The Referees World Podcast offers education and training for football referees of all levels. You can listen to our weekly podcast every Friday from 5pm by subscribing on the website or by searching Spotify & Apple Podcasts.
In this episode, Darren and Rich discuss yellow cards, footballers socks and what your course of action should be as a referee, if you are accused of being a racist.
yellow cards
socks
racism
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In this episode, Darren & Rich continue their chat with Ron Groves who shares his views on the modern game and tells us how much he used to earn on a game!
Ron has just had his book published and it is called ‘Cowfield to Anfield’ and if you would like a copy contact us here at the Referees World Podcast and we will pass on your details to Ron.
Arsenal 1-1 QPR, League Division One match action, Highbury, Saturday 17th August 1991, Les Ferdinand with Referee Ron Groves. . Image supplied by Memory Lane Prints
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In this episode, Darren & Rich talk to Ex-Premier League referee Ron Groves who shares some wonderful stories and gives his new book a quick plug!
Ron has just had his book published and it is called ‘Cowfield to Anfield’ and if you would like a copy, contact us here at the Referees World Podcast and we will pass on your details to Ron.
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In this episode, Darren & Rich discuss Rich’s new role as Technical Manager – Referees with the United Arab Emirates FA!
The press release which was sent out on July 5th 2021 reads as follows:
As part of the efforts to improve referees’ performance, UAE Football Association has appointed Mr. Lee Probert as Director of Refereeing department, and Richard Melinn as technical manager.
The new Director, Lee Probert was appointed for his vast experience in the field of refereeing that extends for over 20 years working within FIFA, FA Premier League and EFL Leagues. Lee joined the elite referees in the English Premier League in 2007. During his career, Lee took charge of many significant matches such as the FA Cup final in 2014.
As with the second appointment, Richard Melinn is now the new technical manager of the Refereeing department. Richard is one of the distinctive specialists in this field having served as a Regional Referee Development and Training Officer.
The UAE FA Board Member and the head of Referees Committee, Salem Ali Al Shamsi, explained that the appointment of Lee Probert and Richard Melinn is part of the plan aiming the development of referees locally and regionally where the foreign expertise serves the purpose of improving the referees capabilities and skills.
He said: “the appointment of the Refereeing department director and technical manager comes from their vast and rich expertise. We hope that our referees will benefit from the new appointments and enhance their skills and performances, as the UAE FA has complete faith in all our national match officials”.
The UAE FA have made big positive strides to reshape football with the unveiling of the strategic launch of the new UAE FA 2038 vision, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.
Mohammed Hazzam Al Dhaheri, General Secretary of the UAE FA welcomed the duo ahead of their new mandate and wished them the best of luck.
Lee Probert and Richard Melinn follow the recent appointment of Omar Yabroudi as Deputy General Secretary of Technical Affairs.
Omar, who is also known as the first and only Emirati working in the Premier League previously served as Crystal Palace’s recruitment manager and right hand to current sporting director Dougie Freedman.
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In this episode, Darren & Rich discuss the first game back in 2021 following the easing of recent lockdown restrictions.
Or should we say, Rich picks holes in Darren’s game!
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In this episode, Darren & Rich are interviewed by student, Sam Stone about the effects of referee decisions in empty stadiums.
Student Sam Stone interviews Darren & Rich
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In this episode, Darren & Rich talk to a former prisoner from Plymouth who has used refereeing to turn his life around.
Ali Turner is affiliated with Devon FA became Match Official of the year 2019!
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In this episode, Darren & Rich do a little bit of ‘role play’ to refresh our memories on pre-match instructions with club assistants.
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In this episode, Darren & Rich talk to openly gay referee, Ryan Atkin.
An inspirational discussion from a referee who describes the challenges he has faced in football and how his life changed by coming out back in 2017.
As he says: “I am not a gay referee, I am a referee who just happens to be gay”
Did you miss the last episode of The Referees World Podcast? Click on the link below at the bottom of this page or search Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & Spotify.
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In this episode, Darren & Rich talk to Nathan Sherratt from The Third Team.
Nathan is a Mental Health Ambassador and Speaker, supporting referees by making them aware of all things related to resilience and mental toughness to enhance their performance.
In addition, he works with schools, colleges, universities and in industry communicating similar messages through the vehicle of refereeing.
Did you miss the last episode of The Referees World Podcast? Click on the link below at the bottom of this page or search Apple Podcasts. Google Podcasts & Spotify.
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In this episode, Darren & Rich go back to basics and talk to each other again!
Over recent episodes, there have been various guests but let’s not forget how the podcast started life 10 years ago.
With Darren as the ‘active’ referee and Rich, who is a bit like Yoda in his role (and looks!) discussing how football may be moving forward.
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In this episode, Darren & Rich talk to Jan Ter Hamsel from the Dutch Referee Blog
Jan has been following The Referees World Podcast since we launched it 10 years ago and has also been running his own very successful blog in the Netherlands.
In this really interesting chat, you will find out how the sin bin is executed in Holland along with the approach to the game and Jan tells us about the success of his blog.
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Retired Premier League assistant referee Andy Garratt: Part 2 of 2
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In this episode, Darren & Rich talk to former Premier League assistant referee, Andy Garratt in the 2nd of 2 instalments.
Andy talks about a few of his ‘firsts’, some interesting ways of practicing flag techniques and the longest 37 seconds of his life!
Also, Andy explains what it was like to be an official on quite possibly the greatest game in the history of the Premiership:
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Retired Premier League assistant referee Andy Garratt: Part 1 of 2
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In this episode, Darren & Rich talk to former Premier League assistant referee, Andy Garratt in the 1st of 2 instalments.
Andy talks about how it all started for him, his career and which clubs he used to love going to the most.
If you don’t know which one Andy is in the photo, he is the tallest of the 3 officials!
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In this episode, Darren & Rich talk to former Premier League referee, Lee Probert in the final part of three installments.
In part 1, Lee talks about how he became a referee and one of his biggest learning curves as he started to progress through the ranks and on this episode we here about his first league game which includes an AMAZING pre match – match incident! Click here to listen again.
In part 2, we heard about his first league game which includes an AMAZING pre match – match incident. Click here to listen again. In this episode we learn of ANOTHER priceless matchday incident along with his experience of the FA Cup Final in 2014.
Did you miss the last episode of The Referees World Podcast? Click on the link below at the bottom of this page or search Apple Podcasts. Google Podcasts & Spotify.
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In this episode, Darren & Rich talk to former Premier League referee, Lee Probert in the second of three installments.
In part 1, Lee talks about how he became a referee and one of his biggest learning curves as he started to progress through the ranks and on this episode we here about his first league game which includes an AMAZING pre match – match incident!
Lee also tells us about a typical weeks training schedule for a referee in the premier league.
Did you miss the last episode of The Referees World Podcast? Click on the link below at the bottom of this page or search Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
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In this episode, Darren & Rich discuss pre-match superstitions!
Sportspeople can be a superstitious bunch, following certain processes in the hope of bringing even the slightest bit of good fortune. Referees are no different.
Jose Carlos Rivero is one of those. If you’ve been to or watched a game involving Rivero, you may have noticed his pre-match ritual.
When taking to the field to officiate, he will always kiss the ball!
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In this episode, Darren & Rich talk to L6 referee, Rob McDonald about the challenges he has faced as a new referee and gives us a review of the St Georges Park training camp which was hosted by Par4 Sports.
Rob McDonald is the AR shaking the hand of the player.
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In this episode, Darren & Rich discuss ‘Man Management’ techniques during a game. Sometimes, it can be more effective to ‘manage’ a game or certain players in order to protect your own profile.
Here is the Referees World Podcast 8 Steps to Manage:
Appear confident in whatever decisions you make.
Be a good listener.
Be a good communicator.
Be aware of the key players.
Learn how to read players’ reactions.
Know all you can about the two teams and the game you are about to referee.
Have an effective pre-match.
Get something for your discipline.
There are by far many more techniques and if you would like to add to the list and share YOUR style of refereeing, we would love to hear from you!
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In this episode, Darren & Rich pick up after the previous episode to finish off their discussion about pitch inspections and then move on to ‘playing the advantage’.
The referee allows play to continue when an offence occurs and the non-offending team will benefit from the advantage and penalises the offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time or within a few seconds.
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In this episode, Darren and Rich discuss pitch inspections. This can put the pressure on a referee who may need to make a decision at the very last minute.
Caution techniques and where do you keep your cards?
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In this episode, Darren and Rich discuss techniques on how to caution a player effectively and where is the best place to keep your cards during a game?
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In this episode, Darren & Rich discuss the inconsistencies of VAR
VAR in football means Video Assistant Referees and whether you love them or hate them, they are here to stay.
We have been contacted by a number of refereeing colleagues in recent weeks to throw this open as a topic of discussion, so hopefully, many of your questions will be answered.
Did you miss the last episode of The Referees World Podcast? Click on the link at the bottom of this page or search Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
In this episode, Rich has made some notes whilst observing Darren at a recent game so, they discuss a drop ball restart; free kick positioning and the ‘Happy Half’!
Did you miss the last episode of The Referees World Podcast? Click on the link at the bottom of this page or search Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
Are you familiar with the changes in some of the laws of the game?
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In this episode, Darren and Rich discuss changes in some of the laws of the game including the controversial handball change and the restart if the ball hits the referee.
Did you miss the last episode of The Referees World Podcast? Click on the link below at the bottom of this page or search Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast! All you need to do is add your email address to the box on THIS page and you can join the many other referees doing it as shown in this short video:
It’s been 4 years since the last episode of the Referees World Podcast but Darren & Rich are now back on the case!
In this episode, the boys discuss the reasons why they disappeared; there is a little bit of commentary on Darren’s 1st game back and the ‘Sin Bin’ is discussed in detail.
Don’t forget to post and share with your refereeing colleagues around the world!
In this episode, Darren & Rich continue their conversation with Howard Webb.
This is part 2 of the interview (recorded on 4th Feb 2016) in which he talks about his early refereeing days, key influences in his career and the rise to the World Cup Final in 2010.
Did you miss the last episode of The Referees World Podcast? Click on the link below at the bottom of this page or search Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & Spotify.
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In this episode, Darren & Rich talk to Howard Webb, arguably one of the worlds greatest referees.
This is part 1 of 2 episodes (recorded on 4th Feb 2016) in which he talks about his early refereeing days, key influences in his career and the rise to the World Cup Final in 2010.
Did you miss the last episode of The Referees World Podcast? Click on the link below at the bottom of this page or search Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & Spotify.
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In this episode: Darren & Rich talk to ‘poacher come game keeper’ Martin Underhay who is affiliated with Dorset FA.
Martin played a good standard of football in the Western League, spending time at many clubs across the South West and is now refereeing at the same level.
Did you miss the last episode of The Referees World Podcast? Click on the link below at the bottom of this page or search Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & Spotify.
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In this episode, Darren & Rich give the answer to our recent competition, discuss winter pitch inspections and our special guest speaker, is Eddie Hughes.
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In this episode, Darren & Rich talk to Tim Lawrence, the RDO of Surrey FA who has some very exciting news about the progression of referees in the future!
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In this episode, Darren & Rich discuss the interpretation of law 11 (offside) following the recent changes and ask the question, what makes a good referee?
Did you miss the last episode of The Referees World Podcast? Click on the link below at the bottom of this page or search Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts & Spotify.
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In this episode: Listen to the commentary by Richard Melinn on the game featured in the previous episode – Taunton Town v Chard U18’s in the Somerset Floodlit League.
In this episode: Darren & Rich pay tribute to the late Keith Buller, Somerset FA R.D.O who sadly passed away recently and take a look at the demands of the modern day referee.
In this episode: Darren & Rich discuss whether or not Wayne Rooney was actually offside in a recent FA Cup game against Preston North End (view highlights by clicking HERE) and have a chat about EX Premiership referees and their roles in media.
In this episode: Darren & Rich talk about the Dallas Cup and congratulate the L4 Referees chosen to represent the UK at this years tournament along with an in depth discussion about kit colours worn by officials (remember THIS?).
In this episode: Darren and Rich talk to Arran Williams, secretary of Halifax R.A. about the secret of their success.
Don’t forget, if you represent a local R.A. either in the UK or indeed anywhere around the world, we would love to here from you and find out what you are doing to encourage retention and education of referees of all levels.
In this episode – Darren and Rich have the results to our recent website survey about who is having the best season so far, Rich discusses a game he assessed recently with a minimal amount of free kicks and what do you do if a layer pulls down your shorts?
In this episode – Darren & Rich have an in depth conversation with Barry Rowson from Stockport RA about their success and how they achieved such great attendance figures at the monthly meetings.
You can get in touch direct through their website by clicking HERE.
In this episode: Darren is refereeing a pre season game between Minehead (Somerset County Prem) and Wellington (Toolstation Western League). Rich is commentating on Darren’s performance.
In this episode: Darren & Rich discuss disappointment whilst out on location and talk to a L3 referee who was relegated to a L4 as well as loosing position as a national list assistant.
In this episode – Darren & Rich go through some basic training, read out a load of the tweets you sent whilst we recorded the episode and have a great match incident to learn from!
In this episode – Darren & Rich answer talk about healthy eating & drinking plus, a more in-depth look at when a DOGSO is definately justified as well as a few congratulations!
In this episode – we talk to a newly promoted level 4 about how the start of the new season is going for him and discuss any possible tax implications of expenses for referees.
In this episode Darren & Rich reveal details about their absence for that last few months, discuss assaults on referees and have a cracking M.I. to get to the bottom of!
In this episode – Some advice for new referees from the management team at the FA, we discuss abondonment, hairclips and handball honesty from players PLUS how do you deal with facelicking!
In this episode, Darren & Rich pay tribute to Jack Taylor who was in charge of the World Cup Final in 1974, discuss the latest from UEFA including whether or not EXTRA officials by the goal has been a success or not and discuss game abandonment.
In this episode – Part 2 of a 2 part episode where we were invited by the Football Association to attend the Young Referees Development Plan to talk to the attendees, gust speakers and tutors.
In this episode – Part 1 of a 2 part episode where we were invited by the Football Association to attend the Young Referees Development Plan to talk to the attendees, guest speakers and tutors.
In this episode – ‘Dealing With Disappointment’. Darren talks openly about how he felt on not achieving level 4 status & we have an exclusive interview with a Frome based referee who has lost his level 3 status. Find out what both had to say and how they plan to deal with it in this pre-season episode.
In this episode – we talk exclusively to Senior National Game Referee Manager Ian Blanchard. Rich & I were invited to Wembley the day before the FA Cup final between Chelsea & Liverpool (which was obviously very exciting – kids in sweet shops) to talk to the man at the top about mentoring, advice & tips for new referees. We discuss the national referee development plan and tells us about a match incident involving Alan Shearer!
In this episode – we will hear from a regular listener to the podcast called FEZ who has written a book, we take a look at who the world’s best referees are in the F.I.F.A. rankings and dip into an old assessment of mine!
In this episode – Darren & Rich feature the Respect Programme which includes various high profile incidents, flopping and a chat with Brendan Dix & Rachael Edwards from Somerset FA’s Respect Team
In this episode – we start by answering a few of your questions, discuss the benefits of having a mentor, how to deal with a bad assessment & which referee past or present would you like to see on Strictly Come Dancing!
In this episode – Rich has an in depth conversation with FA Qualified Physio of treatment and management of sports injuries, Dave Callow, about the importance of personal prep for a game. Dave played football at senior county level before moving into the medical side of the game and doing his time at Bristol City and currently at Weston Super Mare. There’s some really interesting stuff including the importance of a good diet, training, types of injuries for both players & referees and how to treat them and a few things you probably do and take for granted without realising the negative effects. By that I mean high caffeine drinks & injury sprays . . .
In this episode – Darren & Richard discuss the wearing of spectacles, pitch inspections as the winter months approach and which former international referee dismisses the use of goal line technology?!
In this episode – questions answered about the use of hearing aids on the F.O.P. we talk to a Canadian refereeing instructor and ‘test drive’ a whistle with the chance for you to win one!
In this episode – Rich talks to Somerset FA Cheif Exec Jon Pike & Referee Development Officer Keith Buller about how a typical County FA would run, the national game strategy & the consequences for referees who fail to send in reports!
In this episode – Rich talks to Somerset FA Cheif Exec Jon Pike & Referee Development Officer Keith Buller about how a typical County FA would run, the national game strategy & the consequences for referees who fail to send in reports!
In this episode – in this months episode, Rich tells us about his recent trip to America to represent the FA at the Dallas Cup. A pre-match warm up, ‘Premiership’ style courtesy of Lee Proburt and Special guest speaker is Roger Milford . . . AGAIN (we can’t shut him up!) who gives an insight to being an FA Cup Final referee and talks candidly about his experience.
In this episode – we talk in depth to a Carling Cup Final Official who tells us about the experience of being at Wembly. Plum appointments announced & we discuss about ‘credible’ decisions.
In this episode – our guest speaker is the National Referee Manager for Training & Education, Janie Frampton. A review by Richard of one of Darrens recent games and a great response from a select group assistant referee who was named and shamed last month!
In this episode – we pay tribute to Don Milverton who sadly passed away recently. We ‘name and shame’ a Premiership Assistant Referee from Weston & our special guest is the Silver Fox – Roger Milford!
