The first ever Gibraltar FIFA referees are given their international badge. A unique moment for the small European country. Referee boss Adrian Bacarisa can be proud, because his goal was to get the first international refs by the end of 2016. I got the chance to interview the three new referees. Congratulations to: Jason Barcelo – DOB 16th January 1980 – FIFA Referee Johan Ward – DOB 26th August 1982 – FIFA Assistant Referee Zyl Sheriff – DOB 24th September 1987 – FIFA Futsal Referee The word is out now. You’ve been chosen as first ever Gibraltar FIFA referees. Congratulations! What does it mean to you? How did you get…

You have to be a little crazy to become a referee, says referee Edwin van de Graaf during a referee meeting in The Hague at my referee association. The referee at the highest levels in The Netherlands started as a football player and had to referee u7 and u9 games. He told that once you have started whistling, you want to continue with it, because you got the “refereeing virus”. In 2000 Van De Graaf made his debut in the Jupiler League, Dutch 2nd level and in 2014 in the Eredivisie, the highest level. But the game people recognize him from is at FC Oss, where an angry fan tries…

An interview with Stephanie Forde. Actually, I got the text in Dutch ready before the summer, but I failed with the translation. It took me ages. Procrastination. Many apologies to Stephanie for publishing it so late. Luckily Ben van Maaren from Refereeing Books told me he wants to translate some interviews sometimes and he helped me out. Thanks so much. And I have to tell you the interview is really interesting and worth reading. Forde became a Fifa referee, but faced a very difficult time. “I kept fighting and training until my body stepped in and said STOP loudly.” More about this below in the interview. When and why did you…

When referee Jeroen Manschot goes to his games there’s always one fan for him on the stands. His dad. Even if his son is fourth official. His father is not a KNVB referee, but has followed the referee course. “Based on my dad’s demeanour in the car back home I can see if it was a good game or not”, says the Dutch top level (Eredivisie) referee in an interview with Dutch Referee Blog. “Talking to my dad on the way back in the car is my first reflection moment, purely based on what he has seen.” Manschot is happy with a critical spectator on the sidelines. “Constructive criticism is…

The last days at the Olympics are very exciting. The last gold medals to win, the last finals to play. “Referees need to have the ability to focus under pressure”, says Aidan Moran. That’s one of the most important characteristics for mental toughness to become a top referee according to him. The former psychologist of the Irish Olympic team gives you some insights in psychology and refereeing. I’ve met Aidan Moran during a referee conference in Dublin. He is also a professor of cognitive psychology at UCD Dublin and helps Irish top sports professionals and teams in Ireland. Photo: screenshot from Dublin Talks. Most important  tasks and challenges The most important tasks…

Barry Holderness retired as a Football League assistant referee last season. He talks about his career in the interview with Dutch Referee Blog. To reach the top level there is one important factor. “First and foremost you need the support and understanding of your family”, he says. “Sunday has always been used as family time despite the PGMOL recommending we do a recovery session. Whilst these were beneficial, I always felt it was better to spend the time with my wife and work through the sore muscles on the Monday.” An interview about the highlights of his career, his struggles and some good tips for referee. Enjoy this read. You…