Select Group Steve Tanner
Joined the Select Group Referees list in 2007 and took charge of his first game, Wigan Athletic v Middlesbrough.
How did you get introduced into Refereeing?
I started refereeing just by chance. I played football at junior level and my father always got roped into refereeing our games. He decided to take a Referees course and I decided to go along with him to keep him company, I took the exam and passed with flying colours so I decided to take up the whistle.
What is the best game you have officiated in and why?
Probably my best game I have officiated in would have to be my first Football league game as a referee closely followed by my first as a Select group Referee.
The fact that you are refereeing at a professional level is of great satisfaction.
What are your aims as a Select Group Referee?
My aim is to always be consistent in everything I do on and off the Football field.
I always try to give 100% and to enjoy every minute when I am refereeing.
What skills do you think you need to become a professional Referee?
I believe you need to have commitment and dedication to become a professional Referee. Also you have to be prepared to listen and learn to enable you to improve all aspects of your game.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
My parents and my wife have to be the biggest influence in my career. Their support through the good times and the bad has given me the determination and hunger to succeed at the highest level.
In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
In my opinion the best referee who I have had the pleasure of working with would have to be Paul Durkin. He always had the utmost respect from players but also he was prepared to give respect back.
