This week we are speaking to local referees from across the county as part of the new Respect the Ref campaign which aims to increase the respect referees receive when officiating. Meet David Harding.

Why did you become a referee?

I became a referee to retain my fitness and stay involved with the game

What does your life involve away from refereeing?

I have always been involved in sales as a salesman or sales manager and for the last 34 years as a Financial Adviser. The last 22 years being self employed.

How long have you been a referee?

I have been refereeing for 19 years.

What league(s) do you referee in?

Formally a Level 4 referee refereeing as a senior county referee and a Football League assistant to Level 3 referees. Laterally moving back to Level 5 covering games in the St Piran, East Cornwall and Dutchy Leagues.

What do you feel is the best thing about refereeing/what do you enjoy about refereeing?

Staying involved in the game and assisting in the entertainment and enjoyment that it offers everyone and taking part in the banter that the greatest game can provide.

What are the toughest moments for you when refereeing?

Dealing with serious injuries to players or realising that my performance could have been better.

What has being a referee given you?

Satisfaction that I have assisted in the enjoyment of players, management and importantly the supporters in moving the game smoothly from one phase to the next, with the aim of being noticed for not being noticed.