn't worth it for you to volunteer in the amateur game because of only 5 people turn up. Won't more people turn up when the weather is better? Wouldn't that make it more worthwhile for you?

I've spoken to a few referees on Saturday - some are looking forward to the switch-over, some not keen. It's the same as it is for everyone else. The big issue will be when Summer/Winter and Pro leagues are all over-lapping (March/April, Sept - October). A lot of the refs doing amateur games also do lines in the Academy matches or can even be 4th officials/in goal at SL games.

slogging round on a muddy cabbage patch or dancing a round on a lovely grass covered meadow???


yeah i can see the summer leagues struggling for volunteers