WITH the Bolton, Bury and District Football League season underway, I commence my columns on refereeing with an insight into mentoring.

The BBDFL has its own referee youth council who will support referees throughout mentoring.

One of its younger members, Adam Cooper, met up with Alex Hall before his game on Saturday to talk through some key points to improve confidence and standards.

Over the next few weeks I will be going into more depth.

I hope you enjoy Alex's insight into refereeing.

My life as a referee Alex Hall I have been playing football since I was nine years old, both for teams in the Bolton, Bury League and representing Bolton School, where I am now in Year 12 and just starting my A level studies.

Last year, I qualified as a referee after attending a training course at Manchester FA.

Armed with my new whistle, cards and flags I took charge of my first match last season.

I would describe this game as a baptism of fire, culminating in a shot bouncing down off the crossbar onto the goalline in the final moments of the game, similar to the famous Frank Lampard incident for England against Germany in the World Cup Finals four years ago.

Obviously, only half the players, coaches and parents agreed with my decision not to allow it.

Refereeing is definitely a challenge, but I am confident the experience will strengthen my character and confidence, and hopefully it will be a useful addition to my CV.

Also, there are not many part-time jobs where you can be outside in the fresh air, have a close-up view of a football match and walk away with £20 for the privilege.

My aim is to continue to learn and improve. Who knows, maybe one day I will be officiating in the Premier League, as everybody has to start somewhere.

Whatever level of football I am involved in I will continue to make honest decisions as I see them and will try not to be influenced by the (usually friendly) advice given to me by the players, coaches and parents.