Deaf Awareness Week - Paul Kirby's refereeing story

In celebration of Deaf Awareness Week, we spoke to referee Paul Kirby.

Paul talked us through his journey from his first day on the referee course to officiating the Deaflympics football final in Tokyo.

“I’ve always loved the game but didn’t really get involved until my teenage years because football wasn’t very accessible for young deaf people at the time,” Paul said.

“I played in the local league and then got scouted to play for the Wales Deaf International Team. I got a few caps, but family and work commitments meant I had to stop playing.

“I only really got back into the game because of my children. I coach my daughter’s youth team and support my son from the sidelines, and one day my son’s team needed a referee so I stepped up and never looked back.”

Since he picked up the whistle for the first time, Paul has gone on to referee Deaf football on the international stage, including the Deaf World Cup in Malaysia and, most recently, the Deaflympics in Japan.

He talked us through the experience of taking that initial refereeing course as the only Deaf person there and how he has seen attitudes shift since.

“Obviously it was quite challenging because, whilst a lot of things in football are visual, you do miss the little gems that come from audio,” Paul said.

“I lip read and pushed through the course as I was determined to get through that barrier and not let it affect what I wanted to do.

“The support I got from Dorset FA was amazing. The Referee Development Officer just said ‘so what if you’re deaf?’, and I really like that because it’s true – I’m a referee first and the ‘deaf’ feature of me is the last detail people need to know.

“When I first started officiating hearing football, players would instinctively say things like ‘ref, you must have heard that!’, but they were quick to understand, learn and accept that I couldn’t pick up audio cues.

“Over time I’ve had great support and understanding from teams in hearing football in the Wessex League. For example, I have to explain to coaches that whilst you might think frantic gesturing is helpful as I can’t hear you, I could misinterpret that as aggressive and caution you in error. My advice is always to just talk to me – I’m always happy to have the conversation and they’ve been very good to me.

“One moment that struck me was a team using the flickering light of the substitution board to attract my attention – it was a eureka moment! Rather than just shouting from the bench, it shows inclusion and sets a culture which then spreads around the league.”

The highlight of Paul’s career to date was refereeing the final of the Deaflympics Women’s Football tournament between Japan and USA. This appointment meant he became the first deaf male referee to officiate a Deaflympics Women’s Football Final.

“That was a real pinch yourself moment,” he said.

“After the handshakes at the end of the game, we were greeted by the Japanese Empress Masako, and the bow and applause back will always be something I treasure.

“What also really got me was sign language being represented from all the nations in the crowd. It was an honour to be in the middle of that bubble and know there were thousands of people watching Deaf football in the stadium and online.

“I also had the privilege of working with the Japanese FA and educating other referees. Sharing that passion and inspiring the next generation is something I’m always looking to do.”

Paul is quick to point out his international appointments would not have come without support at home, particularly through the EE FA Disability Cup Finals, which he officiated at in 2022.

“That moment became history – the first-ever Deaf football match broadcast live on television in England,” he recalled.

“What began as a single opportunity went on to gain international recognition, leading to my selection for the Deaf World Cup and the Deaflympics. Those moments still feel surreal, yet they prove what happens when inclusion is turned into action.”

Paul insists, however, any work he does is about creating a platform for other deaf people to get into refereeing.

“This journey has always been bigger than me,” he explained. “It’s about everyone playing their part to make football accessible to people from all walks of life.

“I’ve always believed in breaking the mould, not for recognition but to create a clear pathway for the next generation – to pass the baton so others can go further and do even better.

“To one day see a Deaf referee officiating in the Premier League or on the FIFA stage would be incredible. But I truly believe anything is possible if you strive for it, if you dare to challenge what’s considered ‘normal’ and if people are willing to adapt.”

Has Paul inspired you to pick up the whistle? Contact your local County FA to find opportunities near you.