Rob Bunting: Why I Referee
Rob Bunting: Why I Referee?
Rob Bunting is from King’s Lynn and first qualified as a referee in 2016 and has since been promoted to level 5 in the Referee Level Structure which makes him a Senior County Match Official, hoping to achieve level 4 this season. He has been speaking to Norfolk County FA about his refereeing experiences in the past five years:
“I got into refereeing in 2016 when I decided to stop playing after having my first child, when I didn't want to risk serious injury from playing anymore. I've always been in and around local football and the thought of a Saturday without being involved in a match day wasn't worth thinking about. It was my wife who pushed me into signing up to the course after I had second thoughts, I think she regrets that now!!
“As a player I only ever graced district leagues and I was happy with that. Since I've been involved with refereeing, I've had the chance to be involved with The FA Cup, The FA Youth Cup, The FA Vase and Thurlow Nunn Premier, levels of football I never thought I could be involved with. Norfolk is such a wonderful place to referee in. I've referred by the coast, in the countryside, in towns, some of the grounds/locations are simply stunning and the people are always very friendly. The hospitality offered by club volunteers is second to none and I am always made to feel very welcome. The food and brews at Wells Town are to die for!
“Cup finals are always very prestigious and as a player my record stood at played 4, lost 3. As a match official in a cup final, it’s so nice to be involved, work hard and simply enjoy the occasion and not stress about winning or losing.
“Refereeing has also taught me valuable man management skills which I've found useful and transferable to my workplace. Life is very hectic with work and kids and refereeing is my wind down time, my hobby to relax. And to think we get paid for it too, for me, there are no downsides!
“If only 10% of you is thinking about it, do it, try it. Never regret what you didn't do!”
To find out more about upcoming Referee Courses please click below. If you have any questions regarding Refereeing in Norfolk then please contact Norfolk FA’s Referee Development Officer, Harvey Newstead on Harvey.Newstead@NorfolkFA.com.