Iain Marshall (pictured right) has been on the refereeing scene locally for a while, and has fresh goals following a step away from coaching.

When, and How did you first get into refereeing?

I started getting into refereeing when I was playing for Western AFC in Division Four. Because we did not get a lot of referees at that level, each team refereed a half each. As no one really wanted to do it and everyone else complained, I gave it a go. From then, everyone said I actually did a good job, so I just continued to do it. It has now been 5 years since I completed my Level 1 Referee Course.

What is it like seeing refereeing from a perspective of a coach and a player?

I think that a lot of players still don’t quite understand that referees are actually give up their time to do the job and that we don’t get paid thousands of dollars to do. But as, I was a player/coach whilst also being a qualified referee, I am able to help other people understand why referees make some of the decisions that we do and that we are not able to see everything that happens on the pitch.

What advice do you offer to new referees coming into the game?

If you are still playing football, especially if you are young, continue to do so because it will help you understand more why some players commit the fouls that they do and to understand more of the niggle stuff to look out for. I would also advise to keep reading the laws of the game and attend every coaching session you can.

Does refereeing provide transferable skills for your work or personal life?

Absolutely!!! I work in customer service, so player management helps a lot especially with difficult customers. I actually used my refereeing management knowledge to answers behavioural questions in my final job interview to get my current job.

What are your goals for the future?

I need to work on my fitness (a lot) and shed a few pounds but I would like to referee on a National League at some level, whether it be youth or women’s.

What do you do outside of refereeing?

Well, I have a daughter, Alexa, who has just turned 4, she likes to keep me busy. I love my fishing and camping with my partner Tania and I like to play and referee other small comps outside of the winter season. A good movie never goes amiss either.

Do you follow football outside of refereeing?

Yes, I was born and bred in Edinburgh, Scotland and I am a BIG Heart of Midlothian Fan. Not doing too bad this season at moment, ended Celtics 69 game unbeaten domestic run with a 4-0 pasting and just knocked Hibernian (Edinburgh Derby) out in the Scottish Cup (Hearts, Hearts, Glorious Hearts!!!).

What makes refereeing so enjoyable for you?

I really enjoy helping to make the game a spectacle and more enjoyable for the players. I also love being so close to the action at the end of the day, I love watching good football.

To get more involved in refereeing, check out the course dates here or contact Wayne Stapley