Page:Association Football and How to Play It (1908) by John Cameron.djvu/55

 Rh interest in junior circles, where their personality would command respect. The boy of to-day, knowing that a certain International is going to officiate in the game he is taking part in, will play much better than if Tom, Dick, or Harry had the control, a fact which proves for itself that personality is a great thing in the "Knight of the Whistle." John Lewis, of Blackburn, has been crowned King of Referees, and undoubtedly this was greatly due to his personality on the field. The player knew he could take no liberties whatever, and when a warning was once given it was given so that the player was sure that his next act of disobedience would ensure for him his marching order off the field, and that later he would be dealt with by the F.A. Mr. Lewis always let the player know when he had gone too far in any way, and afterwards it was for a player to see that it did not occur again. It is a pity that more first-class players, when they have finished their playing career, do not follow it up by becoming referees. Referees of the class of Major Marindin, J. C. Clegg, J. J. Bentley, and many others, are badly wanted in the football of to-day. I might appeal to the older players to take a greater interest in the beginners than they are doing at the present time. They should remember the days when they were young and the interest taken in them by their elders, who used to go out of their way to encourage them in their sport, and endeavour to do to-day what was done for them years ago. Junior referees are badly wanted, especially men of a reputation that is well respected. I, even in my little way, refereeing