Roaming Ref: Dave Charlton
Dave Charlton is a National League referee based in Northumberland.
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How did you get into refereeing?
I’ve been involved in rugby since I started playing at nine years old. I loved it but got injured when I was a teenager and stopped playing. I was keen to stay involved and saw an advert in my local Northumberland paper recruiting for referees. I thought I’d given referees enough grief when watching Falcons that I should probably give it a go! I signed up back in 2007 and really got into it in September 2008 – and haven’t looked back since.
What level do you referee at?
In March 2021, after many years of trying, I received the wonderful news that I would now be a member of National League Match Official Team. This means I primarily referee in National League 2 North but also National Leagues 2 West and East and maybe in the future National League 1.
What was the first game you ever refereed?
It was such a long time ago! I think it may have been Newcastle University Freshers v Hild and Bede College from Durham University. I was a nervous wreck as I didn’t have a clue what to expect. But I got through it, and it mustn’t have been that bad as I’m still refereeing!
Talk us through a match day from your perspective.
It’s the best day of the week! I aim to get to the club 90 minutes before kick-off then it’s case of popping into the clubhouse to have a chat with various people. Next, I find out when both teams want their pre-match checks done, catch up with and brief the assistant referees, do the team briefs then get changed and warmed up.
Before I know it, it’s game time and my focus is on refereeing the best I can for the next 80 minutes. After the game, it’s a quick shower and into the clubhouse for post-match food, a pint, and chats - and hope nobody complains about the match official team!
What is the best game you have ever refereed, and why?
There are so many. I would have to say the Papa Johns Men’s Counties 2 Championship Final between Teddington and Wensleydale at Twickenham in May last year. The honour of being selected to referee a cup final at Twickenham was huge, and the fact it was full of running rugby with tries aplenty made the occasion very special. The day was made even better by being able to run touch for one of my best mates in another game later that day.
What fixture this year are you looking forward to most?
I always enjoy the annual Boxing Day fixture between Alnwick vs Berwick. I’ve reffed that game for the past four or five years, it’s competitive and brutal but always great fun in the clubhouse after the game. Last year, the game ended 43-0 to Alnwick. After about 30 minutes of the players getting their Christmas fogginess out of their systems and a stern warning to both captains, we got some good rugby played.
What is the best experience you have from refereeing?
I’ve had some amazing experiences; I’ve refereed across the country, in Canada and twice in Andalucía through a referee exchange program. I was particularly apprehensive when I went to Spain as I don’t speak much Spanish! I swotted up on some key phrases before the game and worked out in pre-match briefing which players spoke English. They helped me by translating to the other players!
What has been your favourite club to referee at?
Oh, that’s a tough one and I’m on the spot as there are a few clubs that might get offended if I don’t say them! Can I give a diplomatic answer of Marbella? It was my first exchange to Spain and the post-match BBQ was top rate as was their hospitality. Locally, I always enjoy going to all the Northumberland clubs. It’s because of how well they look after you pre- and post-match even if the spectators give you grief from the sidelines during the game.
What is the furthest distance you've travelled to referee?
The travel can be the worst thing about refereeing! Because I live in the Northeast and I’m a National League referee, there’s a lot of driving involved.
I’ve had to travel to Rotherham and Hull so far this season which are about two and a half hours away. I’ve got a long journey coming up to Fylde which is nearly three hours. I’ve also had to referee in Devon once and from Newcastle that is a fair old trek! But even after the longest of journeys, after the game, someone buys me a pint, and I have some food and some great conversation, and I remember why I love it!
What are some of the challenges you face as a referee?
Match official abuse is the biggest challenge we face as referees, and it has been on the rise in the community game over the last few seasons.
We are all humans, and we’re also volunteers. We understand people get frustrated and aggrieved at certain things during the game but there is no need to abuse us either verbally or physically. I think more severe punishments are needed and I think putting offenders on a referee course or encouraging them to referee a game themselves will help people to understand how difficult it can be.
Another issue is lack of referees since Covid. Northumberland is one of many societies across the country that has seen their numbers fall. Our referees are under strain trying to do more but some games aren’t going ahead as there just isn’t anyone to referee. It’s the million-pound question on what can be done to improve numbers but hopefully they do start to rise again soon!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting into refereeing?
Being a referee is great - you get the best seat in the house and you’re up close with all the action. I’m always involved in the clubhouse after a game, and I have my own community as part the referee society. We’re one big family and we all look out for each other.
My advice would be just do it and get involved! Don’t over think it and enjoy. We all make mistakes, and the players make mistakes as well; it’s about how we learn from them - that’s a big thing. And smile! Refereeing has bought a lot of joy to my life – I’d say it is the best thing I’ve ever done.
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