Breaking Barriers: An Interview with Jayne, One of the First Female Football referees for the PDN League

In a world where football has long been male-dominated, some women are not just joining the game — they’re changing it. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jayne, a passionate and experienced referee who has paved the way for other women in the field. From her first game to facing sexism head-on, Jayne’s story is one of resilience, love for the game, and quiet strength.

Q: Jayne, you’ve got such a busy schedule! Can you walk us through a typical week for you as a referee?

Oh, I don’t stop! I look after a few teams — it’s not just about five-a-side on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, I work with students. This Wednesday, I’ve got the ladies’ students and some juniors. Then Saturdays, I do the junior's DJM on Saturday. Fridays are the only day I try to do nothing — it catches up with you eventually!

Q: That’s an incredible commitment. What first inspired you to become a referee?

My son Matthew played football from the age of 11. I used to watch him every Saturday. Then, he got a scholarship to Swansea at 16, so when he left, there was a bit of a void. One day, I was at the golf club and someone suggested I take the referee course. I started at level 7, and now I’m a level 5 referee. I went for promotion twice, got assessed, and passed. I didn’t go for level 4 — it involves too much travel.

Q: Have you faced any challenges as a female referee?

Absolutely. When I started, they weren’t used to female referees. I think I was the first in the PND League. I remember turning up and hearing, “Oh, we’ve got that bloody woman again.” I’ve had people say I should be back in the kitchen. I used to hand out three or four cards a game for dissent. But over time, things have changed — they’re actually pleased to see me now.

Q: That’s incredible. Do you ever feel nervous or anxious heading into a game?

Jane: Not really. I’d watched Matt play for so long I knew what to do. But I knew I had to know my stuff — otherwise, they’d eat me alive! If I didn’t know the rules or came across as unsure, they’d be all over me.

Q: Have you ever experienced any sexist comments during games?

Yes, especially early on. I remember one game at Plymstock — I needed to use the toilet, and the only place was right next to the changing room. While I was in there, I overheard the manager’s team talk. He said, “Right, we’ve got Jane, you know what she’s like. Don’t swear at her. If someone gets a card, you’ll be fined by me, too!” That kind of support meant a lot. It has definitely improved, but it was tough in the beginning.

Q: Do you feel players treat you differently because you're a woman?

Yes. At first, they assumed I didn’t know anything about football. But now they know I’m Matt’s mum, and that’s earned me some respect. They realise I know what I’m talking about. That’s helped massively — though I don’t tell Matt that!

Q: How do you deal with abuse from players or the crowd?

I don’t engage with it. I stay calm. I’ve never really lost my temper — I don’t have one to lose! If someone’s screaming at me, I’ll calmly give them a yellow card and ask them to take a moment. I’ll say, “Take this time to calm down — give me your name.” With crowds, it depends. On public pitches, I can’t always send them away. But on private grounds, I can insist.

Q: Have you had support or mentorship from others in the field?

Not really. My first game was an Under-11s at Buckland, and someone came to watch. They told me I didn’t need any more support — that I’d be fine. That was it! For promotions, you get assessed on three games, and I passed each one.

Q: Are there enough opportunities for young girls wanting to become referees?

Yes, it’s better now. When I started, there were hardly any girls’ teams. Now, there are more teams and better support systems. Young girls get mentors and guidance — they’re not just thrown into the deep end. I saw a young girl at Ivybridge last week being mentored — she was really good!

Q: What advice would you give to girls who want to become referees?

Don’t take things to heart. Do what you’ve got to do and let the rest go. After a game, players will shake hands like nothing happened. Learn from it and move on — don’t carry it with you.

Q: What’s been the most rewarding part of being a referee for you?

The people. I love the different characters in football. Some don’t understand the game at all, some are jokers, and others just want to play. I especially enjoy refereeing the uni boys — they don’t argue; they just get on with it.

Q: Do you ever face dangerous or volatile situations?

I’ve had a few. A fellow referee was pushed in the chest and had water thrown at him by spectators. He refuses to do certain teams now. Spectators can be awful — especially from the wrong side of the pitch. But I work with others like Sophie, another female ref who doesn’t take any nonsense. We stick together.