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Referee recognised for long service
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| Keighley referee Simon Todd (right) received an award from the West Riding County FA for 25 years of long service. |
Keighley referee Simon Todd received an award from the West Riding County FA for 25 years of long service.
Todd, 62, is a Level 5 referee, who currently officiates in the Harrogate & District Association Football League, the Claro Sunday Football League and the Northern U-19 Alliance. Todd, a retired policeman who also officiated in the Keighley & Aire Valley Alliance League for 13 years, said his former profession has helped him immensely out on local football pitches.
Todd said: "It certainly helps with man management and dealing with people. Like policing, in football you meet people from all walks of life."
Todd said that while referees often come under criticism, the vast majority of managers and players appreciate their services.
"I've made a lot of friends at the grassroots level of football over the years. I wouldn't still be refereeing if I didn't enjoy it. The good times far outweigh the bad ones."
Todd, who is also secretary of Keighley & District Referees' Association, said he is planning to continue refereeing after he recovers from an injury.
However he is also enjoying his role as referee's assessor with the West Riding County FA, a position he started three years ago.
Stephen Rhodes, West Riding County FA referee development officer, said Todd is giving guidance to Level 4 referees hoping to eventually reach Level 0 Premiership standard.
Rhodes said: "A lot of these referees need support from a senior county referee at a tough stage in their career."
2:42pm Thursday 27th March 2008
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