Whistler will rule the roost at some of the world’s big games
Gordon McCabe entered the world of refereeing with an open mind and a positive attitude.
Now the Perth whistler has become the first ever Scottish futsal referee to be named on FIFA’s international list.
McCabe recently joined a prestigious group of officials at Glasgow’s Dakota hotel – including the likes of Willie Collum – to receive the recognition.
Having risen through the ranks at local level then national, the 35-yearold could soon be jetting off to all corners of the globe.
“FIFA produce a list of referees every year who are the ones selected for international and European games,” McCabe explained.
“That is across all levels, from men and women’s football through to futsal officials as well.
“It is an honour for me. But it is also great for the game of futsal in terms of getting the same recognition as our peers in football.
“I need to wait until the appointments come out but it is at the business end of the season now with major trophies.
“You are unlikely to officiate there in your first season so the preliminary rounds of the UEFA Futsal Cup is more realistic.
“They launch in the summer. That is where the winners of the Scottish and English leagues will compete.
“I should hopefully get an appointment at that when the new season starts.
“I want to keep doing the best I can do and see what happens.
“We get observed in most of our matches and receive coaching and advice to improve.
“From a futsal perspective, it would be nice to help support new referees coming into the game.”
McCabe also runs the line at senior football matches and he believes jumping between the two sports is beneficial.
He was officiating at Cowdenbeath’s home game against Elgin City last week.
“I think futsal and football complement each other quite well,” McCabe said. “It certainly complements my assistant refereeing with the football. Gordon McCabe (second from right) joined Scotland’s top referees
“In my current category, I do junior football games in the middle or senior games on the line. The assistant referee role has changed in recent years and is now so much more important. You are making key match decisions from the line.
“In futsal you referee from the side of the court so use the same angle to make key and match-changing decisions.
“I think futsal is also a good tool for developing younger officials. You are working in a team from early on.
“In a kids’ game or amateur game, there are no assistants and they are on their own.
“I would say futsal has two roles. One as a development tool for football players but also in a sport in its own right.
“There have been the regional leagues across the country but now there is the national Super League, an elite level top division.
“That can only strengthen the ability of the teams and players which hopefully will lead to success for Scottish teams in Europe.
“It is a fantastically fast-paced, exciting game.”
The pressure that comes with being a referee, both in futsal and football, is not something that fazes McCabe.
His passion for sport keeps him coming back for more and he said: “There is pressure involved with being a referee.
“But we have all got into the game because we love football or futsal. People forget that sometimes.
“We are coming here for the same reason as the fans and players – because we love the game.
“Being a referee has opened up opportunities for me that I didn’t have as a player.
“It’s not nice when things don’t go well when you are a referee, but the positives outweigh the negatives for me.”