Having eased myself through last week's emergency outing in a Sunday League game and a planned junior game in the afternoon, I stepped out this morning with a little more confidence about my return to match fitness. The unexpected calf injury 6 weeks ago spoilt my early season run outs but today I felt stronger and as a result put in two decent performances.
The first was a bottom division Sunday League game between two teams new to the league. The home team's Secretary used to regularly feature in the County FA's disciplinary list and the away team started their season with having two players sent off in the first round of games of the new season. Despite the warm weather, tempers did not become frayed, players competed fairly and I managed to get around the field pretty well. I found myself keeping close to play or at least in line with it as the game progressed. It was a high scoring affair with the away team squeezing out a 6-4 victory. One caution, lots of handshakes and a smattering of suntan from the bright sunshine throughout the game.
The second was a bottom division (in their age group) junior league game between two teams in the closest city to home. The game was taking place across the park from where I spent my early 20's turning out for the local rugby league team before injury curtailed my career. The coaches were very cordial, the players competitive but fair and the supporters well behaved apart from one or two comments about offside decisions. I set myself a target for the second half of this game to run further and work harder than I had in the first half. I managed it but not by much (around 200m and 25 calories). I still achieved it and with no game next week because of work commitments, I can rest up now until training on Wednesday week. My next games are both on County Cup duty in Huddersfield in 2 weeks - can't wait!
I do have to report that despite doing a full warmdown after each game, I have just had a major attack of cramp in my left hamstring - ouch! I'm ok though, dancing around the conservatory cursing seems as effective at clearing cramp as it did 5 years ago when I used to suffer from it a lot!!!
Showing posts with label Respect. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Respect. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 September 2013
Sunday, 7 July 2013
My eyes were tired, my legs were tired and my patience was tired
My eyes were tired, my legs were tired and my patience was
tired, but more of that later. After two afternoons of refereeing in a local
junior football tournament I feel I'm reasonably well placed to judge whether
The FA's Respect Programme is having any effect at the lowest level of the
game.
I need to go back a few years to when I started refereeing
to give the rest of this post some context. My son's age group were moving from
2 teams of 7 a side to 1 team of 11 a side. The league at the time required all
clubs to have a qualified referee, so me and another dad were packed off to a
working men's club in a nearby village for a few weeks, asked some questions
and completed an exam paper. We were then pushed out into the world of junior
football without any form of support. The other dad lasted a handful of seasons
while I progressed into open age football after a few years before broadening
my scope into assessing and tutoring. I'm still here after 13 years and knees
willing, I'll still be here in another 13 years.
In those early days, refereeing U11 football with a couple
of dozen whirling Dervishes on the touchline was an education. I learnt that
giving a free kick against the star striker for pushing, then disallowing his
goal usually resulted in a long stream of verbal abuse, sometimes containing
what we euphemistically call in refereeing "offensive" language.
Those are the words that begin with f and go on from there. I also learnt that
the concepts within Law 11 (Offside) were something very few people outside of
refereeing could get to grips with. Most of what I learnt was that to many on
the touchline, the games their children were involved in were the highlight of
an often dreary week and woe betide any referee who was going to spoil their
enjoyment, even if this did mean sending off their child for punching an
opponent.
The players themselves were generally well behaved. The
times when I had to sanction a player's actions with more than a free kick were
few and far between. I only wish the same could be said of the coaches and
parents. The Respect programme was introduced in 2008 and was intended to
tackle the types of issues referees faced when working alone at the bottom of
the game and also in the professional game. It was correctly recognised that
the influence exerted by the coaches and parents far outstripped the influence
the referee could exert in those 80 minute periods each Saturday or Sunday.
The programme introduced barriers to keep spectators away
from encroaching on to the field of play and to separate parents from coaches.
It introduced a series of viral videos and web pages which demonstrated the
impact of parents and coaches on the game but more importantly the younger
players. So how has it worked?
Well I spent last season easing myself back into junior
football with a local league and generally the behaviour was of a good
standard, with a small number of exceptions. Over the weekend I was refereeing
games back to back for an average of 4 1/2 hours on each day (Saturday and
Sunday). On the first day I only had to speak to one player about his behaviour
regarding decisions, spoke to two coaches, one about his own behaviour and
another seeking assistance managing a parent. After this last incident I had
three other parents thanking me for my actions in dealing with the individual.
As for the player, he apologised at the end of the game and when I saw him
later in the tournament, he was all smiles and happy to listen.
On the second day, working with older age groups, the
incidents involving player behaviour increased slightly, but the most
refreshing thing was the coach dealt with the player immediately. I had no
issues with the coaches who were extremely helpful with one in particular
dealing with three separate incidents across two games. As for the parents
themselves, they were in the main very good in terms of their support for their
players, however much of their advice was misplaced and often in contradiction
with the instructions of the coaches.
What was noticeable on both days of this tournament in every
game where I refereed a team for the first time, teams tested my tolerance
levels. This might have been on the strength of a tackle or the position from
which a throw in was taken, but little tests were thrown up in the first minute
of every game. It certainly kept me alert!
Taking into account the experience gained over the last 13
years, working in junior football, open age football and also working with some
excellent colleagues, I have to say that things have changed, but maybe I have
changed more. Maybe I have more tools with which to manage situations? So I
have to consider the impact on other referees. I observed a handful of games
while I was awaiting my new assignments in the latter stages of both days. I
saw some great interaction between referee, players and coaches which bodes
well for the future.
One thing that I did notice was the willingness of the
players to have a laugh and a joke with me, even when things weren't going well
for their team. Across teams as well, if something unusual happened in the game
such as a strange bounce leaving two opponents looking around for the ball
which was behind them, everyone found it funny, even those involved. They
weren't embarrassed or annoyed that people were laughing, they were laughing
along with them.
So has Respect made a difference? I believe it has had a
positive effect. It seems to have put the smile back on the face of football,
certainly at junior level. I just hope that continues as these players move
through the age groups.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Juniors
I've been out to two games today, the first was a promotion assessment before I headed off to watch a new referee who I am mentoring through his first six games.
At the first game, I had to work hard at suppressing a giggle as a player's girlfriend explained the reason she had missed kick off was that she had gone to the wrong ground. Apparently on following her boyfriend's directions she had spotted a ground where a game was taking place, thinking it was his game, she stopped following the directions and headed for the ground she could see. The players had seemed small from a long way away, but she was convinced she was going to the right place. It was only on pulling up at the field that she realised the reason they looked small because they were small ... it was a junior football game, not the bruising open age cup game her boyfriend was playing in!
At this afternoon's game, it was good to see that Respect barriers were in place and that the home club ensured that all spectators were behind them. It helped create the supportive atmosphere that the players needed and despite the one sided scoreline, both teams seemed to enjoy most of the game.
The perennial fund raiser was also in evidence as the raffle for a bottle of wine took place raising much needed funds for the home team. Even I was asked if I wanted to buy a ticket, but I'd used my last 50p on inflating the slow puncture on my car, so I had to decline. The winner seemed happy with his prize even though he looked like he might have preferred a couple of pints of Tetley's Bitter.
As the game finished and both teams moved to congratulate each other on a well contested game, I noticed one parent berating the losing team's assistant manager. I couldn't hear what was being said but hung about to ask the assistant manager what was said. It turns out that the parent had complained about the manager's attitude towards the player. The player had been one of the team of rolling substitutes. At some point in the game he was asked to go on a play at left back but refused as he wanted to play in attack. Even though the manager had agreed to allow the player to play in attack later in the game, he had cried and it was because of this that the parent had challenged the assistant manager. If evidence of the influence of the professional game on junior football was needed, there it is!
That's it for assessing until the 25th. I have a support role for tomorrow's session at the new referees course and a couple of meetings to attend but then I have my second consecutive Saturday off. I might just try and find a referee to assess on Sunday, wouldn't want to get rusty!
At the first game, I had to work hard at suppressing a giggle as a player's girlfriend explained the reason she had missed kick off was that she had gone to the wrong ground. Apparently on following her boyfriend's directions she had spotted a ground where a game was taking place, thinking it was his game, she stopped following the directions and headed for the ground she could see. The players had seemed small from a long way away, but she was convinced she was going to the right place. It was only on pulling up at the field that she realised the reason they looked small because they were small ... it was a junior football game, not the bruising open age cup game her boyfriend was playing in!
At this afternoon's game, it was good to see that Respect barriers were in place and that the home club ensured that all spectators were behind them. It helped create the supportive atmosphere that the players needed and despite the one sided scoreline, both teams seemed to enjoy most of the game.
The perennial fund raiser was also in evidence as the raffle for a bottle of wine took place raising much needed funds for the home team. Even I was asked if I wanted to buy a ticket, but I'd used my last 50p on inflating the slow puncture on my car, so I had to decline. The winner seemed happy with his prize even though he looked like he might have preferred a couple of pints of Tetley's Bitter.
As the game finished and both teams moved to congratulate each other on a well contested game, I noticed one parent berating the losing team's assistant manager. I couldn't hear what was being said but hung about to ask the assistant manager what was said. It turns out that the parent had complained about the manager's attitude towards the player. The player had been one of the team of rolling substitutes. At some point in the game he was asked to go on a play at left back but refused as he wanted to play in attack. Even though the manager had agreed to allow the player to play in attack later in the game, he had cried and it was because of this that the parent had challenged the assistant manager. If evidence of the influence of the professional game on junior football was needed, there it is!
That's it for assessing until the 25th. I have a support role for tomorrow's session at the new referees course and a couple of meetings to attend but then I have my second consecutive Saturday off. I might just try and find a referee to assess on Sunday, wouldn't want to get rusty!
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Brrrr!!!
The winter's chill is beginning to set in and this weekend's assessments were both conducted wearing my big padded jacket.
It wasn't too bad out at Otley as the sunshine came out at half time but it was a bitter wind blowing around Throstle Nest as I assessed the referee on the FA Women's Premier League game taking place there today.
The game was settled by a hat trick from the away team's centre forward who displayed some fantastic speed to outpace the home defence. Although the home team had equalised after her first goal, her second came within a few seconds of the equaliser and it was a long and busy afternoon for both defences.
The trainers of both teams were also kept busy particularly after a nasty clash of heads late in the game. One player was unable to staunch the bleeding and had to be replaced. The other lay motionless for a few seconds before being able to continue after receiving brief treatment.
With the reports written up, that's it until Saturday ... well apart from attending the Referee's Association meeting tomorrow and the Sunday League meeting on Tuesday. Tuesday will be interesting as the committee considers the first infringements of the Respect Code of Conduct by players in our league, since the code was adopted at the start of this season. As Respect Officer, focus will fall on my guidance to the committee ... pressure!!!
It wasn't too bad out at Otley as the sunshine came out at half time but it was a bitter wind blowing around Throstle Nest as I assessed the referee on the FA Women's Premier League game taking place there today.
The game was settled by a hat trick from the away team's centre forward who displayed some fantastic speed to outpace the home defence. Although the home team had equalised after her first goal, her second came within a few seconds of the equaliser and it was a long and busy afternoon for both defences.
The trainers of both teams were also kept busy particularly after a nasty clash of heads late in the game. One player was unable to staunch the bleeding and had to be replaced. The other lay motionless for a few seconds before being able to continue after receiving brief treatment.
With the reports written up, that's it until Saturday ... well apart from attending the Referee's Association meeting tomorrow and the Sunday League meeting on Tuesday. Tuesday will be interesting as the committee considers the first infringements of the Respect Code of Conduct by players in our league, since the code was adopted at the start of this season. As Respect Officer, focus will fall on my guidance to the committee ... pressure!!!
Monday, 28 December 2009
BBC Sport - Football - Referee Adrian McCourt scared after sending off five
Irish League referee Adrian McCourt said he was worried about his safety after sending off four Crusaders players and their manager at Seaview (click above link for more info).
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
R'n'R
No, not rock 'n' roll, but Respect and Re-occurrence.
The Respect part comes from last night's Sunday League meeting where the County RDO was persuaded to brave the motorway traffic and appalling weather conditions to deliver a presentation on the Respect programme to an All Clubs Meeting. The intention was for a vote to be held immediately after the presentation, deciding whether the League should join the Respect programme.
There was some dissenting voices, some asking for more information and others offering support. In the end, the League decided that we would provide more information to all the clubs, so they could go away and consult their club officials, managers/coaches and players before holding the binding vote at the next All Clubs Meeting in early January. It's a sensible course of action and while it gives the interested parties time to consider the implications, I can't help feeling it also gives more time for doubt to creep in. I hope to be proved wrong.
The re-occurrence part of the post also comes from last night's meeting. I was disappointed to be told by James that he could see me still limping from the injury incurred 10 days ago, as thought I'd stopped limping a couple of days ago. What made matters worst was my deciding to skip down a couple of steps after carrying the Respect programme documentation to my car. The skipping wasn't bad (it was more of a hop and skid) but when I got out of bed this morning I had a stabbing pain up the inside of my Achilles.
This is on the opposite side of the tendon from the original pain source. It's probably an indication, now the swelling has virtually faded away, that the injury goes deeper than I first suspected. I believe I am now going to have it properly assessed so I'll be booking a doctor's appointment in the morning. I mentioned to Fat Lad last night about my lingering doubt whether I can come back from this injury and that this might be the one that finally forces me to hang up my whistle.
On the subject of Fat lad, his game last night nearly made it to the end, but the floodlights failed with around 20 seconds of time left on the watch. It could only happen to him!
The Respect part comes from last night's Sunday League meeting where the County RDO was persuaded to brave the motorway traffic and appalling weather conditions to deliver a presentation on the Respect programme to an All Clubs Meeting. The intention was for a vote to be held immediately after the presentation, deciding whether the League should join the Respect programme.
There was some dissenting voices, some asking for more information and others offering support. In the end, the League decided that we would provide more information to all the clubs, so they could go away and consult their club officials, managers/coaches and players before holding the binding vote at the next All Clubs Meeting in early January. It's a sensible course of action and while it gives the interested parties time to consider the implications, I can't help feeling it also gives more time for doubt to creep in. I hope to be proved wrong.
The re-occurrence part of the post also comes from last night's meeting. I was disappointed to be told by James that he could see me still limping from the injury incurred 10 days ago, as thought I'd stopped limping a couple of days ago. What made matters worst was my deciding to skip down a couple of steps after carrying the Respect programme documentation to my car. The skipping wasn't bad (it was more of a hop and skid) but when I got out of bed this morning I had a stabbing pain up the inside of my Achilles.
This is on the opposite side of the tendon from the original pain source. It's probably an indication, now the swelling has virtually faded away, that the injury goes deeper than I first suspected. I believe I am now going to have it properly assessed so I'll be booking a doctor's appointment in the morning. I mentioned to Fat Lad last night about my lingering doubt whether I can come back from this injury and that this might be the one that finally forces me to hang up my whistle.
On the subject of Fat lad, his game last night nearly made it to the end, but the floodlights failed with around 20 seconds of time left on the watch. It could only happen to him!
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
On Call
Since coming back from my Licenced Tutor course a couple of weeks ago, I've been in demand.
I was already set up to deliver one indoor and two outdoor sessions on the County FA's next Basic Course for New Referees and then during a chance meeting last week I was asked to help on the Supply League Assistant's evening.
When we were wrapping that up last night over a glass of orange squash, I was asked to become involved in the County FA's FAMOA event next Monday. I've been asked to deliver the presentation on the Respect programme. I have an up to date version however I've been asked to re-work the presentation I delivered to the Basic Course in February.
I've trimmed a few lines off the PowerPoint slides and dropped in some interactive stuff. The Lesson Plans are written for the indoor and first outdoor session. On the second outdoor session, it is absolutely huge so it's a case of keeping the candidates moving and interested - no mean feat and it will certainly be a challenge.
I was already set up to deliver one indoor and two outdoor sessions on the County FA's next Basic Course for New Referees and then during a chance meeting last week I was asked to help on the Supply League Assistant's evening.
When we were wrapping that up last night over a glass of orange squash, I was asked to become involved in the County FA's FAMOA event next Monday. I've been asked to deliver the presentation on the Respect programme. I have an up to date version however I've been asked to re-work the presentation I delivered to the Basic Course in February.
I've trimmed a few lines off the PowerPoint slides and dropped in some interactive stuff. The Lesson Plans are written for the indoor and first outdoor session. On the second outdoor session, it is absolutely huge so it's a case of keeping the candidates moving and interested - no mean feat and it will certainly be a challenge.
Monday, 16 March 2009
The FA's new Respect Video
The previous Respect video focussed on how games might look without a referee. It featured two teams of celebrities and the tone was very light hearted.
This one focuses on parental behaviour and has a much darker tone. Enjoy ...
This one focuses on parental behaviour and has a much darker tone. Enjoy ...
Friday, 13 March 2009
Steve Bruce Apology
I used to like Steve Bruce as a player. In my opinion he bridged the gap between the old style centre halves like Jack Charlton and the modern players like Rio Ferdinand. He blows hot and cold about referees but he certainly earned my admiration for this ... (borrowed from Football365.com)
Wigan boss Steve Bruce has sent a written apology to referee Lee Probert after roundly criticising the official for the defeat at Chelsea a fortnight ago.
Bruce was left fuming following the 2-1 loss, blaming Probert for failing to spot an apparent push from Frank Lampard on Mario Melchiot before the midfielder headed home the last-gasp winner.
A seething Bruce later launched into a tirade about how the big clubs are always favoured by the officials, frustratingly stating: "It makes you that angry you think 'Is it all worth it?' at times."
But a humble Bruce has since seen the error of his remarks, and has been man enough to admit the mistake was all of his own making.
"I wrote to the referee of the Chelsea game, expressing my views that I was wrong," confirmed Bruce.
"I was caught up in the heat of the moment, and you sometimes say things you regret.
"I've been in the game a long time now, and I try to take a look at things, and coming back on it now I was wrong to criticise him.
"I hope he accepts my apology."
However, Bruce remains unrepentant regarding his outspoken comments on the performance of Stuart Attwell in last week's 1-0 home defeat to West Ham.
At just 26, Attwell is the youngest referee in the Barclays Premier League, and according to Bruce, is out of his depth.
The Warwickshire official dismissed Carlton Cole in the first half, a decision that was criticised by Bruce and Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola.
But then Bruce was left outraged by Attwell's failure to issue a red card to Lucas Neill in the second half for a challenge on Lee Cattermole described by the Latics boss as "horrific".
Within minutes Cattermole took his revenge on Neill and was soon ordered off himself.
"The one thing I don't want to do is criticise referees, and to be fair, I felt for Stuart Attwell (that day)," added Bruce.
"He has been pushed through because they think he has a talent, and unquestionably he has.
"But I said at the time that maybe it was a little too early for him.
"In the Premier League given the intensity and ferocity, they have to make sure they're not going to be sidetracked and have the presence to be in control of the match.
"Unfortunately, I think in that game Mr Attwell got it wrong."
But then Bruce admits he knows how hard a job the referees have, simply after running the rule over a practice match in training on Friday.
"They are all at you," smiled Bruce.
"It's part of a footballer's nature, part of being a winner, that they are onto you, and you are never going to stop that.
"You will get badgered, so I know how difficult it is."
Bruce will be hoping he is left talking about something other than referees following Saturday's clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Sadly for Bruce, there will be no Roy Keane for him to pit his wits against after the Irishman stepped down as manager of the Black Cats in December.
Bruce believes the game misses a character like his former Manchester United team-mate, who he feels will be back sooner rather than later.
"I know he's itching, very quietly," remarked Bruce.
"We don't hear much about him, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's back in it in the summer.
"I always think football is a brighter, more interesting place when Roy is around.
"When he's on the TV everybody has a look, or when he does a press interview, everybody wants a little bit of it, and that for me is a big part of the game.
"He should take great pride in what he achieved at Sunderland as they were bottom of the Championship when he took over, but then he rattled their cage, big style.
"He got them up and now they've a really good team that will be really difficult to beat, but one we're capable of beating."
Along with the suspended Cattermole, Bruce's only other absentee is likely to be Antoine Sibierski who is nursing a hamstring problem.
New signing South Korea international midfielder Won-Hee Cho could be handed his debut if Bruce deems he is fit enough.
Wigan boss Steve Bruce has sent a written apology to referee Lee Probert after roundly criticising the official for the defeat at Chelsea a fortnight ago.
Bruce was left fuming following the 2-1 loss, blaming Probert for failing to spot an apparent push from Frank Lampard on Mario Melchiot before the midfielder headed home the last-gasp winner.
A seething Bruce later launched into a tirade about how the big clubs are always favoured by the officials, frustratingly stating: "It makes you that angry you think 'Is it all worth it?' at times."
But a humble Bruce has since seen the error of his remarks, and has been man enough to admit the mistake was all of his own making.
"I wrote to the referee of the Chelsea game, expressing my views that I was wrong," confirmed Bruce.
"I was caught up in the heat of the moment, and you sometimes say things you regret.
"I've been in the game a long time now, and I try to take a look at things, and coming back on it now I was wrong to criticise him.
"I hope he accepts my apology."
However, Bruce remains unrepentant regarding his outspoken comments on the performance of Stuart Attwell in last week's 1-0 home defeat to West Ham.
At just 26, Attwell is the youngest referee in the Barclays Premier League, and according to Bruce, is out of his depth.
The Warwickshire official dismissed Carlton Cole in the first half, a decision that was criticised by Bruce and Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola.
But then Bruce was left outraged by Attwell's failure to issue a red card to Lucas Neill in the second half for a challenge on Lee Cattermole described by the Latics boss as "horrific".
Within minutes Cattermole took his revenge on Neill and was soon ordered off himself.
"The one thing I don't want to do is criticise referees, and to be fair, I felt for Stuart Attwell (that day)," added Bruce.
"He has been pushed through because they think he has a talent, and unquestionably he has.
"But I said at the time that maybe it was a little too early for him.
"In the Premier League given the intensity and ferocity, they have to make sure they're not going to be sidetracked and have the presence to be in control of the match.
"Unfortunately, I think in that game Mr Attwell got it wrong."
But then Bruce admits he knows how hard a job the referees have, simply after running the rule over a practice match in training on Friday.
"They are all at you," smiled Bruce.
"It's part of a footballer's nature, part of being a winner, that they are onto you, and you are never going to stop that.
"You will get badgered, so I know how difficult it is."
Bruce will be hoping he is left talking about something other than referees following Saturday's clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Sadly for Bruce, there will be no Roy Keane for him to pit his wits against after the Irishman stepped down as manager of the Black Cats in December.
Bruce believes the game misses a character like his former Manchester United team-mate, who he feels will be back sooner rather than later.
"I know he's itching, very quietly," remarked Bruce.
"We don't hear much about him, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's back in it in the summer.
"I always think football is a brighter, more interesting place when Roy is around.
"When he's on the TV everybody has a look, or when he does a press interview, everybody wants a little bit of it, and that for me is a big part of the game.
"He should take great pride in what he achieved at Sunderland as they were bottom of the Championship when he took over, but then he rattled their cage, big style.
"He got them up and now they've a really good team that will be really difficult to beat, but one we're capable of beating."
Along with the suspended Cattermole, Bruce's only other absentee is likely to be Antoine Sibierski who is nursing a hamstring problem.
New signing South Korea international midfielder Won-Hee Cho could be handed his debut if Bruce deems he is fit enough.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Media's referee taster
From The FA's website
Monday, 23 February 2009.
A special media day was staged in Bristol last week to promote refereeing in the south-west of England.
Co-ordinated by FA Regional Referee Manager Roger Vaughan, the event was attended by local media and a film crew from Setanta Sports.
Roger Goodwin, Referee Development Officer at the Gloucestershire FA, had also invited members of the county’s referee academies and other officials to come along on the day and several referees including Charlotte Blake, Jordan Kenny and Chris Tebb took up the opportunity.
The two Rogers were joined on the day by The FA’s National Head of Referee Development Ian Blanchard and together they presented sessions on the skills of refereeing and recognising challenges before going outside and doing practical sessions on ‘running the line’ and whistle technique.
The day finished up with some mini games being refereed by the attendees between teams from local schools and colleges before the assembled media took the opportunity to interview those present to gain an insight into refereeing and were very impressed with the professionalism shown by all at what proved to be a very successful event.
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Rewards
After 30 minutes explaining the role of referees in the Respect programme to a group of 23 this morning and 45 minutes taking 12 of them through the awarding/management of a kick from the penalty mark, I have to report that all the coffee in my system still has me buzzing.
This was the most responsive group I have seen during any of the four courses in which I have been involved. They asked challenging questions, participated fully in the practical sessions and the most rewarding was that more than 2/3 of the candidates wanted to shake my hand on leaving the course.
They all passed, which obviously has a bearing, but they were lining up to thank the instructors and one even appeared to want to hug some of us. Their enthusiasm for the subject matter was only surpassed by the instructors desire to improve on previous courses. Certainly today I think that we've set a standard that we will have to work hard to replicate and better. I really hope that most of this group get involved in local football and I can see some of them going on to be very good referees.
Just a short PS, one of the first times I helped out on a County training event was supporting Mr Steve on a Matchday Skills Course at a local Supply League Club. It was nice to see that one of the young lads on that course attended this Basic Course for New Referees over the last two weeks. He was so enthusiastic that he injured himself in one of the practical sessions, but soldiered on through to the end and was (rightly) very pleased with himself when he successfully completed the course. Well done Rob!
This was the most responsive group I have seen during any of the four courses in which I have been involved. They asked challenging questions, participated fully in the practical sessions and the most rewarding was that more than 2/3 of the candidates wanted to shake my hand on leaving the course.
They all passed, which obviously has a bearing, but they were lining up to thank the instructors and one even appeared to want to hug some of us. Their enthusiasm for the subject matter was only surpassed by the instructors desire to improve on previous courses. Certainly today I think that we've set a standard that we will have to work hard to replicate and better. I really hope that most of this group get involved in local football and I can see some of them going on to be very good referees.
Just a short PS, one of the first times I helped out on a County training event was supporting Mr Steve on a Matchday Skills Course at a local Supply League Club. It was nice to see that one of the young lads on that course attended this Basic Course for New Referees over the last two weeks. He was so enthusiastic that he injured himself in one of the practical sessions, but soldiered on through to the end and was (rightly) very pleased with himself when he successfully completed the course. Well done Rob!
Saturday, 21 February 2009
Party Day!
I spent the afternoon dressed as a pirate at my son's 4th birthday party.
All in all I had a great time being the leader of a band of pirates hunting for treasure in a play gym. My chat at the County FA has been postponed so that matter isn't going to be resolved as soon as I would like. It's not more than 2 months since the game to which it relates and it will be another 2 weeks before we can have the re-arranged conversation.
It's a good job I've plenty to keep me occupied. Tomorrow morning I am delivering a presentation to new referees about their part in the Respect programme. I also have an outdoor session on the awarding and management of a kick from the penalty mark. I have prepared well, delivered the presentation to my wife a couple of times and she seemed to understand it, so it's fingers crossed for the morning.
All in all I had a great time being the leader of a band of pirates hunting for treasure in a play gym. My chat at the County FA has been postponed so that matter isn't going to be resolved as soon as I would like. It's not more than 2 months since the game to which it relates and it will be another 2 weeks before we can have the re-arranged conversation.
It's a good job I've plenty to keep me occupied. Tomorrow morning I am delivering a presentation to new referees about their part in the Respect programme. I also have an outdoor session on the awarding and management of a kick from the penalty mark. I have prepared well, delivered the presentation to my wife a couple of times and she seemed to understand it, so it's fingers crossed for the morning.
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Keep it quiet, but ...
... there might actually be some football played this weekend, but just a note about a couple of onscreen performances.
Having enjoyed Alan Wiley's handling of the FA Cup Replay between Everton and Liverpool, a powder keg atmosphere if ever there was one, Mr Wiley found himself in front of the tv cameras again on Monday looking after Leeds United vs Millwall. Again he showed why he is regarded as one of the top officials in England, giving an excellent demonstration of controlling a fiery game which was a full blooded encounter. He seemed not to have a good view of a couple of incidents which were highlighted by the tv pundits but to their credit, they didn't criticise him but the player involved.
So to the coming weekend, I had a potential problem with a double booking of a game and my son's birthday party and like a good father, I closed the date. When I went to book his party, the venue was full so I had to move his party back one week .. to when I had already accepted a game! So it was apologies and begging as I gave backword on next week's game and tried to get one for this Saturday.
Fortunately I must have timed my request at the right time and I picked up the only fixture without an official. So weather permitting, I shall be assisting Marine Boy on Sunday in the semi-final of the District FA's U14 Cup and on Saturday I have a runabout in south Leeds.
Regular readers may recall I had a horrible game just before Christmas. One of the teams complained to the County FA and I'm going to a meeting in a few days to talk about it. I'm disappointed as it means I can't attend the RA meeting that night where tales will be swapped about the annual dinner which is taking place on the same day as my son's birthday party.
Having enjoyed Alan Wiley's handling of the FA Cup Replay between Everton and Liverpool, a powder keg atmosphere if ever there was one, Mr Wiley found himself in front of the tv cameras again on Monday looking after Leeds United vs Millwall. Again he showed why he is regarded as one of the top officials in England, giving an excellent demonstration of controlling a fiery game which was a full blooded encounter. He seemed not to have a good view of a couple of incidents which were highlighted by the tv pundits but to their credit, they didn't criticise him but the player involved.
So to the coming weekend, I had a potential problem with a double booking of a game and my son's birthday party and like a good father, I closed the date. When I went to book his party, the venue was full so I had to move his party back one week .. to when I had already accepted a game! So it was apologies and begging as I gave backword on next week's game and tried to get one for this Saturday.
Fortunately I must have timed my request at the right time and I picked up the only fixture without an official. So weather permitting, I shall be assisting Marine Boy on Sunday in the semi-final of the District FA's U14 Cup and on Saturday I have a runabout in south Leeds.
Regular readers may recall I had a horrible game just before Christmas. One of the teams complained to the County FA and I'm going to a meeting in a few days to talk about it. I'm disappointed as it means I can't attend the RA meeting that night where tales will be swapped about the annual dinner which is taking place on the same day as my son's birthday party.
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Sir Trevor Brooking speaks about "Respect"
Sir Trevor Brooking insists football's governors must introduce "enforceable" measures to tackle the current issue of respect within the game.
As the Football Association were preparing to launch their 'Respect' campaign last month, the issue of players' behaviour came under the spotlight due to incidents involving Chelsea defender Ashley Cole and Liverpool's Javier Mascherano.
The campaign, spearheaded by FA director of football development Brooking, has been piloted at grassroots level by seven county associations in the last 10 weeks, with the most significant measures allowing only team captains to speak to the referee and the introduction of roped-off areas for spectators and parents on the sidelines.
And the former England and West Ham midfielder, attending an under-16s match between Kodak and Harrow St Mary's as part of the pilot on Sunday, hopes firmer guidelines will be put into place in professional football next season said: "I think we're all pleased with the last 10 weeks. It's only been going across seven counties and as such it's not been launched, we've just been using the pilot schemes.
"The feedback at the moment is very good and everyone feels it is something that, to be honest, should have been looked at earlier.
"And with all the interest in it, we can launch it meaningfully for the start of next season.
"Between now and then we've got to decide on what sort of things we really prioritise and then have one or two sanctions because, like anything, if you have the regular bad performance and misbehaviour, then what are you going to do about them?
"They are going to be issues we have got to focus on to make sure whatever we decide to do is going to be enforceable."
As for the recent publicity surrounding the issue of respect, Brooking said: "What happened, of course, once we launched it and said we were looking at that, we had a couple of incidents with Ashley Cole and Javier Mascherano so everyone homed in on it."
Cole was seen on television ignoring referee Mike Riley while days later Mascherano was shown a second yellow card and subsequent red for persistent dissent against Manchester United.
"We launched the fact we were doing a pilot scheme and then had that little flurry," Brooking said.
"It was amazing really that we had those two incidents that everyone focused on from a national media point of view.
"From our point of view that was great, because it highlighted all the issues and the reaction was 'something needs to be done'.
"So what happens now is there will be some meetings between the main football stakeholders - the Football Association, the Premier League, Football League, Professional Game Match Officials Board, League Managers' Association and the Professional Footballers' Association.
"They are all going to meet this month and then hopefully move it on to more meetings between now and the start of next season to decide how they want to buy in to it, what are their own standards they want to set?"
However, Brooking warned: "They have got to look at that really closely because with the media following, they can't really get themselves into something that after two or three weeks disintegrates.
"So that will be quite an interesting debate over the next two, three or four months before the start of next season."
As the Football Association were preparing to launch their 'Respect' campaign last month, the issue of players' behaviour came under the spotlight due to incidents involving Chelsea defender Ashley Cole and Liverpool's Javier Mascherano.
The campaign, spearheaded by FA director of football development Brooking, has been piloted at grassroots level by seven county associations in the last 10 weeks, with the most significant measures allowing only team captains to speak to the referee and the introduction of roped-off areas for spectators and parents on the sidelines.
And the former England and West Ham midfielder, attending an under-16s match between Kodak and Harrow St Mary's as part of the pilot on Sunday, hopes firmer guidelines will be put into place in professional football next season said: "I think we're all pleased with the last 10 weeks. It's only been going across seven counties and as such it's not been launched, we've just been using the pilot schemes.
"The feedback at the moment is very good and everyone feels it is something that, to be honest, should have been looked at earlier.
"And with all the interest in it, we can launch it meaningfully for the start of next season.
"Between now and then we've got to decide on what sort of things we really prioritise and then have one or two sanctions because, like anything, if you have the regular bad performance and misbehaviour, then what are you going to do about them?
"They are going to be issues we have got to focus on to make sure whatever we decide to do is going to be enforceable."
As for the recent publicity surrounding the issue of respect, Brooking said: "What happened, of course, once we launched it and said we were looking at that, we had a couple of incidents with Ashley Cole and Javier Mascherano so everyone homed in on it."
Cole was seen on television ignoring referee Mike Riley while days later Mascherano was shown a second yellow card and subsequent red for persistent dissent against Manchester United.
"We launched the fact we were doing a pilot scheme and then had that little flurry," Brooking said.
"It was amazing really that we had those two incidents that everyone focused on from a national media point of view.
"From our point of view that was great, because it highlighted all the issues and the reaction was 'something needs to be done'.
"So what happens now is there will be some meetings between the main football stakeholders - the Football Association, the Premier League, Football League, Professional Game Match Officials Board, League Managers' Association and the Professional Footballers' Association.
"They are all going to meet this month and then hopefully move it on to more meetings between now and the start of next season to decide how they want to buy in to it, what are their own standards they want to set?"
However, Brooking warned: "They have got to look at that really closely because with the media following, they can't really get themselves into something that after two or three weeks disintegrates.
"So that will be quite an interesting debate over the next two, three or four months before the start of next season."
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