Select Group Mike Jones
Mike is another Referee who started at 15, and is now on his seventeenth season on the National List, four as an Assistant and thirteen as a Referee, of which 2009/10 is his second as a Select Group Referee.
He was appointed to Referee the 2009 FA Trophy Final between Stevenage Borough and York City and to Referee the 2007 League Two Play-Off Final between Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury Town, both games being played at Wembley. Additionally he was the 4th Official for the 2004 Carling Cup Final between Middlesbrough and Bolton Wanderers as well as Refereeing the 1997 Conference League Cup Final, the 2005 Women’s FA Cup Final.
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
I was first introduced to Refereeing by my PE teacher when I was at school. The main reason for this was that I was always 6/7 sub and either I only played the final 5 minutes or I never got a game. By taking up Refereeing this meant that I was involved in the whole game.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Refereeing brings many highlights but the best moments have been:-
1) Being informed that I was to become a Select Group Referee which then gave me the chance to Referee in the best League in the world – The Premier League
2) Refereeing twice at Wembley firstly in the 2007 League 2 play-off final and secondly in the 2009 FA Trophy Final. As a football fan it is everyone's dream to play at the national stadium, therefore to Referee there has got to be the next best thing.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
The best game for a sense of achievement was my First Premier League Game between Hull City and Wigan Athletic.
The best games for importance will be the two games at Wembley.
And the best game for entertainment for fans would be an FA Cup 1st Round tie in 2000/2001 between Canvey Island and Port Vale. Canvey Island took a 2-1 lead early in the second half before Port Vale fought back to be leading 2-4 when the time added board was put up showing three minutes. In those three minutes Canvey Island scored twice to force a replay. The reason that I think this is the best game that I have been involved in is that it was a typical cup tie played on a non league ground and the result was always in doubt. The scenes when Canvey Island made it 4-4 were unbelievable, it was as if they had actually won the Cup! I actually refereed the replay 10 days later at Port Vale, whilst the game was not as exciting it provide a cup upset with Canvey Island winning 1-2 after extra time to set up a local derby in the second round against Southend United.
What are your aims as a Select List Referee?
My aim is to stay fit as long as possible and to continue to referee to a high standard at the highest level possible.
What skills do you think you need to become a referee?
In my opinion the biggest skill that a Select List Referee must have is high interpersonal skills to be able to manage up to 40 playing and non playing staff. This must be coupled with a calm, confident and positive decision making process supplemented by a high physical fitness level in order to make accurate calls.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
The biggest influence on my Refereeing career outside the football arena has been my father. For over 25 years he watch me progress from local league to the national level, unfortunately due to his poor health he has not been able to attend matches in the last couple of years. Throughout the 25 years he always offered advice and encouragement especially when games did not go as well as you would have hoped. My biggest regret is that due to his poor health he was unable to attend my Finals at Wembley.
In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
When I first started refereeing the Referee that I wanted to emulate was Joe Worrall. My reasons for this were; he wasn't the tallest of referees similar to me but he commanded respect from player; he appeared to be one of the fittest referees which I also try to be and he came from my local County FA of Cheshire.
In terms of who is currently the best referee there is very little to choose between all of my colleagues in the Select Group and to single one out would be unfair on the rest as everyone is performing to a very high level.
