Football Referees: The Men In The Middle - 2015

Copyright - Nottingham Trent University 2015

Being a football referee is probably one of the hardest jobs out there. At the top of the game, they are subject to intense scrutiny and criticism and at grassroots; abuse is a very big problem.

Football Refereeing became professional in 2001 and saw plenty of success in the English game. This success resulted in the 2010 World Cup Final being officiated by Howard Webb, England’s best referee of modern times.

However, this season, (the 2014-15 Premier League season), there have been some high profile errors and mistakes by referees, casting the standards of officials into doubt.

The latest figures released from the Football Association show that approximately seven thousand qualified referees are quitting the game every year. A huge problem and worrying stat for the future of referees and grassroots football.

This ten-minute documentary looks into the problems that have arisen this season and at the promotion structure of referees known as the ‘pyramid’ to see how local county associations are trying to tackle this on-going problem.

The documentary highlights the Hertfordshire FA’s work in their county that is unique to any in the country. They are working specifically to develop referees at all levels of their career – a project that looks to create a sustainable route to the professional leagues.

You’ll hear from respected names in English football such as Keith Hackett, the former Director of the Professional Match Game Officials Board and a former Premier League referee. Also from Phil Sharp, a former FIFA official who was the assistant referee in the World Cup Final 2002.