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Ross, in the Midlands on a Tuesday night in the winter, stuck on the halfway line with only writing to do, you need gloves!!

I wear UA gloves that are thin enough to be able to write easily, and have grippy palms and fingers so that you don't drop the flag! I only wear them on the line, I'm usually boiling if I'm in the middle, whatever the temperature!

That's a back pass all day!

Grayson, does that mean you're going to put velcro on your boots?

A GK is allowed to use his hands in his own area. The law was introduced to stop time wasting so should be administered by officials in the same spirit. A back pass that is overhit is surely not a back pass anymore? Therefore the GK is allowed to save it, but if he picks it up or controls it...

So you're saying that the LOAF is being overruled by the PL numpties? I think PGMOL should stand up against it, because the rest of the footballing world have to follow the LOAF. And on a personal note, I'm the one standing in my changing room explaining to the manager/secretary that his...

It's awful - the most watched league in the world and they don't make Newcastle change their kit! It's the same with Stoke when they're away (eg Everton) and they keep their white shorts. And don't get me started with goalkeepers and referees wearing yellow......

A few years ago I was running the line in a local derby, and the ball squirted out of a tackle and went out for a throw in near me (my decision 100%) and I gave the throw to the home team, who were attacking. The away team centre back shouted "F*** me, Lino!" to which I immediately shouted back...

Get on the line in the Glos County League if you can. Learn the good bits (and bad bits) from those refs and use them in your own game.

Ross, I just don't catch your drift!

Matt, it'll be the best decision you've made as a ref. I couldn't wait to start refereeing adult football; it's much better than 20 players running after the ball.

Obviously if you have a gut feeling that it's one way or the other, then you have to go with your gut and stand by your decision. We don't get paid to make easy choices, but sometimes we can make easier ones with a bit of experience ;)

James, a dodgy freekick for handball against an attacker will be forgotten a lot quicker than a dodgy goal! It's like ball out of play; if in doubt give it to the defenders, because they're less likely to score from it!

I'm with Dickie Bird on reviewing decisions - if people in the game can't accept a referee's (or umpire's) decision on the field of play, then those people shouldn't be involved in the game. It all boils down to respect - referees are employed to make those decisions, good or bad, and the sport...

The left wrist counts down from 45 mins and I stop this as and when required; the right wrist counts up from zero. I don't know how many times I've forgotten to restart the countdown watch, so it's a good job I've got the other watch going!

This has been a bugbear of mine for years now, at the top levels of the game in England. It's not as if the clubs can't afford a different colour of shorts, is it?

Rolling is fine. However, be careful in allowing it to be taken when the opposition complain like mad - it's probably easier to stop play and have it retaken when stationary, than trying to expalin the LOTG to moaning players on the hoof! Trust me, I have experience of this, and my lino got...

Sian passes the same fitness tests as men to be a PL assistant, so she is there on merit. I've had the pleasure of being assistant to her on a few occasions, and even though she may be treated slightly differently at the games off the pitch, she doesn't expect it, and she certainly doesn't get...

Hi Prenders, Glad you came back to the fold. It gets under your skin, and you sure miss it when you don't do it for a while. I agree with Ross, don't let age get in the way. I was promoted to Level 4 at 40 and I wasn't the oldest by any means. Happy whistling and flagging!

I wondered what the Fox 40 Classic fuss was about so for Xmas I bought one from A&H in one of their Present packs. I've used it twice now and the jury's still out. My ACME 2000 Tornado is wider and louder, but a bit more conspicuous in dayglo yellow or orange!