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August 6, 2005
Andrew is deaf linesman
Soccer official Andrew Rodda will today become the first profoundly deaf person to be a linesman at a Football League match.
The 39-year-old, who has been deaf since birth, will run the line at the League Two match between Torquay United and Notts County.
But foul-mouthed players will not be able to get away with the odd swear word — as Andy is an expert lip reader.
He gave up playing the game in 1993 and has risen through the refereeing ranks, becoming a Conference linesman in 2004 and being selected to referee in the Deaflympics in Australia earlier this year.
Andy, a pension scheme administrator from Exeter, Devon, said he is excited about today’s game.
He said: "When I’m running the line I rely on my eyes to watch the ref, the players and the ball. Concentration is paramount.
"I don’t wear my hearing aid during a match because sweat and rain can ruin the device.
"Once I’m on the pitch I can’t hear anything."
By Charles Rae
Posted by 4HL on August 6, 2005 4:19 PM
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