Recent content by Markjamesbfc

Absolutely.

I am fairly confident with my Garmin. The only time it has had a slight wobble is when doing a park run in wooden areas although generally it would always record less than the actual distance. Resulting in the annoying ‘rounding up’ issue that is essential when doing a measured run. I...

Certainly is. I did a friendly on Sat and struggled to 5k. On the line the standard of the game massively dictates the distance you do. When you have two teams with a great defensive line you have your work cut out. Lazy defenders lower down the pyramid they just tend to sit back and the AR...

As a regular runner I know my watch GPS is very accurate. Both games over 7k were end to end. The first was a top two on Step 3 that was played at 100mph from min one. The second was an FA Trophy 1st Round again 100mph. Saying that, they were both played in the hills 🤣

I use Garmin Forerunner 735XT and personally I’m disappointed with anything less than 10k in the middle. I have found on my Step 3/4 lines I have hit over 7k. Certainly feel that the next day!!

Sounds like you have bounced back. I really like the dog lead analogy. Treat the game like you’re training a dog. At first you keep it on a short lead to maintain full control. As it starts to react how you want it to loosen the lead but never too far. Bring it back in at flash points like...

I’m sorry I completely disagree. The player will no doubt not even remember the comment by the time he/she has got changed. Not punishing a passing comment that you are not even certain was directed at you won’t go against the next referee. If it was a player screaming across the pitch at the...

Personally I would choose to ignore it and not raise my profile unnecessarily. Given that it was said quietly, the game has finished and everyone is walking off the pitch. I tend to ask myself “what benefit will I get from this?” In this particular situation I can’t see any benefit to your game...

Players only say those things to try and influence you. They are playing a game to try and get into your head. Lots of good advice above but I would be very careful with some of the witty responses back to players as everyone reacts differently. It works for some but not others. I like the...

Great to hear 👍 You will continue to get development points throughout your refereeing career. Even in your best games you will have things to work on.

Not unless you have to ie it’s a proper ground with paying spectators. As rusty says they will know anyway. Be prepared for the inevitable “Oh you’re not going to get a good mark” “The observer isn’t going to like that” “I hope the observer didn’t see that” etc etc. I would hazard a guess that...

Apply the LOTG and do your normal game. The observer will be scoring you against 3 criteria if you’re 7-6. 1. Application of law 2. Match Control 3. Positioning & movement I guarantee that if you go out there, enjoy it as I am sure you do every week, apply the LOTG, move freely around the...

How frustrating! I am sure this will be a regular outcome. Although I suspect you would prefer it that way round than getting a call the day after to be told someone has tested positive resulting in you having to come off a game, get tested and self isolate.

A ring or a friendship bracelet is not easily removed and can therefore cause injury if caught. A facemask looped around the ears can be easily removed. I seem to remember seeing images years ago when they introduced the ring law of players who lost fingers as they got trapped in fences. I...

and you would be correct to prevent a player wearing a snood as that is dangerous (it goes round the neck). I would dispute that a facemask that is looped around the ears is dangerous.