National List Craig Pawson
Craig was appointed to the National List of Referees in the summer of 2008.
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
I began refereeing in 1993 at the age of fourteen. I was introduced to refereeing by my father, who was a national list assistant referee at the time.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Promotion to the national list of referees in 2008.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
The Blue Square Premier Conference Play-Off final, at Wembley in May 2008, between Cambridge United FC v Exeter City FC. Exeter won 1-0 and to referee such an important fixture at Wembley in front of 40,000 fans was a great honour and an amazing experience.
What are your aims as a National List Referee?
My immediate aim is to establish myself on the National List of Referees over the coming season. In the future I strive to become a Select Group and FIFA Referee.
What skills do you think you need to become a referee?
I feel the key skills you need as a referee are self confidence, mental toughness and both good man-management and communication skills.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
The biggest influence on my career so far has to be my father as he started my interest in refereeing as a boy. Steve Dunn is my coach and his vast experience at the very top of the game means he has fantastic advice to offer.
Off the field my wife and two boys offer me great support and encouragement away from the game.
In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
The best referee now is Howard Webb.
The best referee in the past was Pierluigi Collina
