Glenn Hoddle has almost perfected the art of using sports psychologists.

But perhaps whoever is to fill the vacant head of referees job at the Sussex FA should consider giving it a whirl to our hard-done-by refs.

Every sport, be it football or tiddlywinks, requires a strong strength of character to succeed.

Each individual is different and requires different psychological needs.

A ref's common problem is coping with all the hassle that is thrown his way by usually ignorant footballers.

One of the best ways to cope is not to care. That is being thick-skinned.

When you are out there all alone with your whistle and notebook, you have to wonder what you do in your life away from the football field.

Perhaps you have a lovely wife and children at home, or an active social life. Whatever it is you do away from the football field, it is your real life.

You can walk away at any moment you so wish and forget you ever refereed for an ungrateful bunch of footballers.

It is important to remember that refereeing is something you don't have to do.

Of course, you are out there because you enjoy the sport. Smile as much as possible. Banter with the lads. Make a joke or two. Show you are human.

But whatever you do, don't get uptight -and this is where you do have to just ignore the abuse or sarky remarks.

If you can overcome the nonsense from the mindless idiots, then you can enjoy refereeing for years.

Not much help am I for the Sussex FA's referee recruitment campaign?

But I think refereeing is a thankless task and some footballers are looking for refs who are superhuman. However I do believe my suggestion of psychology is not as crazy as you might think.

Any comments Mr Ken Benham?