- Name?
Paul McCaul
- Age?
41
- How long have you been refereeing?
13 Years
- What Level are you and what leagues do you officiate on?
Level 3 - Contributory Referee & Panel Assistant
- Why did you become a Referee?
I wanted to stay involved in football after breaking my leg. I was a poor player!
- Most inspirational person in your refereeing?
The ‘Old Boys Brigade’. People such as Harry Mepsted, Roger Coxhead, Brian Strand and the others who went to training.
- Most memorable moment since refereeing?
Running the line on the Kidderminster v. Rushden & Diamonds game in front of about 7,000 when Kidderminster where promoted to the Football League.
- What is the funniest moment in any of your games?
Having to disappear a minute before kick off to get my forgotten whistle, coins etc. with neither assistant knowing where I had gone. They returned to the centre circle after checking the nets with me no where to be found as I had gone back to the changing room. Luckily the Assessor hadn’t noticed!
- What is the worst or frustrating moment in any of your games?
Getting stuck in traffic unable to get to a fixture. Not only did it frustrate me but also it meant I had let the team of officials down. Fortunately this has only happened once to me in 13 years.
- What ambitions do you have whether refereeing or having given up the whistle...
In one year?
To be retained as a Contributory League Referee
In five years?
If age restrictions are lifted, to still be a Contributory League Referee. If not, maybe assessing.
In ten years?
Still involved in the game but as an Instructor, Assessor or Mentor.
- Before each game you officiate on, what aims do you have?
To finish the game! To enforce the Laws along with interaction and banter with players and to enjoy it.
- What most frustrates you on the field?
Whinging players - from their lack of respect and understanding of the Laws of the game.
- What pleases you most on the field?
If it has been a good game of football, both teams and officials enjoy it, then I enjoy it.
- What one change, if any, would you like to see in today’s game?
Abolish the Offside Law. This will eliminate that chance of human error and open up the game more.
- Is there any one piece of advice you would give to anyone considering taking up the whistle?
Ask questions and take on board advice and constructive criticism from others - there is so much to learn
- Is there any one piece of advice you would give to another referee?
You must enjoy it! If you don’t, you will not be able to do your job well.
- Hobbies & Interests outside of football?
Most spare time is taken up with refereeing and football in general but I am fortunate to have a partner who also shares this hobby. Any additional time is spent improving our home and catching the odd weekend away.
- Who is your favourite footballer of all time?
Gianfranco Zola.