Name: Shaun Hudson
Age: 19
Refereeing level: 3
Years Refereeing: 4
Email Address: shaun.hudson2@yahoo.com
How where you introduced into refereeing?
I used to watch a local football team and would often ‘run the line’. Once the match referee, Peter Fletcher, suggested I took up refereeing and a couple of weeks later I took the refereeing course ran by Peter Ramsey.
What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?
There are two events that come to mind that have been the highlight of my career. The first would be promoted to level 3. The second would be my first supply league middle, however at the time I was only 16 and level 7. They are both important parts of my development as a referee.
What is the biggest game you have officiated and why?
One of my biggest games was hinted above, South Shields vs. Horden CW. I was appointed as an assistant referee, however the referee didn’t make it to the game and I went on to referee. The game went very well and resulting in very positive comments from the clubs and front page coverage in the regional paper, ‘The Northern Echo’. I was involved in several important games this season, one that sticks to mind is the Unibond Play-off game, Lancaster City vs. Skelmersdale Utd. as assistant referee.
What are your aims and ambitions as a referee?
My short term aim is to be promoted to The Football League as an assistant referee. Long term I would obviously like to referee at the highest level; however, overall I would like to referee in the Football League which would be a great honour.
What/Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?
I should really start with Peter Fletcher as he got me into refereeing. A mention must also go the lads at the RA and training. Finally, my parents have being an important influence as they took me to all my games before I learned to drive.
I would say that biggest influence has to be my mentor Malcolm Langley. His advice has been invaluable in my promotion to level 4, and in my first season on the Northern League.
In your opinion who is / was the best referee?
I would say that the best referee in the Premier League is currently Howard Webb followed closely by Mike Dean.