Assistant Referee Gary Beswick
Location: Co. Durham
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
I was 19 at the time, my dad was a referee at a local level and one of my friends indicated he would be interested in taking the referees course at my dad’s local Referees Association. I agreed to do it with him as I was playing local park football and was curious about being a Referee due to numerous injuries I seemed to be picking up. In the end, my friend didn't go on the course but I didn’t want to let my dad down by pulling out as well so I went through with it, the rest is history as they say.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Undoubtedly, the highlight of my career so far is achieving National List Assistant Referee status and officiating for the first time on the Football League at Grimsby Town on the opening day of that season, my main goal as a referee was achieved that day.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
It is difficult to pick out a single game as there are so many games I have enjoyed and been lucky enough to be involved with, but if I picked one it would probably be a recent game in the FA Cup 2nd round replay in 2008 - Blyth Spartans v Bournemouth. For both clubs it was a huge game, as there was a lot at stake with Blackburn Rovers awaiting the winners in the next round. The game was live on television and it was a tense nervous affair. Although not a great game of football I thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.
What are your aims as a National List Assistant Referee?
My aim as an Assistant Referee is to improve, learn from the experience of colleagues and make the next step to the Select Group of Assistant Referees and establish myself at that level. My other main aim is to officiate at Wembley before I retire.
What skills do you think you need to become an Assistant Referee?
A number of skills are required which includes concentration - as during a game at any point you may be required to judge a situation, being caught by surprise can be avoided if you maintain concentration. Being aware of when the referee needs your assistance is also an important skill as sometimes it is braver to not raise you flag if it’s not needed. Fitness is undoubtedly a key skill, as is being quick off the mark, as you always need to be positioned correctly to judge situations and for credibility purposes. Finally the ability to work with different types of referees and tuning in to their style is key.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
There have been a few people who have influenced my career but the ones that deserve a mention are firstly my wife, Wendy, the higher you progress in your refereeing career the more important it is to have support of your family due to the demands of holding down a full-time job, raising a family and of course refereeing. In terms of improving my refereeing ability, undoubtedly the biggest influence has been my dad who has always been there to offer support and as a former Referee himself, he has some knowledge and a valued point of view, good or bad.
In your opinion who is/was the best Assistant Referee?
If I'm honest nobody springs to mind other than Phil Sharp. I believe his achievement of being appointed to a World Cup Final says it all. I think you can learn a lot from just watching his concentration levels during games.
