Former defender trained at FC Lorient, Maxime Le Borgne (36 years old) is discovering refereeing this season. With the desire to become the judge he would have liked to have in front of him: open to dialogue and play.
It seems that in almost three months of arbitration, you have still not sent a red card or a white card?
For now, no! I had to play around ten matches (1), including three on the sidelines. I also had the chance to do a Chartres-de-Bretagne (R2) – Étrelles (R3), in the Coupe de Bretagne. Quite nice for a beginner referee… But I didn’t have any situations involving big fouls, big tackles, insults, or brutal gestures. So no red card! No white either. I don’t get bothered too much on the pitch. Maybe I scare them (laughs). On average, I get two yellow cards per match, one on each side.
Does this beginning of your experience confirm your choice?
Completely. I take a lot of pleasure in what I do. Even in D2, where I am central referee. I saw some very good players and very good teams there. And I haven’t had any complicated matches yet. Limit, I can’t wait to have a somewhat hot match! To see how I will handle it.
Where do you have the most fun?
I’m very into dialogue. When I was still a player, I liked talking to the referees, even if with some it was not possible. I try to explain as much as possible why I whistle, I throw cards… For a referee, it’s good to explain, but you shouldn’t justify yourself too much either. You have to find the right balance, or even hold back. We have quite a few meetings on this at the District 35 Hopes center, of which I am part (2) to move up to the League level next season.
So you could already referee in the League next season?
It’s going quickly, yes… The District trusts me compared to the level where I played (National 2). They know that in terms of reading the game, I am a little above colleagues who have never played at a high level. I will have exams in April. When I showed up at the first meeting, they all already had eight years of officiating… When I said it was my first year, they all turned to me and wondered what I was there (laughs).
Where have you encountered difficulties since you started?
I could refine my speech. The words don’t always come out naturally. We must avoid vague phrases, each situation deserves a different explanation. I have already been observed this year, I was told that physically, there was no problem, but that two or three placements needed to be reviewed. Small details.
How much does being a former good player help you?
Physically, already. For investment too, be very close to stocks. I’m rarely more than ten meters away. My observer even criticized me for sometimes being too close to the ball! To make the best decisions, it is more credible to be less than ten meters away than 35 meters away. There is also reading the game: I know when a player is going to make a cross of 35, 40 meters, so I anticipate my move to be as close as possible to the drop-off.
Are you the referee you would have liked to have in front of you as a player?
I think so. I am in the dialogue. When a captain comes to see me, I take the time to explain to him. I am also a referee who lets play a lot, so far, it has not harmed me.
Did you see things that displeased you, particularly stands?
Fans who complain are part of folklore, for me. The referees have always been heckled a bit, even if they are good. As long as it remains respectful and without insults… But we still see too many referees being attacked or insulted, it happened here not very long ago, in D3. We shouldn’t see him anymore. Because without a referee, we have no match, and therefore no football. It’s up to people to know what they want on Saturday and Sunday.
(1) Interview carried out on Tuesday November 19, 2024
(2) District 35 has chosen around fifteen candidate League referees for next year. Maxime Le Borgne signed his license at AS Retiers-Coësmes (R2).
Credit photo: Photo Nicolas Créach
