21 November 2011
Whistle while you work
Media student James Dean has been named head official at the Indigenous State Football Carnival this weekend.
James Dean is making an impact on the football field.
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Described by Football Federation Victoria as one Victoria's most promising young referees, Mr Dean will lead the refereeing team on Saturday, 26 November, at Jubilee Park in Ringwood.
He recently returned from Coffs Harbour, NSW, where he officiated at the National Youth Championships.
He said refereeing at the carnival was an exciting prospect. "The Indigenous Carnival brings together all the Indigenous people who love this game so much," he said.
Mr Dean is also one of three Victorian referees named among the eight match officials at the State Institute Challenge in Canberra from 4 - 10 December.
He began refereeing when he found out that his high school didn't have a football team and he saw an advertisement for referees.
"After a year I really got into the fitness side of it and was really enjoying it and doing it for the love of the game," he said.
"The thing I like most about football is the diversity - as everyone knows, it's the world game. You can play in the backyard or in the street or in massive stadiums around the world."
Mr Dean, who has just completed the second year of a Bachelor of Communication (Media) at RMIT University, is currently refereeing in the Victorian Champions League.
