More Than a Referee: Fighting for Respect in Football’s Toughest Role

Q: Let’s start with how you first got into refereeing. What inspired you?
A family friend of mine kept encouraging me to take the refereeing course. I didn’t want to do it alone, so I finally agreed to go with him. I was only 15 or 16 at the time, and I remember walking into a room full of 20 or more men—coaches, all much older than me. I was the only girl there.

Q: That must have been daunting. How did it feel being the only female?
It was nerve-wracking. I felt like such an outsider. Everyone seemed to have something in common, except me. Some of the older men were kind and supportive, but others would consistently refer to referees and players using only male pronouns—"he" did this, "he" did that. It just reinforced that the environment wasn’t built for women. That day, I realised there’s a real divide in football.

Q: Why do you think that divide exists?
Football has always been male-centered. Men get the best stadiums, the most funding, and the most coverage. You barely see female referees on TV—maybe in the Women’s World Cup, but rarely in men’s games. The system’s been built that way, and it’s hard to change. Even now, promotion pathways for women are harder, and we often have to prove ourselves more.

Q: Do you referee both men’s and women’s matches?
Yeah, I do both. I mostly run the line in men’s matches, but I’m happy to take the middle as well. It depends on the game, really.

Q: Have you had any female mentors or role models in refereeing?
It’s tough. I’ve been refereeing for about five years, and I’ve had someone watch my games maybe three times. Female mentors are really rare. There’s one older female referee in Plymouth, Jane, and she’s been brilliant. But honestly, it’s very hard to find female refs who have time to support the younger ones.

Q: Do you enjoy refereeing, despite the challenges?
I do. It gets me out, keeps me active, and I meet loads of people. But when I was younger, I found it really difficult. The abuse was hard to handle. I’d cry after games sometimes. You have to grow a thick skin to survive it. People shout anything from the sidelines—sometimes because I’m a woman, sometimes just because they don’t like the decision.

Q: Do you feel the abuse is worse because you’re a woman?
In some cases, yes. Especially in youth boys’ games—there’s this unspoken belief that a woman doesn’t belong there. I’ve had 13-year-old boys shout things at me that are completely inappropriate. But honestly, the worst behaviour usually comes from grown men on the sidelines, not the players. And when players do act out, it’s often a reflection of their coaches and parents.

Q: What would help encourage more women to become referees?
Women-only referee courses are a great start. I wish those had existed when I started—I felt so isolated being the only girl. Young girls need role models. When I first started, everyone knew who I was just because I was the only female ref. Now, there are more girls getting involved, which is amazing. I’ve helped a few get started, and it’s so good to see that change.

Q: What are your future plans? Will you continue refereeing?
Yes, I’m hoping to get my 3W promotion this season. I also want to become a paramedic, so I’ll eventually have to decide which path to commit to. But for now, I plan to continue both.

Q: Can you explain what "3W" means?
Sure! In women’s football, there are four levels—4W up to 1W, with 1W being the top (like the Women’s Super League). In the men’s game, there are seven levels. Getting promoted means passing fitness tests, assessments, and proving you’re capable. It’s harder for women early on because there are fewer levels and opportunities.

Q: Is refereeing financially sustainable?
Not really—unless you reach the top. Ironically, grassroots games often pay more than semi-pro matches because of the time and effort involved. But you don’t get paid for travel, and there’s a lot of waiting around before and after games. It’s good money for a side hustle, but not enough to live off—unless you move up the ladder.

Q: Is there a pay gap between men’s and women’s matches?
Yes, unfortunately. Male and female referees are paid equally for the same match type, but men’s matches pay more than women’s. For example, I did the line for a men’s game and got £45. A similar role for a women’s game paid £40. Same work, different pay.

Q: Have you felt respected by male colleagues on match days?
It depends. You have to fight for respect. At first, I was always pushed to be the second assistant. I had to speak up for myself just to be taken seriously. And there’s another issue—changing facilities. The men get one room and chat, while I’m changing alone in a storage cupboard. Then I’m left outside waiting 20–30 minutes after the game while they finish up. It’s demoralising and happens every time.

Q: That sounds incredibly frustrating.
It is. One time at a Championship stadium, I was put in a room where all the men's first-team kit was stored, and I couldn’t even put my stuff down. It really shows how unequal things still are, even at the top levels.

Q: Despite everything, what keeps you going?
Knowing that I’m helping make space for the next generation. Seeing more young girls get involved is the best part. I might be the only female ref someone sees on the pitch, but if that makes even one girl think, "I could do that too," then it's all worth it.