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Sian Massey-Ellis has been an elite match official for over 10 years and understands better than most the challenges faced by women wanting to pursue a career in this field.

Not only has Sian faced the predictable "What's the offside rule?" comment directed at so many women working in football or attending matches, but she also faces the additional pressure of her every move being scrutinised, at times unfairly, simply becuase of her gender.

Sian took time out from her busy schedule as a Premier League official and role as a mum to talk about her experiences of being an elite match official in an interview with the Premier League on International Women's Day.

"I would say fitness is always a challenge for me, just to keep up with the players on the pitch I have to be on top of my game" Sian told premierleague.com.

"They already have a head-start on you and, as an assistant referee, you're going from a sideways position when they are already running.

"You've got to be stationary with the last defender. So if the last defender pushing out and you've got an attacker sprinting forward, they are already 10 metres ahead."

That Sian has been equal to the physical challenge is an incredible achievement as she defied doctor's orders in returning to officiating at the highest level after giving birth to her first child, Harriet.  

"Coming back from having a baby was really difficult," she added. "The doctors told me I wouldn't be able to return to refereeing, that I wouldn't be able to do the fitness work again.

"It was probably the biggest moment in my life where I actually thought, 'Oh my goodness, I don't know if I've lost my career.' "

With support from The Football Association and Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) Sian was able to return, working her way back through the leagues again - and remains a leading role model for girls and women who want to officiate.

"I want to be able to support other referees coming through," she said. "I always say that once I've finished my career I want to be making sure we've got the next generation of referees and sportswomen coming through.

"It's really important we create an atmosphere where they feel safe, an environment where they feel safe.

"When I said, 'Can I be a referee?' That shouldn't be a question any other female has to ask any more."

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