Referee Q&A - Neil Robertson

Why did you decide to take up the whistle? I would say for the same reason as a lot of referees out there - I got injured and was told by a doctor that I’d never play again. Someone at my club suggested giving it a go so I was given the details and haven’t looked back since. What is the biggest thing you have learned since you started refereeing? If there is a radiator in your changing room, make sure you get your towel on it as soon as you arrive!!! On the pitch, it’s to remain calm and always keep a smile on your face. What was the process like to become a referee? There was an article on the Ulster Rugby website with contact details so I made the call, and turned up at the La Mon Hotel one Saturday morning. What is your favourite thing about refereeing? The biggest thing is definitely remaining involved in the game since I’m unable to play, getting out every Saturday and allowing 30+ players to get a game of rugby. What is the most memorable game you have refereed so far? You always remember the ‘firsts’. My first Schools Cup game was at Sullivan and I was nervous in front of a big crowd as well as a few experienced referees on their way to a European fixture. What is your pre-match routine like? I always have the same food / drink in the build up to a game and aim to arrive an hour beforehand. I set my kit out and go and find the teams, get the official bit out of the way as early as possible, go change and start my own warm up. What is your ambition as a referee? To continue to give the players of Ulster an enjoyable and competitive game of rugby every week. If everyone can go to work on a Monday morning then it’s been a successful afternoon out. What one law would you like to change or introduce? At the professional level, I would limit the number of replacements and I’d like to see some scrum offences changed to a free kick to reduce the number of scrum resets and speed the game up. Who is your favourite referee and why? Mark Patton, hands down. He is majestic around the field and has a great way with players, he’s a decent fella with it. Stuart Gaffikin is also up there, he makes everything seem so easy. What could make you improve as a referee? I could always be a bit fitter but we have a great support network within the society to help with the technicalities of the game. What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up refereeing? Absolutely give it a go. You get to stay involved in the game, it’s usually a lot of fun and you get to meet a lot of new people.