Mike Firby was a deserved recipient in the recent Cumbria Sports Awards so it was appropriate to have a word for the column.
Despite being in Tenerife and short of time because of an important lunch Mike still took the trouble to answer my questions.
Just to start with Mike can you tell me how you got into refereeing – presumably after playing the game?
I started playing rugby union from the age of nine, and then at Workington Grammar School, UMIST university and finally at Workington Zebras.
In 1974 I was injured but was asked to referee a game on the back pitch at the Ellis and the rest as they say is history as I’ve continued to referee and never looked back
Did you serve an “apprenticeship” officiating in Cumbria and what was that like?
No there was nothing like that it was a case of getting right into it and I was straight into the middle for games in the county.
Where did your refereeing and touch judge work take you after that?
Firstly it was Cumberland Referees Society before having 22 years on the national panel (AR) including eight years in the Sky Premiership.
I had eight years as an RFU AR Coach then back and currently still active in my 49th season with the Cumbria Referees Society.
What are the biggest memories from your time on the national stage?
I always enjoyed the County Cup finals and had several of them while during my time on the National Panel I had three appointments on the line at Twickenham.
Looking back I also have fond memories of the Age grade and Deaf internationals I have officiated in.
Tell me about your fitness regime. You are still refereeing at 75 which is phenomenal…
Yes still refereeing and enjoying it by keeping active. I do a fair bit of walking and spend time on an exercise bike, plus my wife Jo makes sure I have a good food diet.
What is the biggest problem faced by the modern referee in Cumbria and have we enough?
I think that’s a fairly simple one to answer because it’s the pressure put on referees, even at our level. As for numbers we can always use more referees.
Overall what is your impression of the state of the game in Cumbria?
I think it’s difficult to say in general terms. It’s positive to see the number of ladies teams increasing and at youth level age grade rugby is in good health.
The senior game has ups and downs with some clubs flourishing while others appear to be suffering.
In Cumbria at level 8 I’m afraid too many games, for various reasons, do not go ahead.
Who are the figures in Cumbrian rugby over the years you’ve admired most?
Sorry John I’m going to duck this one because there are simply too many to mention in all the different categories. I would hate to miss someone out in the short time I’ve got to complete my answer.
What was your reaction on being told you had won an award at the recent Cumbria Sports Awards?
I’ll be completely honest – shock, because I didn’t know I had been entered.
Fellow referees had, unknown to me, put my name forward, so there was immense pride in being chosen as the winner.
I suppose the big question Mike is when do you think you will consider hanging up your whistle?
I’m not even considering that as I want to make 50 active seasons which I will reach in 2023/24.
