For Ref's Sake! - The podcast for football referees everywhere!

You might have heard of this young lad from Kingsthorpe. What a woderful chat we had for our season finale. We were so lucky to be joined once again by Big Dog Burtie! We chatted Cobblers, the Hoggmeister and the altitudes of the USA. What a wonderful discussion we had!See you next season!

It is cup final season and we are well into the thick of it so what we need to do is celebrate the work of the volunteers!We also look at the referee preparation for cup finals as well as discussing how Middlesbrough have reacted to 'Spygate!'We get deep into referee psyche. Have you ever had anxiety before a game that was so bad, you couldn't actually sleep? How do you prepare for a game in these circumstances?This and so much more on this week's podcast!

The second part of our interview is released in this bumper episode! How did this phenomenon start? What is the future for this? David Gerson fills us in on the exciting plans he has for the future. In addition to this, we catch up on all things football refereeing. How does a Fiat 500 feature in this episode and what are the thoughts around the West Ham VAR decision?Join us for this week's fun and games on the number one refereeing podcast!

This week we are joined by David Gerson who is the man behind Refsneedlovetoo. In the first part of our interview, we talk about how David got into refereeing and how he feels about the refereeing system in the USA. We discuss the fundamentals of refereeing and the differences between the UK and US systems. We had a wonderful chat and some great fun along the way. What is even better is that we even recorded a second part that will be released in 2 weeks!

How can football supporters expect consistency when players cannot deliver it? On this week's pod, we look at having empathy for the game and being flexible with our approach to the game based on the need of that particular match.We continue to discuss cup final season and discover what constitutes a difficult match. Is it dangerous to have pre-conceptions and do we need to stay true to our refereeing style.Should Gabriel have been sent off? We discuss this and how it could affect grassroots referees. A busy week on the pod!All this and more on this week's pod.

We all love refereeing right? What if refereeing was taken away from you and you could do onothing about it? What would you do? Would you just give up and accept it or chhose to fight? David Simpson chose to fight and continues to do so on a daily basis. David is now determined to get back onto the football pitch. Listen to this week's remarkable story where one man's dreams were paused as he battled against illness...

Whilst Luke was away on family duties, I was joined by James Campbell and Darrell Horner as we discussed all things refereeing. We talked about what refereeing talent looks like and why Level 5 can be a dangerous level. We also discuss 2nd yellows and how we can manage them better.We also introduce a new member of the FRS squad! Don't forget to follow us on the socials - see you next week!

It is cup final season and so we need to share our tips for preparing for the big game. We talk about the role of the 4th official and the importance of pre-match instructions.The usual shenanigans as Luke rants about something and Wayne discusses the need for the Cobblers to stop being rubbish.Thanks for the support everyone!

A lot of discussion this week around refereeing and the incidents from the weekend. How do you stay alert? How do you make a positive first impression? Do club marks mean anything and should those opinions always be valued?This week we dig into the grassroots game and consider how our approach can impact the 90 minutes ahead. As ever, the chat is honest and insightful and there is no mention of King Kev I promise!

Northants Referee Development Officer Olly Mackey joins us to discuss the Grassroots Awards where you can vote for those that you feel deserve recognition for their hard work.We discuss why the refereeing family deserve the plaudits for all of the hard work they do and how you can get involved!We also discuss the big games of the week and discuss big Kev and his shoes. DISCLAIMER: Recorded before King Kev got the bullet!

We have a brief look at the new proposed laws from IFAB and talk about how refereeing needs confidence and experience. We look at the big decisions from the weekend and Luke has a massive rant about something or other. Come and join us on this week's cracker of an episode.

As referees, we are often scrutinised and questioned around mistakes but how do we overcome them? Do we park them and move on or use them as a means of improvement? This week we talk about how we can bounce back and that sometimes mistakes are great for character development and resilience.Tune in this week as the boys are back talking all things refereeing!

We might as well jump on the bandwagon and discuss the MASSIVE talking point of the week. Should the goal have been given? Was it a worthy VAR intervention? Would you have given it at grassroots level? So many opinions so listen to the right ones this week!

This week we delve into the psyche of refereeing relationships and begin to understand the importance of creating positivity on the filed of play. How can positive relationships benefit our game and how can we use a script to make sure we are explaining ourselves efficiently? Tune into the pod to listen to this and much more. The lads also discuss all of the latest incidents from the weekend's games.

All the latest incidents from the weekend are discussed! Was it a penalty at Man City? Was Howard right to say the Dalot challenge was not a red card? How do we build confidence in your decisions through body language? Why is Kevin Nolan keeping his shoes on? All the latest chat and more!

A flippant nickname on TikTok but how did it come about and how has the bug of running now affected his refereeing? We are joined by Paul who is part of Lincolnshire FA. How did he get into refereeing and what are his aspirations for the future?

We delve deep into the psyche of football referees. What makes them want to be a referee and motivates them to continue? How do they hone their skills and what is it about mindset that keeps them strong in the heat of battle?Luke and Wayne also disagree about the FA Cup! Is it still a valued competition? Join us this week for more fun and games on the pod!

As a podcast that wants to improve referees, this week we ask the legendary Andy Woolmer what is needed on the refereeing journey? Is it all about law? How does match control impact it but most of all, what is meant by 'referee presence?' How can a referee improve their skillset whether they are starting out or moving into the professional game.

A wonderful episode to end the year. We talk VAR after a tough weekend for the officials and we ask Co-Pilot about the hosts. How much does AI know? A huge thank you to all of our guests in 2025. We will be back in 2026 with a fresh new look and even more wonderful guests!

This week we discuss all the big refereeing discussion points. Is football in crisis and how do we improve the discipline within it? How long can football absorb the discipline issues within it and the constant barrage of 'discussion' from the media?Is the NENE derby a terrible derby? And was Kevin Nolan right to call the Cobblers' red card 'ridiculous?'Join us once again for some fine refereeing debate on the number 1 refereeing podcast!

What made Kieran Clarke step into refereeing? This week we talk to Kieran about his career in football and why he has given up playing to continue with the whistle.We also discuss why Wayne had 'beef' this week and discuss all of the other hot topics around football refereeing. Thanks to you all who are listening to us on a weekly basis!

It was with great sadness that we learned this week of the sad passing of a Northamptonshire footballing stalwart - Richard Wilson.In this episode we celebrate the impact that Richard had on local football. Always good for a quick-witted remark and a man who always had a smile, Northants football will miss Richard immensely.We also talk about all the latest incidents of the weekend! Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

In this episode we talk to the one and only Stuart Burt who celebrated his 500th Premier League appearance at the weekend. What a phenomenal achievement!Our congratulations go to Stuart on this incredible feat - a lot of hard work dedication and resilience in shared with the listeners.Tune in to hear more!

It was wonderful to get to meet Nathan Mattick on our show. Nathan can be seen on TikTok and it's there that we learnt that he is the UK's first wheelchair user to have qualified as a football referee. Listen to Nathan's inspiring story on our show this week. In other news, we discuss player management and question whether the sinbin rule in the UK is a help or a hindrance. Has this detracted from how referees communicate with players or could this be seen as a deflection from the poor behaviour of some players.We also discuss the term 'it's part of the game' and get a bit ranty!

On this week's episode, we look into what is foul and abusive language. How can we manage those situations and are there tools we can use to prevent this occurring?We also look into how we can enhance our match control. When does it start and how can we maintain in during the game.We also look into the incidents from the weekend with a focus on whether the Liverpool 'goal' should have stood! What are your thoughts?

With Luke otherwise engaged, we turn to Gav Mack as we talk all things football refereeing this week. We discuss the need for good communication, effective talk and also discuss why Gav is taking a break from football.How can we improve behaviour in football or has it now gone too far? Is there a way where the 'football family' can come together to solve the issues within it? As ever, let us know in the comments what you think!

Children often follow in their parent's footsteps but this time it is the other way around. So why did Claire Paye take up the whistle? In this episode, Claire talks about the progression she has made from being terrified in an under 9s match to stepping up to level 5. She talks about how she is perceived as a female referee. A refreshing and insightful chat as ever!

We were so happy to have Mike from the Referee Circle back with us this week. Mike has recently returned from an injury and he talks about his rehab and how he is rebuilding his fitness. Lots of good chat in this episode about consistency and how it is so difficult to achieve.

FA CORE co-regional leader James 'Slim' Campbell joins us this week. He talks us through the changes to FA CORE and the extension of certain areas of the group. He also discusses the management of the game itself and how we can get the enjoyment factor back.As ever, it was an enjoyable chat and gave us lots of food for thought. Let us know what you think by sharing your thoughts on our socials.

Like many young referees, Lucas Brace was a player and earning a bit of cash as a hobby. Upon reaching 16, he hung up the playing boots taking the brave step into adult refereeing.Lucas talks about the challenges and the realistic goals he has set himself. A lovely episode to hear from a young referee talk so well. Luke and Wayne also discuss the quality of ginger referees in the County and all the latest talking points!

Andy Woolmer officiated 500 Football League games so what now motivates him to want to give back to the local game? What does he have to do to maintain the levels of professionalism he has become accustomed to? Find out in this episode - it's a great welcome back!

The boys are back in town! You might have doubted us but the best refereeing podcast on this planet is back with more fun, games and debate throughout the season! Follow us on all the social media channels and we look forward to interacting with you over the course of the season! Let's GOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Join us for a Summer bonus episode as we are joined by the co-founder of THE REF STOP! Dale Wilson is not only an active official but he has created a brand that is making massive strides in the world of refereeing. Find out all their plans in this episode and how the Ref Stop came to be!

In this wonderful episode, we get to find out what it is like to referee an FA Cup final! From the performances leading up to the appointment, to receiving the phone call, to preparing for the game and the build-up, we hear it all. We also discuss the VAR and penalty decision but also think deeply about confidence and the pressure of getting the decisions right. A brilliant end to the season - thank you to you all for continuing to listen to our podcast. See you later in the Summer ;)

The penultimate episode of the series and we are pleased to have Stuart Burt back. He talks about his upcoming appointment to the FIFA Club World Cup and the season he has had. He also talks about the pride of officiating in a match with his daughter and his role as a coach in local grassroots football. Once again we thank Stu for his time at the end of a busy season.

We had a great chat with Phoebe again as she continues to make huge strides in the women's game. We talk about the resilience to come back from injury and how a trip to Florida made her even hungrier for reaching the top of the game. We talk about her recent trip to Stamford Bridge and her pride at seeing her good friend and colleague Stacey reach the top of the domestic game.

This week we speak to Ron James. Ron has had a long and varied career in football starting from a playing career, refereeing and administration in football. Ron is well-known in local footballing circles and is definitely a character! However, Ron is also passionate about referee development and protecting the key stakeholders in the game. Make sur e you tune in!

A good chat this week about the transition to refereeing from playing. What is the attraction? Is there one? Where is the next generation of referees coming from for adult football and does social media have a part to play?

This week we are joined by Ryan Eldred - we discuss how self-reflection is important in refereeing and how we need to dig deep sometimes to show resilience. We talk about our approach to refereeing and how this is impacted by the level of the game and the expectations of the key stakeholders in the game. A very interesting episode.

On this week's episode, we talk to local footballing legend Charlie Fleming. He talks about football in the 80s and how he feels it has changed over time. He talks about how refereeing has changed and the changes he feels should be made.As usual, we also talk all the latest issues and see if Luke has recovered from his injury! We also discuss outside interference. Another great episode.

Sunday 17th November 2024 and Rob is refereeing a game between Northants All Stars and Northampton Exiles in the Nene League. He hasn't been feeling well. The next thing he remembers is waking up surrounded by strangers. Thanks to the expertise of a local healthcare professional, Rob was put into an ambulance and taken to hospital. That was his battle commencing to get back to refereeing but this wasn't the first battle Rob had faced in his life.In this episode we discuss mental health and how refereeing has had a huge impact on Rob's life. A fascinating and often thought-provoking episode. The episode highlights the importance of talking and the bravery shown throughout is a superb listen.

This week, during the international break, we are joined by Liam Bailey-Shaw. He tells us why he has been impressed by the influx of young referees in the County this season and makes us howl with one of the greatest refereeing stories we have heard for a long time! Make sure you give us a listen!

Delving back into the grassroots game, we talk to David Evans. Not only is David a newly-promoted referee operating at Level 4, but he also has vast experience in managing a team, refereeing rugby and is now also mentoring his son who has recently taken up the whistle.We also chat about all the latest debate around refereeing! Don't forget to subscribe to our socials and give us a follow!

Eric Edge was an academy goalkeeper whose career took him to America. He continued playing at a semi-professional level in England before deciding to take up the whistle but what made him make that decision?We chat to Eric about the challenges of a move into officiating along his hobby of documenting much of his work on social media. Eric has his own pages on YouTube and Instagram and shares his thoughts about social media.As usual, we talk referee development and all about the latest goings-on in the world of football.

This week's special guest is the 'Grassroots Guy' himself Rohan Anund. His team have developed the wonderful app called Centre Circle which has revolutionised referee appointing and support.We talk all about how the app was started, developed and what it has in store for us in the future. Rohan talks all about his love for football and how his passion for grassroots football drives him to ensure the app continues to grow and create success.As usual, we have chat all about the latest refereeing decisions and some development advice around positioning and dissent.

Some brilliant discussion this week. Are we in an observer crisis? Is the future, talent identification? James 'Slim' Campbell is Regional Co-ordinator for CORE and a former observer. He talks candidly about his love of the game, love of refereeing and what he would have done differently if he had been coaching himself.

Legend is a name given to many these days but in this case it is richly deserved. This week we are joined by Bryan Lewin MBE. Bryan has spent a lifetime in football from playing and coaching, to secretarial work to his current position as a Director at the NFA.Join us as we also discuss all of the latest refereeing news and views including the Michael Oliver incident in the Merseyside Derby.

Krister Halvorsen touches down this week (see what I did there?) as he talks all things American Football. Krister started out as a football referee before being invited to watch some training of the American Football game.Fast forward a few years, and a Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium appearance later and he educates Wayne and Luke all about the game!The boys also talk about all of the latest incidents and Wayne has a rant about hoovers of all things! He also dedicates a special section to Kyle...

Join us once again for our 93rd episode of the podcast where we are joined by Stuart Lathan. Stuart has not only had success in refereeing but was also a successful manager and coach in local football before he made the jump into officiating. Controversial at times, Stuart gives us his honest opinions on refereeing and why he feels that Sunday football is a struggle.

We were privileged to be joined by SETH GALIA, the newest FIFA referee on our live episode this week. We spoke about his journey to the top and the challenges he faced along the way. We were also joined by our regular panel guest MIKE from the Referee Circle and by ELIOT from Whistlestopfooty. We discussed all the latest controversial topics including the red card from the Arsenal v Wolves game.