IT'S THAT TIME OF THE MONTH WHEN WE SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT ON ANOTHER INCREDIBLE KENT REFEREE. WE CAUGHT UP WITH TOM, A LEVEL 7 REFEREE WHO BALANCES STUDYING FOR HIS GCSE'S WITH REFEREEING AFTER THE WEEKEND. LET'S FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS JOURNEY!

Why did you decide to become a referee, Tom?

“I’ve always been a football fan and played the game for a while, so refereeing felt like a natural progression, and I haven’t turned back since.”

So, what do you love so much about refereeing?

“The satisfaction at the end of a match knowing you’ve had a good game and facilitated a competitive football match for everyone to enjoy.”

What qualities do you believe are essential for becoming a referee?

“I think it’s essential to be confident, remain calm and communicate well.”

What challenges have you faced in your refereeing career, and how have you overcome these?

“I once missed two clear yellow cards, which hindered my match control. It’s a very scary feeling as a referee to feel like you’re losing control, so trying your best to turn the tide and regain control is the best thing to try and do. It’s challenging to turn the tide in the middle of a game, so you have to be resilient.”

What techniques have you developed to deal with and manage conflict/difficult situations?

“Trust in your ability and trust yourself to make the right decision. Then I try to take my time explaining my decision to players. Also, being proactive in spotting possible problems or conflict before it occurs can help you reduce the overall effect it has on the match.”

Do you have any career highlights or memorable moments within refereeing?

“My recent appointment to a County Cup Final.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

“I hope to have climbed the football pyramid and feel I’ve made progress in my refereeing career.”

What advice would you give anyone considering taking up the whistle?

“It’s simple. Just go for it! It’s a great way to earn a bit of extra money. You don’t have to jump straight in the deep end. You can start with younger age groups to gain confidence and experience before moving on.”

Great advice, Tom! We look forward to supporting Tom on his journey.

If you are interested in becoming a referee, check out our Get Into Refereeing page.