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Why I enjoy refereeing

Dealing with Mass Confrontation do have a team at Euro 2008 DAVID ELLERAY From to Wembley 3086/08 CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS 06 David Barber MASS CONFRONTATION Neale Barry Ian Blanchard David Elleray Chris Foy Janie Frampton Keith Hackett Len Randall Dave Raval Steve Swallow Howard Webb Steve & Adam Williams

24 32 FOOTBALL ENGLAND DO FOR ALL HAVE A TEAM AT EURO 2008

POOR QUALITY – NEED EPS VECTOR FILE IF POSS. An exciting summer ahead! David Elleray 04 Dealing with Mass Confrontation – Part 2 Howard Webb 06 Laws of the Game Neale Barry 10 The Rest is History David Barber 12 Preparing for the New Season Steve Swallow 16 Why I enjoy refereeing so much Chris Foy 20 Football for All Dave Raval 24 Father & Son! Steve and Andrew Williams 26 Referee Development Officers Ian Blanchard 30 England do have a team at Euro 2008 David Elleray 32 From Sheffield to Wembley Keith Hackett 34 England’s first Futsal FIFA referee Ian Blanchard 36 FA Recruitment and Retention Task Force David Elleray 37 Wendy Toms – The end of an era! Janie Frampton 38 RA Centenary Conference Len Randall 40 Take your refereeing to the next level! 41

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 3 David Elleray FOREWORD

AN EXCITING Summer 2008 looks set to be an The Referees’ Association itself was formed in interesting and exciting one for those in May 1908 and the Centenary is being celebrated England interested in refereeing as well in a variety of ways: Every member who joins as for the referees themselves. As well (or re-joins) the RA in the membership year as the many cup finals (from grassroots which begins on 1st April 2008 will receive a SUMMER AHEAD! through to The Cup Final) there is Euro Commemorative coin. 2008 and the climax of the Referees’ Association Centenary celebrations with A commemorative envelope will be produced their Conference and Dinner where with the RA Centenary franking mark. It will will be the guest speaker. feature the RA Centenary crest and photos of four referees including two World Cup Final Being closely involved with these events, referees (Pierluigi Collina and ) and I know how stimulating they will be and I hope Howard Webb, the English referee at the that you will all consider being involved one EURO 2008 Finals. way or another. Something special is happening in each of the next three months. On Saturday 5th July the RA Conference will be held in Solihull. Some of the country’s top MAY – Eve of the Final Rally referees: , Howard Webb, Martin How often have you wondered what it must Atkinson, and Chris Foy will be be like to referee or run the line in The FA Cup running workshops or addressing conference. Final? Well, why don’t you discover the answer In the evening there will a Gala Dinner during by coming along to the Eve of the Final Rally which Geoff Thompson (former FA Chairman on Friday, 16th May 2008, 6pm for 6.45pm at and a Vice President of UEFA and FIFA) will The New Connaught Rooms, Great Queen propose the health of the RA. I will reply and Street, London WC2B 5DA (Two minutes’ walk propose a toast to the guests whose reply will from Holborn Station on the Central Line)? be from arguably the world’s best ever referee, As well as having the chance to meet the five Pierluigi Collina. Amongst the guests at the officials who will control The FA Cup Final the conference and dinner will be Jose Maria next day, you will hear from The FA Cup Final Garcia Aranda (Head of Refereeing at FIFA), referee himself what it is like to be at the David Taylor (General Secretary of UEFA) and heart of the most famous club Cup Final in Keith Hackett (PGMOL General Manager). It is the world. You will also be entertained by Bob anticipated that a large number of Select Wilson, the famous former Arsenal goalkeeper, Group and National List referees and assistants and have the chance to meet a number of will be attending and I know they are looking former FA Cup Final referees. forward to mingling with colleagues from all levels in the game and especially the younger JUNE – EURO 2008 referees and those officiating at grassroots level. “THE ENGLAND The England football team may not have qualified for the finals in and So, whether you referee, assess or coach there FOOTBALL TEAM MAY but there will be an English team there: Howard is much to interest you in the coming months. NOT HAVE QUALIFIED Webb, Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey. Why not treat yourself and come along to the Howard and his team will ensure that The FA, RA Conference or the Eve of the Final Rally? FOR THE FINALS IN PGMOL and RA flags are flown proudly and I You will be assured of a memorable time. am sure they will have the support of everyone I hope to see you there and assure you that AUSTRIA AND in England, not just the refereeing fraternity. If everyone from The FA, the Referees you want an inside view of the Euro Finals then Association and the PGMOL will be delighted SWITZERLAND BUT come and listen to Howard at the RA to make your acquaintance and talk about the Conference where, less than a week after the thing that unites us all – a love of football in THERE WILL BE AN final itself, he will give us the inside view of general and refereeing in particular. ENGLISH TEAM THERE: refereeing in a major International Tournament. See you there! HOWARD WEBB, JULY - RA Centenary Conference and Dinner The first Referees’ Society was established in David Elleray is Vice Chairman of the FA DARREN CANN AND London in 1893 and as football became more and Referees’ Committee, Hon. President of more popular so more people became referees the Referees Association of England and a MIKE MULLARKEY.” and more Referees’ Societies were formed. member of the UEFA Referee Committee.

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 5 date was identified. However, on that date I was HOWARD WEBB travelling home from refereeing a UEFA Cup match in Northern France, Lens -v- Bayer Leverkusen. Rather than travelling back to Manchester directly from Paris, I flew to DEALING WITH MASS Heathrow in the morning and then travelled into central London to FA HQ in Soho Square for the disciplinary hearing in the afternoon, suitably attired in suit, shirt and tie. was there together with a lawyer representing CONFRONTATION – Arsenal FC. The legal representative from The FA Compliance Unit put the case forward for The FA, based upon the match reports submitted by myself and Darren Cann. I was PART 2 asked by the four members of the disciplinary panel if I wished to add anything to my report but thankfully the thought and time I had placed into preparing my reports meant that all relevant details were included. I think it is important to stick to your initial report, that's the account you FACTS Almost as important as the job that we simulation and this gives The FA the ability to make soon after the incident whilst the details do on the field is the one we do off it and monitor trends in relation to what type of are still fresh in your mind and any deviation HOWARD WEBB clearly disciplinary reports have to be an unsporting behaviour players are being from the report gives the impression of accurate reflection of the observations we cautioned for within the professional game. In uncertainty as to the sequence of events. I was Age have at the time. It is important to take relation to the Carling Cup Final, I also made an then asked some questions by the 'defending 36 your time and to give full consideration to extraordinary report requesting that The FA lawyer' on behalf of Arsenal and the player. the wording used and as such, it is often review the video of the whole mass This was done in a reasonable way and the History beneficial to draft the report in rough confrontation incident in order to establish panel ensured that any questions were fair and Promoted to National List prior to committing your observations to whether or not other players who were not relevant. For me, it was important that I took my Referee 2001 paper or in our case, to the phone as all disciplined on the day were guilty of actions time when answering any questions, asked for Promoted to disciplinary reports at the professional level worthy of retrospective punishment. It is the question to be repeated when there was any Referee 2003 are submitted by telephone to the Press accepted that in mass confrontation situations, doubt as to what exactly was being asked (this Promoted to FIFA Referee Association (PA) by midday the following referees have obvious difficulties in being able to also gives you time to formulate your response), 2006 day. And that is exactly what we did identify the actions of each individual player. As stuck to the facts without feeling the need to following the Carling Cup Final. Naturally such, it is commonplace for the referee to ask add further detail and also saying I didn't know Highlights our partners were with us in for The FA to review the incident on video and they the answer to certain questions when that was 2001 FIFA World U20 the weekend and arrangements had been will then take action against any player who has the case. The case for the defence argued that Finals in Canada – Referee made at a nearby restaurant for a post- committed an offence of violent conduct not by showing the unjust nature of the sending-off, Community Shield 2005- match meal. As such, we decided that seen by the match officials on the day. Adebayor's reaction was understandable and Referee our reports would be formulated early they used this as mitigation. the following day. My report in relation to the Adebayor sending- off merely made reference to the fact that The whole hearing process was painless from We all drafted our observations onto paper Darren Cann had brought to my attention the “YELLOW CARDS ARE ALSO REPORTED my point of view (apart from the deviation from ensuring that we included details such as the fact that the player had committed an offence Paris to Manchester Airport via London rather chronology of events and exactly what we saw, of violent conduct. Darren's report fully BY TELEPHONE BUT THESE ARE DONE than direct!) and by sticking to the facts as the position we saw it from and the clarity of our covered what he had observed. My report BY WAY OF SIMPLE DETAILS BEING documented in my discipline report, my evidence view. The reports were concise and to the point did, however, describe Adebayor's failure to remained solid. Adebayor was found guilty and but sufficiently detailed to paint a full picture of leave the field immediately. COMMUNICATED: THE NAME OF THE received an additional match ban for his failure what had happened based on our own to leave the field of play immediately. However, observations. These reports were then Within a few days of the reports being PLAYER, HIS CLUB, THE NATURE OF there was no bad feeling from the player towards telephoned individually through to the PA by submitted, two of the three players appealed myself at the close of the hearing and we parted Darren Cann and me, being the two officials against their sending-offs but The FA disciplinary THE OFFENCE...” on a firm, friendly handshake after a brief who had witnessed red card offences. Full board upheld the red cards. However, Adebayor discussion about the UEFA Cup match I had narrative is dictated to the operator in relation to also faced an additional charge in relation to his refereed the evening before followed by mutual dismissals so it is useful to be able to read from failure to leave the field of play immediately and best wishes for the remainder of the season. the draft report. Yellow cards are also reported consequently, he requested a personal hearing. by telephone but these are done by way of After almost 18 years of refereeing, this was the Irrespective of which match we are assigned to simple details being communicated: the name of first personal hearing I had ever been asked to handle, we need to have courage on the field the player, his club, the nature of the offence eg attend and was somewhat unsure what to followed by a methodical, professional and C1 unsporting behaviour, C2 dissent and also expect. The date which was initially convened objective approach off it. the time of offence. For C1 offences, an FA code was changed because the player was away with is also given such as FT for foul tackle, DI for Arsenal on European match duty and a second

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 7 CARLING CUP SEMI-FINAL 2008 Arsenal’s Emmanuel Adebayor and argue as Howard Webb steps in.

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 9 QUESTION 1 A player in possession of the ball passes over the touch line without the ball to beat an opponent. What action do you take? a. Stop the game and caution the player for leaving the field of play without your permission and restart with an indirect free-kick from where he stepped across the touch line. b. Allow the game to continue as no offence has been committed. c. Stop the game and caution the player for leaving the field of play without your permission and restart the game with a dropped ball from where he left the field of play.

Correct answer is b. It is not an offence to move off the field of play as a part of a playing movement.

QUESTION 2 When acting as an assistant referee you signal for the referee to come over so that you can advise him of insulting language by a coach in the technical area. What action do you expect the referee to take? a. Ask the coach to leave the technical area and to move beyond the boundary fence surrounding the field of play. b. Ask the coach to leave the technical area and to stand in the tunnel leading onto the field of play. c. Ask the coach to restrain his language in the future.

The correct answer is a. A coach, having being sent from the technical area, is required to leave not just the technical area but the area behind the boundary fences.

QUESTION 3 The ball is in play near the halfway line when a defending player shouts at you and runs towards you in an aggressive manner shaking his fist and threatening you. Do you: a. Send off the defending player for using offensive, insulting or abusive language and gesture and restart with a direct free-kick to the opposing team. b. Send off the defending player for using offensive, insulting or abusive language and gesture and restart with an indirect free-kick to the opposing team. c. Caution the defending player for showing dissent by action and restart with an indirect free-kick.

NEALE BARRY The correct answer is b. This offence constitutes an act of offensive, insulting or abusive language and gesture so the player must be punished by being sent off and the game restarted with an indirect free-kick as no separate offence occurred.

QUESTION 4 A player who is outside the field of play close to the touch line receiving LAWS OF treatment for an injury deliberately trips an opponent. Do you: a. Stop the game and award an indirect free-kick to the opposing team and caution the offending player for unsporting behaviour. b. Stop the game and award a direct free-kick to the opposing team and caution the offending player for unsporting behaviour. c. Stop the game and caution the offending player for unsporting behaviour and restart THE GAME the game with a dropped ball. The correct answer is b. Although the offender is off the field of play, the offence actually takes place on the field so a direct free-kick is the correct restart.

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 11 The Football Association was originally 2. The winners of the toss shall have the choice DAVID BARBER formed for the purpose of framing a set of goals. The game shall be commenced by of football rules by which every team could a place-kick from the centre of the ground play. Uniformity was the aim. Football of by the side losing the toss. The other side sorts had been played at the public schools shall not approach within 10 yards of the as long ago as the middle of the 18th ball until it is kicked off. century. But each school had its own rules and these often varied considerably from 3. After a goal is won, the losing side shall school to school. None bore much kick off, and goals will be changed. THE REST resemblance to the modern game. 4. A goal shall be won when the ball passes It is generally considered that it was at between the posts or over the space Cambridge University that the first code of between the posts (at whatever height), rules was compiled which did resemble what not being thrown, knocked on, or carried. we know today. There is no doubt The FA was greatly influenced by the Cambridge 5. When the ball is in touch, the first player rules, but the fact that these rules did not who touches it shall throw it from the point IS HISTORY permit “hacking”, nor handling of the ball on the boundary-line where it left the while in play, caused much argument within ground in a direction at right angles with the new Association. the boundary-line, and it shall not be in play until it has touched the ground. It took six meetings from October to December 1863 for these FA rules to be agreed:- 6. When a player has kicked the ball, any one of the same side who is nearer the 1. The maximum length of the ground shall be opponents’ goal-line is out of play, and may 200 yards; the maximum breadth shall be not touch the ball himself nor in any way 100 yards; the length and breadth shall be whatever prevent any other player from marked off with flags; and the goals shall be doing so until the ball has been played; defined by two upright posts, 8 yards apart, but no player is out of play when the without any tape or bar across them. ball is kicked from behind the goal-line.

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 13 “UMPIRES WERE FIRST MENTIONED IN THE LAWS OF THE GAME IN 1874”

7. In case the ball goes behind the goal-line, if 12. No player shall take the ball from the 1866: Fair catch rule omitted “By mutual consent of the competing clubs in a player on the same side to whom the goal ground with his hands while it is in play matches, a referee shall be appointed whose belongs first touches the ball, one of his side under any pretence whatever. 1869: Kick-out rule altered and goal-kicks duty shall be to decide in all cases of dispute shall be entitled to a free-kick from the goal- introduced between umpires. He shall also keep a record line at the point opposite the place where 13. A player shall be allowed to throw the ball of the game and act as timekeeper. the ball shall be touched. If a player of the or pass it to another if he made a fair catch 1871: Goalkeepers mentioned in the rules opposite side first touches the ball, one of or catches the ball on the first bounce. for the first time “In the event of ungentlemanly behaviour on his side shall be entitled to a free-kick from the part of any of the contestants, the offender a point 15 yards from the goal-line opposite 14. No player shall be allowed to wear 1872: Corner-kick adopted or offenders shall, in the presence of the the place where the ball is touched; the projecting nails, iron plates or gutta percha umpires, be cautioned, and in the case of opposing side shall stand behind the goal- on the soles or heels of his boots. When did we first have “a referee”? violent conduct, the referee shall have power line until he has had his kick. The first official reference to “a referee” in to rule the offending player or players out of *A Fair Catch is when the ball is caught after did not appear until 1871, play, and order him or them off the ground, 8. If a player makes a fair catch*, he shall be it has touched an opponent, or has been when Rule 15 of the new FA Challenge Cup transmitting name or names to the committee entitled to a free-kick, provided he claims kicked or knocked on by an opponent, and competition read as follows:- of the Association under whose rules the it by making a mark with his heel at once; before it has touched the ground or one of game was played, and in whom shall be solely and in order to take such a kick he may go the side catching it. But if the ball is kicked “The Committee shall appoint two umpires and vested the right of accepting an apology”. as far back as he pleases, and no player on from behind the goal-line, a fair catch cannot a referee to act at each of the matches in the the opposite side shall advance beyond his be made. Final Ties. Neither the umpires nor the referees The umpires were abolished in favour of mark until he has kicked. shall be members of either of the contending “linesmen” in 1891, when the referee was These rule changes were made within the clubs and the decision of the umpires shall moved from the touchline onto the field of 9. No player shall carry the ball. next ten years:- be final, except in the case of the umpires play and empowered to give decisions without disagreeing, when an appeal shall be made waiting for appeals. The referee was now in 10. Neither tripping nor hacking shall be 1865: Tape to be stretched across the goals, to the referee whose decision shall be final”. complete control and the demand for his allowed, and no player shall use his eight feet from the ground services increased to such an extent that a hands to hold or push an adversary. The wording of this rule showed how much the “Referees’ Association” was formed just 1866: Offside rule now allows a player to be increased competition was already beginning to two years later. 11. A player shall not throw the ball or pass onside when three of the opposing team are change the attitude of the players. The days of it to another. nearer their own goal-line the gentlemen players, who were proud of David Barber has been on the full-time the manner in which rival teams were able to staff at The FA for 34 years. He joined resolve any disputes, were beginning to fade. the organisation in 1970, working in The time had come not only to specify the the International Department alongside appointment of both umpires and referees Sir . After four years he left but to insist on these men being neutral. to do a philosophy degree at Liverpool University, returning to Lancaster Gate Umpires were first mentioned in the Laws of in 1978. He has been with The FA ever since the Game in 1874, but there was no mention as historian and publications editor. David still of referees until this appeared in the Laws six goes to about five matches a week and is years later:- close to reaching a lifetime total of 5,500.

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 15 At this stage of the season, I’m sure many of us are getting plenty of opportunity to officiate as Leagues try desperately to clear the inevitable fixture backlog which grass roots football suffers as the inclement British weather causes so many games to be postponed during the winter months. The light nights have now set in so most will be officiating once or twice in midweek as well as every weekend.

With so many matches, the opportunities and need to train at this time of year are significantly reduced. When you do train Active Recovery, Speed and Strength/Injury Prevention should make up the majority of your weekly training programme. There is no need for high intensity sessions as your games will easily compensate for this.

However, you should be starting to think about your preparation for next season. This should begin as soon you blow the final whistle on your last game of the season. You need to be asking yourself the following questions: • When and how long am I going to rest for? • Do I have a fitness test before the start of next season? If so, when is it? • How am I going to prepare so that I am ready for the start of the season? Hopefully the following should give you some tips on how to address each of these key questions:

Rest Period STEVE SWALLOW Football is now played all year round. There are more and more summer tournaments meaning that there is always a demand for match officials. However you need to allow yourself a period of complete rest. The importance of rest is often underestimated – rest is crucial to ensure optimum physical performance. The demands of constantly PREPARING training and officiating throughout the season result in unavoidable fatigue. A rest period allows the body to replenish its energy stores and helps the repair of damaged muscle tissue, thus providing the body with the opportunity for further physical development. I would suggest a rest period of at least two weeks, and not more than four weeks depending on FOR THE the level of fatigue at the end of the season.

The Fitness Test For those of you who will be taking a pre- season fitness test in the summer, I would advise that you begin preparing six to eight weeks prior to it taking place. It would also be NEW SEASON very sensible to practise the test at least twice before the real thing. I would suggest one attempt two to three weeks before the test

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 17 FACTS and one in the week prior. You should turn up and my first competitive game. I also have to the test safe in the knowledge that you are a quick refresh on any directives leagues STEVE SWALLOW capable of passing. Many referees who fail the have and also ensure I’m fully aware of any Age: 36 test (especially at contributory league level) fail law changes.” for psychological reasons rather than physical History reasons. It is a proven fact that the unfamiliar Louie Barnett, Level 6 Referee, Cheshire Level 4 Referee causes stress so, if you have completed the County FA Bsc Sports, Coaching and test successfully twice recently, you will find “Fitness is a very important part of my life. Exercise Science the fitness test less stressful as you will know As a referee and a rugby player, it is important what it involves. that I am able to perform at my best for the Highlights maximum length of time. Regional Referees Preparation for the season Manager, North West The key thing to remember when you are To gain and maintain my fitness I do one main planning your pre-season preparation is to be thing – I run. I don't think that you need a very wary of doing too much too soon. fancy gym to keep fit - there's a free gym Research into footballers’ injuries has shown outside your own doorstep. Every Tuesday I Age: 22 that the majority of injuries are sustained really push myself after a recovery day on History around July. This is when players return to pre- Monday. This consists of a run of at least five 1998 season training and their training programmes miles, interspersed with running up and down Qualified as Class 3 expect too much too soon. The intensity of steps at the local flyover in order to increase Referee (Level 7) your pre-season training is vital. The first few leg power (who needs weights?!). Further to 2004 – 2005 weeks should consist of low to medium this, a bit of Fartlek training never goes amiss. intensity activity and this should be built up to Received the triple jump For me, this involves a quiet side road with high intensity training by weeks three to four regular lamp posts. I jog to the first lamp post, promotion from Level 7 of your training programme. For information increasing my effort as I approach it, ready to to Level 4 on different training activities, please view burst into a sprint to the second lamp post, 2006 – Present this section on The FA’s website - followed by a jog to the third and back again Contributory League – www.thefa.com/GrassrootsNew/Referee for recovery. I repeat this two or three times, Referee and then change it to sprint for two lamp- Panel Leagues – If possible, you will find it beneficial to officiate posts. Finally, I do a sprint from standing. This, Assistant Referee in some pre-season matches. If you are acting I believe, will enable me to be quick off the June 2007 as a referee and as an assistant on a regular mark. On Wednesday I have rugby training Appointed Manchester basis, I would suggest that you should try and which keeps me working, and then on County FA Referees fit in two games to referee and two games as Thursday I repeat my Tuesday programme, but an assistant before the season starts. It is Academy Director doing only four mile and, believe me, that one important to make your training specific and mile less is a huge difference! Friday is then a Highlights appropriate to the level at which you officiate. rest day before I referee on a Saturday. And Regional Referees Below is an insight of how a Contributory Sunday, I play rugby. I am quite lucky playing Manager, North West League Referee and a Level 6 grass roots rugby. This keeps me fit with good aerobic and 2005 – 2006 “FITNESS IS A VERY IMPORTANT referee prepare for their seasons; anaerobic effort, increasing the time at which I Promoted to Level 3 after can perform at my greatest level, and indeed, Chris Kavanagh, Level 3 Referee. the only reason I took up refereeing was due one season at level 4 PART OF MY LIFE. AS A REFEREE Manchester County FA to a rugby injury that sidelined me for a few “After the season I tend to have around two months leaving me with nothing to do! LOUIE BARNETT AND A RUGBY PLAYER, IT IS to three weeks of complete rest that takes me Age: 24 from May into June. In that time I will take a Refereeing for me is not a way to keep fit, IMPORTANT THAT I AM ABLE TO holiday. I think it’s important to have the rest I believe I was fit before I started. However, I History after a long season and it allows me to recover soon realised that in order for me to progress Qualified two seasons PERFORM AT MY BEST FOR THE both mentally and physically. and improve as a referee I needed to improve ago Level 7 – going for my fitness still further. In my training I try to promotion to Level 6 MAXIMUM LENGTH OF TIME”. I take the July fitness test so I will begin remember that, as a referee, I will not be this year training again mid-June which will continue jogging the whole game but will be sprinting until the start of the season. I start with some for part of it. Therefore, I have tried to Referee on the Cheshire light sessions and build them up to medium incorporate aerobic and anaerobic activities.” League 2nd and Reserve intensity work then high intensity work. I will Divisions, assistant on the also practise the fitness test at least twice. Remember what was said earlier, if you are First Division serious about getting fit to referee, you need Occasional games for the Before the season begins I will referee two or to start thinking about next season NOW! In Timperley & District Junior three friendlies and about the same as an refereeing, there are many things that we worry about…so prepare yourself properly for League in Cheshire assistant referee. This gives me the opportunity to get match fit and to become mentally the new season and make sure that your Cheshire MOA secretary switched on ready for the start of the season fitness level isn’t one of them. Good luck! Highlights Attended Dallas Cup in March as a Sponsored Young Referee

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 19 Some say that refereeing is a hobby or In some areas I think that we have become pastime, others that it’s a job. Although a little complacent. We care about our refereeing is my job it is actually my assessments but not what others think. We CHRIS FOY obsession. I think it’s fair to say it’s every don’t take on board the feelings or comments referee’s obsession. I love refereeing and of players and managers. all that goes with it. The modern day referee is much more I am one of the 19 full-time referees on the accountable and we, along with players, Select Group. Some say we are lucky to be have a responsibility to protect the image of where we are but I am a firm believer that the game, the beautiful game that we love. WHY I ENJOY through hard work and dedication you make your own luck. I don’t have a God-given right In the late 90’s I suggested that referees should to referee in the biggest club competition in make visits to football clubs to watch training the world. I had to serve a long, hard and very and talk about the laws. It would give us an challenging apprenticeship. Having a match understanding of players’ and managers’ views fee thrown onto the floor of my changing on match officials. It was also a great opportunity REFEREEING room way back in my Warrington and District for active officials to get across to players what League days made me a stronger person we as referees expected from them. and gave me the inner strength to become who I am today. I received an invitation from the Wigan manager, Paul Jewell, to train at his club. In life you take nothing for granted and the same Paul was positive about refereeing and never can be said for refereeing - top of the tree one criticised officials. I first met Paul when his SO MUCH week and in a heap the week after. Continual Bradford City team won promotion to the assessment and training both physically and Premiership at Wolves on the last day of the practically keep me and my colleagues on our 1998/1999 season. That day contained toes. That’s the formula that keeps the body everything - a five goal thriller screened live on and mind healthy and stimulated. TV with two penalty kicks and a £17 million prize. That’s what refereeing is all about. I had I watch as much football as I can at every level the match of the day but finding out shortly because we as referees are always learning. afterwards that I had not been promoted to the

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 21 “WE WILL HAVE SUFFERED SOME FORM OF DISAPPOINTMENT AT SOME STAGE IN OUR CAREER. BUT NOW – NO CHANCE!”

Premier League was a massive blow. Referee enjoyment isn’t always about taking Last season ended on a high for me as I was Chris Foy Author sign off (Biog): Pretosius However, I love refereeing and this was a charge of big matches with big crowds. appointed referee for the first competitive zothecas pessimus verecunde amputat knock that would drive me on making me It’s about working with young referees. I am match at the new – The FA optimus quinquennalis rures. a stronger person and a better referee. involved with our County FA mentor scheme. Trophy Final between Kidderminster Harriers Perspicax apparatus bellis senesceret I recently made an overseas trip to the Isle of and Stevenage Borough. It was a five goal Octavius. Fiducias insectat saetosus Making visits to Wigan enhanced my Man on a FAMOA Development Day. It was a thriller played in front of 60,000 spectators. concubine. Perspicax chirographi lucide refereeing skills. Managers are quick to day of great hospitality coupled with a group Pure magic. iocari Augustus. Matrimonii adquireret point out that referees know the laws but not of really enthusiastic match officials. That’s cathedras, quod vix parsimonia quadrupei the game. I believe that this works both ways what it’s about. Letting people know that we People like Jimmy Bullard should drive us on as senesceret incredibiliter lascivius oratori. – managers and players know the game but are human and want to assist when we can. match officials. We should turn our negatives Zothecas corrumperet Pompeii. Plane not the laws. into positives. Get out and enjoy it. If you don’t tremulus apparatus bellis divinus insectat Refereeing has been good to me and I have then you have choices to make. As referees Octavius, utcunque ossifragi deciperet So why do I love refereeing so much? Well, had some difficult situations along the way. One things don’t always go your way. It’s up to you pessimus bellus umbraculi it’s the beautiful game. Football is our national of the worst moments relates to Jimmy Bullard, to work hard to stop that happening. sport and nothing gives me greater pleasure a great footballer and a really nice guy. On the than watching our national team. I also greatly 9 September 2006 I refereed Newcastle United I don’t suffer from negativity. I used to years enjoy watching referees operating in different v Fulham in the Premiership. That day was ago but haven’t we all? We will have suffered leagues and at different levels. Recently, I Fulham’s first away win for some time. It should some form of disappointment at some stage BIOG REQUIRED watched a referee take control of a County FA have been a celebration but it wasn’t as Jimmy in our career. But now – no chance! I still love Senior Cup quarter final. When I spoke to the suffered a serious knee injury. A harrowing refereeing and the day I don’t I will quit, but refereeing team at half-time they seemed experience for the players and my colleagues. don’t hold your breath. surprised that I was there but that’s what it’s Jimmy’s surgeon said his was the worst knee about - supporting colleagues and providing injury he had ever seen. That moment still sits ‘Hard work, endeavour and enjoyment’ is guidance for them to make that next step. in the back of my mind. To see Jimmy back the Chris Foy motto. Try it – it might just The guys did a great job and I was pleased in action was great and his hug at the end of work for you! to witness it. Enjoy it? I certainly did. Positive the game at Fulham was special, not least feedback from many people at the match gave because it demonstrates that there are good me a warm feeling on my drive home. relationships between players and referees.

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 23 When did an English team last win a World So why are gay and lesbian tournaments Cup? And when did an English referee last needed? Isn’t this self-discrimination? Well, no. lead the teams out in a World Cup Final? Despite estimates of 5-10% of the population Before you think of the answers to these being gay or lesbian, the number of players, questions, remember that there are many officials and administrators in the sport is World Cups – men’s, women’s, learning thought to be much lower. No professional disabilities, amputees, cerebral palsy, blind, footballers or managers in England are openly deaf – and the list goes on. Some are held gay or lesbian and one referee told me that every four years, and some annually. So the “the only senior referees who are ‘out’ are those answers to the questions? Well, English who aren’t interested in promotion”. Until that teams won the Learing Disability World situation changes, tournaments like these are Cup in 2002 and the Gay World Cup in great ways to allow people to take part without 2006, whilst an English referee was fear of discrimination, as well as raising publicity appointed to the 2007 Gay World Cup to combat false stereotypes such as gay men Final. And in 2008, the Gay and Lesbian being unable to play competitive sport. World Championship returns to England and is being supported by The FA. Lucy Faulkner, The FA’s Equality Manager, explains, “abuse and discrimination have Following small tournaments in North America no place in football. We are unequivocal in in the 1980s, the first IGLFA (International Gay our commitment to tackling all forms of and Lesbian Football Association) World discrimination and harassment and in promoting Championship was held in 1992, and has since equality. The FA’s opposition to homophobia, grown to become a massive annual event. In along with race and disability discrimination, is 2007 the tournament was opened in Argentina punishable with sanctions including abusive by the Vice-President of FIFA, whilst the local players being banned from the game. For Government built brand new pitches and even example homophobic abuse is an automatic red provided a motorcycle police escort to get the card offence under Law 12 of the game and we team coaches through the rush hour traffic. expect referees to take action when they hear it. IGLFA Referees were ably supported by the We at The FA are proud to be supporting the Argentine FA Referee Academy. In all, about 2008 IGLFA World Championship and will 30 teams took part, with players from Australia continue to monitor progress towards equality to Iceland and to Uruguay and the USA. irrespective of background.” The event was covered by over 100 journalists, photographers and TV crews, including the The 2008 IGLFA Gay and Lesbian World BBC and the News at Ten in the UK. Championship takes place between 24-30 August in London. The qualifying matches are In the Final, the defending champions, in Regent’s Park, with the Finals at Leyton Stonewall FC from Middlesex, played the hosts Orient FC. Referees (of all genders and from Argentina in the General Belgrano sexualities) who are committed to non- Stadium in Buenos Aires. I was proud to be discrimination can apply to officiate at DAVE RAVAL chosen as the referee, leading a team of three www.londonwc2008.co.uk. More information other male and female officials from Sweden, on the IGLFA can be found at www.iglfa.org. Switzerland and the USA. (The choice of an English referee caused controversy in the Dave Raval Argentine media, to say the least!). After a FA Football for All Ambassador tight but goalless first half, the Argentines brought on a Brazilian substitute (he lived in Dave Raval is a Level 4 Referee in London Argentina), who scored. Then a Scotsman and was previously an active referee with FOOTBALL headed the ball in for Stonewall - but from an both the German Football Association and offside position. That's how the match ended the US Soccer Federation. He has been and the Cup went to Argentina, at least until helping to organise IGLFA tournaments FOR ALL next year's tournament here in London. since 1997.

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 25 STEVE AND ANDREW WILLIAMS FACTS STEVE WILLIAMS Age 50 History Qualified November FATHER 1973 – Level 7 referee FA Coach Level 2 Treatment of Injuries L2 Club Welfare Officer Youth Chairman of FA Community Club & SON! Manager of U17 team

Highlights It was in my final year at Ealing Grammar I was petrified and had no offer of help from Refereed at the old School, West London, that a PE Teacher anywhere – unlike today. How many of you can Wembley in 1999 before announced that the Ealing Referees remember the misconduct reports being in an FA Cup semi-final Association would be coming to deliver some triplicate and having to use carbon paper to Refereed at the new refereeing instruction and to demonstrate how ensure all copies were the same? It took for Wembley in March to learn the Laws of the Game. Having enjoyed ever to complete them for that type of match! 2007 at the FA’s using an old Subuteo board to learn offside, I registered for the six week evening course Despite registering with Middlesex CFA for Community Day “DESPITE REGISTERING in an old battered classroom. 34 years, it has taken my son, Andrew who Middlesex CFA Youth Cup took up the whistle three years ago, to Final U14 at Millwall FC WITH MIDDLESEX CFA To my surprise, having achieved 98% in my encourage me to apply for promotion for the written exam, I was given my RA badge and very first time whilst he goes hopefully from ANDREW WILLIAMS let out through the door to be greeted by a seven to six. Many other football commitments FOR 34 YEARS, IT HAS gauntlet of league secretaries just wanting to have ‘got in my way’ including being a club Age pounce to sign me up for their outstanding secretary with two non-leagues clubs and 17 TAKEN MY SON, ANDREW fixtures that season. managing a youth team from under 7 to History under 17 over the past ten seasons. Qualified March 2005 – Being only 15 and a Y registered official, I was Level 7 referee WHO TOOK UP THE confined to the youth leagues so I signed up for What is interesting is how as The FA’s National the Ealing Youth League and went to Steve Facilities Manager for the last ten years, my FA Coach L1 Perryman’s local sports shop to get kitted out work has affected the role of the match official, Treatment of Injuries L2 WHISTLE THREE YEARS with a referee’s top that had buttoned collar and hopefully for the better. My role in leading the cuffs for special cleaning when they got dirty! FA’s Goalpost Safety awareness campaign has Highlights seen British and European standards created; Refereed at the new AGO, TO ENCOURAGE So in November 1973, I was on my way and metal cup hooks have now been banned to Wembley in March 2007 had to rely on local fixtures or my parents to prevent serious lacerations and injuries; new at the FA’s Community Day ME TO APPLY FOR drop me off – I was without wheels for the next or refurbished facility builds see two match three years. My fee of around £3 per match officials rooms as compulsory for site/club provided me with a much needed subsidy for owners; and mini-soccer and the emerging PROMOTION FOR THE the teenage social scene. My early claim to 9v9 game creating opportunities for the fame was the middle for the Middlesex County younger referees coming through. FA U14 Cup Final at the New Den, the home of VERY FIRST TIME...” Millwall FC. What a massive pitch I thought at Three years ago Janie Frampton, The FA’s the time and so like a schoolboy international Regional Referees Manager, informed me of match with around 150 screaming parents in a ‘new’ method of training recruits with an the stands encouraging their sons. outdoor practical course and my son was free so he went along with two friends and It was another year on that my refereeing thoroughly enjoyed it. Unfortunately, his career changed, as I was given a top of the friends are still not practising officials, but table Premier Division men’s match one Andrew’s footballing world has started Saturday and on dispatching three players from to open up with so much more help and the field of play and eight other yellow cards, advice being readily available than was I was physically threatened after the match. the case for me.

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 27 “WE BOTH BELIEVE THE RESPECT CAMPAIGN IS SO IMPORTANT IN NOT ONLY RETAINING THE OFFICIALS BUT ALSO IN MAKING THE GAME MORE ATTRACTIVE FOR OTHERS TO WANT TO JOIN TOO”

He likes the regular income and is now saving misconduct reports, completing referee match for a car, assuming he passes his test, so he reports and keeping each other on their toes can be his own master when it comes to with promotion administration. accepting matches all over the county. Both of us are keenly awaiting our promotion Andrew’s big moment came on the 17 March news and whether it will be Level 6 to 5 next last year when he had the opportunity to year and the fitness test that then awaits us. referee at the new Wembley Stadium at The It will probably be son leading dad around the FA’s Community Day. Things got even better track on the day! Andrew has his sights firmly when it was decided he would referee the on the professional game and wishes to follow first match at the stadium with Jack Taylor, in the tracks of the young officials who have the 1974 World Cup Final referee blowing recently entered those echelons. the first whistle to kick-start the day. His two captains that day were Geoff Thomas and The most important aspect of football is the Lee Chapman, with the likes of , people behind it. If anyone has a good or Graeme Le Saux and Mark Bright playing too. pleasurable experience they will want to come back for more and to stay in the game for He was also asked by Jarnil Singh, Football longer. This is why we both believe the League referee, to officiate in a large Sikh Respect campaign is so important in not only tournament last year and ‘John’ kindly retaining the officials but also in making the passed one of his League tops to him as game more attractive for others to want to join a form of keepsake. too. Since Andrew has qualified as a referee, his respect for the match official whilst a player Andrew, like many young referees now, has a for his Under 17 team has greatly improved! Geoff Thomas, Ed Stone, Andrew Williams, Steve Williams, Lee Chapman at FA Community Day, mentor; Wes Linden, a Level 3 official who has Wembley Stadium, 17 March 2007 offered good, sound advice; further guidance The camaraderie that the game can offer is comes from the Harrow Referees Society on immense and certainly Andrew has learnt man- a monthly basis. Entry to the Middlesex management and people skills that he might Referees Academy came last September and not have been gained so quickly elsewhere. with this group he will be attending his first RA Conference with Pierluigi Collina, a natural target for further advice! Both of us meanwhile Thanks for reading this piece and enjoy learn from each other when constructing your football!

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 29 employing a full time RDO. Within a very short So far we have been able to recruit a variety THE RDOs period of time referee numbers increased as of people into the RDO role, including did attendance at training events. Having seen postmen, managers, educationalists and IT the success of Cheshire and other counties, it specialists. One thing is for certain, they all “HANDS ON was thus imperative that the benefits of this have a common aim, that of improving the important post were made known to everyone experience of referees and refereeing at a APPROACH” IS involved in football. national level in this country.

GOING TO BE I am pleased to announce that most counties The Referees Regional Managers will have a will be employing either a full or part time direct responsibility for helping, guiding and VITAL IF WE ARE RDO (Referees Development Officer) in the supporting the RDOs, through the CFA’s, near future. This is in the main due to the with their work. Objectives will be set and National Game Board making funding available reviewed on a quarterly basis against county TO MAKE A to County Football Associations to recruit for needs but having that national target of 8,000 this important role. At the time of writing additional referees at the forefront of there DIFFERENCE” there are 45 RDOs either in place or due to minds. The FA Recruitment and Retention be in place by July 2008. Task Force will also work with the RDOs and offer them examples of successful practice Over the past 18 months the National Game from other counties. Board has consulted with over 17,000 people about the ‘beautiful game’. Amongst the The establishment of Referee Development feedback were six key priorities, two of which Officers is a much needed step in the right clearly involved referees and refereeing. On the direction; however they will still need the one hand everyone involved in the game support of everyone involved in refereeing. agreed that playing football was much better The next five years will be hugely challenging when a qualified referee was in charge and on but I do believe they will be equally rewarding the other it was agreed that negative behaviour, and successful and will make a key contribution such as physical and verbal abuse, directed to the game at all levels, especially at grassroots. towards match officials, had to be addressed. Ian Blanchard is Head of National Referees’ So a huge part of the roles and responsibilities Development at The FA. of a RDO will be based on referee recruitment [email protected] and retention. The base line figure of 8,000 additional and active referees by 2012 is a huge target but with key personnel working together, is one which is very much achievable.

The RDOs “hands on approach” is going to be vital if we are to make a difference. This has IAN BLANCHARD already been seen in one county where in 2007 the RDOs personal approach helped increase the number of referees by 18%. A fundamental priority of The FA Referees Another area for the RDOs to tackle is Department is the training, education and referees not re-registering. A personal phone REFEREE development of referees. For the past call by a newly appointed RDO encouraged six and a half years we have been very several referees to register for this season. It is heavily reliant on the dedication, goodwill this hands on, caring and personal approach and efforts of volunteer Instructors, which is required to make this role successful. Assessors, Mentors and Coaches, DEVELOPMENTsupported and guided by the Regional There are many key initiatives that work in Referee Managers. There have been refereeing, both on a national and county many successes but it was recognised basis such as academies, referees schools of that at grassroots level these key areas excellence, incentive schemes etc. The RDO of refereeing would benefit from a clear will be very much at the forefront of not only OFFICERS county focus operating through a maintaining and improving such key areas of dedicated person to formulate and work but also generating other initiatives that deliver county and national strategies. have a positive impact on referees.

In some cases, prior to 2008, counties employed a Referee Development Officer who was tasked to lead the recruitment and retention of their referees. In 2003 Cheshire FA, together with support and funding from The FA, led the way with a pilot scheme

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 31 DAVID ELLERAY ENGLAND DO HAVE A TEAM AT EURO 2008

The disappointment of England’s failure last year. Waiting in the wings, just in case Darren As well as the 12 teams of officials, UEFA have Referees selected for the Euro 2008 Finals to qualify for the finals of EURO 2008 or Mike gets injured, is Phil Sharp who will have also selected eight younger referees who will (Austria) has been tempered in refereeing circles retired from the FIFA list by the time the World act as Fourth Officials for all the group games (Belgium) by Howard Webb being selected as one Cup Finals come around. as part of their development as international Howard WEBB (England) of the 12 referees chosen by the UEFA referees. At the end of the group stages these (Germany) Referee Committee to officiate in Austria Howard, Darren, Mike and Phil go to Zurich in eight Fourth Officials and some of the 12 (Greece) and Switzerland in June. early April for the pre-finals workshop where referee teams will go home. All matches will (Italy) they will take fitness tests and work with the have a ‘reserve assistant referee’, changed () Howard’s selection represents the latest step in UEFA Referee Committee to establish the and ready to take over should an assistant Tom Henning OVREBO (Norway) his rapid rise through the International ranks priorities for the matches. In FIFA tournaments become injured during a game. Lubos MICHEL (Slovakia) and it is a remarkable testament to his ability if one official fails the fitness test the whole Manuel Enrique MEJUTO GONZALEZ (Spain) and growing reputation that he has been team is sent home. However, UEFA have Everyone in the refereeing world will be Peter FRÖJDFELDT (Sweden) selected having been one of UEFA’s Elite decided that if one assistants fails then the wishing Howard and his team the best of (Switzerland) category referees for less than a year. As one ‘reserve’ will replace him; however if both fail luck in what will be a fascinating tournament. of the least experienced of the 12 referees, talk then the whole team will not officiate at the Howard will be talking about his involvement Fourth Officials of him doing the Final is wide of the mark but tournament. This is particularly welcome news in the tournament at the RA Centenary his selection gives him a great opportunity to for Greek referee, Kyros Vassaras, who is one Conference in July - another reason for (Croatia) establish himself as a contender for the World of the unluckiest officials in recent times having people to attend. Stéphane LANNOY (France) Cup Finals in 2010. missed out on three tournaments (including (Hungary) the 2006 World Cup Finals) because on each The players will not be there but, as ever, Kristinn JAKOBSSON (Iceland) Howard will be accompanied by Darren Cann occasion one of his assistants failed the test. English referees will be flying the flag at a Grzegorz GILEWSKI (Poland) and Mike Mullarkey who were his assistants Fitness tests will also be taken when the major football tournament. Come on England! Olegario Manuel BARTOLO F. BENQUERENÇA in the FIFA U20 World Cup Finals in Canada referees arrive for the tournament itself in June. (Portugal) (Scotland) (Slovenia) “IN FIFA TOURNAMENTS IF ONE OFFICIAL FAILS THE FITNESS TEST THE WHOLE TEAM IS SENT HOME”

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 33 Even today in my role has General Manager German referee, and KEITH HACKETT of the PGMOL (the Professional Game Match escort a very reluctant Argentinian captain, Officials Ltd) I will pick up the phone or Antonio Rattin, off. exchange emails with Mal Davies based in the Midlands. His knowledge of Law and the Ken’s experience on that day, where the history of when and why Laws were changed is referee had pointed to the dressing room FROM SHEFFIELD excellent and he spends a good part of his life to a player who did not understand English, answering similar Law questions from his many resulted in his idea of Red and Yellow cards contacts around the world. This has led to visits being introduced into the game to aid on-field to England by referees from Australia through communication. He informed me that he had TO WEMBLEY Ted Kearney, the Referees’ Administrator in been sitting at a set of traffic lights when he Brisbane, and our refereeing colleague, Rod had this idea and later brought it to the Pelosi, Chairman of New Zealand Referees. attention of his friend at The Football Association, Sir Stanley Rous. The is watched by half the world’s population, so you can guess that my Over many years I have had the pleasure email box after a weekend’s programme of of visiting RA meetings to address referees games is rather full with questions on Law on issues that arise in games. My first talk application and decisions made by our Match was The Four C`s in Refereeing – Control, Officials. It is good to be able to chat with Mal Communication, Confidence, and Consistency. Davies, a member and firm supporter of the “THE PREMIER LEAGUE IS WATCHED BY Referees’ Association, the organisation that Recently I had a very enjoyable visit to Stoke- brought us in contact with each other. on-Trent to be interviewed by Gerald Sinstadt, whom I had listened to on many occasions HALF THE WORLD’S POPULATION...” Following the handshakes and the warm when he did the commentary on live football greeting on that first RA visit in Sheffield I games on television. Gerald, a qualified sat down next to a guy called Brian Baker referee, and a member of the RA, still runs who since that day has remained a real friend. around the field of play officiating. In 1960 having attended six evenings of I instantly recognised Brian because I had instruction I sat and passed my referees’ watched him run a line on ‘Match of the Day’ This year the PGMOL and the RA played a examination at the Sheffield and Hallamshire the previous Saturday evening. Looking part in the celebration of 50 years of refereeing CFA. Later that week I attended a meeting around the room there were several people by Bill Hamilton from the Watford area. Bill, a of the Sheffield and District RA, signed up whom I had seen on television: George former BBC Correspondent and friend of John and became a member. Joining the RA was McCabe, Jim Carr, Harold Williams and of Motson, received our warm congratulations one of my first decisions as a referee and course Mick Lowe, who ensures even today when he joined the FA Premier League’s Select probably one of the best decisions I made that referees receive a warm welcome when Group Referees at Barnsdale and took part in in my career. Match Officials visit Sheffield Wednesday or one of our training sessions. Your President, United. Mick and his after match chicken and David Elleray, was in attendance at a Little did I realise when I was signing my mushroom pie or chicken legs always create a celebration dinner held in Watford to present membership form that this would be the passport topic of discussion amongst Match Officials. Bill with a Special Award on behalf of The to visiting countries around the world on the FIFA Football Association. Referees’ List, and refereeing the Centenary FA The table at the back of the room was full of Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium in refereeing items from those terylene shirts with Bill and Gerald represent the many thousands 1981, Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur button collars and cuffs to pencils, notebooks of referees who continue to enjoy officiating which went to a replay the following Thursday. and of course the pocket stopwatch with the this great game of ours and who are willing to 45 minutes clearly indicated in green. Bill Shirt, play a part in the education and development My local RA meetings took place in the now another referee, came up to me at the interval of our referees. demolished Grand Hotel in the centre of prior to the main speaker to tell me that he Sheffield. Although I was rather nervous had a spare kit that I could borrow. He also My grateful thanks go to all the members of entering the room the first time, I was rather advised me to save my fees until I could the Referees’ Association who have helped me taken aback by the many greetings and best purchase kit for myself. Here was a member personally in my active refereeing career and wishes that I received. of the RA whom I had not met before, making thereafter. I wish the Association my sincere this generous offer of help. Neither he nor I congratulations on its Centenary Event. Sidney Robinson, who had taken us through the could have known that his offer would set me six evening sessions on the Laws of the Game, on the path to officiating the Centenary Cup Keith is currently the General Manager was in attendance and he gave me a warm smile Final and many games around the world. for the PGMO. His main role is to manage, and thumbs up from across the room. Little did train and develop the referees and assistant Sidney know that in the months to come he In 1980 my job took me to Romford and after referees operating not only in the select would spend a good part of his life on the a couple of days in the South I received a call group but also on the National List. He telephone answering the many questions that I from David Ainsworth inviting me to become previously was a Premiership referee as would raise with him about Law application. a member of Romford RA. Those meetings well as being on the International list. He His knowledge of Law was terrific and this is were chaired by Ken Aston, a man instantly traveled extensively representing the FA one of the strengths of the Referees’ Association recognised in football circles around the world. at various high profile games. as in every branch in the country there is a During a 1966 World Cup game at Wembley, similar person who knows the Laws inside out. Ken went onto the hallowed turf to assist the

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 35 DAVID ELLERAY FA RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION TASK FORCE

Work is well underway and the Task Force’s efforts were boosted by FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick spending almost an hour with us at a recent meeting. There is a close synergy between our work and the Barwick inspired ‘Respect’ campaign and we are mindful that the wide ranging National Game survey identified the top priorities as being a qualified referee for every game and greater respect for match officials. He encouraged us to be radical in our thinking.

The Task Force has had some very lively and interesting discussions and consists of people from different strands of the game. There are lots of ideas flying around and we have had particularly important inputs from the Football League and County FA representatives. We received superb feedback from many in the game and have started work on a number of areas. Individual members have been tasked with undertaking detailed investigations into a number of key topics including: • Developing a simpler Basic Referee Qualification Marc Birkett, 29 from , is IAN BLANCHARD the first English Futsal referee to be • Recruitment strategies for a pro-active approach in appointed to the FIFA list. Universities & Colleges Marc attended the annual meeting of • Requiring all clubs to recruit/provide a referee every year FIFA referees and assistant referees at ENGLAND’S • Ways in which leagues/clubs/CFAs can be more supportive The FA Headquarters in Soho Square in January and was presented with his FIFA • Disciplinary strategies within CFAs badge by Ray Lewis, Chairman of The FA FIRST FUTSAL Referees Committee. • Referee Mentoring & Help Lines Marc began refeering in 2002 when he • Encouraging ‘friends’ to become refs retired from playing as a goal keeper for a FIFA REFEREE team in Derby. Marc is a Level 4 referee • Free RA membership and officiates in the Central Midlands • National training curriculum using DVDs distributed Football League most Saturdays. to RA societies He said, “It’s an honour to make it on to • Specialist assistants “I HOPE THIS WILL ENCOURAGE the FIFA list and it’s even more special that I am the first referee to represent England in MORE REFEREES TO LOOK AT This list is by no means exhaustive but has helped us focus on Futsal. I took up officiating at Futsal matches the twin branches of recruitment and retention. We will keep GETTING INVOLVED WITH FUTSAL” and within two years I’ve made it to the top. you posted as to our progress but, in the meantime, please I’ve been refereeing now for six years, and continue to send us your ideas by e-mail to Ian Blanchard. my next ambition to make is to officiate in the FIFA World Championships.” Many thanks Marc is a Football Development Officer for the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA and David Elleray James Hope-Gill, their Chief Executive, said, Chairman, FA Recruitment and Retention Task Force “I am delighted for Marc. It’s a great achievement in a short space of time. I hope this will encourage more referees to look at getting involved with Futsal, as we continue to lead the way at every level of Futsal development in the country”.

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 37 JANIE FRAMPTON “WENDY’S OUTSTANDING WENDY TOMS – ACHIEVEMENTS IN REFEREEING THE END OF DEMONSTRATE A PROFESSIONALISM AN ERA! THAT IS UNEQUALLED. FACTS WENDY TOMS SHE HAS SET THE Age 45 STANDARD AGAINST History Qualified as a referee WHICH OTHERS in 1985, age 22 Level 2 qualification WILL BE JUDGED.” gained in 1999 Highlights Refereeing at the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000 The time comes for us all…Wendy Toms, • First female on the FIFA Referees list from She was holding down a demanding full-time Officiating at the having been England’s top female referee England 1994 to 2007 job as a Customer Service Manager for for many years, has finally hung up her Parcelforce as well as committing herself to Worthington Cup Final • Refereeing at The Olympic Games in senior football whistle following her officiate on five men’s professional leagues and at Wembley in 2000. Sydney in 2000 retirement from the FIFA referees list at The Women’s Premier League. When she had the end of 2007. • Refereeing in all the top competitions for a free evening she would go to watch other FIFA and UEFA, including the World Cup referees so she could offer them constructive Prior to taking up refereeing, Wendy always and Champions League, to name but a few advice on their performance in order for them had a great love for football; she started as a to improve and develop. player and was a very good goalkeeper for • Representing England as a referee on more AFC Bournemouth. than 100 occasions internationally In recent years, anticipating the end of her active refereeing career, she became an FA Her Journey Began… • Refereeing all the major domestic women’s finals Licensed Referee Instructor (the highest level She qualified as a referee in Cyprus 23 years of instructor status awarded by The FA) and Wendy had an inbuilt strength and ago whilst her husband was serving with the qualified as an FA Registered Assessor. Both determination to excel often against huge RAF. She clearly excelled and when she came these qualifications mean that she can take a difficulties. It was not an easy task 23 years back to the UK she had already gained a lead role in the training, development and ago being a female referee in a very male lot of experience. She worked hard, was education of new and existing referees. It is dominated sport but she set about changing promoted through each level and quickly very good news for English and European mindsets in a quiet and unassuming way. become the top female match official in football that The FA recently nominated her Her professionalism, character and England. Her achievements include: to become a UEFA Referee Observer. achievements have made it much easier • First female to officiate men’s semi for the women following in her path to Wendy’s outstanding achievements in professional football achieve their own potential now that the refereeing demonstrate a professionalism barriers have been removed. that is unequalled. She has set the standard • First female assistant referee on against which others will be judged and The Football League 1993 Throughout her refereeing career she has should judge themselves. never forgotten her roots – she was continually • First and only female (to date) assistant helping, guiding and supporting other referees referee to have officiated on The Premier both male and female; nothing was ever too League from1997 to 2003 much trouble. She became a mentor and • Only female to have officiated at a major final coach for local referees and also those who at Wembley – The League Cup Final 2000 were progressing at higher levels.

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 39 an inspirational learning model. Belief in his from top-level refereeing, he is Italy’s goals, mental toughness and a resilience to equivalent of our Keith Hackett, managing failure were absolutely crucial to his athletic his country’s pro-game match officials. success and Steve's presentation will show Amongst those also on the top table will be how these relate to the challenges faced Geoff Thompson, recently retired from the by referees. Steve’s main connection with chairmanship of The FA and a strong supporter football has been in his work with England’s of refereeing during his term of office. He will senior match officials. be joined by José María Garcia-Aranda, FIFA’s Our Conference Saturdays are now highly Head of Refereeing, and David Taylor, the interactive and members will break into small General Secretary of UEFA. participative discussion groups at various times During the evening, presentations will be during the day with a wide variety of topics to made to our colleagues who were appointed choose from including: to the year’s most prestigious Cup Finals. • Illegal use of hands and arms The whole weekend is a sizeable commercial • Tackles that injure undertaking for us and could never be staged without the technical and financial support of • Dealing with dissent our generous sponsors, particularly The FA • Managing free kicks and penalties and PGMOL. We are indebted to them as well as to a number of other organisations and • To caution or not to caution – that is individuals for their generosity. The full the question? details of our sponsorship will be recorded • Getting fit and staying fit in the members’ RA Centenary Souvenir Brochure, currently in production and to be • Assessing – a help or hindrance? available in June. All of these group sessions will be led by some RA Annual Conferences have gone from of the top FA referees including Steve Bennett, strength to strength since the new format , Chris Foy, was introduced in 2005, having a far more and Howard Webb. LEN RANDALL popular appeal. This has resulted in increased On Saturday evening the stage is set for the attendances particularly by younger members. Centenary Gala Dinner. Always a glittering Even if it’s only for the Saturday no-cost day- THE REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION occasion, this year’s event will be spectacular. session, it will be your once-a-year opportunity Normally we don’t have the formality of after- to mix with and learn from those who’ve done dinner speakers but to mark a centenary we it and got the T-shirt to prove it! But remember must make an exception and the format will be it is ticket only so get booking now! Will you CENTENARY CONFERENCE slightly different with our main invitees ‘singing be there? We hope so. for their supper’. And what a guest list! 4 AND 5 JULY Our Association was founded in 1908, The RA Centenary Conference Weekend Len Randall is a former Chairman of the originally entitled the Referees’ Union. opens with a reception on the Friday evening Leading the line-up will be Pierluigi Collina, RA and RAE Board Member. County RA AT SOLIHULL This summer, members of the three in the conference hotel. During this event, the surely the most famous referee of all time, Secretary for Middlesex.FA Contributory constituent National Associations in RAE will be honouring its most recent certainly the most recognisable! Now retired Leagues Assessor. England, Wales and Northern Ireland Life Member, Bill Cleere of High Wycombe, will be celebrating the centenary of the and presenting badges to the newly Association and its forerunner’s existence. appointed holders of the Long and Meritorious Service Award. Over the past 100 years, the aims and objectives have changed little and the On then to the Saturday: the Conference “LEADING THE LINE-UP WILL BE underlying strength has been in the proper will follow the very successful format comradeship and the social, welfare and of the past three years. Under this year’s theme PIERLUIGI COLLINA, SURELY THE development benefits that have been of “Successful Refereeing in the 21st Century”, provided for members. These are all the members will come together to listen to the stronger for the close ties that exist through principal platform speakers who this year MOST FAMOUS REFEREE OF ALL TIME, the harmonious relationship each national include Steve Smith and Mike Riley. RA has with its FA counterpart. Mike needs no introduction, being a familiar CERTAINLY THE MOST RECOGNISABLE!” face to us all as a Select Group referee, and he The celebrations will reach their peak at this will be making a welcome return to the rostrum. summer’s RA Centenary Conference being held on 4 and 5 July in Solihull to which all The Conference will open with a presentation national RA members are invited. While by Steve Smith. Unless you are a follower of following the pattern established in the last athletics, perhaps less of a household name couple of years, this year’s event will be made but very much a worthy guest speaker. special by the attendance of a number of He was a four-time national champion for international celebrities from the football world. Great Britain in the men's high jump event and Admission of members to all events is by bronze medallist at the Atlanta Olympics. pre-booked ticket only. Ask at your local Steve Smith retired after injury in 1999. At 35, Society for details or see the RA website he is now a director of Raise the Bar, a training www.footballreferee.org. company that uses his experiences in sport as

REFEREEING VOLUME 06 41 Join our club REFEREEING – a magazine for referees by referees Refereeing is a magazine which we would like referees of every Special Centenary Deal for New Referees If you’re a new referee and haven’t yet joined the Referees Association here’s your chance to become a level, from Sunday football through to International, to enjoy and member in our Centenary year for a special rate. find informative. Newly qualified referees registering with their County FA will be invited to join the Referees’ Association for a special rate of £15.00 for a Full member and £9.50 for a Youth member (U18 on 1 April) ‘ If there is something which you have read in this edition or there is something you would like to see in the future, then let us know! You shall receive:

• Membership Card You can do this by emailing the Refereeing team at [email protected] • Centenary Coin You can also find all the latest news from the world of refereeing • Full member will receive a £10.00 Voucher redeemable against RA Supplies by visiting www.TheFA.com/Refereeing • Youth member will receive a £5.00 Voucher redeemable against RA Supplies • Full Personal Accident Insurance cover including the theft of refereeing equipment ‘Refereeing’ is the official joint magazine of The Football Association The views expressed in this journal are not necessarily those Contact details and the Referees’ Association of The Football Association. For further details of the benefits of being a member of the Referees’ Association please contact Editorial Team: Ian Blanchard, Aaron Cue, Anna Gray, Ed Stone, Published by: FA Learning, 25 Soho Square, London, W1D 4FA Neale Barry, Louise Panteli, Arthur Smith and David Elleray. Arthur Smith (RA General Secretary) at the RA Head Office, Coventry (Tel: 02476 601701) or Website: www.TheFA.com/Refereeing contact your local society. Acknowledgements: The contents of “Refereeing” are copyright of The Football Association. No articles, features or any aspects Email: [email protected] can be reproduced or photocopied without written permission Booking forms and details of all events can be obtained on the RA website www.footballreferee.org of The Football Association. The FA Crest is a registered trade mark of The Football Association or by phoning the number listed above. © The Football Association 2004