Grassroots ref honoured by Notts FA after 60 years with the whistle

Howard Bevan’s incredible stint as an official was rewarded with an engraved gold whistle trophy, which was presented to him at England Women’s World Cup qualification win against Iceland on Saturday 7th March at the City Ground.

After first refereeing in his teens, the recognition was much deserved for the 77-year-old, who was delighted to see his service celebrated.

“I was touched,” he said. “It’s all very touching and Debbie’s words were lovely – she spoke so kindly about me.

“It was a brilliant day; I’d been meant to referee a game that day, but I know which of the two I’d prefer.

“It was great to have my two brothers with me, and we were so well looked after. We’re very grateful for everything.”

Debbie, a Notts County supporter whose father was an amateur referee, felt compelled to present Howard with the award as soon as she heard his story.

“I had to fight with everyone else to come and do this presentation,” she laughed.

“To acknowledge Howard and his achievement of six decades is incredible. When you consider the era in which he started when it was all about determination, commitment and resilience, 60 years’ service shows each of those characteristics.

“Just reading his background exhausted me. On behalf of everyone in English football, including the match official team who fought me to present the award, a huge thank you to Howard for everything he’s done – we all really appreciate it.”

And he’s not done yet, with no intention of hanging up his whistle any time soon!

“I still enjoy it as much as I used to, perhaps even more so now than when I was younger,” revealed Howard.

“It’s the enjoyment that keeps you going so long. Nowadays, when I referee matches, I know the assistants, I know other referees and even the players and coaches to a certain extent.

“I think that’s what it’s all about, when you know the people.

“I’ve done 44 games so far this season and did 67 last, so over the years I must have refereed almost 4,000 matches!”

Despite refereeing grassroots football throughout his 60 years, he’s had opportunities to officiate at professional grounds, too, and has seen a raft of changes to football over that period.

Howard explained: “Nottinghamshire FA used to put you on games at the professional grounds as fourth official for the experience, so I’ve been at matches for Notts County, Nottingham Forest and Mansfield Town among others. Those kinds of memories stick with you.

“Back when I first started refereeing, things were so different. You wouldn’t see games called off because if you could walk on a pitch, you could play on it. Nowadays, there’s a lot more care for players’ welfare, which is a good thing.

“It’s similar in the way the rules have changed, some tackles would have gone unpunished in the past which are now certainly worthy of a red card.”

And he revealed his top tip for succeeding as a referee over such a long period.

“It’s always your decision and you’ve to stick by it,” he said. “That’s something you have got to have conviction with because you’re the referee.

“I get people saying to me ‘you get some things wrong, but you get a hell of a lot right’ and I think that’s all you can ask for. No one can expect you to never make a mistake.

“If you have conviction in what you’re giving, there can be no complaints really and you have to make sure you’re certain in your decisions.

“For example, if you’re giving a penalty or a red card, you have to be 110% sure because those are game-defining moments.”