No referees, no football!
Of all the topics that football supporters argue about the perceived standard of referees comes up time and time again. Hereford United fans are no different. Usually after a game there are fans complaining about some decision the match referee has taken and how it affected the match. Yesterday would be no different with calls that the officials missed an offside when Gravesend scored their third goal.
Seldom, however, does anyone consider how the game would manage without referees or what can be done to raise the standard of referees particually in the Conference. The comments are almost always negative.
Simple economics says that if a product is short then it rises in price, or if the quality is poor then it does not get sold. But even if referees were better paid would the standard rise?
Or has the game changed so much because of action-replays and more press coverage that mistakes by referees are noticed so much easier than in the past?
What everyone seems to agree on is that more referres of a higher standard are needed but how can this happen?
Anyone with a passion for football can become a referee but it is better to start when young to allow time to progress to a high level. The lowest age you can start is 14 but you can not referee an adult match until 16.
To become a referee you can attend a course organised by your local County Football Association. In Herefordshire courses are usually held at the County Ground, Widemarsh Common, Hereford and details of the next course can be obtained by calling either Val Lambert on 01432 342179 or Phil Smith on 01432 273994. Some courses are free!
The courses can be arranged to suit the applicants but usually comprise either a number of weekly sessions or a weekend course.
At the end of the course there is a written paper which asks you to decide what to do in a game situation and an oral exam when you are tested on your knowledge and understanding of the Laws of the Game. You also have to pass an eyesight and colour test and demonstrate that you can complete a misconduct form correctly.
After you qualify you will be registed as a referee and then offered matches in the local area. More training is usually available so that you can move to a higher level.
For further information go to www.the-fa.org or telephone the Football Association on 0207 745 4545.
www.footballreferee. is another useful site.