Select Group Uriah Rennie
Appointed to the Premier League Referees list in 1997 taking charge of his first game Leeds United v Crystal Palace.
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
Whilst taking the FA Prelim (UEFA B) coaching course some years ago part of the examination was the laws of the game. This was a brief introduction, thereafter I started to coach football at school and at the youth club. I took the formal refereeing examination whilst I was at University.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
It’s difficult to be specific as there have been many highlights. As you move from one level of refereeing to another level I have always found that the first game is a great test. I have particularly enjoyed meeting most of the people I have met within the refereeing family.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
I refereed the East Anglian Derby Ipswich v Norwich in 1998. A very fast and physical game, this helped me prepare for the promotion to the Premier League which I refereed in the following year.
What are your aims as a Select Group Referee?
To help and support the younger referees coming on to the list.
To become more than just a referee.
To ensure that the select group continue to develop to the next level.
To carry on enjoying my involvement in football.
What skills do you think you need to become a professional referee?
In order to become a professional referee you need to be a good communicator, be a strong character with an open mind, to be a good people manager, good decision maker and ability to be able to detach yourself from the pressures of the role.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
Naturally my parents who have supported and encouraged me to reach for the dream.
Also my friend Albert Smith who has been a source of great inspiration and support over the last 30 years. Not only has he been a supporter of my refereeing but also of me in general and he has continued to encourage me throughout the high and lows. He has shown empathy when it was needed and has been forthright and remained honest at all times. They have encouraged me to remain focused but enjoy the good times also.
In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
Very difficult decision as there have been a number of referees that I have seen perform – the humour and management skills of Neil Midgley, the fitness and movement of Philip Donn and Joe Worrall, the steel and mental strength of David Ellery and Jim Parker, the dedication and kindness of Mike Riley, the confidence of Graham Poll, the stature of use of body language of Keith Hackett but the person who I think above all of being the best referee is George Courtney due to his timing and fitness and the fact that he bought himself so much time for the major decisions.
