Autism Awareness Month - A Refereeing Perspective

As part of Autism Awareness Month, we asked Level 3 match official, Tom Halloway, about his journey and how his autism and refereeing influence each other.

“Routine is a significant factor in autism and neurodiversity, and I always felt like I had good routine before I got into refereeing,” Tom said.

“I was a regular marathon runner – training twice a day, seven days a week and covering 120 miles. However, in October 2022 I became ill with kidney stones and had to call time on my running career. With no running and routine, I felt totally lost and it took a huge toll on my mental health.

“I knew I had to get out of the rut and was desperate to get back into being active. I thought about the idea of playing 5-a-side but, with a wedding coming up, I really needed something where I could earn money – that’s where refereeing came in.

“Once I qualified, I started to get obsessive, as is the case with so many autistic people, and I did 190 games in my first season. Whilst that obsession associated with autism can be overwhelming, I try and channel it into a drive to excel, and I just wanted to get back to elite sport as quickly as I could.

“After being at such a high level in my marathon days, I found it really difficult to come back down to earth and start again at grassroots level, but I quickly realised that the more I focus on the refereeing pathway the quicker I can get back to elite sport.

“Some would say it was an unhealthy obsession at the time but, looking back, the fact I was so engrossed in it meant I fast-tracked really quickly and earned promotions from officiating at Level 7 to Level 3 in four years.”

Tom, in addition to undertaking his PhD in Autism and Education, currently referees at Step 3 & 4, and also acts as an Assistant Referee in the National League North. 

Despite the difficulties which autism presents, Tom acknowledges that his condition has contributed to his refereeing progression.

"Going back to the routine behaviour I mentioned beforehand, referees must apply the Laws of the Game exactly as they are written,” he said.

“Many autistic people are very good at learning detailed rule systems which helps me remember the laws clearly and apply them consistently, which builds credibility and earns respect from the players.

"I also think my ability to notice patterns is key. Football is really just a game of patterns - whether it's attacks, counter-attacks, or different defensive styles, being autistic allows me to notice these patterns quickly, which helps me anticipate play and ensure I'm in the best possible position to make a decision.

“Even after a game, although I will obsess over decisions I made for a few days, and be checking my club marks, my autism really helps me to close the book on it after a couple of days and know that I’ve done everything I can – then it’s onto the next game.”

Whilst Tom has progressed quickly, he notes that, with the autism spectrum being so broad, the refereeing journey will vary significantly from person to person.

“Autism is very individual,” he said.

“It is about using your own strengths and know-how to work out how far you can go.

“For me, if I didn’t use the strengths of my autism, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s about finding that balance and ensuring you are comfortable in your own skin.

“This isn’t just in terms of refereeing, but for life in general - I would recommend reaching out for advice from people you trust. For example, you might think ‘am I becoming a bit over-obsessed with this?’ and you know the answer is ‘yes’, but by talking to someone else, you can see it from the outside.”

Asked about the future, Tom was unequivocal.

“As with most referees, I want to get to the highest level I possibly can – I would love to referee in the Football League one day,” he said.

“But I would also like to keep sharing my story and show what’s possible. Even if just one person reads this today and feels empowered, then I am doing my job.”