John Kemp

Interview date 1st April, 2006

While out with injury to the ‘old back’ for Round One I headed over to Greystanes and caught up with one of our “25 Year Members” Mr John Kemp. John first joined GDFRA back in the early eighties and has been a member of the E&ESC for a number of years. John has also served on the GDSFA and Dundas United Committee’s throughout his distinguished soccer career. I interviewed John after he had just finished refereeing a Senior One’s match.

1. What is your reason for refereeing?

I enjoy it, and it helps keep me somewhat fit.

2. Worst moment in reference to refereeing?

A Sen/1 game many years ago where I just lost the plot from the kick-off and never totally regained it. I was signaling everything the wrong way, the head and arms in total opposition, luckily most of the on-field decisions were correct. I knew a number of players from both teams and they basically agreed to ignore most of my obviously incorrect signals and we managed to all finish the game without any problems.

3. Best moment in reference to refereeing?

After so many years, there are probably many of them – Sen/1 Grand Final, P/L finals, many humorous incidents where you think to yourself ‘gee I managed that on-field issue really well. But if there is to be only one, then it was probably when I successfully passed my second Class 1 field test.

4. What would be the best advice you could pass on to another referee?

Conceptually, be deaf! Just block out what is being said from the sidelines and focus on the game around you. And try a bit of light-hearted discussion with some of the players to break the intensity.

5. On a long plane trip who would you most like to sit next to and why?

Some-one who can put me to sleep quickly to get away from the tedium and boredom of flying.

6. What other hobbies/interests do you have apart from refereeing?

I love 4WD but now rarely get the chance to do it.

7. If there was one thing you could change in regards to refereeing/laws what would it be?

Allow free-kicks to the defending team inside their penalty area to be taken by the goal-keeper with a punt kick from his hands. This would have little bearing in senior football but certainly be of advantage for juniors.

8. If you had a chance to go on the ultimate holiday where/what would it be?

It would probably be some type of ‘adventure’ trip, maybe another holiday in Africa.

9. If you were down to your last $5 what would you spend it on?

2 schooners.

10. Do you have any bad habits and if so what one is the worst?

Yes, smoking, and I just haven’t succeeded in giving it up, although I have tried many times.

11. What is your pet hate in reference to refereeing?

Referees who complain about their appointments not being good enough for them. For Christ’s sake, who cares! All games should be treated the same. Just get out there, do your best, and enjoy yourself.

12. If you compared yourself to an animal what would it be and why?

I would like to think of something lean and quick like a leopard, but the old bones have lost the quick bit, and the wife reckons I’ve also lost the lean bit.

13. What are your refereeing/management aspirations?

To continue until the body can take no more.

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