Andrew Christian, England

Can you play advantage for foul throws ?

No, it’s not possible to play advantage from a foul throw because the game has not been re-started in accordance with the Laws of the Game.

Ryan Hibbard, England

This season out of the six matches between Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool you have refereed four. Although you are not responsible for making appointments do you feel that a) you become too familar with these clubs and b) that it is not helping the development of the select group as a whole.

We have a strong group of referees on the Select Group, many of whom have vast experience and are more than capable of refereeing any match. Several factors go into the selection of match officials for each and every appointment including current form, number of occasions and how recently a referee has officiated the teams in question, and also FIFA status/ranking etc. As an Elite Category UEFA referee also on the FIFA World Cup 2010 shortlist, the PGMOL appoint me to some of the bigger matches in The Premier League in order to continue testing me and also to raise my profile Worldwide. Obviously, if my performance levels drop, I won’t receive such appointments. Over exposure to certain clubs is a concern and with only 20 teams in The Premier League, we do come across each club, by and large, several times a season, but this is closely monitored.

Andrew Christian, England

Hi Howard, how do you record the score and bookings in matches, ive noticed that some ref's use a notebook, some use yelow/red card holder and some use write on yellow/red cards. ive tried all three and still cant decide what is easiest. Thanks

I record my cautions directly onto my yellow card, using a pencil which I then erase after the match. The pencil markings stay on the card even if it’s raining which is important. I find that having the card loose in my pocket and not in a book means I can show the card quickly if needs be which can help diffuse a situation, although this technique doesn’t suit every referee and I feel it’s important that you try different methods and then choose the one that feels right for you. I divide the card into two sides, the left for the home team and the right for the away team. I don’t record any sendings off as my 4th official does that for me, nor do I record the timing of any disciplinary actions or the scoreline as again, my 4th official has that function. Of course, I’m lucky in that respect and it’s important that referees at other levels, working without 4th officials, keep a full record of the match themselves.

Jack Feavers, England

What type of whistle do you find is the best to use? I have struggles to find 1 that works for me and was wondering your views.

I use a black plastic Fox 40 pea-less whistle, in common with most of the other referees on The Premier League. The whistle is ideal for use in big stadiums with noisy crowds due to its volume and pitch.