For Ref's Sake! - The podcast for football referees everywhere!

We had a great chat with Phoebe again as she continues to make huge strides in the women's game. We talk about the resilience to come back from injury and how a trip to Florida made her even hungrier for reaching the top of the game. We talk about her recent trip to Stamford Bridge and her pride at seeing her good friend and colleague Stacey reach the top of the domestic game.

This week we speak to Ron James. Ron has had a long and varied career in football starting from a playing career, refereeing and administration in football. Ron is well-known in local footballing circles and is definitely a character! However, Ron is also passionate about referee development and protecting the key stakeholders in the game. Make sur e you tune in!

A good chat this week about the transition to refereeing from playing. What is the attraction? Is there one? Where is the next generation of referees coming from for adult football and does social media have a part to play?

This week we are joined by Ryan Eldred - we discuss how self-reflection is important in refereeing and how we need to dig deep sometimes to show resilience. We talk about our approach to refereeing and how this is impacted by the level of the game and the expectations of the key stakeholders in the game. A very interesting episode.

On this week's episode, we talk to local footballing legend Charlie Fleming. He talks about football in the 80s and how he feels it has changed over time. He talks about how refereeing has changed and the changes he feels should be made.As usual, we also talk all the latest issues and see if Luke has recovered from his injury! We also discuss outside interference. Another great episode.

Sunday 17th November 2024 and Rob is refereeing a game between Northants All Stars and Northampton Exiles in the Nene League. He hasn't been feeling well. The next thing he remembers is waking up surrounded by strangers. Thanks to the expertise of a local healthcare professional, Rob was put into an ambulance and taken to hospital. That was his battle commencing to get back to refereeing but this wasn't the first battle Rob had faced in his life.In this episode we discuss mental health and how refereeing has had a huge impact on Rob's life. A fascinating and often thought-provoking episode. The episode highlights the importance of talking and the bravery shown throughout is a superb listen.

This week, during the international break, we are joined by Liam Bailey-Shaw. He tells us why he has been impressed by the influx of young referees in the County this season and makes us howl with one of the greatest refereeing stories we have heard for a long time! Make sure you give us a listen!

Delving back into the grassroots game, we talk to David Evans. Not only is David a newly-promoted referee operating at Level 4, but he also has vast experience in managing a team, refereeing rugby and is now also mentoring his son who has recently taken up the whistle.We also chat about all the latest debate around refereeing! Don't forget to subscribe to our socials and give us a follow!

Eric Edge was an academy goalkeeper whose career took him to America. He continued playing at a semi-professional level in England before deciding to take up the whistle but what made him make that decision?We chat to Eric about the challenges of a move into officiating along his hobby of documenting much of his work on social media. Eric has his own pages on YouTube and Instagram and shares his thoughts about social media.As usual, we talk referee development and all about the latest goings-on in the world of football.

This week's special guest is the 'Grassroots Guy' himself Rohan Anund. His team have developed the wonderful app called Centre Circle which has revolutionised referee appointing and support.We talk all about how the app was started, developed and what it has in store for us in the future. Rohan talks all about his love for football and how his passion for grassroots football drives him to ensure the app continues to grow and create success.As usual, we have chat all about the latest refereeing decisions and some development advice around positioning and dissent.

Some brilliant discussion this week. Are we in an observer crisis? Is the future, talent identification? James 'Slim' Campbell is Regional Co-ordinator for CORE and a former observer. He talks candidly about his love of the game, love of refereeing and what he would have done differently if he had been coaching himself.

Legend is a name given to many these days but in this case it is richly deserved. This week we are joined by Bryan Lewin MBE. Bryan has spent a lifetime in football from playing and coaching, to secretarial work to his current position as a Director at the NFA.Join us as we also discuss all of the latest refereeing news and views including the Michael Oliver incident in the Merseyside Derby.

Krister Halvorsen touches down this week (see what I did there?) as he talks all things American Football. Krister started out as a football referee before being invited to watch some training of the American Football game.Fast forward a few years, and a Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium appearance later and he educates Wayne and Luke all about the game!The boys also talk about all of the latest incidents and Wayne has a rant about hoovers of all things! He also dedicates a special section to Kyle...

Join us once again for our 93rd episode of the podcast where we are joined by Stuart Lathan. Stuart has not only had success in refereeing but was also a successful manager and coach in local football before he made the jump into officiating. Controversial at times, Stuart gives us his honest opinions on refereeing and why he feels that Sunday football is a struggle.

We were privileged to be joined by SETH GALIA, the newest FIFA referee on our live episode this week. We spoke about his journey to the top and the challenges he faced along the way. We were also joined by our regular panel guest MIKE from the Referee Circle and by ELIOT from Whistlestopfooty. We discussed all the latest controversial topics including the red card from the Arsenal v Wolves game.

An unexpected email changed Imy Gates' life forever. She was a footballer playing at a good level when the opportunity to become a match official came about. Two years later and Imy has her sights on the top levels of the female game. A self-confessed 'physical centre-half' she talks with enthusiasm about her future goals and how playing has helped support her refereeing.

This week we had young referee Brooklyn on our podcast who at the age of 17 is already loving his refereeing experience. Based in Northern Ireland, he talks to us about short time in the National Referee Academy, his time at the Iber Cup and his hopes for the future. We also discuss the key talking points of the week. Should Bergvall have been sent off? Were Arsenal lucky to get a penalty? What did the referee see to give that corner to Aston Villa? Is there such thing as a 4G pitch and who should inspect artificial surfaces? Join us this week to find out!

Another friend from the world of social media joins us this week! Whistlestopfooty talks to us about his journey into refereeing and his work in America. We discuss all the latest incidents from the weekend's games and talk about pitch inspections following a cold and wet January weekend! Make sure to come and join us!

We had a lot of fun recording our live episode with some great guests. We had Mike from The Referee Circle and Martyn Gospel who is a great guy! We also chatted to Burtie who is a huge supporter of our podcast. Have a listen back.

Steve Ross, an ex-Lincolnshire FA referee was flying through the system. He reached the National League of referees and was going places. The next place he went was Cyprus and that was the end of his refereeing career at the top level. Does he regret it? What were the career highs and lows? Find out in this week's episode.

From a lad taking his first steps in refereeing to a lad taking it seriously and flying through the levels. What changed the mindset of Ralph Seckington? What are his ambitions and what is he going to do about it? Listen to the chat we had this week on the podcast. Make sure you listen in to this week's quiz! It is A CLASSIC!

Ref Dad joins us on this week's podcast! Following a career in coaching, which took him to America, he came back and realised that coaching was no longer for him. This has led to a career in refereeing and a 10 year plan but what does this entail? Have a listen to this week's episode and let us know what you think!

In this week's episode, I talk to Shaun Barry about his career in football. Shaun was a grassroots player who, by his own admission, was a bit of a hatchet man kicking anything that moved. In his own words, he spent more time suspended than he did playing. How did he make the transition from player to referee? Find out in this week's episode.

What is in a referee mindset? What are the small changes you can make to move up to the next level or move up within a level? We talk to Aaron Lloyd about the changes he has made since being on FA CORE and since starting as a young referee. We are joined by Alex Compton on the quiz too. Can he move up the ladder?

This week we are joined by UON journalist Tom Toseland and we discuss the media portrayal of referee David Coote. Does he deserve the reaction he has received or is it a mistake that can be rectified? Does the media help in these situations or do they make the situation worse? The boys chat in depth about this.

Our international podcast is back and this week we go Stateside to Illinois as we are joined by Mike from The Refereeing Circle! We have a wonderful chat as we compare the systems in America to those in the UK. Adam O'Connor joins us on the quiz. Can he climb up the leaderboard?

This week we are joined by the Nene League's Matt Hurst. Matt is Secretary, Referee Appointment Officer and even runs his own team! We talk about refereeing standards and how these could improved. We discuss whether referees should take an annual test plus much more! Aaron Lloyd also joins us on the quiz and what a treat that is!

Chris Rowland joins us this week as we discuss the technology used in football. We talk about the developmental opportunities and the complexity of club marks. Lots more things discussed too and Gav Mack joins us for the quiz, even if the WiFi was another disaster!

Ever wondered what it is like to have a full-time job and another full-time job volunteering? Regular listener Matt Goude joins us this week to discuss the hours he puts helping Blisworth FC flourish but also what his club do to support the young referees coming through the county.

It might have been an early start but we got Martyn Gospel on the podcast this week! All the way from the sunshine of Australia, he takes time out to discuss his career and his move to Australia. He tells about his highlights and things he would have done differently!

We are joined by a For Ref's Sake debutant. Abdul Kadir first started off in the Bangladeshi League before taking up the whistle. But why does football refereeing still find recruiting from some minority groups a struggle? We also discuss empathy in refereeing and what 'safe' refereeing means. We are joined by Andy Humphries on the quiz this week. Can he climb the ladder of success?

An incredible chat this week. We discuss the Bruno Fernandes red card and also talk about refereeing persona. Following on from our mental health chat last week, we chat to James 'Slim' Campbell about his mental health challenges and the impact that refereeing had on them. We also have the quiz back. Who knows when the Battle of Stamford Bridge was?

This week we talk to Ian Rathbone about the Man City v Arsenal game before we asked if mental health is overlooked in football refereeing? We discuss visualisation and meditation amongst other things. We get the usual excellent quotes from Mr Rathbone. Tune in and leave your feedback on our social media pages.

In this episode we explore three key questions - will the fast-tracking of ex-professionals be a success? Do we worry too much about the positioning of referees? Is the refereeing pyramid fit for purpose? We also discuss the week's incidents in the Premier League and Kieran Clarke joins us on the quiz! How far can he climb the ladder?

We switch to our pub-style format this week. Should club assistants be trusted with offside decisions? Why are we seeing a shortage of officials at Step 5? What makes a good referee coach? We explore these themes and more alongside guest co-host Gav Mack!

We introduce our new quiz called 'The 100 Club' and chat all things refereeing from the weekend. We find out what the boys have been up to over the Summer break and look forward to the season ahead!

Another incredible episode as we bring the season to an end! Ruebyn talks to us about his rise through the ranks and how those close to him have inspired him to get to where he is today. A great way to finish the season!

Whatever words we put here would not do justice to the story of Rubeyn Ricardo. Have a listen to the story. The journey. We were privileged to talk to him about his early career and how he overcame some life-changing situations...

Stacey Fullicks was establishing herself on the WSL when injury struck. Learn in this episode how she returned to action following much dedication and hard work. She is joined by her refereeing husband Richard who talks about his journey on the women's pathway.

Dean took up the option of taking on a 'Nene League' Course and loved it so much that he is refereeing mornings and afternoons in adult football. How did he get into refereeing and what gives him that 'buzz' when he picks up the whistle?

Dedicating his life to local football and supporting grassroots has led to Richard finally making the leap to becoming a qualified referee in his mid 50s. But now that journey is being extended as he has applied for promotion to level 5. What made Richard join the refereeing ranks and why does the self-confessed connoisseur of podcasts rate ours so highly? Listen to his story here.

With the number of referees in the youth ranks, there are a number of referees who are reluctant to make the next step. However, after just a couple of years in youth football, and at the tender age of 16, Tom has made the step into the adult game. What made him make the jump and what are his hopes for the future?

A couple of weeks ago we called out the admin of Whitworths FC for bashing a referee! Did we think he would come on? No! But here he is talking refereeing, what he would like to see and how social media can play its part. A great chat and proof that we can all work together in football!

Wayne Chalmers never wanted to be a referee but 25 years later, he is still loving being involved in football. He talks about his journey in football and how the loss of his daughter Daisy in 2018, impacted his mindset and set him on the way to creating his own charity. He shares some amazing stories and how the friendships he made kept him going through the hardest of times.

A few months ago , Mateo was on the 5-4 pathway in Northamptonshire. Fast forward and he is in the 43 degree heat of Perth, Western Australia. He is already making waves by joining a development group but how does his refereeing differ from the UK? Find out in this episode!

Finn White was your average teenage referee. Wanting to pick up a few quid for pocket money before realising that picking up the whistle was a passion. Finn discusses his journey from mini-soccer to now passing on his own advice to fellow referees. He also talks about the tough decision about playing and refereeing and deciding which one will take precedence. Eventually!

Jake Sharpe plays Sunday football in Northamptonshire but his day job is talking football and sometimes that includes refereeing. This week he joins us to talk about grassroots referees and his thoughts on how refereeing could be improved on a local and national level. Jake also works for BBC Northampton and rubs shoulders with Pete Walton on a regular basis. What has he learnt and what are his thoughts on all things football?

After some gentle persuasion, Gav Mack returns to the podcast. We spoke to Gav in Season 1 when he was an ex-referee and now he has returned... and he has a whistle in his mouth (not during the interview). Gav talks to us about why he has returned and how his outlook on refereeing has changed since the first time he pulled on the shirt! As usual, the boys also discuss all the latest talking points in refereeing too.

Callum has been involved in football for many years and now has moved onto big things with the FA. However, he was tempted to take up the whistle and now he has his sights set on promotion. He is also great at losing his whistle!

Don't just book it, Thomas Cooke it! This week we are talking to the beautiful specimen that is Tom Cooke. He started off as a goalkeeper, taking it America on his travels and ended up as a National List Assistant, a little by accident. He talks to us about his future aspirations and the changes he made to get to the level he is operating at now.

Dan reached Level 4 at an early age and reached level 2B some years later. So what convinced him to become a specialist assistant and sacrifice that opportunity of moving forward as the man in the middle? Dan talks about having a certain Mr Scott as an assistant in the early days and how he has used his own mindset to make it up to the Select Group 2. He gives us tips and thoughts about how performance can be improved. Thanks to Dan for joining us!