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

An unexpected email changed Imy Gates' life forever. She was a footballer playing at a good level when the opportunity to become a match official came about. Two years later and Imy has her sights on the top levels of the female game. A self-confessed 'physical centre-half' she talks with enthusiasm about her future goals and how playing has helped support her refereeing.

This week we had young referee Brooklyn on our podcast who at the age of 17 is already loving his refereeing experience. Based in Northern Ireland, he talks to us about short time in the National Referee Academy, his time at the Iber Cup and his hopes for the future. We also discuss the key talking points of the week. Should Bergvall have been sent off? Were Arsenal lucky to get a penalty? What di...

Another friend from the world of social media joins us this week! Whistlestopfooty talks to us about his journey into refereeing and his work in America. We discuss all the latest incidents from the weekend's games and talk about pitch inspections following a cold and wet January weekend! Make sure to come and join us!

We had a lot of fun recording our live episode with some great guests. We had Mike from The Referee Circle and Martyn Gospel who is a great guy! We also chatted to Burtie who is a huge supporter of our podcast. Have a listen back.

Steve Ross, an ex-Lincolnshire FA referee was flying through the system. He reached the National League of referees and was going places. The next place he went was Cyprus and that was the end of his refereeing career at the top level. Does he regret it? What were the career highs and lows? Find out in this week's episode.

Ref Dad joins us on this week's podcast! Following a career in coaching, which took him to America, he came back and realised that coaching was no longer for him. This has led to a career in refereeing and a 10 year plan but what does this entail? Have a listen to this week's episode and let us know what you think!

In this week's episode, I talk to Shaun Barry about his career in football. Shaun was a grassroots player who, by his own admission, was a bit of a hatchet man kicking anything that moved. In his own words, he spent more time suspended than he did playing. How did he make the transition from player to referee? Find out in this week's episode.

What is in a referee mindset? What are the small changes you can make to move up to the next level or move up within a level? We talk to Aaron Lloyd about the changes he has made since being on FA CORE and since starting as a young referee. We are joined by Alex Compton on the quiz too. Can he move up the ladder?

Our international podcast is back and this week we go Stateside to Illinois as we are joined by Mike from The Refereeing Circle! We have a wonderful chat as we compare the systems in America to those in the UK. Adam O'Connor joins us on the quiz. Can he climb up the leaderboard?

This week we are joined by the Nene League's Matt Hurst. Matt is Secretary, Referee Appointment Officer and even runs his own team! We talk about refereeing standards and how these could improved. We discuss whether referees should take an annual test plus much more! Aaron Lloyd also joins us on the quiz and what a treat that is!

Chris Rowland joins us this week as we discuss the technology used in football. We talk about the developmental opportunities and the complexity of club marks. Lots more things discussed too and Gav Mack joins us for the quiz, even if the WiFi was another disaster!

Ever wondered what it is like to have a full-time job and another full-time job volunteering? Regular listener Matt Goude joins us this week to discuss the hours he puts helping Blisworth FC flourish but also what his club do to support the young referees coming through the county.

It might have been an early start but we got Martyn Gospel on the podcast this week! All the way from the sunshine of Australia, he takes time out to discuss his career and his move to Australia. He tells about his highlights and things he would have done differently!

We are joined by a For Ref's Sake debutant. Abdul Kadir first started off in the Bangladeshi League before taking up the whistle. But why does football refereeing still find recruiting from some minority groups a struggle? We also discuss empathy in refereeing and what 'safe' refereeing means. We are joined by Andy Humphries on the quiz this week. Can he climb the ladder of success?

An incredible chat this week. We discuss the Bruno Fernandes red card and also talk about refereeing persona. Following on from our mental health chat last week, we chat to James 'Slim' Campbell about his mental health challenges and the impact that refereeing had on them. We also have the quiz back. Who knows when the Battle of Stamford Bridge was?

This week we talk to Ian Rathbone about the Man City v Arsenal game before we asked if mental health is overlooked in football refereeing? We discuss visualisation and meditation amongst other things. We get the usual excellent quotes from Mr Rathbone. Tune in and leave your feedback on our social media pages.

In this episode we explore three key questions - will the fast-tracking of ex-professionals be a success? Do we worry too much about the positioning of referees? Is the refereeing pyramid fit for purpose? We also discuss the week's incidents in the Premier League and Kieran Clarke joins us on the quiz! How far can he climb the ladder?

We switch to our pub-style format this week. Should club assistants be trusted with offside decisions? Why are we seeing a shortage of officials at Step 5? What makes a good referee coach? We explore these themes and more alongside guest co-host Gav Mack!

We introduce our new quiz called 'The 100 Club' and chat all things refereeing from the weekend. We find out what the boys have been up to over the Summer break and look forward to the season ahead!

Another incredible episode as we bring the season to an end! Ruebyn talks to us about his rise through the ranks and how those close to him have inspired him to get to where he is today. A great way to finish the season!

Whatever words we put here would not do justice to the story of Rubeyn Ricardo. Have a listen to the story. The journey. We were privileged to talk to him about his early career and how he overcame some life-changing situations...

Stacey Fullicks was establishing herself on the WSL when injury struck. Learn in this episode how she returned to action following much dedication and hard work. She is joined by her refereeing husband Richard who talks about his journey on the women's pathway.

Dean took up the option of taking on a 'Nene League' Course and loved it so much that he is refereeing mornings and afternoons in adult football. How did he get into refereeing and what gives him that 'buzz' when he picks up the whistle?

Dedicating his life to local football and supporting grassroots has led to Richard finally making the leap to becoming a qualified referee in his mid 50s. But now that journey is being extended as he has applied for promotion to level 5. What made Richard join the refereeing ranks and why does the self-confessed connoisseur of podcasts rate ours so highly? Listen to his story here.

With the number of referees in the youth ranks, there are a number of referees who are reluctant to make the next step. However, after just a couple of years in youth football, and at the tender age of 16, Tom has made the step into the adult game. What made him make the jump and what are his hopes for the future?