As a player, I used to despise referees. I was a firm believer in the negative connotation of the old adage, \”if you can\’t play, ref\”. Looking back, I would always find fault even if the officiating was good.

Today, \”I ref because I can\’t play\”. Having refereed for several years now, I have developed a new-found respect for referees in all sports. Refereeing is not easy. Anyone who thinks otherwise and has never officiated a game, should give it a try.

At this time, I would like to pass along to all the referees that I have berated in the past with these sincere words:

• Please accept my apology.
• Vennligst godta min unnskyldning (Norwegian).
• Bitte akzeptieren Sie meine Entschuldigung (German).