Sandro Perticarini blows whistle one last time
To have every 50/50 decision questioned by an inquisitive captain, to be berated by an irate coach, to be hurled abuse by one-eyed supporters?.you really do need a thick skin and a set of ear plugs to eliminate any unnecessary verbal tirades from influencing your decision making.
That?s why it is really sad when you have to announce the retirement of a referee who possesses all the necessary capabilities and experience, and has managed to make a positive difference to the game of football in NSW.
Well known Football NSW referee, Sandro Perticarini, has announced his retirement from refereeing, and will deservedly go out on a high note, being assigned to referee the 2010 Division One Grand Final between Fairfield City Lions and Hills Brumbies at Sydney United Sports Centre on Saturday, September 11.
The career of the experienced whistle blower actually started as a player.
Sandro was an uncompromising defender ? fierce in the tackle, and passionate in his approach ? and played for such clubs as Concord Juniors, Western Suburbs, Inter Lions and Strathfield.
Throughout his playing career he decided to tackle the job of being a coach, and one of his proud achievements was taking the APIA Under 18s to a second successive Premier?s title back in 1984.
It was at this stage that Sandro decided to turn his attention to becoming a referee, and joined the Canterbury District Referees Association the very same year.
Sandro felt that his experience as a player, and then as a coach, would provide him with a different perspective, and give him an edge in his quest to become an effective referee.
Even though he continued to combine playing and refereeing until the mid 90s, Sandro thought more and more about his future as a referee, and less about the rigors of playing, given the toll it was beginning to have on his body.
Focusing on mastering the whistle, Sandro started to move up the ranks gradually, and in 1998 he attained the highest district referee accreditation, the ?Class One Referees Certificate?.
The following year he was recruited by the Australian Soccer Referees Federation, NSW Division, now known as the Football NSW State League Referees.
It was at this point, at the end of 1999, that Sandro decided to hang up his playing boots forever, finishing his playing days with Strathfield, and committing fully to establishing a career in refereeing, primarily with the ASRF and Football NSW.
It wasn?t long before his talent and extensive knowledge of the game was recognized, and he was soon elevated to a role within Soccer Australia, being elected to the National Youth League Panel in 2001.
2001 in fact reflected a meteoric rise for Sandro as he was selected to officiate in the inaugural Football NSW Premier League Grand Final as an Assistant Referee.
That was the commencement of a long relationship and he has been part of the Football NSW Premier League Competition ever since, either as a match referee or as an assistant.
He suffered a setback in 2002 due to a knee injury, however Sandro bounced backed in 2003, and his determination saw him obtain the Level 1 Certificate at State level.
His passion for the game has extended off the park as well, as Sandro has been part of the Referee?s Management team, and other various Referees committees over the years.
Additionally, he has been directly involved with the ?Italian-Australian? referees exchange programs, supporting referees from Italy and Australia gaining valuable experience in another environment.
The experience Sandro gained in controlling games in the Canterbury District assisted him in making the transition to the State level, although he is quick to point out that the higher standard required was supported by the ASRF who provided him with the necessary tools and knowledge.
I asked Sandro to answer a number of questions that many football fans wish to ask ;
WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING MOMENTS OF YOUR CAREER?
The elation felt by beating all the odds and winning promotion to the 1st grade Premier League referee panel.
MOST DIFFICULT DECISION
Having to issue my first ever yellow card to a twelve year old.
WHICH GAMES STICKS OUT IN YOUR MIND AND WHY?
I am sure this Saturday?s Grand Final will remain with me forever, however to date there are two games that remain clear in my memory?;
*my first official 1st grade Premier League debut at CUA Stadium, because it provided me with the great personal satisfaction of reaching the highest level of refereeing in the State.
*the other was a friendly game between Bankstown City Lions and Sydney FC, played at a jam packed Jensen Park – a game that was fierce and played at a very fast pace, entertaining to watch, plenty of goal scoring opportunities, and fantastic to have been part of.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A REFEREE?
Being able to be part of the football fraternity has enabled me to meet many interesting people, and it has taken me to many places around the world, making many new friends along the way?. just being part of the game is a fantastic and enjoyable feeling.
WHAT?S THE FUNNIEST THING A SPECTATOR HAS EVER SHOUTED AT YOU?
Don?t worry about that Wxxxxx, you?re doing a great job ref ??. (and seconds later)? ?what are you doing??? that was a penalty!!!!!?
Officiating in Saturday?s Division One Grand Final will not only be Sandro?s final match in charge, but it will mark his 500th match as a referee within the Football NSW State League, in a career that has included over 1200 matches as a senior official.
In a week of milestones for the well known referee, Sandro has a double reason to celebrate, turning 50 just two days before his final match in charge.
Sandro?s retirement comes after 26 years of dedication to the game, and there is no doubt he will definitely be missed on the park.
However, his experience will not be lost as he is contemplating his future opportunities in the referee ranks, either as an assessor, or in an administration role.
The decision of retirement comes after achieving many of his personal goals, and having reached many milestones ? congratulations Sandro Perticarini on a magnificent career as a referee ? the full time whistle has blown one last time.
-By Frank Speranza
