Assistant Referee John Busby
Location: Oxfordshire
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
My football manager asked me to undertake a course when I was 14 years old because he felt it would benefit me to have a better understanding of the laws of the game, as I often became frustrated as a player and became quite vocal at times towards the Referee.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Being invited onto the National List of Assistant Referees.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
International Friendly, England v Scotland Ladies, as an Assistant Referee because at the time the appointment was very unexpected and at an early stage of my career. The experience of the match day was fantastic; listening to the nation athems, the fair play handshake, a big crowd and working with three colleagues who at the time were a higher level then me.
What are your aims as a National List Assistant Referee?
Consolidate my postion on the National List, continue to improve my level of performance and hopefully progress on to the Select Group in the future.
What skills do you think you need to become an Assistant Referee?
Concentration, fitness and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
John Chappell – Once qualified John persuaded me to try refereeing some local games. At all my initial games he arranged a Senior County Official to watch me and look after me on the day and give me advice. At this stage I realised how much I enjoyed refereeing so he then grew into my mentor, and helped me achieve promotion from level seven to level three. Without his initial support and encouragement, I would have just continued playing.
In your opinion who is/was the best Assistant Referee?
Phil Sharp is in my opinion the best Assistant because he has officiated on the biggest stage for a prolonged period of time and maintained a very high level of performance throughout.
