The Macclesfield Town midfielder joined former Scotland international Chris Iwelumo and other current and former players on a course at the University of Warwick last weekend which introduced them to refereeing.
‘I think it is a positive thing and more should definitely be done to encourage it,’ said former First Tower junior Vincenti. ‘Not many players have done it, and I think there should be more. But that’s not to say that footballers could just go in and do it – it takes time.
‘What players do have working in their favour is more awareness of how play develops. Having played they might know a foul better, or see it developing. So there are benefits for players. They also know how player-referee interactions go. I think footballers definitely could transition quite comfortably, but it doesn’t happen “just like that”.’
Vincenti says the notion to be a referee hadn’t crossed his mind before the course, but believes that was more due to not understanding.
He said: ‘I’ll be frank, being a referee wasn’t something I had thought about previously, but, after going on this course, understanding the job, and speaking to some level 2b referees it is definitely something I’d consider after I stopped playing.’
It is doubtless a good way for players coming out of the game to stay involved with the sport, and could well be a viable pathway to stay in the sport here in Jersey, given the limited amount of referees and the large player pool.
Vincenti said: ‘It is a way to stay in the game, so for players at any level – whatever the reason they wanted to stay in football – at a pro level it might be money, but for others it could be because they are slowing down in play, or just love the game – it really is a great opportunity.
‘A lot of people might be put off by expecting abuse at lower levels but that is definitely a minority and, having played, you would inevitably be treated with more respect having been in the players’ shoes.’
