National Group Gavin Ward
Twenty eight year old Gavin is just completing his first season as a National List referee, after five seasons as a National List, SG and FIFA assistant referee. He started refereeing at the age of thirteen in Kent and progressed through the Kent and Isthmian Leagues. Has officiated at the FA Trophy Final and FL Championship Play Off Final, and for the 2007 Carling Cup Final was the first match official to be appointed as ‘ reserve assistant ‘ in a major domestic Cup Final.
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
My step dad is a referee and he initiated my interest when I was around 14 years old. He would watch me play football on Sunday mornings, then in the afternoon I’d watch him referee, on occasions there would be a request for a ‘linesman’, which is when I would volunteer and haven’t looked back since.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Being awarded the Three Lions Badge for representing the PGMO in France during 2004 in the UEFA Regions Cup. This is closely followed by my promotion to the National List as a referee.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
Chelsea vs Liverpool in Feb 2006 live on Sky Sports. This was my first season as a Select Group Assistant Referee, and at this point was my biggest game to date, from an official’s perspective the game went very well, especially for me. Just before half time I had a Chelsea goal ruled out for ‘offside’ which was an exceptionally close decision. This incident received positive comments from the media, as a result, I was asked if I would participate in an interview for Sky Sports, which as it showed refereeing in a positive light was very worthwhile.
What are your aims as a National List Referee?
This is my first year as a National List Referee, so my aim at the moment is to establish myself at this level and to adapt quickly! Long term, I would like to become a Select Group Referee along with also achieving the status of International Referee.
What skills do you think you need to become a referee?
Remaining calm in all situations with positive body language, man management and self confidence helps to control matches, as players pick up on this. Having the ability to listen to advice offered from more senior colleagues, this will help develop you as referee. Most importantly is to enjoy what you do.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
I would say my fiancée who is both supportive and understanding. Refereeing can often mean time away from home for a variety of reasons. She encourages me, listens and offers advice, not necessary about the laws of the game, as she isn’t a qualified referee but, other in areas such as body language and composure.
In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
In this country we have arguably the best referees in Europe and they all have their own skill sets but I would have to say Pierre Luigi Collina, purely because of his presence on the field of play and the natural respect he commanded. This was achieved even before blowing his whistle.
