Release Date: 25/08/2010

Author: By Richard McMeekin

TIM Marshall may only be 22, but already he has achieved a great deal in the field of refereeing - from officiating at a Youth Cup Final to a top of the table Championship clash.

The Irvinestown man, who is a member of the Fermanagh and Western Referees Association, gained his interest in football by spending years heading to matches with his dad while he assessed referees, and he has never looked back. He said: “I love being involved in football and also the challenge to try and better myself every time I referee.”

Tim’s first game as the ‘man in the middle’ was in the Mid-Ulster youth league under 11 - Portadown Youth against Orchard Youth in 2001; while his main highlight to date he says has to be refereeing the Harry Cavan Youth Cup Final in 2007 between Linfield Rangers and Crusaders Colts.

Meanwhile his biggest game came last season when he took charge of the top of the table Championship game between Loughgall and Donegal Celtic.

He added: “I have been two years in the Championship now and my short term goal would be to get appointed to a Premiership game next season and with more experience I hope to become a Premiership referee.  And if I can achieve this it will help set me in the right direction to achieve my long term ambition of becoming a FIFA referee.”

Tim is regarded as one of the country’s promising young referees and in order to help him further his refereeing career, he was selected for the National Development Squad.

“I have found being a member of the National Development Squad to be very beneficial, particularly because I have a mentor who is always there for me,” he said.

“Also, being involved in the Ref Cam was a good experience.”  This initiative involved the introduction of ‘Ref Cam’ exercises at local games with DVDs produced to illustrate positive elements and development opportunities in the referee’s performance.

Tim continued: “Meanwhile, the residential weekends which are run for members of the National Development Squad give you the opportunity to meet and discuss problems, so overall being part of the group certainly advances your refereeing, provided you put in the work.”

So, has Tim ever had any embarrassing moments whilst on the pitch?  “In one of my games a few years back I forgot to start my watch and I ended up asking one of the team’s coaches how long had gone!!”

Tim clearly loves being involved in the refereeing side of the game, but would he encourage others to give it a go? “With more opportunities within refereeing opening all the time I’d definitely encourage anyone with an interest in football to give it a go.”

So if you’ve ever thought about becoming a referee, then why not make 2010 the year that you become the ‘man or the women in the middle?’ Anyone interested in taking up the whistle should email referees@irishfa.com or contact Alan Snoddy, Irish FA Referee Development Officer on 028 90 669 458.

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