How did you become involved in football and when?
In a time long, long ago and in a distant county I played for a youth football club. Our coach, a wise old boy, was also a referee and he “encouraged" a few of us to take the referees course, mainly as we were right old moaners, and this we did.
When the time came to depart the club I decided to have a crack at this refereeing. Now I was never much good but I did have a great time; and more so when red and yellow cards came along!
As time went on I got involved with training new referees, running the local referees' society, running a local charity cup competition, and being a member of the County FA.
What is your greatest achievement in football?
Well as a referee there were a number of memorable “cock ups”; but I never really noticed them. Others did though!
But I made it through to the National List of Officials as an assistant referee, had a great time, and ran the line on a couple of big Wembley games and an International in Germany. I got through a number of big non league games as a referee without causing too much trouble as well; well I thought I did.
As a referee training officer I’m now classed as a senior referee training officer and as there are only around 6 of us in the country I’m quite proud of that achievement too, a scarce resource! The scarcer the better some say.
What do you most enjoy about your role at the Cambs FA?
The way we all get along, that’s those in the office, in the clubs, and in schools and with other partners; working together to encourage and support our sport in the county. It’s really good to see the fun and enjoyment we all get from it; even if there is a bit of bother sometimes.
And what is the greatest challenge in your work?
Football can help keep us all fit and healthy, and give us a lot of interest and enjoyment. But we rely upon people giving their time for little recognition to run clubs and keep the organisation of football going. I think that encouraging these and fresh people to give their time and of themselves is one of the major challenges we face; but there are others and we need to keep the ball rolling across them all.
Your favourite team?
All the local clubs are number one. Other than this, it’s Arsenal of course!
contact Jim