THEY say you have to be mad to be a goalkeeper, but given the current climate of indiscipline in the world of football, who would be a referee?

One man who has given more than 30 years service in the all-black kit is FA Referees Secretary and President of the Chester and District Referees Society, Dave Powell - the man charged with finding the next generation of Cheshire officials.

Dave, 60, has just received two awards for his services as a coach for instructing referees.

One came from the Cheshire County FA and another was a National Award from the Referees Association - an acknowledgement of more than twenty years of service.

He said: 'The awards have just over-lapped, they aren't linked, but obviously it's a great honour to receive them and it is nice to have my work acknowledged and appreciated.'

Having played as a goalkeeper for amateur side County Officers FC, Dave was forced to retire at the age of 27, when injuries took their toll.

Anxious to remain active in the game, he acted on the advice of a friend involved in officiating, immediately succumbing to the lure of the whistle.

Some 30 years later and his commitment to the game is still as strong, an involvement that has seen his colleagues label him 'Mr Refereeing of Chester'.

However, he believes the changing face of football during this period is making it more difficult to attract people, particularly youngsters, to become referees.

He said: 'Football culture has changed. When I started there were a lot of role models out there, like Jack Taylor.

'But now it's different, the game is far more confrontational and it's a much tougher role having to control players, coaches, fans and even mums and dads.'

Dave believes a good official is one who is his own man, always remains calm and maintains a polite but firm stance with players.

He identifies the Italian official, Pier-luigi Collina as the perfect example.

Dave said: 'I've read his book and he epitomises the strength of character and authority required to oversee a match. His eyes do a lot of the talking for him.'

Dave's role means he works tirelessly in the recruitment, coaching, assessment and welfare of Cheshire referees and he believes there are a couple of youngsters rising through the local leagues that could reach the highest level, something former protegee Mike Jones has achieved as a Football League referee.

'In his early days, Mike took the course for refereeing in Chester and it's nice to see him doing so well nowadays,' said Dave.

'The thing I enjoy most about instructing is seeing the youngsters come through. Being a part of their development is especially rewarding.'