FIFA Martin Atkinson
Appointed to the Select Group Referees list in 2005. Appointed to FIFA International Referees list in 2006.
How did you get introduced into refereeing?
Started refereeing at the age of 16 due to the local team not having a referee to officiate games. I therefore took the FA Referees instruction coursein order to make myself available. I was encouraged by a local referee who assisted me at the start of my career.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There have been numerous highlights in my career to date including promotion onto the national list of referees, promotion onto the select group of referees. The highlights of my career was the appointment to the FIFA international list and refereeing The FA Community Shield 2006 at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
Best game involved in was the Liverpool v Arsenal re-arranged game last season. I had to postpone the first game due to fog, then the re- arranged game produced nine goals in a six three win for Arsenal. This was an end to end game of cup football and a pleasure to be involved in as a referee.
What are your aims as a Select Group Referee?
My aims are to continue to improve and develop my career within the select group.
What skills do you think you need to become a professional referee?
You need to be able to manage players and stay composed
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
Biggest influence, My parents when I started to referee, they used to drive me around to games when I was a young ref without transport. Alan Kaye has also played a major part in my development over the last fifteen years with help, support and advice.
In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
There are numerous referees who I could name as being my favourite, all with things I have tried to adapt into my game. If I had to name one referee it would be difficult but I'd say Collina for the whole presence and authority he had on the field of play.
Started refereeing at the age of 16 due to the local team not having a referee to officiate games. I therefore took the FA Referees instruction coursein order to make myself available. I was encouraged by a local referee who assisted me at the start of my career.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There have been numerous highlights in my career to date including promotion onto the national list of referees, promotion onto the select group of referees. The highlights of my career was the appointment to the FIFA international list and refereeing The FA Community Shield 2006 at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.
What is the best game you have officiated and why?
Best game involved in was the Liverpool v Arsenal re-arranged game last season. I had to postpone the first game due to fog, then the re- arranged game produced nine goals in a six three win for Arsenal. This was an end to end game of cup football and a pleasure to be involved in as a referee.
What are your aims as a Select Group Referee?
My aims are to continue to improve and develop my career within the select group.
What skills do you think you need to become a professional referee?
You need to be able to manage players and stay composed
Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?
Biggest influence, My parents when I started to referee, they used to drive me around to games when I was a young ref without transport. Alan Kaye has also played a major part in my development over the last fifteen years with help, support and advice.
In your opinion who is/was the best referee?
There are numerous referees who I could name as being my favourite, all with things I have tried to adapt into my game. If I had to name one referee it would be difficult but I'd say Collina for the whole presence and authority he had on the field of play.
