Referee training: Why are not more footballers becoming referees?

"If you can turn Darren Gough into a ballroom dancer, why can not you turn a professional footballer into a referee?"

Put aside the incredible transformation of the former cricketer in England and the question – posed by John Bramhall of the Association of Professional Footballers – is a logical and ancient question to ask.

Who better, after all, to know what is really pbad in an air challenge or a 50-50 pure plate.

The list of professional footballers who then refereed at the level of the English Football League is short, with former Huddersfield defender Steve Baines being the only one to have done so in the last 30 years.

So what has prevented progress and why do footballers now want to go from poacher to gaming guardian?

BBC Sport went to the University of Warwick to join a group of current and former players who, with the help of the governing bodies of the game, hope to become men in black.

Why are footballers an "untapped resource"?

Former Scottish international Chris Iwelumo is the most recognizable face in a play that also contains Macclesfield midfielder Peter Vincenti, former Norwich winger and Oldham Lee Croft and Chris Robertson, a free agent after leaving Swindon in June.

All saw their interest piqued by the opportunity to stay in the game.

Iwelumo, 41, introduces himself to the group and immediately contests the only red card of his career, which goes back to eleven years. Veteran of 18 clubs, he hopes that his great experience will help him in a new way.

"It's something I've talked about at the Football Association and at the PFA when I retired as a player, so I'm glad they opened that door." ", did he declare.

The idea is not new – PFA's deputy general manager, Bramhall, has been trying to push players in this direction for almost two decades.

But progress has been slow.

Former Bolton striker, Tony Philliskirk, has qualified as a referee while continuing to play, but dropped for disturbing reasons, it would take him too long to reach the summit.

It takes an average of 16 years for a referee to reach the top. Former official Chris Foy and newly appointed Group 1 referee Peter Bankes, who contributed to the Warwick course, took about 20.

Philliskirk, who is now Burnley's under-18 coach, began refereeing Sunday morning at the bottom of the 10-point system.

"The first time this kind of initiative was proposed in the late 90s, 10 players launched the program and, in the space of a year, I was the last which remained, "said Philliskirk.

"I played a Saturday and referees in the Rochdale and Middleton League the next day, I was promoted quickly but it's hard for the body when you train the day and you go out at night to do the tail."

But the FA said it now wants to recognize "the experience and credibility of players during their development period" in order to "strip" some of their founding years.

In doing so, he wants to allow players who excel as referees to join the Football League within five years.

"Footballers are an untapped resource and it is worth trying to open that path to players," said Daniel Meeson, head of development of FA national referees.

"Some would be immediately recognized and they have empathy, an understanding of the game and the communication skills already in place.

"They have been in hostile and intimidating environments as part of their normal working life, so making big decisions under pressure should be a routine for them."

What are the attractions for the players?

In addition to staying in football and putting something back into the game, there is a physical, mental and financial attraction.

Many would be under the 20% maximum of body fat and pbad fitness tests designed to ensure officials look similar to the ones they arbitrate.

Those who access the international list can earn nearly £ 200,000 a year, although this figure drops significantly outside the EFL, while those taking charge of the National League matches earn around £ 110 per match.

"Referees have changed the shape of their body, their fitness level and their appearance.It's almost like they were players but in a different color kit," Iwelumo said.

"Footballers know what it takes to tick this box: fitness, nutrition, which would help players stay healthy and fill that void after football.

"A small number of incoming players would show that this could be done and that there is another way for someone who likes gambling."

And what are the challenges?

For those who, like Iwelumo, have already retired, the most obvious are age, finances and juggling other professional commitments. In addition, for a man representing so many clubs, the rule of the FA that dictates that players can not referee any club for which they played.

"It's a bridge that the FA and the governing bodies will have to go through if and when the situation arises," Iwelumo said. "They said that they would look at it and that if you do your job well, it's surely on what you should be judged."

Vincenti, 33, believes that there are "no obstacles" to a successful transition.

"I know it's a little different, but if you think about what Roger Federer managed to achieve in the final at Wimbledon at age 37, age is not really a problem," he said. he said.

"Referees of the Football League have their job, so it's almost a part-time job for them.This could be the same for the players.This is not a matter of financial hardship, there is an opportunity to progress by getting qualifications as you play and have a co-career.

"There is no big adjustment to play, but a lot of smaller ones because your role in the game changes, maybe your player experience will help you anticipate situations and give you the foresight of to see something evolve. "

And Philliskirk said, "The great thing you get is respect." The players look at you and think, "He's been in my place, he's walked," but you still have to prove that you're good and you work in difficult conditions. "

These challenging terrains may include learning the laws of the game – few players from the University of Warwick have earned more than 50% points in a quiz covering unusual incidents.

"I was laughing when we did the quiz," says Croft. "The scenario of the Arsenal – Manchester City match with Robert Pires and Thierry Henry was odd, I remember playing this game and thinking" what's going on here? "

"I think that's the only question I was right, and it's a revelation because you have to know the laws thoroughly."