It’s a thankless job being a referee.
You get very little credit for getting decisions right, and endless criticism when you get them wrong. Both teams are in your face, arguing about everything from fouls to corners and throw-ins.
And that’s not even mentioning the reaction of managers, coaches and the fans.
Yes, technology has moved on at speed, so you have more help than ever before, thanks to VAR and multiple camera angles. But your every move is put under the microscope and analysed, and there is very little mercy shown if you make a mistake.
No wonder many nations find it hard to encourage people to train as referees, and so the standard can sometimes be inconsistent. For ex-players there are much greater rewards to be had in coaching, management or TV punditry.
Professional football desperately needs high quality officials, and it’s by no means a simple task qualifying, maintaining your standards and getting to officiate at major tournaments and in the top leagues.
Referees need be physically fit, have great powers of concentration, a confident manner that can cope with the pressure of important games with plenty at stake, and need wherever possible to earn the respect of players and managers.
It’s a tough ask.
And for many, they need wisdom, courage and a thick skin that can take criticism.
Those are the kind of qualities that leaders in many fields need to have – but whether we’re in leadership at work or simply trying to do the best for our families, they are great virtues to seek.
Followers of Jesus are told in the Bible to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1: 9) and reminded in James 1: 5 “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you”.
So spare a thought for referees – who need wisdom and courage in every game – and next time you need those qualities in daily life, ask God.
To find out more about what it means to be a follower of Jesus, take a look at our page on finding faith: www.planetsport.tv/finding-faith