Tom Halloway leverages autism to thrive as a referee in Rotherham

Tom Halloway, a teacher at Willows Special School in Rotherham, is gaining recognition as a referee while managing his teaching responsibilities. Once a disengaged student with autism, he overcame significant challenges, including failing his math GCSE seven times, to pursue education and athletics. Halloway progressed to officiating in the Northern Premier League and assisting in the National League North, using the structure and control of refereeing to fill a void left by his running career. He aims to inspire his students by sharing his experiences and promoting a message of perseverance and opportunity.

• 5:13 AMYahoo Sports — Teacher credits autism for his refereeing success