Weekly Meeting with Drew Fleming - visitors welcome

Kilmarnock Rotary Club were entertained recently by retired football referee Drew Fleming. In a very amusing and interesting talk Drew described his career as a referee from school days to the highest levels of national and international football. Spanning decades, and mentioning some legendary footballers, Drew gave the view from ‘behind the whistle’ in grounds and stadiums from humble parks to world famous theatres of football.  Professional skill and knowledge, as well as a thick skin, are requirements of a referee, along with a well-developed sense of humour. Drew’s numerous anecdotes were appreciated by all.

The photograph shows Drew Fleming with club president Ian Geddes and Rotary member David Hill.

As background Drew had told us : -

“I joined the Stirlingshire Referees Association in my final year at Kilsyth Academy and spent the next three years in the Stirlingshire Secondary Juvenile League. From then I moved through the Junior and senior grades before an Achilles injury forced me to retire –at age 35! 

I was then appointed as a referee Supervisor, assessing performances and acting as a liaison between local Referee Associations and the Scottish Football Association. This involved me in a number of areas including Glasgow, Stirlingshire, Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire, with some specific involvements elsewhere also. 

When I retired from my mainstream job (Careers Service Inspector) I became additionally involved in UEFA matches as a Referee Liaison Officer looking after teams of officials coming to Scotland  for UEFA matches from the time of their arrival until seeing them off the day after the match. I reached the retiring age for both SFA and UEFA duties simultaneously because of age limits (now abolished!) and for the past seven years have operated as a  Development Advisor in Junior football , where there is no age limit!”