Richard Baker

Interview date 7th March, 2006

1. What is your reason for refereeing?

Love the game and have been involved for over 50 years in some aspect - player, coach, manager, referee, committee person, etc.  Putting back into the game what the game has given me plus of course it helps keep this old body going and at least fit from the waist down.

2. Worst moment in reference to refereeing?

I guess there are several all related to being both verbally and physically abused and attacked by players and/or spectators.

3. Best moment in reference to refereeing?

Once again several but there is nothing better than playing a great advantage which results in a goal, running past the offending player and saying I'll be seeing you in a minute and then going back and cautioning him for the attempt to stop the player the advantage was given to.  There are heaps of other rewarding moments too.

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

Watch your colleagues' performances (especially experienced members) and learn from what they do.  Listen to advice and use what you learn to adapt and bring into your own style.  Some things will work for you and others won't but you can't buy experience and you will never stop learning.  This old fart is still learning from his peers.

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

Sir Bobby Charlton because he was my boyhood hero but I would also like to be sitting amongst George Best, Dennis Law and Peter  Schmeical (as I used to play as a goal keeper) too.

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

Web Page Design, Photography, Motor Racing (all types), Travel and just being with my wonderful lady Janine who puts up with the other love of my life - Football!

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

Law 11 - Offside because they still haven't got it right and it keeps changing every year.  The new changes for 2006 are confusing the players even more and I have experienced this several times already at all levels

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

A trip home to one of God's countries - Ireland where the people are very friendly, the scenery is picture perfect and I feel very much at home.  I am part Irish (on my mother's side) and have lived in Ireland so I need to return from time to time.  May I also add there is nothing like a good Irish Stew and a cold Kilkenny beer.

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

Entrance into a local Football match at State League level.

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

Ask Janine she will tell you but probably my worst habit is not letting people finish talking before I reply.

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

That's easy - referees who won't admit they make mistakes and  claim they always get it right.  I can't stand these holier than thou types who think they are great referees and never get it wrong.  We are all human and do miss things and get things wrong sometimes.   I must say that we do get it right most of the time - around 98%.

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

Most Likely an eagle because I just love to fly away sometimes into the mountains for peace and quiet.  Also perhaps a work horse because I am always working on something - mainly this website when I am not doing refereeing or official work they pay me for.

13. What are your refereeing/management aspirations?

Been there and done that but making it to my 60th year and still be refereeing at State League Level and to be honoured with a Premier League Grand Final Centre before I retire.

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