Through semi-structured interviews with six practicing female referees between Level 5-7 in the qualification structure, this article explores their experiences of officiating in both men’s and women’s football games. As well as this, dominant attitudes towards these female referees are examined and the resultant effects. The results outlined that male football is often a challenging environment for female referees, due to the dominant attitudes that re-enforce the ideologies of hegemonic masculinity; thus, it seems appropriate that hegemonic masculinity theory has been incorporated throughout. Particularly, ‘older male football fans’ were frequently highlighted as a significant factor in the negative experiences of these referees. This is further summarised along with the limitations of the study in the conclusion chapter. This study has allowed for the following recommendations for future research to occur: further clarification on the barriers that female referees encounter in becoming a referee, focusing on female referees of Levels 1-4 to understand their experiences at the higher levels of football and focusing on the effects that ‘older male fans’ have on female referees.