Name: Peter Ramsey
Age: 57
Refereeing level: now 5
Years Refereeing: 37
Email Address: p.ramsey@sky.com
How were you introduced into refereeing?
When no-one turned up to do an under 15 game, I was asked to referee it. I enjoyed it, so took up the activity.
What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?
Reaching Contributory League referee status, along with Panel League Assistant. (level 3)
Other highlights have included being involved in the Sunderland International Youth Tournament, with the highlight being acting as assistant referee for the final of the Sunderland International Youth Tournament under 19 involving the Czech national under 19 team. Other significant teams covered in this tournament have included Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Partizan Belgrade and the Chile national under 19 team.
Other significant enjoyments have been when officiating in the USA at various tournaments and league games. The highlight was a semi professional match in the Pacific Coast Soccer League between the top and third top teams. At the USA Cup, refereeing teams from countries from all round the world, including Brazil, Mexico, Sweden, Russia, Canada, the USA and many more countries has been enjoyable.
What is the biggest game you have officiated and why?
When refereeing in the Northern Intermediate League, a league for the under 19 sides of Football league Clubs, I twice had to referee the final game of the season, both of which had a direct bearing on the league title or runners up place. One was Newcastle United v Sunderland, with 6 playing who had all played in the first division of the Football League that season – Barry Venison, Colin West, Paul Gascoigne. Newcastle United v Leeds United was the second and my last game in that league due to age. This game was televised by Tyne Tees for highlights.
For the 2008-9 season – Sunderland v Newcastle United in the FA Tesco Women’s Premier League North Division – a local derby and the importance of the game to both teams for their eventual league positions.
The highest team level game I have refereed was a Hartlepool United v Falkirk in a first team pre-season friendly.
I have also acted as fourth official at games in all four divisions of the Football League, the first was Sunderland v Everton, with a game at Newcastle United my last. Of these, the two most significant appointments were –
League Cup quarter final – Sunderland v Coventry City
FA Cup 4th round – Sunderland v Manchester United.
Both of these games were televised, although not live, just highlights.
Another game was Sunderland v Torpedo Moscow in a pre-season friendly.
What are your aims and ambitions as a referee?
Age now prevents me from progressing. My main aim is to continue as a referee in the FA Women’s Premier League for a few more seasons. Following that, I aim to continue as a Referee Instructor/Tutor as well as an assessor.
What/Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?
Probably working with a range of referees, including a number from levels above mine. From this I managed to learn a significant number of points when progressing through the system.
In your opinion who is / was the best referee?
George Courtney for England and Collina of Italy.