How to Referee

William Pickford's classic guide to the rules of football

Wit and wisdom of William Pickford

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Introduction

Of all the important phases of the game of Association Football, possibly the most neglected have been those of the Referee and the Laws of the Game.

The play and the players live through each football season in a blaze of publicity. Yet two if its most important attributes... obtain but scanty recognition.

The Laws of the Game, foundations on which a mighty structure has been reared, are still but comprehended in outline and vaguely by the vast majority, and the Referee... finds but little aid from the official rule books.

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Part One

If it were possible for the game to run itself without a Referee, a very troublesome factor would be eliminated. But the healthy rivalry of vigorous manhood and the very spirit of the game, demand something more than the mere exercise which... requires the point and spur of the desire to win to make it complete.

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Neil Cassar, Hampshire FA Operations Manager

Hampshire Football Association has a treasure trove of historic football memorabilia in its archive.

It traces the growth of football over the last 150 years.

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Conclusions

Don't be afraid, but be bold and fear not

Don't worry your head about the noise spectators kick up. Free Britons have queer ways of enjoying themselves.

Don't go on refereeing if your eyesight gets bad, or you get old and slow.

If you think I am in error anywhere, don't hesitate to write and tell me so. I shall take it as a favour to be corrected.

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A permanent tribute to William Pickord - Hampshire HQ opened in 1996