Lindsey's Referee Challenge Blue Peter Bite

This is Blue Peter, but mini.

Expect epic adventures, makes, bakes,

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We've only got five minutes to get ready for your Blue Peter adventure.

'I've been set the challenge of becoming

'a qualified Football Association referee.

'And, despite setting out not knowing anything about football...'

I can't get my book open.

'..I managed to finish my training, and pass the exam.

'But the story doesn't end there.

'I had to complete six matches where I'm observed

'by a qualified official before I can referee on my own.'

So, today is the day of my first practice match,

and I've got to say I'm really nervous,

especially because I've watched a few games,

and seen how much pressure is put on the referee.

Luckily, I've got a bit of help today

from someone who definitely knows his stuff.

-COMMENTATOR:

-Big decision here.

'That's right, Howard Webb,

'one of the best refs the country has ever produced.

'He's even refereed the World Cup final.

'And, today, he's come to watch from the sidelines. No pressure, then!'

REFEREE'S WHISTLE

Step forward a bit, keep going.

So much going on at once, and everyone shouting.

SHOUTING FROM THE CROWD

It's really hard to concentrate.

It's also really hard not to get in the way.

Lindsey just gave a goal kick.

And if she'd allowed herself a bit more time,

she'd have realised it was a corner. The players knew it was a corner.

Oh, good finish.

What advice could you give me to get better?

I think you need to look back on today's game

and the times when you felt uncomfortable out there

because you felt you were in the wrong position,

think why that happened, what you could do.

I got almost smacked by the ball twice.

That's not brilliant, is it?

What I noticed is how much better you got in the second half,

how much more comfortable you looked.

-I guess that's the way it felt to you as well.

-Yeah.

FINAL WHISTLE BLOWS

'Taking Howard's advice on board, it's straight on to my next match.

'I'm going to concentrate on getting the decisions right,

'and try and enjoy myself.

'This time, another qualified referee, Jess, is here

'to give me her top tips.'

For an offside, what you do is hold your arm up in the air.

-Is that offside?

-Yeah, offside. And when they kick the ball,

you can then bring your arm back down.

You can blow as hard as you want,

no-one's going to say, oh, it's too hard.

It's never too hard. You want everyone to know what you're doing.

REFEREE'S WHISTLE

'And, with Jess' encouragement spurring me on,

'I went into the next game feeling like a proper referee.'

Bring it back.

Free kick.

That's my third ever.

'I even managed to avoid being hit by the ball.

'Things are going well.

'I'm not sure top referees celebrate goals, though!

'But, will it be enough to complete my challenge?

'It all comes down to a final game.'

REFEREE'S WHISTLE

So, that brings us to today, and I'm going to be refereeing a Cup match

between the Manchester Maccabi Raptors, and the Barr Hill Aces.

I'm a bit nervous.

Brian, from Manchester FA, is here to assess my performance.

Brian, what are you mainly going to be looking out for today?

When you make your decisions, make them positive.

Good voice, clear signal. Concentrate on a good whistle.

And, as I say, just enjoy the game.

Here we go. Last game.

REFEREE'S WHISTLE

'Unlike my other games, this is a Cup match which means

'any mistake I make could have big consequences.'

Go in.

'But, with Brian listening in on the sideline, and offering support,

'my confidence begins to build,

'and soon I'm in control and enjoying the game.'

REFEREE'S WHISTLE

Wow. They're on one.

'I'm remembering the advice from Howard, Jess and Brian,

'keeping good positions, and being strong in my decisions.'

Back.

Back, back, back, back.

Keep going back until you're level with my arm.

Yeah. Big whistle.

REFEREE'S WHISTLE

Well done, excellent.

'The standard is really high.

'And both teams are fighting for the win.'

REFEREE'S WHISTLE

'With the final seconds ticking away, I've just spotted a pass back

'which is not allowed and, for that, I award an indirect free kick

'inside the penalty area.'

All stop shouting. All defenders, behind this line.

'I've never dealt with this before, and it's really tense.'

Everyone back in line with Malachi.

'This is a major opportunity for the Yellows to win the game.'

REFEREE'S WHISTLE

'But the Blues' goalkeeper makes the save

'and the match goes to penalties.'

CHEERING AFTER EACH PENALTY

'And, after that epic contest, the Blues come out on top.

'Have I done enough to prove that I can referee

'a match on my own?'

Your position and movement was excellent today.

Match control was good. Your signals, whistle was very positive.

So, on that performance today,

I really think you're capable of moving onto grassroots football

and becoming a fully-fledged referee.

-Yes!

-Well done.

Brian, I've wanted to hear that for months.

'So, I've done it. World Cup final, here I come!'

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