REFEREE SPOTLIGHT - JUNE 21
Ashford Referee Andy Worthington answers our questions.
1.Tell us a little about yourself
I have lived in Ashford since I was 7, having previously lived in Warrington. I work for Wickes and do a National Project Manager role looking after the customer journey for Design and Installation Services. It usually means a lot of travelling (3,500 miles per month) and overnight stays but due to the pandemic I have been home-based which has been good as I've been able to complete a few house projects myself. Married to Vicky for 21 years and she is the love of my life. I am very well looked after, but she's not allowed to come and watch me referee though as in the early days she would argue with a few spectators after some loud comments about my on-pitch performance.
2. When did you first start refereeing ?
I started refereeing in December 2004.
3. What was your reason for taking up refereeing ?
I played for about 12 years at various levels up to Kent League. However, I had a series of knee and ankle injuries and went on to manage teams from 2001 to 2018. The reason for taking up refereeing was that I was in one of my final games and the referee was not great and I told him so (I remember being quite vocal to refs when playing so I guess I get a bit of karma back now and then!!). He responded by telling me that if I could do better then I should take it up & here we are!!
4. What would you say is the most challenging aspect of refereeing ?
The bit I now find difficult to comprehend is when players try to cheat their opposition players by simulation. I can't get my head around it. The other bit I can find challenging is the aerial challenge between two players and in recent times have worked on my fitness to ensure I am "side-on" to these challenges so I can understand if there is a foul or not.
5. In your view what could The FA do to improve refereeing ?
At the top level they should apply the laws as we have to on a local level. I understand that there is big money at the top of the game but players locally see things when watching football on TV and try their luck. An example would be the caution procedure.
6. If you could change just one of the Laws of the Game which one would it be and why ?
I would make the handball law really clear to remove any ambiguity that is there.
7. Do you find being a member of the Ashford Branch to be beneficial and if so, why ?
Yes, I love the camaraderie of the meetings and previously due to being on the road due to work I couldn't attend them but the recent Zoom Meetings have been great as I could be there. The branch has a great history and I think that is being continued in great shape by the committee and it's members. I have found the meetings recently to be informative and has helped in tweaking a few things in my game which has had good results (I think!)
8. What team do you support ?
I have always supported Liverpool and from the age of 4-7 pretty much went to every home game. Good to see us back in the trophies these last few seasons, long may that continue!!
9. If you could visit any Country which one you choose and why ?
I think China for its diversity but I would need a month to explore fully.
10. What is your refereeing ambition ?
I guess to continue refereeing as long as possible before my body tells me not to.
Ashford Referee Andy Worthington answers our questions.
1.Tell us a little about yourself
I have lived in Ashford since I was 7, having previously lived in Warrington. I work for Wickes and do a National Project Manager role looking after the customer journey for Design and Installation Services. It usually means a lot of travelling (3,500 miles per month) and overnight stays but due to the pandemic I have been home-based which has been good as I've been able to complete a few house projects myself. Married to Vicky for 21 years and she is the love of my life. I am very well looked after, but she's not allowed to come and watch me referee though as in the early days she would argue with a few spectators after some loud comments about my on-pitch performance.
2. When did you first start refereeing ?
I started refereeing in December 2004.
3. What was your reason for taking up refereeing ?
I played for about 12 years at various levels up to Kent League. However, I had a series of knee and ankle injuries and went on to manage teams from 2001 to 2018. The reason for taking up refereeing was that I was in one of my final games and the referee was not great and I told him so (I remember being quite vocal to refs when playing so I guess I get a bit of karma back now and then!!). He responded by telling me that if I could do better then I should take it up & here we are!!
4. What would you say is the most challenging aspect of refereeing ?
The bit I now find difficult to comprehend is when players try to cheat their opposition players by simulation. I can't get my head around it. The other bit I can find challenging is the aerial challenge between two players and in recent times have worked on my fitness to ensure I am "side-on" to these challenges so I can understand if there is a foul or not.
5. In your view what could The FA do to improve refereeing ?
At the top level they should apply the laws as we have to on a local level. I understand that there is big money at the top of the game but players locally see things when watching football on TV and try their luck. An example would be the caution procedure.
6. If you could change just one of the Laws of the Game which one would it be and why ?
I would make the handball law really clear to remove any ambiguity that is there.
7. Do you find being a member of the Ashford Branch to be beneficial and if so, why ?
Yes, I love the camaraderie of the meetings and previously due to being on the road due to work I couldn't attend them but the recent Zoom Meetings have been great as I could be there. The branch has a great history and I think that is being continued in great shape by the committee and it's members. I have found the meetings recently to be informative and has helped in tweaking a few things in my game which has had good results (I think!)
8. What team do you support ?
I have always supported Liverpool and from the age of 4-7 pretty much went to every home game. Good to see us back in the trophies these last few seasons, long may that continue!!
9. If you could visit any Country which one you choose and why ?
I think China for its diversity but I would need a month to explore fully.
10. What is your refereeing ambition ?
I guess to continue refereeing as long as possible before my body tells me not to.
REFEREE SPOTLIGHT - MAY 21
Ashford Referee Jamie Turner answers our questions.
Ashford Referee Jamie Turner answers our questions.
1.Tell us a little about yourself
34, from Dover, Virgo, love travelling, playing poker and pub quizzes. Love a pornstar martini.
2. When did you first start refereeing ?
3 years ago
3. What was your reason for taking up refereeing ?
After playing for local teams I always had a lingering desire to officiate rather than play. Also for the health benefits - keeping active.
4. What would you say is the most challenging aspect of refereeing ?
Communicating with players can be very challenging at times. Over time you tend to learn ways to try to overcome this.
5. In your view what could The FA do to improve refereeing ?
Kit grant - feel we should receive a grant for our equipment, kits and boots each year.
6. If you could change just one of the Laws of the Game which one would it be and why ?
Any player who gets sent to sin bin has to sing George Michael songs for 10 minutes else cannot return.
7. Do you find being a member of the Ashford Branch to be beneficial and if so, why ?
Very beneficial. We can share thoughts and feelings and bring up any relevant issues to help all of the branch improve and share knowledge. Really friendly bunch.
8. What team do you support ?
Arsenal
9. If you could visit any Country which one you choose and why ?
Mali, always fancied Timbuktu.
10. What is your refereeing ambition ?
Always fancied refereeing abroad in some hot foreign country so you don't know when you're being abused. Otherwise EFL/ Premier league officiating would be the ultimate buzz.
34, from Dover, Virgo, love travelling, playing poker and pub quizzes. Love a pornstar martini.
2. When did you first start refereeing ?
3 years ago
3. What was your reason for taking up refereeing ?
After playing for local teams I always had a lingering desire to officiate rather than play. Also for the health benefits - keeping active.
4. What would you say is the most challenging aspect of refereeing ?
Communicating with players can be very challenging at times. Over time you tend to learn ways to try to overcome this.
5. In your view what could The FA do to improve refereeing ?
Kit grant - feel we should receive a grant for our equipment, kits and boots each year.
6. If you could change just one of the Laws of the Game which one would it be and why ?
Any player who gets sent to sin bin has to sing George Michael songs for 10 minutes else cannot return.
7. Do you find being a member of the Ashford Branch to be beneficial and if so, why ?
Very beneficial. We can share thoughts and feelings and bring up any relevant issues to help all of the branch improve and share knowledge. Really friendly bunch.
8. What team do you support ?
Arsenal
9. If you could visit any Country which one you choose and why ?
Mali, always fancied Timbuktu.
10. What is your refereeing ambition ?
Always fancied refereeing abroad in some hot foreign country so you don't know when you're being abused. Otherwise EFL/ Premier league officiating would be the ultimate buzz.
REFEREE SPOTLIGHT - APRIL 21
Ashford Referee Ben Marshall answers our questions.
Ashford Referee Ben Marshall answers our questions.
1. Tell us a little about yourself
Within football, I am a Level 5 referee and currently officiate on the Southern Counties East Football League, The isthmian U23s Development and the Ashford Sunday League. I am the Referees’s Secretary for both the Ashford & District League and the Ashford Youth League as well as the Registration Secretary for the Ashford & District League. I also serve as a Member of the Kent FA Council. Outside of football, I currently work as an Outreach Worker for Porchlight. My role is to support rough sleepers in finding accommodation and to ensure their needs are supported.
2. When did you first start refereeing ?
I completed my course in October 2017 and qualified in January 2018.
3. What was your reason for taking up refereeing ?
My reasonings for taking up refereeing was I would always moan about the referees and someone said, if you can do better why don’t you become one. So I did.
4. What would you say is the most challenging aspect of refereeing ?
For me, it is managing expectations from players, managers and spectators. It is key that you ensure you present your decision clearly and are able to explain why you have made that decision.
5. If you could change just one of the Laws of the Game which one would it be and why ?
I think the handball law needs clarifying and made simple. I personally believe that all the changes that have been made recently have placed us as referees in harder position where we are having to decide if it is a handball or not as well as explaining that decision.
6. Do you find being a member of the Ashford Branch to be beneficial and why ?
Being a member of the RA is a firstly, a great way to meet other match officials and ask for support and advice. Secondly, the benefits that the governing body have including insurance and discount for Puregym are something I have taken use of.
7. What team do you support ?
I support Chelsea as well as Tonbridge Angels - I even am an owner of the later.
8. If you could visit any Country which one and why ?
I was due to visit Bangladesh last year however, COVID hit. I would love to have the chance to finally do this visit.
9. What is your refereeing ambition ?
My ambition is to go as high as I can where I still enjoy doing it. I also have an ambition to support fellow referees to their highest potential.
Within football, I am a Level 5 referee and currently officiate on the Southern Counties East Football League, The isthmian U23s Development and the Ashford Sunday League. I am the Referees’s Secretary for both the Ashford & District League and the Ashford Youth League as well as the Registration Secretary for the Ashford & District League. I also serve as a Member of the Kent FA Council. Outside of football, I currently work as an Outreach Worker for Porchlight. My role is to support rough sleepers in finding accommodation and to ensure their needs are supported.
2. When did you first start refereeing ?
I completed my course in October 2017 and qualified in January 2018.
3. What was your reason for taking up refereeing ?
My reasonings for taking up refereeing was I would always moan about the referees and someone said, if you can do better why don’t you become one. So I did.
4. What would you say is the most challenging aspect of refereeing ?
For me, it is managing expectations from players, managers and spectators. It is key that you ensure you present your decision clearly and are able to explain why you have made that decision.
5. If you could change just one of the Laws of the Game which one would it be and why ?
I think the handball law needs clarifying and made simple. I personally believe that all the changes that have been made recently have placed us as referees in harder position where we are having to decide if it is a handball or not as well as explaining that decision.
6. Do you find being a member of the Ashford Branch to be beneficial and why ?
Being a member of the RA is a firstly, a great way to meet other match officials and ask for support and advice. Secondly, the benefits that the governing body have including insurance and discount for Puregym are something I have taken use of.
7. What team do you support ?
I support Chelsea as well as Tonbridge Angels - I even am an owner of the later.
8. If you could visit any Country which one and why ?
I was due to visit Bangladesh last year however, COVID hit. I would love to have the chance to finally do this visit.
9. What is your refereeing ambition ?
My ambition is to go as high as I can where I still enjoy doing it. I also have an ambition to support fellow referees to their highest potential.
REFEREE SPOTLIGHT - FEBRUARY 21
We set our Referee's 10 questions
First in the Spotlight is Bart Chmielecki
We set our Referee's 10 questions
First in the Spotlight is Bart Chmielecki
1.Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Bart and I’m 17 years old. I moved to the UK aged 3 with both of my parents and a younger brother. I’m currently studying for my A-Levels in Economics, Business and Geography at the Norton Knatchbull Grammar School and I also hold two financial studies qualifications (CeFS, DipFS) from the London Institute of Banking and Finance. I thoroughly enjoy watching football and being involved in the game and before starting my refereeing journey, I played football as a central midfielder at a local level.
2. When did you first start refereeing ?
I took the course in the summer of 2017 and subsequently qualified by the end of that year, making this my fourth season as a referee.
3. What was your reason for taking up refereeing ?
Mostly, it was the pure enjoyment of the game and wanting to be involved from perhaps a different perspective than just playing whilst also making some extra pocket money as a 14 year old. As time went on, it became something that I thoroughly enjoyed and I haven’t looked back since the first match.
4. What would you say is the most challenging aspect of refereeing ?
Simply said it would probably be keeping everyone happy. Unfortunately as referees we need to make decisions that are not popular and have the confidence to do so whilst knowing that we're probably going to upset 11 players and the coaching staff. It’s not easy as there will almost always be someone against a decision that you make as a referee.
5. In your view what could The FA do to improve refereeing ?
A tough question as I know that the FA put in a lot of work to try and improve our experiences as referees, but if I’d have to say one thing, it would probably be rethinking the observation and promotion structures and perhaps putting a bit more of a modern touch to it.
6. If you could change just one of the Laws of the Game which one would it be and why ?
This is perhaps slightly over the top, but, I must say that I have a very strong view on respect towards match officials and I believe that the way in which we as match officials are treated on the field of play is unacceptable and it simply happens no where else but on a football pitch. For that reason, I’d upgrade the dissent by word or action to a sending-off offence but perhaps one that allows the player to be substituted… this is of course an extreme example, but I’d like to see more done against such behaviour.
7. Do you find being a member of the Ashford Branch to be beneficial and why ?
Joining the Ashford Referee’s Branch was a good decision. Not only have I been able to network with other match officials and learn from their experiences but I have also been able to pick up both theoretical and practical elements that have improved my on-pitch performances. I’d recommend that every referee joins their local RA.
8. What team do you support ?
Arsenal…
9. If you could visit any Country which one you choose and why ?
America - just seems like an amazing place to go with fantastic people and opportunities. Los Angeles would be the first stop.
10. What is your refereeing ambition ?
I think anyone at my age would be silly not to aim right for the top; however, I’m aware of just how much work is ahead of me and just how much I am still yet to learn before I get there. A dream would be to referee international football matches, visiting some of the best stadiums in Europe and around the world.
(Feb21)
My name is Bart and I’m 17 years old. I moved to the UK aged 3 with both of my parents and a younger brother. I’m currently studying for my A-Levels in Economics, Business and Geography at the Norton Knatchbull Grammar School and I also hold two financial studies qualifications (CeFS, DipFS) from the London Institute of Banking and Finance. I thoroughly enjoy watching football and being involved in the game and before starting my refereeing journey, I played football as a central midfielder at a local level.
2. When did you first start refereeing ?
I took the course in the summer of 2017 and subsequently qualified by the end of that year, making this my fourth season as a referee.
3. What was your reason for taking up refereeing ?
Mostly, it was the pure enjoyment of the game and wanting to be involved from perhaps a different perspective than just playing whilst also making some extra pocket money as a 14 year old. As time went on, it became something that I thoroughly enjoyed and I haven’t looked back since the first match.
4. What would you say is the most challenging aspect of refereeing ?
Simply said it would probably be keeping everyone happy. Unfortunately as referees we need to make decisions that are not popular and have the confidence to do so whilst knowing that we're probably going to upset 11 players and the coaching staff. It’s not easy as there will almost always be someone against a decision that you make as a referee.
5. In your view what could The FA do to improve refereeing ?
A tough question as I know that the FA put in a lot of work to try and improve our experiences as referees, but if I’d have to say one thing, it would probably be rethinking the observation and promotion structures and perhaps putting a bit more of a modern touch to it.
6. If you could change just one of the Laws of the Game which one would it be and why ?
This is perhaps slightly over the top, but, I must say that I have a very strong view on respect towards match officials and I believe that the way in which we as match officials are treated on the field of play is unacceptable and it simply happens no where else but on a football pitch. For that reason, I’d upgrade the dissent by word or action to a sending-off offence but perhaps one that allows the player to be substituted… this is of course an extreme example, but I’d like to see more done against such behaviour.
7. Do you find being a member of the Ashford Branch to be beneficial and why ?
Joining the Ashford Referee’s Branch was a good decision. Not only have I been able to network with other match officials and learn from their experiences but I have also been able to pick up both theoretical and practical elements that have improved my on-pitch performances. I’d recommend that every referee joins their local RA.
8. What team do you support ?
Arsenal…
9. If you could visit any Country which one you choose and why ?
America - just seems like an amazing place to go with fantastic people and opportunities. Los Angeles would be the first stop.
10. What is your refereeing ambition ?
I think anyone at my age would be silly not to aim right for the top; however, I’m aware of just how much work is ahead of me and just how much I am still yet to learn before I get there. A dream would be to referee international football matches, visiting some of the best stadiums in Europe and around the world.
(Feb21)
bring respect to your game
racism and discrimination does not maintain a place in our starting 11.
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