James Barnes set to referee his 2000th match this weekend
In what has been described as one of the most amazing feats ever recorded at Football NSW, 60-year-old State League referee James Barnes will this Saturday evening officiate his two thousandth match in his 43rd consecutive year as a referee in the SUPA IGA NPL Mens 2 match between the Bankstown Berries v Sydney University at The Crest Oval.
“I am really looking forward to this Saturday’s match although it will be just another match, it will have a touch of significance attached to it.
“I never thought when I first started way back in 1970 that I would ever hit 2000 matches but it’s happened.
“I just love the game and it is my passion that drives me to get more enjoyment out of it.”
Having started his refereeing career in 1970 with the Canterbury Association, Barnes has kept to his vigorous fitness regime in staying in shape by running an incredible 60km per week amongst other things.
“I do run 60kms a week sometimes even more.
“I have an intense program I follow where it can vary from an 8km run to speed work and distance running.
“I also do athletics and I am a distance runner with my next competitive run penned in May for the Sydney half Marathon which is a 10km run.
“Luckily I’ve stayed injury free and have really gotten to know my body well – that and a very good physiotherapist also.”
Asked what his secret to his success has been on continuing to officiate at a high level, Barnes replied.
“You need to be able to communicate with the players and coaches and show them respect as I believe it is reciprocated.
“The other secret is really no secret but an obvious one, doing this keeps you fit and healthy.
“Finally, remembering a Leo Wilson (who is deceased) euphemism “be there”.
With 43 years under his belt officiating at the highest level, Barnes stated that two memorable matches he refereed stood out in his illustrious career as a whistleblower.
“The 1984 NYL Grand Final between St George and Parramatta Melita at St George Stadium when Saints’ David Batten put the ball from a header over the bar by mere centimetres which would have made it 2-2 in the 88th minute but Parramatta won 2-1.
“Finally, the State League Two Final between Hakoah and Roosters when two uncompromising teams went hammer and tong at it and the crowd appreciated the way I let the game flow with Hakoah running out victors 2-1.”
With a number of aspiring youngsters looking at donning the whistle and the black and white, or in some countries bright yellow or pink attire as a referee, Barnes had a few key messages for them.
“Be prepared for hard work and set yourself goals that are achievable.
“Train well, keep fit and learn man management skills as the players really do appreciate this.
“Go that extra metre and see what you can achieve from there.”
Mention retirement and you’ll hear it from Barnes who still believes he can officiate a couple more seasons.
“To be honest I think I can referee at least two more years, it depends on my fitness and when I feel it’s time to pack it all up.”
Barnes put forward that the chrome dome appearance of one Pierluigi Collina and Australian and ex-NSL referee Simon Micallef were the referees he looked up to from both a local and international front.
“Most definitely Pierluigi Collina as he had an amazing presence on the pitch and commanded it very well.
“Locally Simon Micallef via his cool manner earned much respect from me.”
-By Mark Stavroulakis
