Page:Association Football and How to Play It (1908) by John Cameron.djvu/56

54 last year, found my name and fame as a Cup-holder and International was a great recommendation, and called for the respect that is really due to worthy officials. If this appeals to any player it is easy for him to become a referee by applying to his local association. The biggest bugbear that the referee has to contend with is the penalty and off-side restrictions. To the uninitiated the offside rule appears quite simple, but to the referee it is the most difficult problem he has got to overcome during the course of the day. His eye is always on the ball, and whilst following it up quickly he is naturally inclined to miss some point which appeals to the onlookers, every one of whom considers himself a critic. The penalty kick plays an important part in the game of to-day, and this particular point requires instant decision, consequently the referee needs to be a man with good judgment, and one who is not to be deterred by criticism, whether it be by players, spectators, or directors.

are many young fellows who are inclined to take up football as a profession, and to these the writer would say, "Count well the cost before you do it." I have spoken to many players, and few