HAVING become a proud father again this week, I have already set about planning the refereeing career of my new offspring.

Refereeing used to be an extension of a playing career that guaranteed the retention of minimum fitness levels and protection from Saturday afternoon shopping.

Nowadays teenagers are actively seeking a career as a referee.

Either by personal choice or via schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh these young guys are studying the Laws of the Game in classroom situations before setting foot on the pitch.

Indeed we have 13-year-olds with more knowledge of law than fat 60-year-old gits who've been abusing me for the last 15 years from a selection of terraces.

Having decided that he wishes to pursue a career in refereeing, my young official will be given the gentle introduction of junior football where he will be allowed to learn alongside the players (if the parents let him). Once he proves capable at this level and exhibits the relevant maturity, he will progress to open age football and the first steps on the promotion ladder.

These lads are not would-be traffic wardens or school teachers. They love the game as much as the players and managers.

The only difference is that they have chosen a different sphere of involvement. A career path that may see them operating on a far higher stage than their playing talents would have allowed.

And remember before you persuade your teenager against it. It is honourable, there are now financial rewards, and most importantly our greatest game cannot function without one.

And last but not least she'll look stunning in her new black uniform. Sorry did I not say we had a little girl?