Revd Dr Father Mark Paris-Haines is a referee with 29 years of experience, having refereed in Wiltshire, Stroud, Gloucester, Cardiff & Bristol. He qualified at the age of 14 in the County of Gloucestershire.
Father Mark is still very active as a referee and also holds the post of Referee Secretary for the Swindon & District Football League where he has introduced a scheme to help and encourage referees within Wiltshire. Father Mark is also the community priest for Swindon Town where helps to support the homeless by providing accommodation and food. Father Mark also conducts Weddings, Funerals, and Church Services within Swindon supporting the LGBTQ Community.
In his spare time, Father Mark likes to read about the history of politics, the church, and the Royal family. He also enjoys short walks with his dogs and spending as much time as possible with his husband of 10 years, Chris.
The transformative scheme believed to be the first of its kind for grassroots match officials in any sport, aims to create an open environment so that everyone involved in the refereeing community in Wiltshire can talk openly about mental health and be supported. As part of the scheme, our volunteers Sam Gooding and Revd Dr Father Mark Paris-Haines from within the grassroots refereeing community will champion the importance of mental well-being, encourage conversation, and act as a point of contact for any match official aged 18 or over experiencing mental health problems, helping to signpost towards professional support services if required.
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