�The moment I stop enjoying it I will give up� by David Elleray

How often have we heard that said by an old stalwart to a new referee? Whilst we can understand what is meant, the statement itself gives a false impression of the enjoyment to be gained from refereeing. There will always be moment in a game or in a season when that sense of enjoyment and fulfilment seems to evaporate. Sometimes it is because of other people (players, fans, the family) and sometimes it is because we are unhappy with our own performance. If we all gave up when we lost that feeling of enjoyment there would be few referees left; indeed, there would be few people doing any sport or hobby!

                                                                                                                                                                             Refereeing is not unalloyed pleasure but the overall experience must be enjoyable. There were times in my career when I questioned whether I wanted to go on � the time of the death threats after the 1999 Liverpool v Man U match was my personal nadir. For several weeks, as I suffered verbal abuse simply walking along the street, I question whether it was all worth it. However, once the storm had passed I knew that my overall involvement with the game was a source of particular pleasure for me, so I carried on.

We tend to live in a world increasingly dominated by the desire for instant pleasure and gratification. The �cheap thrill� is seductive but, deep down, we all know that the phrase �a pound earned is worth more than a pound found� applies just as much to our refereeing. The contentment and sense of pride that develops over the course of a season or a career bring huge pleasure. There is a real feeling of fulfilment and purpose. Pleasure and enjoyment also come from that envelope or phone call that tells you that you have been appointed to a top match, perhaps a Cup Final.

Refereeing is enjoyable for many reasons:
1.    A sense of pride and achievement
2.    A feeling of �worth� that one has contributed to the enjoyment of others
3.    The building up of a group of colleagues who one can trust and some of whom become friends
4.    The feeling of giving something back to the greatest sport on earth.

Colleagues, please continue to seek enjoyment in all aspects of your refereeing but don�t expect there not to be days when the enjoyment is difficult to find. In these darker moments think back to the many times that you have enjoyed your refereeing and ponder how dull your life you be without your involvement.

The above is an article I recently received from Ex Referee David Elleray and how relevant it is.

Thank you David.