Thanks for everyone's comments, they seem to be consistent with what I have experienced.
I joined my local society last year, I do consider myself ambitious and not really contrained by my lifestyle from doing what I want to do
I was told to move up the ladder I needed 1. to be fit 2. get plenty of experience 3. Be committed
For my part
1. I joined a gym and through running and rowing I am now 13 stone down from 17.5 two years ago. I have been told that I achieved the highest yo-yo score in the society.
2. Last season I refereed 80 games and am nearly at 50 so far this season
3. I have thrown myself into analysis, research, meetings and indeed probably learnt a lot about the laws of rugby that perhaps I should already have known. I have given the society virtually no constraint on where or when I referee
For the society
I have had continual support and last season went on exchange whenever asked, I was observed/assessed 15 times and invited to attend Federation meetings to help my development
At the end of my first season I was graded to level 6.
This season I have tried to maintain my commitment but have been told from many sources that I will not be going any further and indeed when the RFU take the level 6 refs, I wont be required.
I am 48 years old
To be frank, I would have preferred to have been told I didn't have the ability to beyond level 6 than using age. I can't influence my age.
My View
To the people who say I should have taken up reffing 20 years ago, no chance. For me rugby is about playing the game, officiating is second best. I don't understand the obsession with bringing on really young refs. Surely a good 10-15 years playing is a better grounding combined with Sunday and midweek refereeing? This can leave a good 20 year refereeing career for those who want it.
In hindsight I wish I had started reffing earlier in my life. I always held the view that playing and reffing were mutually exclusive. There should have been someone out there making the point that you could do both.
Personally I do feel a bit irked when I hear stories of young refs who have been appointed to games beyond their ability on the basis that they are showing potential. I was always taught in business that you shouldn't promote someone until they have proven themselves to be able to perform in the role.
As for the future I am sure I could referee at a higher level for at least another 5-8 years. If I recruited someone into a role and they performed at that level for that length of time, I would be happy.
As is, I guess after next season, I am on the downhill. School games on a Saturday morning are good along with colts on a Sunday. As for Saturday afternoon, I haven't stopped playing fully, I may well have a bit more social rugby in me yet!
Regards