News - Referee of the Month
April - Andrew Buttigieg
Q1. Current Age? 17
Q2. First year as a referee? I began refereeing my sisters Exhibition games in London in 2004/2005. Then I began to start refereeing House League in St. Thomas thanks to Glenn Sharkey in 2005/2006 (referee coordinator). I then became an official OSA referee the next year and the rest is history, reffing every day in St. Thomas for the years after that.
Q3. What is your most memorable experience as a referee? This is a tough question since it has been such a short career, but I would say lining games in Erie, Pennsylvania since you learn a different style of the game when your down in the States. Last year I got the chance to ref one of the games down there (I think it was a Canadian team against an American team) and that was a great experience to ref an age that I was so used to when I ref in St. Thomas, but yet it seemed like I was a beginner referee not even knowing what I was doing. I got through it though and it ended up being a great experience and one I hope will be repeated in the years to come.
Q4. What is your least memorable experience as a referee? I don’t think there is anything I regret happening during my time as a ref! I try to turn all my mistakes into something that I learn for next time! I’m still a young referee and I’m sure I haven’t seen the worst of situations yet.
Q5. If you had the ability to change any Law, what would it be? The laws are pretty straightforward and I wouldn’t change a law because they seem pretty simple and easy to remember and I wouldn’t want it to get any more difficult. I think though, if I had the power to change a DEFINITION, that I would change the definition of what is a direct free kick and what is a indirect free kick. This is mostly for the younger referees to understand more clearly how they will be dealing with each free kick and whether their hand should be up or down. I had that problem when I was younger, it took me a while to understand, but I think I have it almost perfected.
Q6. What advice would you give to those just starting out as a referee? Two Words . . . TAKE CONTROL . . . there is nothing more important then taking control of a game when your in the middle. I made that mistake when I was just starting out, but the faster you take control of the pitch and enforce the rules to the best of your ability the rest of the memorizing of the rules is simple. If you don’t take control you allow coaches and players to get on your nerves far too easily and it makes you doubt the calls you are making on the field. If you take control there is no doubting and you stand behind you style of refereeing 100%.
Q7. Any other comments? NEVER give up on yourself! Stay confident, stay calm and have fun! Keep the game and the traditions alive!