Hi there,
Just thought I'd introduce myself. My name's David Bartlam. 28 years old from Cornwall.
I've been playing football in Cornwall since I was 16, both on a junior and senior standard football, the last 5 seasons in junior as I decided to play with my good friends.
I've been refereeing for a few years on and off but at the start of this season, I got fed up with seeing the number of games being postponed in the junior leagues due to a referee shortage. Although I was still playing, I set up a campaign in Cornwall to get more people interested in refereeing, taking to forums, social media and even getting an afternoon on BBC Radio Cornwall to discuss the problem and why I was trying to help it. I managed to get a course booked up and at the end of October, 10 new referees qualified including a female and two 16 year olds.
Since qualifying In November this season, I have officiated 11 games up to now, 10 for the FA in Cornwall and 1 in the Royal Navy. Was supposed to have done a second a few weeks ago but tore my lower back.
I still play football, I'm the founder, secretary and player of a local side but referee when I have no game to play. I also gave up playing on Sunday's so I could referee.
I'm quite opinionated and like to talk about my experiences so I look forward to sharing my views with you guys in the future.
Just thought I'd introduce myself. My name's David Bartlam. 28 years old from Cornwall.
I've been playing football in Cornwall since I was 16, both on a junior and senior standard football, the last 5 seasons in junior as I decided to play with my good friends.
I've been refereeing for a few years on and off but at the start of this season, I got fed up with seeing the number of games being postponed in the junior leagues due to a referee shortage. Although I was still playing, I set up a campaign in Cornwall to get more people interested in refereeing, taking to forums, social media and even getting an afternoon on BBC Radio Cornwall to discuss the problem and why I was trying to help it. I managed to get a course booked up and at the end of October, 10 new referees qualified including a female and two 16 year olds.
Since qualifying In November this season, I have officiated 11 games up to now, 10 for the FA in Cornwall and 1 in the Royal Navy. Was supposed to have done a second a few weeks ago but tore my lower back.
I still play football, I'm the founder, secretary and player of a local side but referee when I have no game to play. I also gave up playing on Sunday's so I could referee.
I'm quite opinionated and like to talk about my experiences so I look forward to sharing my views with you guys in the future.
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