MARK Arndell and others who officiate football matches will get some much deserved kudos tomorrow.
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It's referee recognition round, and at grounds across the Hastings, the referees will be the centre of attention.
Arndell and others will receive a certificate as teams line up in their honour before each match.
He said it should happen every weekend.
"It will be great," he said of getting that certificate tomorrow.
Arndell is a footballer from way back. He played with Wauchope.
He started refereeing after a stint in the army.
"It sounds corny, but I just wanted to give something back," he said.
"And get fit and keep me off the lounge."
Arndell is in his fifth season officiating.
He just wanted to start with junior football, and he's worked his way through the ranks to the Football Mid North Coast Premier League fixtures.
He thought he wouldn't go any further than the open ladies when he did one of those games in his first year.
"I thought 'that's it, I've reached my ceiling rank'," Arndell said.
He did a third grade men's game after that. Now, Arndell is reffing the top league.
"Believe it or not, I think they're easier to referee," he said of the higher grade players.
"All they want to do is play soccer, and they don't want to argue with you.
"They know what a foul is. They go out of their way not to foul."
He has one top tip for any kid who wants to officiate at a match.
"Learn the rules first," Arndell said.
"It's very daunting, but they [the association] will nurture them.
"They grow in confidence and get better and better."
Football Mid North Coast general manager Peter Daniels looked forward to recognising the contribution of referees everywhere.
At the same time, he wants to stamp out the unsavoury abuse handed out from spectators.
Daniels said the association had "drawn a line in the sand". Abuse will no longer be tolerated.