'The official guides to success on and off the pitch.' This Official Football Association series provides invaluable and essential advice and information about key football skills for anyone involved in football, of any age and level. The books are especially aimed at those involved in grassroots football, who may not have the back up and help that they might need to realise the full potential of their involvement in the game. Each book in this series is packed with practical exercises and features, information and expert advice, which will improve your understanding and enhance your ability and enjoyment of the world's greatest game. A straightforward, lively and practical guide, this book not only covers the laws of the game and how to apply them, but also addresses why you might want to become a referee and the demands put upon you in such a role. It includes specific chapters on free kicks and offside and also a chapter devoted to player management. This book is not just essential reading for referees and those who are training, but for coaches, players and anyone else involved or interested in the game. 'Be a part of the game.'

Author Biography

John Baker has worked at The Football Association for the past 3 years. Previously a referee to Level 3 (FA Conference and below) he is now responsible for overseeing the development of all strategy regarding the recruitment, retention and training of over 30,000 officially registered referees in England. As well as working with referees from the amateur game, John is also a member of the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) Management Team, which is responsible for the training and development of referees in the professional game. In his role as Head of Refereeing, John Baker has also been involved with a number of international projects to improve the structures, training and standards of refereeing in less developed countries.