1. Name?
    Alan Poulain

  2. Age?
    21 going on 54

  3. How long have you been refereeing?
    In the 2 periods total about15 years

  4. What Level are you and what leagues do you officiate on?
    Level 5 United Counties, Cambs, Ridgeons Authentic Youth, St Neots Sunday and Royston Crow Youth

  5. Why did you become a Referee?
    In the first period it was because we did not get referees in the Dagenham League and I was often asked to help. I was never a first team regular. In the second it was when my son Oliver played for the St Neots Boys and I ran the line every week and felt I should retake the course.

  6. Most inspirational person in your refereeing?
    Funnily enough it was Ray Clark who was assigned as my mentor. If it had not been for him in the very early days that I passed my exam I am sure I would not be refereeing now.

  7. Most memorable moment since refereeing?
    Going to West Ham as a guest of Uriah Rennie and being called out of the stand to become the fourth official because the assistant who had just returned from injury himself had aggravated the injury again. The game was played on 18th December 1999 and the opposition, Manchester United. Pictured in the Daily Mail on the Monday with Paul Allcock, Harry Redknapp and Sir Alex Ferguson

  8. What is the funniest moment in any of your games?
    That is difficult as they are all funny especially if you are watching me from the touchline

  9. What is the worst or frustrating moment in any of your games?
    I have not had many bad moments, but the most frustrating is when I know I could have done much better in a game. Another frustration was not continuing when I first passed the course, because I know I could have got a lot further.

  10. What ambitions do you have whether refereeing or having given up the whistle...
    In one year?
    To still be fit enough to carry on

    In five years?
    Ditto, but if I have stopped then to carry on teaching others either to become or improve as a referee.

    In ten years?
    I will not be active then but ditto my second comment

  11. Before each game you officiate on, what aims do you have?
    Be efficient and correct in law, talk my way through the game and if possible control it in a way that hopefully prevents cautions. Try to show that I am enjoying the game so that hopefully so will the players

  12. What most frustrates you on the field?
    Player’s mouths and their, so called, lack of knowledge of laws of the game. The way kids are being allowed to get away with offences that when they get older they will be punished for. Start them young and start them right is a good objective. Parents!!!!

  13. What pleases you most on the field?
    When players want to get on and play the game the way it should be

  14. What one change, if any, would you like to see in today’s game?
    The sin bin, although how it would be managed is a problem, but it might just make the players think?

  15. Is there any one piece of advice you would give to anyone considering taking up the whistle?
    Do it now, because you will get so much enjoyment and you will get to places you may not ordinarily go. Do it early!

  16. Is there any one piece of advice you would give to another referee?
    Get yourself fit to referee because every thing becomes easier, better and more credible if you are in the right place at the right time.

  17. Hobbies & Interests outside of football?
    Is there time outside Football? I just want to remain doing as much for the game as i am now.

  18. Who is your favourite footballer of all time?
    Bobby Moore