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Member News
An interview with Dougie McDonald before his
successful appointment to the Tennents Scottish Cup Final at Hampden
Park in May 2006. Asking the questions was Mark Doyle.
Mark: When did you
first become a referee?
Dougie: I sat the exam in December 1982, after excellent coaching from
Douglas Downie and Jimmy Duncan. I actually refereed my first game in
September 1982, as you could do games as a trainee in those days. I had
a red card too - start the way you aim to continue!
What motivated you to
do so at such a young age?
I was advised to stop playing football due to a knee injury. My father
was friends with Andrew Waddell and we began going to watch his games.
Andrew suggested I sit the classes and take it up. After a bit of
persuasion, I took the plunge.
Can you provide an
outline of your career path and what have been the highpoints to date?
1982-1989 Edinburgh Youth leagues, U12 to U21
1989 Promoted to Junior football - loved my time at that level
refereeing all the local cup finals, the East of Scotland Cup Final,
The Fife and Lothians Cup Final and running the line at the 1996
Scottish Cup Final. The only regret of my career - not refereeing the
Scottish final, but I did referee a semi-final very well!!
1992 Promoted to Linesman in Senior Football
1994 Promoted to Class 2 refereeing reserve team matches - refereed the
Reserve League Cup Final in 1997
July 1997 - Promoted to Class 1 refereeing my first game in August,
Berwick v Montrose
May 1999 - Referee Scottish Youth Cup Final
January 2000 - Promoted to FIFA Referee List - Appointed Referee at the
finals of the UEFA U16 Championship in 2000 and U19 Championship in 2004
November 2002 - Referee Scottish Qualifying Cup Final North
May 2004 - 4th Official Scottish Cup Final
November 2005 - First Old Firm match
Who have had the
biggest influences on your career?
Without doubt George Smith has been my greatest support. George has
actually been more like a second father since my own father has been
ill. George would happily kick my backside when needed, but never has
there been a greater supporter of a referee than George. All my friends
in refereeing have been a great support, particularly David Doig and
James Bee who has made my appointment to this season's Cup Final
possible. Hugh Dallas has been a great support and friend over the last
few years, but those who helped me in my early days have a special
place in my thoughts - Howard Wilson, Rab Cuthill, John Wilson, Graham
Forrest, Andrew Waddell. And the guys who saw me through the dark side
of Ayrshire Junior Cup ties deserve a special mention - Derek Hall,
Dave Gordon, Jim Ramage to name but three.
Like all referees there
are "difficult times". How did you overcome any disappointments or low
points in your career?
I trusted in my own ability, I sought the advice of those I trusted and
I listened and learned. My one real low was when I was asked to appear
before the SFA following a poor match report and then George Smith was
a great support.
What are the best
pieces of advice
you received as a referee and what advice can you give us in order that
we too can all "shine" at the level we find ourselves at?
I remember several pieces of great advice, in short: Don't read the
papers, trust in your own ability and be strong. Appear calm at all
times, even if you're thinking that things are getting away from you.
Work hard, listen to advice but only take on board advice which suits
your personality. Be strong, you won't make friends with players and
club officials but you can gain respect by being strong.
What next. Do you have
any further goals and ambitions that you would like to share?
My main aim is to keep refereeing at the highest level in Scotland and
Europe, until I retire. I'd love to get promoted to the next level in
Europe, Class 1 and referee in the Champions League
Once again thanks for
taking the
time to do this for me. I know you will be excellent on Saturday and I
wish you and the rest of the guys every success. Enjoy the day.
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