A former Gunners junior, the teenage referee from Glenfield recently won an Outstanding Young Official Award from the NSW Sports Federation for his football refereeing achievements with Football NSW.

Following in his father Derek's footsteps, James, 17, regularly referees Premier Youth League games.

Derek has been his son's mentor and has passed on much of his refereeing knowledge.

``I think he's surpassed me now,'' Derek said.

``He started it about four years ago played and seen it as a way of getting some pocket money but he got the bug for it and loves it.

``He wants to try to go as far as possible with it.''

James will soon attend the state titles in a few weeks and has the potential to be chosen to referee at the national titles in October.

The only hiccup is that James will be studying for his HSC examination around the same time as the tournament has been scheduled.

Making difficult decisions on the soccer pitch is a regular scenario for James and he is used to being a target for disgruntled players and coaches.

Derek has refereed in Macarthur for 18 years and has given James some tips on how to handle any negative feedback.

``Even if you have a great game you're still going to cop some abuse, it's part and parcel of the job,'' Derek said.

James' most recent game was Saturday's under-17 clash between Eschol Park and Narellan Rangers.