Name: Andy Jobson
Age: 42
Refereeing level: 7
Years Refereeing: 3 years class 3, 2 years level 7
Email Address: andrewjobson6@hotmail.co.uk
How where you introduced into refereeing?
I played for the same club for nearly ten years and finally the knees gave in, but wanted to stay some how still involved with the club.So i voluntary used to run the line as a club linesman before a referee recommended that i did a referees course.I qualified in 1990 under the old class 3, and had three good years with Hampshire FA, before my work brought me to the Northeast.However i was unable to continue until i found myself with every weekend off and nothing to do, so i decided to take up the whistle again in 2007.
What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?
There have been a few so far, Refereeing Surrey refs v Hampshire refs , at Wimbledon Fc in 1992, was an experience ( never seen so my referees in one place).
To more recently, Asst referee in the 2008/2009 Wearmouth & Hylton aged peoples Final, and fourth official in the JD Taxis Guards Final 2009.
This has been a great honour, and has made feel proud to put on the black kit.
What is the biggest game you have officiated and why?
Probably being in the middle, at Plough Lane, Wimbledon Fc in the game mentioned above.
My first and only game so far at a Football league ground.
Wimbledon Fc made me feel very welcome, and the facilities were outstanding.
What are your aims and ambitions as a referee?
Would love to just keep going as long as my legs will carry me, would like to get to at least level 5, then if thats as far as i go , then so beit.
Any further would be a bonus. Also after refereeing i would like to maybe go into assessing, and pass on my knowledge to the referees of the future.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?
My Two Durham County Instructors, Bill Carter and Keith Sutherland have been very encouraging, and George Courtney , Whom i first met at an English Schools FA tournament , has given some great advice.
In your opinion who is / was the best referee?
James Linington, from my home town on the Isle of wight, was someone i always looked upto.
Although Howard Webb has been, to me ,an icon to refereeing today.