Name: Robin Raymond
Age: 17
Refereeing level: 7
Years Refereeing: 2
Email Address: claggernufc@hotmail.co.uk
How where you introduced into refereeing?
My teacher was a referee and he got me thinking about it. I then found out that one of my dad’s friends was an ex-football league referee. Then out of the blue I had a missed call of Durham FA asking me if I wanted to do a curse and I jumped at the chance!
What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?
I went to the USA Cup in 2009 so that was quite a highlight. But my biggest highlight was walking out at St. James Park to do the ‘Play on the Pitch’ tournament. I found out I was doing it on the 11th of May, my birthday you couldn’t really ask for a better present! I lined to other referees all day until the last game of the day was mine. Throckly Grange v. Dunbar FC, I was referee. To walk out at St. James Park a week after my 17th Birthday was my biggest highlight!
What is the biggest game you have officiated and why?
In March this year (2009) I was appointed to the Northern League Cup Semi-Final. This was my final, it was Whitehaven v. Horden CW. I was over the moon I was with Gary McMullan and Frank Campbell, the game went brilliant and I was so happy with my after match comments from the other to officials.
What are your aims and ambitions as a referee?
As a referee there a many different stages. I want to take it one at the time, I know I need to lose weight and make sure my fitness is top rank, that is part and parcel of being a ref. I would love to get my Level 4 in the VERY near future. If I could get my level 4 by the time I’m 19 I would love it and hopefully keep going to reach the top. At the end of the day I would love to get as high as I can in the pyramid of refereeing.
What/Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?
You look at where Mark Clattenburg, Howard Webb and Martin Atkinson are at now, Premier League and FIFA referees. David Webb, Geoff Eltringham and Jock Waugh are Football League referees pushing for Premier League and beyond. You have the linesman like Adrian Holmes and Danny Markham both looking to progress. I’m only 17 I have the world at my feet. As I have already said you look at the names above and you see where they are and you hope, think and dream of getting to where they are. You see the benefits what this guys have doing big games like, Manchester Utd v. Arsenal, and World Cup games. So every referee and Assistant referee on the Football and Premier League are my influence.
In your opinion who is / was the best referee?
I never seen the greats like George Courtney referee. I have only seen the likes of the Webbs, Clattenburgs and the Deans. The best referees I have seen would be a tough call between Howard Webb and Mark Clatenburg, the Respect given to this to lads is tremendous. The best Assistant I have seen is Phil Sharp, somebody I would like to aspire!