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The Chairman for the evening was Chirs Cordy, who explained that the Pen Pictures and Voting Slips for the RAE Board Elections were on the chairs this evening. They needed to be signed tonight if they were to count in the overall voting.
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Pete Colley reported back from the GFA to members that Richard Melinn had reported that there appeared to be increasing concern over referees who attended Disciplinary Hearings. There were inconsistencies or potential gaps in their ‘story’. Referees should be clear, concise and confident. If any member felt uncertain they could Peter Colley or Richard Melinn for advice and guidance. In addition, everyone was reminded to ensure accurate and timely completion of disciplinary reports.
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The FAMOA Training Day had been discussed, and it was likely that the 2008 event would be on Thursday 28 August. A “6:30 – 9:30pm” timing was the most likely outcome. No venue had yet been identified.
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It was announced that Pete Allen had now moved to Cornwall and Steve Thomas had succeeded him for Academy match appointments etc. Thanks were expressed for all the efforts that Pete had put in for referees over many years and in many roles.
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David Neale, GFA Chief Executive, had reported that U16 players playing in senior football had been clarified. Provided clubs have a full Safeguarding Children policy in place their younger members may play in adult football.
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Following a local ‘incident’ it had been confirmed that at “local level” the only permitted/approved colour for kit was – as per Law – Black, and with White trim. Variations to this were only permissible under sanctioned Competition Rules.
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A GFA Refs “Mentors Course” was scheduled for 13th November, at GFA HQ. Further details were available from Richard Melinn at GFA HQ. Level 7’s with one-season’s experience were eligible to attend.
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Assessments are progressing well, and all promotion candidates had had their first two assessments – on a Saturday. Brian Gore reported that a number of referees were not providing the mandatory SAE. Brian Derry responded saying that the onus was on referees to do this, as part of their promotion effort.
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The Centenary RA Conference would be held on the weekend of 4th – 5th July 2008, in Solihull. Chairman of the FA, Geoff Thompson would attend and Pierliuigi Collina was to be the Guest of Honour.
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The 2008 National RA Draw will be changed to books of 5 tickets @ £1 each, as opposed to the current 10. The Branch had placed the 2008 order to the County.
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The County Skittles had been contested with Cheltenham beating Stroud, Cirencester, and the Forest of Dean branches. Cheltenham will now host the 2008 contest.
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Chris Cordy gave a presentation to the latest referees course where there were 22 candidates, although a number were under 16. Local Leagues had been invited to attend, and several had made the effort. Thanks were given to the GFA by Chris, who said that it was very positive that the RA were given this/these opportunities to explain to “new referees” who the RA are, and what we/they can do for the refereeing community. All had been invited to attend their local Branch meetings.
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Brian Gore reported his concern over the continuing presence of offensive or abusive language at local football matches. Referees are not dealing with it correctly in Law, and he said he would take appropriate action in his assessment report on the match official. Chris Cordy endorsed this line. There was a wide debate over this issue. Gary Willard (guest) said the obvious instances should be dealt with at any/all levels but that referees should always remember that there is probably “middle ground” in most cases. Chris Cordy said that all cases would be supported if formal action was taken; provided it was accurately reported by the referee.
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The guest speaker was Gary Willard ( ex-FIFA Referee and now Group Assessor, PGMOL Coach and Liaison Officer for Chelsea FC) explained that his presentation was based on a formal presentation to the Professional Game Match Officials List (PGMOL), and was all about judging the level of fair/unfair in challenges in a match situation – and what officials need to consider in making the decisions. His material was clear and relevant, and understood by the members. It could be applied at all levels of football, and reflected the consistency of application of Law that was required. To see a summary of his presentation please download here.
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Tony Monks gave his vote of thanks to Gary and said it had been a privilege to have such a good and clear speaker come to the branch. It had been a presentation of the highest quality. He presented him with a token present, for his support and attendance.
