Steven Scott, England

What action, if any should a referee take when a player shouts 'leave' or 'mine'? Is it only an offence if he is trying to deceive an opponent?

This is very much down to the referee on the day whether he believes the player shouting this is clearly gaining an unfair advantage by ‘tricking’ his opponent into leaving the ball. Often it is very difficult to be absolutely sure who has said it especially if you have a noisy crowd. I expect this is more likely to be heard on the parks on a Sunday morning. If you believe the player has acted in an unsporting manner then you have every right to penalise this with an indirect free kick.

Elliot Wright, England

Do you have any advice for me as I am about to take my basic referee course and have been running the line for two years now?

Obviously running the line for the past two years would have helped you as a match official – I would recommend to you to take things slowly, do the basic skills well and gain experience through each match. If you are able to get someone to offer advice after your early matches then this will help enormously – good luck.

Jim Prunier, United States

I've been having a debate with some friends recently about the weight of a match ball. Some of friends remember the weight of the ball being 5 pounds on wet days. I was just wondering is there a specific weight that today's match balls have to be and if so when was that requirement written into the laws of the game?

The Laws of the game are reviewed annually and amended prior to the season commencing. The current Law states that the ball must be spherical, made of leather or other suitable materials, has a circumference of not more than 70cms (28inches) and not less than 68cms (27inches). It must weigh not more than 450g (16oz) and not less than 410g (14oz) at the start of the match. The pressure must be equal to 0.6-1.1 atmosphere (600-1,100g/cm2) at sea level (8.5 Ibs/sq in – 15.6 Ibs/sq in)

Jim Prunier, United States

What is the best game you have ever refereed in your career?

I think it is true to say that refereeing a FA Cup Final is a highlight in any referees career so for me taking charge of the first final at the new Wembley Stadium was something special. I would also put alongside this refereeing Brazil v Argentina – a very different kind of experience but one never to be forgotten.