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The only other profession that faces the same vitriolic criticism in the media is politicians. I do think the FA and County FAs need to step up their game when it comes to protecting officials, particularly at grassroots and non-league. Maybe Referee Associations could come to act more like...

I’ve thought this before. In a case like this where it is very obviously clear that an error in communication or procedure has occurred a public apology is fair enough and probably needed. When it is a subjective decision that the media don’t agree with, there’s no need to publicly criticise...

More of an open rant to be honest. What happened here is partially my fault but I am also slightly annoyed at the club. I was allocated a youth County Cup fixture for this Sunday, which I was available to take. The appointment came through last Sunday. On the appointment it said that kickoff...

To be fair having watched it just now I can see that - I hadn’t seen the incident since yesterday when it actually happened. There’s still something about it which makes me slightly uncomfortable, but it’s definitely a perfectly legal goal.

For me, Gordon’s hand prevents the ball going out of play, which just doesn’t feel right and is the sort of thing I feel that the handball law should be written to prevent. I can’t make it any clearer though that I agree under the LotG it definitely isn’t handball, as seems to be the general...

I completely agree that under law this isn’t a handball offence, but feels to me like another example of the law not covering everything, (which is an impossible job). The photo you posted looks like something out of a basketball game.

Stamp it out quickly. I don’t want to assume anything, but with it being an U10 game I’m working on the basis that you’re a fairly new ref? Don’t be afraid to caution managers. It can be quite daunting, particularly if that manager is loud and boisterous, but once you’ve done it once you’ll...

To be fair by the time of that reply I’d been at the out at the football for a good few hours 😉 I’m still willing to back the idea though that a dismissal at that age seems more sensible being verbal only with an explanation to player and coach over what is happening.

When I first qualified as a fourteen year old I did a weekend of U7 games to ease me in as I was a bit unsure. After a morning of pretty much standing in the centre circle I decided it wasn’t for me. It was a nice, easy introduction but I would never do it now. To be honest until the kids are...

At this point in the season this is likely a six year old child. If you are going to dismiss them at least save the embarrassment of showing a physical red card. It’s completely unnecessary and screams “power-hungry ref”.

Honestly I find doing this always helps reduce offences like dissent much better than any official talk, particularly from managers. If they can see you as human, and also as someone who actually takes an interest in the game they’re more likely to respect you.

I think the level of football and standard massively depends here. Obviously by the letter of the law this is always a red, but sometimes common sense is also necessary. If this is some sort of academy level game I’d probably stick with the red. In the long run top academies want their players...

The reality is that they aren’t going to change the way commissions work any time soon, so this is the next best thing.

I had one in a youth game the other day too and everyone just sort of accepted it. I was quite surprised but I did immediately and loudly tell the player that he had been offside when the ball was played. Funnily enough I ended up giving 4 yellows in that game for players kicking the ball away...

Just managed to find this video. The incident starts just after 6:45 I think. By the looks of it was a free kick to Navbahor, given away by Neymar.

Agreed. This would be good with a slightly extended video but I couldn’t find one anywhere.

I don’t in any way keep up with Saudi or Asian CL football but came across this on Twitter and wondered what you all thought about it. Apparently Neymar received a yellow card here. As far as I can work out the ball was in play when this happened? I can see three possible outcomes: - a caution...

The VC is an easy call, particularly once it goes to VAR. The HB however looks more complicated. On the front angle I can just about make out the ball hitting his upper arm, but from the back it looks more like his shoulder. I’m also not entirely convinced it’s deliberate either, looks more to...

I would like to see a few different angles of that handball. From what I briefly saw I can’t tell if it hit his arm, sleeve or chest.

How long is left is a pretty common question, from both players and managers. Often in youth football, managers are asking so they can ensure each player gets enough playing time. Whilst it isn’t your responsibility to manage this, if you are asked, wait for a break in play and let whoever...