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First observation report just came back. Above standard expected for application of law and match control, and standard expected for positioning. :D Got some really useful tips from the observer as well on minor things to correct in my game.

I agree with this. If the assistant flags it has gone out then I'm going with them every time, unless it's absolutely clearly wrong. Not sure what you say to CARs in pre-match, but I always say the one thing I want them to absolutely focus on is ball in and out of play. If I then overrule them...

If you're regularly getting re-appointed to games (assume you mean that you get a league game, then get a county appointment from the FA which trumps it?) then you need to speak to your CFA about how they manage closed dates. Once I get allocated a league fixture then I'll close the date with...

I get most of my stuff through A&H or Refsworld. The way I look at it is that most of the big ticket stuff (kits with badges etc) is just a couple of match fees anyway. Ebay is also pretty good for stuff as well, and that's usually cheaper but obviously not always new!

Well done on the 1st game Tom. I won't repeat everything said above, but don't be too hard on yourself. The most experienced referees in the world can still have a bad day, and it actually sounds like you got alot of your decisions spot on but just need to have more confidence in them. That...

I used to worry about cards in front pockets as well, but the depth of the pockets means that it's quite difficult for them to fall out. I've never lost one during a game even when I'm sprinting up and down. Though I do have a spare red & yellow in my wallet as well in case I do!

All above are good tips, especially the naming your hands! The other thing is don't be afraid to be vocal with the players. I've seen alot of assistants who are talkative refs but become mute when you stick a flag in their hand. Obviously don't do anything that goes against the ref's pre-match...

Wallet with match card, pencil and spare red & yellow in top right pocket, with coin tucked inside. Yellow card in left shorts pocket, with a card skin and a pencil clipped to it. Red card in shorts back right pocket with a card skin, though I'll generally use the wallet to take details, as they...

As @GraemeS said, it sounds like getting the players in the centre circle is a personal preference for the observer. The general point about doing the checks in an organised fashion is a good one, and the observer probably put that way as an example of one way to make it more organised. I tend...

Thought I'd start a thread that everyone going for promotion, at whatever level, can use to post about their experiences! Had my first observation yesterday for 7-6. Am on the double jump, so need to get 20 games in before 30th September, which basically means every Saturday/Sunday for the...

Had a fun one this morning. Had lots of rain overnight, and it was still raining this morning so I wasn't too confident. Got to the ground at 9.30am and got a text from the home team captain, saying the groundsman had recommended that we don't play on the pitch but final decision was mine. I...

Not a pen. More interesting scenario would have been if he'd headed the ball back to the keeper from the floor. Is it a deliberate trick if you've fallen on the ground and then headed it back, as opposed to voluntarily lying down? I'd say no.

Field Mill, Mansfield. I was on the line for a youth cup final which was played there.

You can normally get a badge from your county FA if you want to sew it on yourself. Some companies, like A&H will do the badging for you if you buy the kit from them. You just select your FA from the drop down list on the kit page (e.g. below)...

Yes. You'd be well within your right to do this as well, particularly if they tried to encourage you not to put the card in.

They might want you to have the benefit of a video replay, but we can only give decisions based on what we see at the time. You saw a red card offence, you gave a red card, you put in a red card. If they want to appeal it, that is their choice. Not sure if you're asking this, but I'd never...

I once bumped into Howard Webb on a train to Sheffield. Nice bloke, and also much taller than he looks on TV.

I'd take some time and go back through the game in your mind (or write it down if that helps) and just think about what, with hindsight, could you have done differently. It sounds like you didn't give a red because you felt it would have severely compromised your match control. That's a...

If it's in an attacking area, where they might attempt a shot or to put it into the box, I'll do the arm and a shout to confirm it's indirect. I'm not shouting for every offside though, just the arm for those.

Morning, I'm on the hunt for a bag for all my kit to go in. A&H have this one but it's been out of stock for ages! http://www.referee-equipment.co.uk/Catalogue/Bags/Accessory-Bags/Kit-Care-Bag---Large-KITCARE1 I take a large Nike holdall with all my gear in, and everything else is in...