FIFA Futsal Referee Scott Kidson speaks to the hummel F-League

F-League: You have been involved in Futsal for a large number of years as a player, an administrator and now as FIFA Futsal Referee, how have you found each of these roles?
SK: They all have the same thing at heart ? working in the best interests of the team.  I?m just lucky to have been involved at all levels and all areas.  I hope I have the ability to see all the points of view.  No one part of the sport can exist without the others.
F-League: What are you most looking forward to in the 2012 hummel F-League?
SK: The chance to work with a stop clock competition in this country.  The use of stop clock gives our top referees who are yet to reach international level important exposure to these conditions, which is an important step in their development. I think the lack of regular stop clock hurts our players at international events.  I also believe our players should see stop clock as the norm and not something special ? it?s how futsal is meant to be played. I hope to see more stop clock around the country in the near future, even if the length of the match is shorter than 40 minute standard.
F-League: How do you see the standard Futsal refereeing at the moment both locally and internationally?
SK: As the standard of competition rises, naturally the standard of refereeing, must too. Most people want consistency from referees, during the match and from referee to referee.  I think we?ve made great strides in doing that in Australia and that the F-League will allow that to become further embedded.  Internationally, the referees have more support than ever before and there are more competitions.  It?s showing through greater competition for places at international tournaments. 
F-League: Do you think the hummel F-league will help in the development of elite Referees in Australia?
SK:  The Hummel F-League will bring together young talented referees and experienced older heads on the same match.  I hope that this opportunity can accelerate the learning of our up and coming referees with the exposure to the top level of futsal and the interaction with our best refereeing talent.
F-League: How would you describe the shape of Futsal currently in Australia, do you think the hummel F-League will help lift the profile of the game in this country?
SK: A national league can only lift the profile of the sport.  A competition like this is the stepping stone for improving the areas we lack as a nation to a more competitive level.  The more serious this competition becomes, the more hope I hold for the development of our playing standard.  For me, the addition of Melbourne Heart to this competition is exactly where we need to be heading – established football branching into futsal and providing pathways for futsal players.  People know the brand and it will be a draw card for the competition, particularly for the Melbourne rounds. An AFC Clubs berth is just the cherry on top.
F-League: Who are the up and coming referees that we should keep an eye on during the hummel F-League?
SK: Hopefully there will be no need to keep an eye on the referees.  Our top level talent is pretty strong and we need to make sure we have the best referees on this competition.  The up and coming referees will mostly be involved off the pitch but will gain invaluable experience by being involved in the process.  Of course there is always a chance for promotion during the competition based on performance over the series?.
F-League: Can you tell where the referees will come from for hummel F-League, will all states have referees in attendance?
SK: Other than Queensland, all of the member federations with FFA registered futsal referees will be represented during the Hummel F-League
F-League: With Series held interstate do you think the Futsal public will get behind the local teams?
SK: I know there are plenty of locals drumming up crowd support in Melbourne.  The Heart supporter?s group is arranging buses for their fans.  They love their sport in Melbourne.  I hope the NSW futsal public consider it a challenge and aren?t outdone by the fans in the southern capital.
F-League: Thanks for your time and Good Luck in the 2012 hummel F-League?
SK:  I hope we don?t need any luck but thanks.  The referees are really looking forward to kick-off with as much anticipation as the clubs and the fans.