Douglas Potter (23) had to undergo major surgery at the age of three to remove a tumour from his brain.

Unfortunately this was not the end and when the tumour returned twice more, at the ages of 10 and 17, the operation needed to be repeated both times.

Despite this Douglas has moved swiftly through the grades as a referee since passing in 2001 and will take his first steps in the Senior game when he acts as assistant referee in a yet to be announced Scottish Football League match on September 20.

Douglas said: "I was surprised and delighted when I was notified that I had been promoted and particularly pleased that to have done so at such a young age.

"I have many people to thank, not least my family, and of course the Fife Association who have given me the advice and support I needed to get this far."

Douglas remains ambivalent about his illness.

"It has been six years since the last operation and the hospital are so pleased with my progress that I don't have to go back for another two years," he said.

"It was a hard time, but more so for my mum, dad and brother than me and I can't thank them enough."

He added: "I don't dwell on it. In some ways it has made me a stronger person and perhaps helped me become a better referee.

"I would encourage any young person with an interest in football to have a go at it."

His dad, also Douglas, was delighted when he heard the news. !I am extremely proud of him, as are all the family," he said.

"His illness meant he could not play football, or indeed any contact sport competitively, and it then became his childhood ambition to make it as a referee. I had no doubt at all he would do it."

The Kingdom's referees are equally pleased with Douglas' progress.
Fife Association president Colin Brown, Fife's top referee, who watched Douglas in his first ever game, a youth match at Beveridge Park, said: "Douglas has been an inspiration to everyone with his "can-do" approach.

"I am sure he will do very well and progress even further. He is an example of what can be achieved with a combination of ability, commitment, enthusiasm and hard work.

"How far Douglas has come is also demonstrated by the fact that, to reach the level he has, he has had to pass a rigorous fitness test – in fact the same test that FIFA referees undergo."


Become a ref ...

FOR those who want to emulate Douglas's achievements, referee classes will take place in Fife soon.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of football, become fitter, make new friends and have the opportunity to officiate at the highest level possible.

For some this could mean officiating in the SPL and on the International stage, if you have the ability and commitment.

Other may simply wish to help alleviate the shortage of Referees by refereeing in the Youth and Amateur Leagues or may simply wish to have a better knowledge of the Laws of The Game.

The opportunities are there for all to participate.

The public parks are the starting point for those doing youth and amateur matches but Fife Referees have also been involved in top Junior matches, Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League action as well as the more prestigious Scottish Cup.

The Kingdom has also been represented on the international stage in UEFA and Fifa Tournaments, such as the Champions League. All these Referees started at the same point – the Referees' Introductory course.
The classes commence on Monday, September 8, and last for eight weeks (all Mondays).

The venue is Kirkcaldy High School and the sessions run from 6 to 9 p.m. The total cost is £20.

Discounts may be available for certain categories (e.g. unemployed, students) and the course is free to eligible pupils of Kirkcaldy High School.

You must be aged at least 16 years of age at the time the course commences. Applications are welcome from both males and females alike.
For more information email info@fifereferees.co.uk, telephone or text 07761270078 or visit www.fifereferees.co.uk.