I'm 47, done four full seasons, started out in youth footy, didn't bother with promotion to begin with, went 7-6, 6-5, passed fitness test, now 5-to-4 in front of paying spectators, enjoying the game, no clue where I'll end up or draw the line, may prefer observing/mentoring in the long run, keeps me out the pub, massive personal development along the way, don't mind being shouted at... it's whatever you make it
Did you start solely with youth and then move into OA or did you have a mix? If you started in youth, at what point did you feel confident to make a move to OA?
This has given me a great boost I’m 38 and just getting started and I really want to give this my best shot and see how far I can go
I focused on youth football for 6 months or so. My boys play, so it was the natural avenue for me. I think a few months of U15,16,18's was useful in terms of exploring the basic skills needed. It's an individual thing ultimately
You have the benefit of a whole load of life experience which a newly qualified referee who is 30 years younger doesn’t have, use that to your advantage. Depending on how far you want to progress in the game fitness is key as well.
Well I am 71 and do two games every Sunday albeit under 11-12s and I do girls u16s 40 each way with no problem I do not smoke or drink which I think must help ?
) and it’s a privilege. To be involved in football of that quality, with a few names on the sidelines, amazing young refs - and get paid to do it - amazing.
Great advice. Thank you.I started at 39, just turned 48. Being able to run will help. After a couple of years I was doing so many matches I ran myself fit - but I also got help to learn to run and not get hurt!
Work as AR in a three. A million times yes. Yes, it’s the only shortcut. Yes, it’s the way to learn from much better referees. And yes, if you are lucky, for amazing matches. I get to work as AR with the best U17s in the country (different country
But take it one step at a time. There’s loads to learn, there will be very hard matches and doubts. If you get intojust keep doing games, ask for more, ask to AR, ask sensible questions.
As late starters we don’t have access to the same training opportunities as the under 25s - and in my part of the world promotion comes much harder for us - but I do enjoy working with all kinds - and my lord I promise to keep pushing them!
Good luck!
Good luck to you and well done. 
I was in my mid 30s when I started refereeing and did it for 10 years. Enjoyed it most of the time and my only regret was not starting when I was much younger and fitter. Past serious knee and ankle injuries made post match recovery harder before finally getting the better of me. Would love to still be in the middle on Sundays, but my body just can't handle the punishment anymore.
