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As part of our Season Review 25/26 series, we’re hearing from voices across Scottish amateur football.
Assistant referee David Somers shares his thoughts on communication, concentration and the role officials play in helping games run smoothly throughout the season.
Season Review 25/26
From the Middle
David Somers
For assistant referee David Somers, Sunday’s Challenge Cup Final highlighted many of the things that make cup football unique.
While league form and previous results often shape expectations beforehand, David believes finals create their own environment once the whistle blows.
“Any cup final at any level of football brings its own pressures given league form is out the window and is a level playing field.”
“Both teams came flying out the traps from the first whistle and whilst it was a highly competitive game, it was played in the right spirits throughout.”
Working the bench side during the final, David says concentration remains one of the most important parts of the assistant referee role.
“Working as Assistant Referee requires utmost concentration and reading of the game coupled with managing both players and team officials.”
“Things can be said, and done, very much in the heat of the moment which will have on field consequences.”
“It’s best to manage individual situations as much as possible which is where positive communication with everyone for me is a must.”
For David, experience plays a major role, but so does resisting the temptation to react too quickly.
“Experience is one method in calmly managing situations plus taking that additional half second before acting, which comes with experience.”
Communication between officials also remains central to how games are managed.
“Communication, as with experience, are key to successfully managing situations in addition to the overall management and handling of the game.”
“Advances in technology such as communications kits and buzzer flags mean that the referee team are in constant communication throughout the game.”
“However there is no substitute for the tried and trusted eye contact between the officials.”
Looking back on the final itself, David was full of praise for the attitude shown by both clubs.
“Both teams displayed a positive attitude throughout the game evidenced by it being played in the right spirit.”
“There will always be mild disagreement during the game however the manner and demeanour of both sets of players and team officials throughout was outstanding.”
For spectators, cup finals are often remembered for goals, trophies and celebrations. For officials, they are remembered for concentration, communication and decision-making.
David Somers’ reflections offered an insight into the work taking place alongside the action — the quiet conversations, constant focus and teamwork that help keep games flowing from first whistle to last.
