Football referees in Aberdeen and the north east of Scotland are appealing for more people to train up and join them – amid a shortage of match officials in grassroots football.
While the number of active referees in Scotland has returned to pre-pandemic levels, Aberdeen and District Referees Association says more people are needed to ensure fixtures can be played at every level of football.
And members are keen to encourage others to pick up the whistle.
Calum Spence, 35, has been refereeing for 18 years, after his childhood football club folded and he was looking for a way to stay involved in football.
He is now officiating at the highest level of Scottish Football – as assistant referee in last season’s Scottish Cup Final, while also travelling Europe with UEFA.
STV NewsHe said: “I could make some money and give up my paper round and still stay involved with the game I love.
“Ultimately, 18 years later, I’ve found myself doing games in the Premiership and around Europe.
“There have been a number of games around Europe where I’ve been standing in the same field as José Mourinho for example, thinking ‘I’m just a wee lad from Bucksburn who stuck in at refereeing’.
“I certainly think it’s possible – if I can do it, anyone can.”
The association is looking to welcome people from all walks of life to an open evening next month.
Alex Ross, 21, began his refereeing journey in 2020, during Covid. He’s since progressed to be officiating in Highland League fixtures, while studying to become a lawyer.
“I started when I stopped playing. I had a break for about a year and wanted to get back involved with football.
“I love refereeing. When I was playing football, it got to a Friday night and I really didn’t want to wake up on the Saturday and go to the game.
“Now, I’m buzzing on a Friday night. I can’t wait to get started on the Saturday, which is a stark contrast to when I was playing.”
Alex has refereed throughout his university career. He says doing so has improved his professional experience – while allowing him to earn some money alongside his studies.
“It beats working in a supermarket, I’ll put it that way,” he said.
“You get to meet so many different people and make new friends. And it broadens your horizons as well.
“With doing what I do at uni, with the legal side of things, think refereeing has helped massively with communication with clients.
“It’s helped my confidence as well. I’ve come on leaps and bounds.”
The association is also seeing a much welcome rise in the number of women and girls becoming referees.
With the continued success of women’s football, they’d like to see more women not just take up the sport – but take up officiating it as well.
STV NewsPaulina Ruszniak was a referee in Poland before she moved to Scotland for work.
She said: “I can’t imagine life without refereeing. So when I moved from Poland, I had to move my refereeing here.
“I won’t lie, it was a bit stressful when I started. But as soon as I came to training I realised everyone was so friendly and kind.
“I would say that at least 50% of my friends are from the refereeing group.
“We can socialise on games but also we meet up outside of games too, which is nice.”
Olivia Crawford took up refereeing after she decided to return to football.
She said: “I’d have loved to become a professional footballer, but back then, seven years ago, it wasn’t really an option.
“I’ve fallen back in love with the game now and I’m all in on refereeing.
“I even met my fiancé here. So it couldn’t be more perfect.”
Both Paulina and Olivia regularly officiate men’s games, as the woman in charge. Both say they enjoy the challenging perceptions of women in sport.
STV NewsOlivia said: “As a referee you know what you’re getting into and you have to have a thick skin.
“It might be more challenging than if I was to referee a women’s game.
“But I love a challenge and I think it really improves me as a person. Everyone can see that when I’m refereeing and I have a good game that it doesn’t matter what gender you are.
“If you love the game and you’re passionate about it, you can do anything really.”
The Scottish FA says there are currently 2,400 active referees in Scotland – but they are always keen to see more join the ranks.
Craig Mackay, Association Manager for Aberdeen and District Referees Association said: “Come and give it a try. Come and join us.
“We are here to help. We’re here to improve refereeing– and you can aid that.
“There is always a shortage of referees in grassroots football.
“So come and give it a try. You can even start the course online, at home, so you can work away at your own pace.”
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