My usual reply, between August and May, is that I've been out running around on some grass, making decisions and resolving arguments. This weekend has been completely different.
Over the last two days I have been watching a group of instructors lecturing, cajoling, encouraging, teaching, directing, supporting and leading a group of 24 diverse individuals towards one goal - their qualification as Referees of Association Football.The group was made up of 20 male and 4 female students from all corners of the County. Their ages ranged from teenagers to mid-40s (my age!!!). Their enthusiasm levels on my arrival just after the first cups of coffee had been drunk also seemed to vary significantly too.
Jimmy2bob was leading the course with the Chuckles Elder and Younger ably supporting along with Goth Em and EeK. Mr Stephen, Jaybee and Deefor were in close attendance, each with a part to play in terms of leading a session. Sarge was there too, but more of him later ... here's the group of instructors!
An icebreaker took place where each candidate had the opportunity to talk a little about why they had come along to the course, which team they supported, etc. Jimmy2bob and the Chuckles (all committed Huddersfield Town supporters) were disappointed to find that the majority of the candidates were supporters of Leeds United - I was very pleased!
Once the icebreaker was completed the first exercise involved the candidates, who were already sitting in groups of 6, were asked to volunteer their ideas about the attributes and skills required by a good referee. This was a great interactive session with all of the candidates wanting to get their ideas across. Eek's group was closest to mine and he did a great job of capturing everything on a flipchart, despite an unfortunate writing accident which might just appear in picture format in an updated version of this post - I'll let it lie for now but I don't think I'll ever consider using the word 'composure' in conversation again!
A second exercise inside was quickly followed by a group break out session. The weather was fantastic and lent itself perfectly to the next few sessions which all took place outside on the field marked out at County HQ. The field is marked with the same dimensions as the field at Wembley stadium and has been used more than once by the England national team for pre-match training sessions.
The groups separated and spent time practising those skills which can never be learned from a book or even watching a game. There is nothing which can prepare you for the moment when you first have to blow a whistle to stop play or raise a flag to indicate an offside offence has been committed EXCEPT if you can practice them in the safe company of other (trainee) referees.
The candidates all had the chance to blow a whistle without anyone ridiculing them, giving them a funny look or asking them what they were doing - as might have happened if they had been obliged to practice at home - like I had to many moons ago!!!
They were also led through the various signals that an Assistant referee may have to use during the course of a game, ball out of play for a throw-in/goal kick/corner kick, an offence occurs which needs a free kick/kick form the penalty mark to be awarded and of course, the most controversial (usually) offside offences - near/middle/far. Most of the candidates did quite well and when they were off the mark, they were supported and coached to make the correct signal.
The levels of engagement and commitment were again variable but every candidate in Eek's and Goth Em's group gave it their all. I had my first chance to join in as I joined the group when they were practising blowing a whistle. As we all probably do when we first try it out, the feeble little peep sounds like a huge trumpet blast to our ears, but in truth, it is just that, a peep. The candidates all became more confident and it was interesting that on the practical examination (more of that later) on Sunday, many had become much more bold.
Other indoor sessions took place involving pre-match preparation, the closing of dates, dealing with correspondence, route planning, etc. and I felt that because it was something that was unfamiliar to the candidates, they seemed to have a lesser understanding of the subject. In fact I would go as far as to say that this session was probably the closest to the course I did when I qualified back in 2000. It was a dry subject and Goth Em did well to get through it.
Chuckle Younger had a session on the Powers and Duties of a Referee, again inside and this proved to be something of a gateway session. It led to later sessions on Fouls and Misconduct/Delays, Suspensions and Postponements and others which I missed on Sunday morning. It also led to an amazing recap session on Sunday when one candidate reeled off the Powers and Duties almost word for word and in order. It was very impressive considering a similar exercise at our local RA saw groups of up to 6 struggle to name them all, yet this fellow ran through them almost without hesitation. He certainly earned his round of applause from the group and the instructors.
More sessions outside dealing with the awarding of free kicks, the management of players in a defensive wall and adjudging the required distance at a restart avoided the potential for loss of interest. I had to drag myself away to get ready for a night in the company of the fine gentlemen (and their spouses) of my local RA, but the groups were apparently sent home with homework to do and it was evident the next morning, that some had taken it more seriously than others!
Part II to follow ...
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