Select Group Andre Marriner
Appointed to the Select Group Referees list in 2005 taking charge of his first game Wigan Athletic v Fulham.
André was appointed as Fourth Official for the FA Community Shield in August 2008 between Manchester United and Portsmouth. Then in December 2008, André was invited to join the list of International Referees for 2009.
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
I went along to watch a local football team that had asked me to play for them. The referee had not turned up and so as I was a neutral at the game, they asked me to referee it. It was an end to end game and I really enjoyed the experience. At the end of the game, they even handed over £10.00 for my services!!! When I got home, I told my father all about the experience and he said that he had noticed an advertisement in the local press asking for anyone interested in taking up refereeing to get in touch. Myself and a friend enrolled on the seven week course set up by Solihull RA, we both passed in April 1992.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight for me personally is the day that I received my letter inviting me to referee on the Southern Football League following a successful interview. This made me realise that I was going to referee semi professional football and I was on the first steps of the pyramid ladder which could enable me to officiate even higher in the future.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
Without a doubt, it will always be the 2003 Inaugural Conference Play Off Final between Doncaster Rovers and Dagenham & Redbridge. It was a massive game at that stage of my career as it led me to be promoted onto The National List as a referee. It was also very important for the winning team as it meant automatic promotion on to The Football League.
What are your aims as a Select Group Referee?
My aim is to become an established Select Group Referee in order for me to officiate the high profile games within the Premiership and Football League.
What skills do you think you need to become a professional referee?
The skills you need to become a professional referee are a thorough knowledge of the Laws of the Game, be able to have a good reading of the changing patterns of play, excellent man management skills and also be in super fit physical condition. I believe you have to be strong minded as well, dealing with the enormous pressures that are put on you week in week out. Be able to accept criticism and not let it affect your confidence. Also, have the ability to learn from others and be adaptable to the ever increasing changes within the game.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
There is no single person that I can name as everybody I have worked with and met to do with refereeing have had some kind of influence on me. I pick up valuable advice from established referees, referee coaches, assessors and delegates along the way.
In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
