Portsmouth RS Referee Profile - Simon Skinner

April's Portsmouth RS Referee Profile looks at one of our younger members who recently attained his level 5 status and awaits his first Hampshire Premier League and Combination middles next season. Starting his referee career at the tender age of 14 Simon has climbed up the levels. He has built up an impressive CV of lining experience having assisted on the FA Premier Academy League, FA Vase and FA Youth Cup matches - he has also been appointed to this season's PFA Saturday Senior Cup Final as an assistant referee.

Occupation: Student

Which Football Team (if any) do you support? Pompey

Did you play football at any level before commencing your career as a referee? Please give details of who you played for or still play for.

I played football for 8 years at AFC Portchester and Fareham Town.

Were you ever cautioned or sent-off by another referee whilst you were a player? (If yes please give details including)

I don’t remember getting a warning from a referee let alone a yellow or red card. I was a quiet and fairly honest (but rubbish) player!

How did you get introduced into refereeing?

I realised at 14 I wasn’t going anywhere with playing and decided to referee without much influence from others. I suggested to my parents that it would be interesting to referee. They said it was a fantastic idea and with their support I did a course.

Refereeing Career History (eg Leagues, Appointments etc)

I did a year and a half of youth football and just after I turned 16 I gave men’s football a shot. I am in my second season of local football and assist the Wessex League. Next season I will hopefully be refereeing the Wessex League and Hampshire Premier League. I have had FA Vase, FA Youth Cup games and 2 Hampshire Cup finals so far in my career.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

My career highlight is probably my promotion to level 5 but equally my appointment to the PFA Senior Cup Final as assistant to Mick Foster.

What is the best game you have officiated and why?

My best game ever has got to be acting assistant for Portsmouth U-18 against Arsenal U-18. The quality of football was superb and it tested my concentration throughout.

What would you consider are the biggest games you have Refereed and Assisted at?

I would have to say the FA Vase and Hampshire Cup Finals.

What are you aims and short and long-term goals as a Referee?

Short term I would like to get to level 4. Long term I would like to get as far as my ability takes me and one day I would love to somehow be involved in professional football.

Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?

Quite a few have influenced my career. Those include Mike Desborough (For showing me how to be such a good assistant!), Gary Pratt, Chris Bagnall, Dan Berry, Alan Robinson and Ash Potter (for getting me through my promotion seasons). There are many other referees and people but most importantly my Dad for helping me get through some tough times and for always being there.

In your opinion who is the best Referee from the National & Select Group List of Referees?

It’s got to be Mike Dean!

Who do you think is the best referee you have ever seen?

Again it has to be Mike Dean.

In your opinion who is currently the best referee from the Portsmouth Society? (apart from yourself of course!)

I have not seen all of you referee yet but of those I have seen I’ll have to say Dan Berry.

Which other Referees do you most enjoy working with on matches from the Portsmouth Society?

Andy Dine, Tony Foster, Chris Bagnall, Gary Pratt, Mike Desborough and Mike Bradshaw

What advice would you give to our new and young Referees from the Portsmouth Society?

Talk to as many other referees as you can. Don’t be afraid of taking the jump to men’s football. Plus be as confident as you can because players will react well to it at all levels.

If any, what laws would you change in football which you think would improve the game?

The game doesn’t need changing.

What is the funniest incident you can recall at a football match that you officiated at?

This has to be a line at AFC Portchester where I was tripped up by a player. I still flagged for a throw despite being on my backside at the time.

Are you in favour of any Video Technology at the higher levels of the game and if so to what degree?

I’m in favour of goal line technology. However if we have more technology to help big decisions then it would be questioning all referees ability to make correct calls.

Can you recall having any "nightmares" and if so can you describe them?

Giving a penalty but for the decision then to be overruled by the referee. Five minutes later the referee then overruled me on an offside that led to a goal. It was a tough situation to be in for the rest of the game.

Since Assessment marks were disclosed to Referees what is the highest mark you have been awarded as a Referee? (Include Match if you can recall it)

At my levels I have not been allowed to know my exact assessment marks. However I believe I got a very good mark from Ash Potter for my 6-5 promotion.

Thanks to Dean Treleaven for providing profile and of course to Simon Skinner.