Assistant Referee James Cox
Location: Worcestershire
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
I started refereeing in November 1996. I had previously played competitive football for 21 years to a good standard. When I felt my best playing days were coming to an end I became interested in extending my footballing interests as a Referee. Unfortunately, for two years I was the only person to turn up to the six-week refereeing course held by a local league and the courses were cancelled. The third year was a success with a 98% pass.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
A postal receipt, 48 hours after a nervy interview to be invited to become a National Assistant Referee and subsequently my retention notification every season.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
September 2006, Bristol City v Blackpool. Bristol City had not lost at home, Blackpool were bottom of table, the end result was a 4-1 away win to Blackpool. I was active for all Blackpool goals, I also ruled out two goals for offside and adjudged two clearances off the goal line. The last memory was to witness a large home crowd leaving in their thousands some seven or eight minutes before the end of the match, leaving the ground virtually empty at the final whistle. Ironically both teams were promoted to the Championship in May ‘07.
What are your aims as a National List Assistant Referee?
Continue to be respected by those who appoint me to all matches as a very capable and trusted official. Should my performances remain at an exceptional high standard the opportunity to officiate a Premier team, cup final or Play-Off match may be achieved.
What skills do you think you need to become an Assistant Referee?
1. The ability to quickly move sidewards and turn at speed whilst concentrating on how the match play is developing.
2. Calm but decisive when making decisions, to aid the overall match control of the match Referee.
3. Display and entrust confidence throughout the entire match requirements pre, post and during every game.
4. Honesty and integrity to all associated within the professional game.
5. Use all your communication skills and good sense of humour at the appropriate times (especially when forth official).
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
For the first five years, Worcester Referees’ Society and referees’ appointments Secretary Jeff Widdett. Since progressing to Contributory status it has been PGMO coaching, match assessments, my self motivation, self assessments, self criticism and self praise.
In your opinion who is/was the best Assistant Referee?
I can only make this judgement on those I have had the pleasure to officiate with. This individual was so successful he immediately achieved National Referee status rather than Select Assistant Referee, at the time of completing this profile I believe he has just been rewarded with FIFA referee status Jan 2009. Stuart Attwell.
