RateTheRef

With the regular season over and just one match remaining, it is time, once again, to express thanks to aaa for his sterling work throughout the season in posting details of appointments. His work is invaluable - and much appreciated.

Thanks to all who keep the site functioning smoothly, to the officials who run the various leagues and especially to the volunteers whose hard work  keeps their clubs running.

Best wishes to referees at all levels for an enjoyable Summer. Come back refreshed and raring to go next season - and remember: JCFC knows nothing about refereeing, so you are always far better than he could ever have aspired to be.

JCFC - just a word of thanks for keeping us (me anyway) entertained with all your amusing antics travelling to and reporting on lower League matches which makes a refreshing change from Premiership etc - so well done and thank you

What is the point of giving Mr Klopp a two game ban and then suspending one till the end of next season - why? -absolutely ridiculous in my opinion - and will have little effect on future behaviour - surely at least they should have been two consecutive matches - by the time the end of next season cmes it will all be fogotten
I don't suppose the fine will be much of a hardship

He's been a Met Police officer for over 19 years and has worked in the following areas:

Response team police officer
Robbery cars
Youth violence team
Youth engagement team
Neighbourhood policing team
Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection.
Officer Safety Instructor.

I remember him being in the child violence team before AFCB's premier league days but whether that is still the case I have no idea. That is a very specialised role as is the DPG. DPG is also very hard to get into so if that is his current role he's certainly not going to give that up for a few years as a professional referee & it's not a role that can be done part time so he could juggle both.

Sorry to appear a bit confused with this but I thought referees at this level were full time which I assume means just that - so how is it possible for Mr Whitestone to be employed by The Met ? at the same time -I have obviously missed something - must be age!!!

Yes -sorry about this completely misread - my aplogies

I see Ms Welch is at Carlisle on Saturday, womens semi-final on Sunday and  Harrogate on Tuesday - would this be an acceptable programe or likely to be replaced for one of yhe fixtures?

I'm finding it increasingly depressing reading the reports of mainly premiership matches which seem to be about such things as 'was it offside,was it a penalty,did he handle,did he kick the opponent,did he abuse match official.and all the numerous other things thst crop up'
It seems to me  that the fun side of football is now missing - I used to go to a match and thoroughly enjoy the afternoon, more so if your team won - part of this fun included -comments about the referee performance etc. was quickly forgotten until the next match - and I suppose this still applies at lower level matches - but obviously the introduction of things such as VAR has meant that  it is now a different kind game at Premiership level than anywhere else - I know progress  is inevitable but if 2 matches were broadcast at the same time on free to watch TV - a Premiership  and a Conference game I know which one I would choose

According to an article in yesterdays I Paper 'We're running out of referees because of the abuse that they take' - 'desensitisation of referee abuse' is turning young officials away from the job so that 'the pool of new referees coming into the game is almost dry'
Very sad and disturbing if true
Is this really the true picture?