PATRON:- Pam Wells 01483 833394 PRESIDENT:- Peter Guest :- 01483 771649 [email protected] CHAIRMAN: Roy Butler 07747 800687
VICE-CHAIRMAN:- Colin Barnett 01252 328953
SECRETARY, TREASURER 01483 423808 & MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY:- Bryan Jackson 1 Woodstock Grove, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2AX TRAINING OFFICER:- Vince Penfold
SUPPLIES OFFICERS: - Tony Price 01483 836388 / 07766 973304
R.A.. DELEGATE:- Brian Reader 01483 480651
COMMITTEE:- Ricky Green - Derek Stovold Christopher Cook Meril Readett Corin Readett
WARBLER Editor—Mac McBirnie, 16 Robins Dale 01483 835717 / 07770 643229 Knaphill Woking Surrey GU21 2LQ [email protected]
INSIDE THIS MONTH’S WARBLER
Page 1: Agenda Page 2/3 : From the Chair Page 4 : Mac’s Musings Page 5/6 : September Minutes /Accounts Page 8 : Notice of Annual General Meeting Page 9 : New Year’s Dinner Menu Page 10,11,12 : Attitude Page 13/14 : Surrey RA Delegates Report Page 15 : In memory of Mike Stobbart Page 17 : Membership Page 18 : Murphy’s Meanderings Page 10 : From the Secretary’s Quill Page 20 : Guest Speakers Page 21 : This Month’s Speaker/ Respect Page 22 : Michael Oliver Page 24 : Plum Tree Page 26 : What would you do? Page 27 : Answers what would you do ?(November) The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society
Meadow Sports Football Club Loop Road Playing Fields, Loop Road, Kingfield, Woking, Surrey, GU22 9BQ 7.30pm for a prompt 8pm start
AGENDA
CHAIRMAN’S OPENING COMMENTS
OUR GUEST SPEAKER John Morton Head of Premier League Match Delegates
BREAK
DISCUSSION CORNER
SOCIETY BUSINESS
NEXT MEETING MONDAY 1st March 2010 Guest Speaker Ian Blanchard
THE MAGAZINE DEADLINE The deadline for the March Warbler will be Friday 19th February 2010
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to the start of the New Season(ha ha) because that is what it seems to be after the dreadful snow and ice we have been experiencing during the last few weeks. After clearing up for the last couple of days or so, and then it re- turning with a vengeance today, I thought to myself (here it goes again). Let‘s hope that finally, it has disappeared for this winter at least.
Your committee took the sensible view to cancel the New Year Dinner sched- uled for Saturday, 9th January 2010 due to the bad weather. Whilst the main roads were probably passable, it was quite evident that the side roads were still dangerous to get out of and so we have now re-arranged this for SATURDAY, 20TH FEBRU- ARY 2010 AT WORPLESDON PLACE HOTEL opposite the Football Club at 7 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. Those who were not available for the original date and who are now available for this new date should contact Mac as soon as possible for full de- tails. PLEASE DO TRY TO ATTEND THIS FUNCTION AS IT IS A YEARLY EVENT WE LAY ON FOR MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OTHER HALVES !!! For only £14.95 per person for a three course meal, cannot be all bad.
Well regrettably, I once again have to report another sad death in the Referee- ing Fraternity. Michael Stobbart the Hon.Minutes Secretary of Guildford Referees Society and Edi- tor of The Surrey County F.A. Newsletter sadly passed away on Friday 9th January 2010 at the very young age of 56. Michael had not been well for a few months but it is still a great shock to lose someone who was greatly respected by both Guildford and Woking Referees Societies and who did a sterling job on the Newsletter. Quite a few members of Woking knew Michael either as a referee or always someone who welcomed you warmly when we visited our friends at Guildford at their respective meetings. His funeral is this Friday at Guildford Crematorium(22nd January) at 1 p.m. Rest in peace, Michael. It was a great pleasure to have known you.
On a more cheerful note, your committee would like to thank the members of the Society who attended the January Meeting on not the best evening to come out due to the weather, but who were enthralled by the presentation given by our Guest Speakers, Peter Kirkup and Mike Mullarkey on The Art of Assisting.
Seeing as one came from Exeter and the other from Northampton, they did us proud and it is hoped that as they are on the short list for The World Cup in June, I am convinced they will represent England admirably. Thank you both Gentlemen for gracing us with your presence.
On 1st February we are again honoured to have another Good Speaker for you to listen to. John Morton, who is The Head of The Premier League Match Delegates will be visiting our Society in Woking, but at present I am still awaiting for details of his subject, but I am convinced that anything connected with The Premier League must be interesting to listen to, come what may. We do hope that again you will make a note to come to this meeting and listen to another good quality speaker.
2 The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society Well, just prior to us cancelling the New Year Dinner, we heard that the Hay- wards Heath 5-a-side Tournament had also been cancelled again due to the bad weather. This has now been scheduled for Sunday, 7th March 2010 at 2 p.m. so if there is anybody interested in supporting The Society at this event either vocally or wishing to play, please contact Ricky Green accordingly.
With our membership on 98 it would be nice to reach the magical figure of three figures, so if you know any members who would like to join our Society, please either bring them along or let Bryan know their details.
Just to let you know that The Belgium Fraternity (SOLEO) will be visiting Wok- ing Society on the weekend of May 22nd to May 24th and more good news, this time they will staying at The Hilton Hotel in Cobham instead of Croydon as last time. Dave Cooper and I are slowly putting into place details of their weekend and I hope to announce more details in time for the February Meeting.
Hope to see you all again on the 1st February and let's hope in the meantime the white stuff stays away and we hopefully will get some games played.
With all my best wishes,
Roy
Another day of shame for the menace that is El-Hadji Diouf By Graham Poll 04th January 2010
Referees are expected not to prejudge players. Yet, when dealing with some- one like El-Hadji Diouf, you can hardly blame officials if they did. Diouf‘s approach and attitude are typified by the tackle he made in the 42th min- ute on Aston Villa's Habib Beye during Blackburn's 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Villa Park. Described as a 'coward‘s tackle' by Sportsmail's Andy Townsend on the ITV highlights show, it was closer to assault than a challenge and I was disap- pointed that his manager, Sam Allardyce, attempted to deflect the attention from Diouf‘s tackle rather than condemn it.
Daily Mail
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I‘m afraid once again dear members I will have to send my apologies for the Feb- ruary meeting as I shall be on holiday. ―Use it or lose it‖ is the rule in the estab- lishment for whom I have the pleasure of working. Interestingly I also received in the post this week a request, no a demand , that I attend a hearing, my first as a referee. I attended one a few years ago as an assistant, absolute farce I thought. This time the player is disputing a headbutt. I‘m not sure what he is appealing about, the missing tooth of his opponent would I thought be proof enough, plus he came over at the end of the game and apologised to the guy he hit. As it hap- pens I shall be away in sunnier climes so have informed Surrey FA as such.
What a devastating week for news. Cyril West phoned me to say that Mike Stob- bart, who I‘d mentioned only last month in the Warbler had passed away, then I heard from Ricky that Geoff Richards had also succumbed to a long term illness. Anyone who has ever had anything to do with Woking Schools Football or Cricket could not have failed to come across Geoff. I first met him when my son played for the Woking U11s District Football team along with Send Cricket club both of which he managed. Along with this we have Smithy in hospital with a suspected brain tumour, which I have heard today is actually a benign low grade mass, which still sounds pretty grim to me but in his words ―Keep calm and carry on‖. We all wish you the best Eamonn.
Last month I mentioned that I‘d received a letter from Mike Stobbart, unfortu- nately I hadn‘t gotten round to replying before I heard the news. I thought how- ever I would include his letter in this edition as it seems to me to be a fitting trib- ute to someone I would have liked to have known better.
Not much happening on the footy front. I think mid December was my last game, but fingers crossed for this weekend. According to the home team manager this is the 7th time they‘ve tried to play this particular cup game. The ground looks very wet though. May have to dodge around the odd half melted snowmen.
I‘ve just watched Spurs loose to Liverpool and once again I suspect we was ―robbed‖. I‘m sure it was one of last months guest speakers, either Mike or Peter, who flagged Defoe offside and although I hate to say it I think he was wrong. Re- member Howard Web apologised to us Spurs supporters last year at our meet- ing, admitting he was wrong to award Man U a penalty last year? Funny how supporters always forget the times calls go their way though, not they ever do for Tottenham though. Perhaps Harry needs to jump up and down and berate the 4th official or referee more, like Fergie.—Note; A colleague has since told me he thinks it was for a foul on the ‗keeper.
We‘re coming up to AGM time (March meeting) and the opportunity for you all to have your say on how the Society should be run. We are as always, looking for new blood to serve on the committee, including an assistant secretary/minutes taker. So if you think you can help make a difference then please drop Bryan Jackson a line or speak to him or Roy at the February meeting Whistle Well
Mac
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Chairman’s opening remarks: Roy opened the meeting, welcoming the guest speakers Mike Mullarkey and Peter Kirkup, and welcomed all visiting members of other referees’ societies
Guest speakers: Mike took the floor, introducing himself and Peter, and outlined the aims of the session, entitled the ‘Art of Assisting’. Peter then showed us the best and smartest flag techniques. Mike carried on by talking about the art of assisting itself, namely knowing when (and when not to) to flag. They then discussed offside judgements, showing a series of clips. A key message was ‘don’t guess, be sure’ – it is better to give benefit of the doubt to the attacking team. Peter closed the talk by talking the meeting through life on the premier league and at international level
Apologies for absence and new members: Nick Arbuckle, Ken Chivers, Mick Lawrence, Derek Davies, Steve Rudrum, Law- rence Read, Emily McBirnie, Alan Watson, Phil Gasson, Chris Jones, David Jones, Peter Guest, Pam Wells
Minutes of last meeting: Proposed by Glenn La Roche, seconded by Colin Barnett
Matters arising: None
Chairman’s report: Roy reports that on Saturday 9th January we have our New Year dinner
Secretary report: Nothing to report
Treasurers report: As per warbler
Membership report: Up to 98 which is 12 equal in the country
Supplies Officer report: All in stock, new ties are now in stock
Training Officers report: 23 booked for the January course
RA Delegates report: As per warbler 5 The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society
Discussion corner: Brian Reader had an incident where there was a foul out of his sight, which his club assistant witnessed. He asked if any leeway should be given to allow the Club Assistant to give the decision, the answer was no
Any other business: 7th Feb 2011 – Disciplinary roadshow will be coming to the society meeting
Date of next meeting: Mon 1st February – John Morton, Premier League assessor
Meeting closed at 2210
Criminal Record Bureau—an update The following question was asked at a recent RA London Liaison meeting
Q: What is the current position regarding the £5 paid to the County FA‘s for fu- ture CRB check A: The FA has notified all County FA‘s that this money must remain ring fenced for that purpose.
Society Accounts—January 2010 General £928.11 Supplies £735.64 Belgium £0.00 Youth Fund £113.50 Total £1777.25
16/01/10: It is with the deepest of sadness that Woking Primary Schools Football Association announce the death of Mr Geoff Richards after a long term illness. Geoff had been involved with District Football for 41 years and County Cricket for 27 years, his dedication and passion for helping children succeed in these sports will be greatly missed. Our thoughts go out to his family at this tragic time.
6 The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society Silly Signs
Courtesy of Virgin Media
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Notice of Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of Woking Society, The Referees Association will take place on Monday 1st March 2010 at Loop Road Pavillion, Loop Road, Wok- ing, Surrey. The meeting will commence once our guest speaker, Ian Blanchard, Senior National Game Referee Manager, has concluded his talk. Details of the Agenda and any official business will appear in the March Warbler Please note the following from the Society rules:
1. Nominations for election to any of the offices and committee members, duly signed by the nominee and the proposers, are to be in the hands of the Hon. Secretary by the end of the February meeting
2 Proposed alterations to rules must be submitted to the hon. secretary in writing with a seconder not later than the end of the February meeting for consideration at the Annual General Meeting.
Sec’s Talk You will see above that I have issued notice of the Annual General Meeting. This is your chance to have your say. We will have committee vacancies and we al- ways welcome new blood on the committee. I will also be sending a copy of the rules out by email in January in case you wish to submit a rule amendment. Your committee are always willing to listen to your ideas and suggestions, and we welcome feedback on what goes on in our society. We meet at least 4 times a year. If you have a complaint please let us know preferably by email either to myself ([email protected]) or Roy ([email protected]) . Bryan
Annual Dinner 20th February 2010
With the re-scheduling of the Annual Dinner, bit late to call it New Years Dinner now, I have had a few cancelations and a couple of additions. Just to make sure I‘ve still got it right, please find below the names of the members and guests I still have at- tending. If you are still coming please check you are on the following list. If not, and you‘d like to come, then please give me a call. Menu on page 9
Roy +1 Bryan Jackson +2 Dave Cooper Tony Loveridge +1 Steve Rudrum +1 Chris Jones +1 Glenn la Roche +1 Mac +1 Bill Collis +1 Tony Price +1 Roy Lomax +1 Colin Barnett +1 Paul Gorringe +2 Hamish Brown +1
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20th February 2010, Worplsedon Place, Worplesdon 7.00 for 7.30pm
Menu Starters Garlic & herb breaded mushrooms with ranch & BBQ dip Crispy potato shells with sour cream and chive dip with choice of fillings— bacon and mushroom with Italian tomato sauce or—brie and caramelised onion relish Smoked chicken and bacon pate with toasted bloomer bread and caramelised onion relish Prawn cocktail, with tangy smoked salmon and citrus marie rose sauce and rus- tic bread. **Lamb Koftas, with hint of spice and minted sour cream and chive dip
Mains Rump steak 7oz chargrilled to your liking served with chips and either mixed salad or tomato and mushrooms Salmon fillet with béarnaise sauce new potatoes fresh veg and Italian tomato sauce Chicken breast wrapped in Parma ham filled with garlic and herb cream sauce, chargrilled served new potatoes fresh veg and Italian tomato sauce. Maple Pork ribs, a rack of smoky flavour ribs with bourbon and black bbq sauce chips and mixed salad Mediterranean Tomato Risotto creamy, white wine, Mediterranean veg, topped with cheese shavings. Served with garlic bread. (for an extra £1 top with either chargrilled chicken breast, salmon fillet or skewered prawns. Caesar salad bowl, with baked croutons, anchovies and cheese Shavings. Top with the above Risotto extras for no additional cost **Spiral Pasta with chicken, rich tomato sauce, courgettes, peppers chicken breast
Desserts Chocolate fudge sundae, ice cream with fudge brownie chunks, whipped cream, fudge sauce etc Caramel Apple crumble with either custard, ice cream, cream, or crème fraiche Profiteroles with either ice cream or crème fraiche and hot chocolate flavour sauce Banoffee pie with fresh banana and drizzled with warm toffee sauce *Ice Cream, with either choc flavour fudge sauce or red berries & rasberry sauce
All for the fantastic sum of only £14.95 Cheques (payable to Woking RA ) or cash either in advance or on the night to Mac or Bryan
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ATTITUDE- By Observer Attitude towards the game by referees, players and spectators is one which, at times, appears to be lacking in football matches. Putting aside the will to win aspect, which too is important (but not at any price). Is it the referee's mental disposition towards the game that should be of the con- cern to us all? Wherever the games are played, it is gratifying to see the three officials, emerge as a team from the dressing room, all neatly and properly attired and on time. It exudes a feeling of favourable willingness towards the game that these three offi- cials so outfitted, should, no doubt, know something about the game. Particularly when you compared them to some clowns who arrive late and put on a ‗pre match side show‘ by stumbling along the way to the field, pulling their socks up or tripping over, like ruptured ducks, because of the their untied shoe laces! These two instances compare the effect that such behaviour may have on the game. Attitude may be such a simple thing, like the three officials emerging to- gether from the dressing room suitably and neatly attired, and being polite at all times. The aura of trepidation sometimes created by the natural presence of a referee, who is deemed by players and spectators to be a necessary evil, is absolutely unfounded and in the minds of players and spectators only. The referee and his colleagues are there to let the players play their game, it is not they who commit the fouls. However, during the course of the game the relationship between the officials and the players and their coach is what makes or breaks the game. Prior to a person becoming a referee, the candidate has to undergo a very lengthy apprenticeship consisting of a long period of instructions basically on the Laws of the Game. Then throughout any career of refereeing, he or she will need some advice on the psychological aspects of refereeing, including motivation, advantage, foul play, gamesmanship, and consistency in refereeing and the like. A very important factor in the successful training of referees is to teach the atti- tude of referees towards players and vice versa. Strangely enough this correct mental inclination towards the game is hardly ever mentioned in some courses for referees. Yet this bearing or body language is a very important part of the make-up of a referee, for the successful control of a match, as well as for the en- joyment of the players and spectators. REFEREES TO BLAME Up and coming referees are themselves sometimes really to blame when players adopt an antagonistic approach towards a referee. Shouting at players, finger wagging, standing akimbo, hands folded or 'a hands' behind the back posture are some of the apparent shortcomings. The latter may indicate a calm approach to the game but it also may construe a "laissez faire" manner or non-interference in the conduct of others. All these dispositions will never endear referees to players. During the World Cup tournaments, some highly rated referees adopt this "them and I" mentality and therefore experience some difficulty in controlling a match. The attitude of players and coaches towards referees has to change too, be- cause the referee or his assistant(s) are not permitted even one error. Yet play- ers pass the ball to the wrong players, miss open goals, carelessly get caught in an offside situation, where every such position is a potential goal and all this is considered as part and parcel of the game. 10 The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society
A player's reaction towards a referee or his assistant(s), who may have given a difficult decision unfavourable to a team, may result in the coach yelling his head off to support his player. This is then accepted by the team as the official approach to take, and the team concerned now feels that they are playing against 11 players in the opposition plus the three officials. This reaction is a very serious matter for the referee because from then on, every legitimate foul penalised by the referee, now results in some form of dis- sent, and the official may find it difficult to handle and continue utilising the yel- low card control syndrome. This aspect of players' attitudes towards a referee only makes it more difficult for some players to concentrate on their game. Because now, instead of put- ting all their efforts into their game they are wondering what the referee is go- ing to do next against them, this famous 14 to 11 feeling. This question of attitude towards a referee by the players is something that is not mentioned in the law book. A referee's reaction or response to it is only gained through experience, but this should not prevent the officials from adopt- ing a much better relationship towards the players and coaches no matter what the circumstances. If a referee is not a member of a Toastmaster's Club then he should keep quiet because it is evident that the moment he opens his mouth to a player he will receive some backchat and start an argument. COMMUNICATION It takes two persons to communicate and it is not strange that one official will speak to players throughout the game and get away with it, whilst for the other it would be beneficial to retain an attitude of silence. The difference is that one referee has the personality and the right manner and body language to cope with troublesome players whilst the other is hopelessly lost. Players do not like to be treated as naughty children with the previously mentioned finger wagging and "come here" sign language. For the inexperi- enced referee, who finds it difficult to communicate, there is really no necessity for the referee to confront the guilty player, as in most instances, with the benefit of the cards, this may be done from a safe distance. In a confrontation, the referee will always win, but the attitude of the player in- volved towards the official will definitely deteriorate.
THREATS Some top international referees are still using some unwelcome personality traits, which are watched by thousands of ‗up and coming‘ referees. This is not a good example as players are being controlled by threats, which is not a part of refereeing. The attitude of the troublesome coach may be a problem, because he is in a position to alter the behaviour of his team with his ranting and raving. Maybe a warning in the first instance and a quick point to the dressing room for an en- core is the only answer. It appears that not enough referees tend to be so strict.
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HESITANCY The attitude of players towards a referee changes when decisions have an air of hesitancy about them, or when the assistant's signal is either missed or sig- nalled belatedly. Players and spectators easily pick up most of these omissions and hence their attitudes towards the officials concerned, change regardless as to whether the official is experienced or not. A lackadaisical manner towards the game creates problems, as the evident body language will be apparent to all. Enthusiasm for the game enhances the right attitude, as against a de facto rela- tionship towards it, and it will make for a good referee, with the help of some good qualities inherent in a referee's personality.
Courtesy of Guildford Referee 12 The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society
SURREY REFEREES ASSOCIATION COUNTY COMMITTEE DELEGATE’S REPORT 30.11.09
The meeting stood for a minute‘s silence in memory of Peter Butcher and Chris Abraham who had both died since the previous meeting. We were reminded that though all-black referees kit had been approved by the FA, it must not be worn before 1/7/2010. Something to do with giving other companies besides A&H time to produce all-black kit. We were reminded not to referee on Leisure Leagues. Check with SCFA office if you are in any doubt about whether a competition is sanctioned. It‘s come to light that some local officials of some of these small-sided leagues have been told (and genuinely believe) that their competition has been sanctioned when in fact it has not. It was agreed to acquire a new trophy for the 5-a-side inter-society competi- tion. Trophy has been donated by SCFA but needs refurbishment. It will be called the ―Surrey Referees Association Inter-Society Competition Trophy‖ without specifically mentioning the 5-a-sides so that if, for example, that tour- nament became a 6-a-side competition we could still use the same trophy. The next competition at Haywards Heath is going ahead – 5 Surrey societies have entered teams, but 3 had not replied. It was agreed that, in future, societies that do not respond to correspondence would be “named and shamed” in County Committee minutes. Ken Longhurst Trophy has been won jointly by Dorking and Kingston Societies who both increased membership by 6 members. On Thursday 10 March 2010, Kingston, Wimbledon, Sutton and Croydon So- cieties are putting on a joint meeting at Sutton United FC when Mike Riley will be the guest speaker. New RA website to be launched in 2010. I enquired about running costs of other societies‘ websites in Surrey. It was agreed to collate and distribute a list of webmasters. Two changes to RA insurance policy effective 1/4/2010: Temporary disability benefit increased from £125 to £200 per week Limit for dental expenses increased from £100 to £200. Eve of Final Rally will be on 14 May at Russell Hotel, London. Tickets: Adult members £12, under-18s £6. Guest speaker George Courtney (Cup Final refe- ree 1970) Free entry for referees to county cup finals: application in writing at least 7 days earlier will still apply, but for all finals except the Saturday Senior Cup Final there will be an alternative procedure too. You will be able to get free ad- mission for yourself only, provided you confirm current registration as a referee by producing your current registration card at the gate - this gives ground ad- mission only (no access to board room etc); friends and relatives will have to pay the full admission price. Committee thought this was a fair solution. RAFA: Ray Mallery said that RA will remain in being but FAMOA will disap- pear. Proposals are that there would be automatic associate membership of RAFA on registration as a referee, but full membership will only be on applica- tion. A paper is due to be put to the Referees Committee of the FA on 13 Janu- ary. One aim is to increase RA membership ―to as many as 75% of all regis- tered referees within 2 years and 100% membership within the next 5 years‖.
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Kingston Society expressed concern about society fees and what members ac- tually got for their money. They were thinking particularly of Level 7s on the lo- cal parks. I had been asked by our Society committee to enquire about the £5 for child protection paid to SCFA each year as part of our referee registration fees. Though new referees still have to undergo CRB training etc, it is not compulsory (at present) to renew certification when it expires. New legislation is expected to come into force in 2010 – details awaited. Answer to our query is that the money is ring-fenced by SCFA (they currently hold about £20K), i.e. it cannot be used for other purposes. Brian Reader 1/12/09
There’s more
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In memory of Mike Stobbart, who passed away earlier this month
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Jones Chris Arbuckle Nick Jones David Ashworth Nigel Kelly Mark Baker Edward Knock Geoff Barnett Colin Langran Daniel Bateman Anthony Langran David Bentley Peter Langran Kathryn Blair Paul LaRoche Glenn Briggs Alan Lawrence Mick Brooks Micky Lawton David Brooks Sean Levett Richard Brown Hamish Lomax Roy Burchett Stuart Loveridge Tony Busby Chris Luck Robbie Butler Roy Maher Steve Cable Lee Matthews Gary Chivers Ken McBirnie Anthony Cochrane Craig McBirnie Emily Collins Neil McLaren Bruce Collis Bill Melin Paul Cooper Dave Minto Alex Creswick Jon Mitchinson Robert Creswick Terry Neil Alex ( associate) O Connor Andy Davies Derek Oliver Jessica Dexter Andy Penfold Vince Dodd Daniel Price Tony Duff Simon Read Greg Ekins Graham Read Lawrence Ekins Simon Read Martin Evans Saundra Reader Brian Eve Spencer Readett Corin Exworth Sam Readett Merill Fouracre Max Rudrum Steve Gasson Phil Simkin Robert Goggin Alastair Smith Eamonn Goggin William Stovold Derek Gorringe Paul Thurgood Adam Green Rick Tomlinson Ashley Gregory Cedge Tomlinson Steve Griffiths Craig Van Dorp James Guest Peter Ward Michael Hadley Chris Watson Alan Hailstone Richard Webb Brian Hanney Alex Webb Michael Hanney Peter Wells Pam Hanney Sam Woodruff Andy Heighes Gareth Woodyer Tara Howard Paul Wooldridge Jim Wright Clem Hughes Robert Wright Mark Jackson Bryan Honoured Guest Roy Lomax 17 Godolphin Ed The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society
Courtesy of Guildford Referee
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From The Chertsey Town Programme “ From the Secretary’s Quill” What a load of controversy the Thierry Henry hand ball generated a week or so ago when Eire lost the chance of going to South Africa next summer. I think we all have some sympathy for the Irish, and it was an extremely emotive moment, but sly hand ball situations happen all the time. We suffered with such an incident one evening last season when conceding what turned out to be our opponents winning goal. Video evidence and the use of such technology is a big talking point in the game at international and professional league level. There is another thought that the game should basically be administered the same, whatever the level of football might be. It seems to me that the ‗horses for courses‘ dictate should apply. Very high profile matches with huge rewards at stake should have every means possible to iron out inadequacies. I am especially amazed how well linesmen perform in the top eche- lons with offside but they can still err. Players do not help the situation. There may be irritation at Henry for not immedi- ately owning up to his misdemeanour but almost every player would do the same. You only have to look at our own matches with players slyly claiming free kicks, cor- ner kicks and throw ins to gain an advantage. I can not see what the difference be- tween a player shouting for a throw when he knows he was the last person to touch the ball, and one who handles in scoring a goal. Scale is the only difference. Of course, there is already a difference in how player misdemeanours are dealt with by the FA at the various levels. Penalties have to be different because it is someone‘s livelihood and income in pro- fessional football that can be profoundly affected. We often are told that, on studying film evidence in top rung games, a particular player is absolved of the original crime, but never at our level. Not true. I occurred with us some five years ago with Kevin Cleary. The game was filmed so we were able to prove the referee was in error in dismissing Kevin. A rare event, but it did show that justice can prevail, if you have enough back up as existed that day; hardly a normal situation. The opposite occurred some years previous when we played Carshalton Athletic and their goalkeeper brought down one of our forwards. The keeper was the last player and should have walked, as later proved by the video, contradicting the referee‘s stance when I challenged him, in a constructive manner I might add, after the game. It was too late being able to demonstrate the true version after the event because the keeper was not going to get a red card in retrospection. I find that it is hardly worth bringing up such scenarios after games because invaria- bly the three officials understandably close ranks on you and argue black is white. Well, that‘s how it comes across to me at times. Not that I am at all biased!!! This does not always happen and a bit of honesty came through recently when the ref actually admitted that he was in error in cautioning a player. However, he was still not prepared to write a suitable accompanying letter with the caution to Surrey FA as he said it was just one of those inconsistencies that occur in football and has to be accepted in the general scheme of things. All that then takes us back to paragraph one of this so called dictate in that none of us are perfect in football. Wrong decisions are made by referees (and spectators) and players will get away with whatever they can get away with. We therefore nearly always have to live with the consequences and accept injustice at
Spotted in the West Middlesex Referee’s Society Flag and Whistle
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From whistles to watches, flags to record cards, shirts to socks , Tony’s got the lot in his big black bag Help support the society and make sure you give Tony a call for all your refereeing needs 01483 836388 / 07766973304
February 1st : John Morton, Head of Premier League Match Delegates
March 1st : Ian Blanchard, Senior National Game Referee Manager
April 5th : Martin Yerby, FA Cup Final Assistant Referee 2008
May 10th : TBA
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John Morton, Head of Premier League Match Delegates
Personal history:-
Current role: Match Delegate Co-ordinator Premier League.
Previously schoolteacher in Westminster for 30 plus years.
Playing career: Semi professional goalkeeper at Dartford, Wealdstone and Houn- slow. Southern League Championship winner, FA Trophy finalist.
Administrative Roles: Chairman/Secretary West London Schools‘ FA. Chairman/ Director of Coaching English Schools‘ FA. Full Licence coach.
Qualified as a Class 3 referee in 1968
Subject for the evening
Refereeing. ‘A Premier League perspective’.
RESPECT Referee Reuben Simon has called on the FA to open up lines of communication be- tween managers and match questions, writes Richard Seuke.
Simon, a Combined Counties League referee, would also like the media to be able to ask written questions in order to get explanations on why decisions are made. He believes the steps would enable officials to get their point of view across and provide a timely boost to the FA‘s respect campaign.
The former Feltham midfielder was speaking in the wake of Paul Ince‘s comments to a Sunday newspaper that respect should go both ways and claims that Premier- ship referee Mike Jones‘ decisions in the past couple of weeks could cost Liver- pool‘s Rafa Benitez and Hull City‘s Phil Brown their jobs.
―I have yet to see a referee asked to explain what was going through his mind when he made a wonderful decision to play advantage that resulted in a goal,‖ said Simon.
―Every manager should have the opportunity to submit three written questions to the referee immediately after the game and the media should get the opportunity to sub- mit up to six written questions.
―Overnight, this will open genuine communication. It would give a clear explanation to managers and will flush out any boss who does not want a genuine explanation, but simply wishes to take his frustrations out on the referee by verbally abusing him.
―I would be happy to apologise for an error of judgement on my part if I genuinely felt I had made an error, provided that particular manager was also happy to apolo- gise for any errors on his part. That really is total mutual respect.‖ Simon admits his idea could not extend to incidents where a player receives a straight red card as this is open to challenge through an FA appeal.
Courtesy of Flag and Whistle
21 The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society
Michael Oliver set to become youngest referee - 10 January 2010 FROM schoolboy football to the Premier League, referee Michael Oliver is about to blow the whistle on history. That‘s if the snowy weather had cleared up, of course. Michael, 24, was set to become the youngest ever referee to take charge of a Pre- mier League match. If the clash between Fulham and Portsmouth had gone ahead as scheduled, it would have meant he broke the current record set by referee Stuart Attwell, who was 25 when he oversaw his first game. And it would have been the latest of many proud achievements for Michael, of Ash- ington, Northumberland, whose dad Clive is also a professional ref. Throughout his 10-year meteoric rise he has constantly etched his name in the his- tory books, first as the youngest assistant and then the youngest referee in both the Nationwide Conference and the Coca-Cola Football Leagues. He then became the youngest ref ever to control an affiliated game at the new Wembley stadium, where he took charge of the Conference play-off final between Morecambe and Exeter in 2007. But Michael says nothing will quite compare to taking the stage at Craven Cottage to call the shots at English football‘s top table – weather permitting. ―For me it will be the best thing in the world,‖ he said. ―Just to have the chance to be out there refereeing in a Premier League match is amazing. ―I started off actually playing at Newcastle with the academy, but I got a bit sick of playing and eventually got into refereeing through my dad. ―I just hope the match goes ahead. I‘ve spoken to the club but it‘s something that‘s out of their control. We‘ll have to wait and see. ―We are contacted six or seven weeks in advance and hopefully, if Saturday does- n‘t go ahead, I will be involved in another game soon. ―It‘s a dream come true because the Premiership is the best league in the world and to referee in it is just fantastic. I can‘t wait.‖ Michael‘s mum Debbie and dad Clive plan to be at the ground to support their son. Clive, who referees in the Coca-Cola football league, said: ―From a sportspersons‘ point of view, it‘s the pinnacle of Michael‘s career, so we are obviously immensely proud that someone of such a young age can deal with the pressures of refereeing modern-day football in the manner in which he does – then come home just to be our son.‖ From the age of 14, Michael refereed junior football before taking charge of his first senior game in the third division of the Morpeth Sunday League between Morpeth Chantry and Anglers Arms Weldon Bridge. He then began refereeing every Saturday afternoon and his progress ever since has been phenomenal. At the beginning of the 2007-08 season, Michael and Clive became the first ever father and son team to be on the referees list of the Football League at the same time. And last May the pair made history again when they refereed separate play-off fi- nals on consecutive days at Wembley. Clive took charge of the League Two clash between Gillingham and Shrewsbury, while Michael oversaw the League One encounter between Millwall and Scun- thorpe. Daily Mail 22 The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society
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23 The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society
Sunday Junior County Cup 4th Round. Milford Green v. Southlands Referee : Roy Butler
FA Youth Cup 4th Round Proper Tottenham Hotspur v Portsmouth @ White Hart Lane Assistant referee: Michael Webb
Surrey Premier Cup Met Police v Knaphill Referee : Richard Hailstone
Surrey Senior Cup Woking or Dorking v Merstham Assistant referee : Richard Hailstone
A distraught farmer finds all his cows frozen into deep snow drifts, so he prays to God for help. A woman appears and puts her arms over his icy cows, and they immediately defrost. "Thank you", says the grateful farmer, "Are you an Angel sent by God?". "No" replies the woman, "I'm Thora Hird."
Eintracht Frankfurt players in Germany had a worrying moment recently, when scientists discovered that the adverts printed on their strip contained chemi- cals that could have made the players impotent. The club withdrew the kit as they obviously needed their footballers to score. (Seen in Brentford v Charlton programme 28/12/09)
Courtesy of The Chiltern Referee 24 The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society
Advice on the prevention of Stalking and Harassmentment
Hamish Brown MBE
Retired Scotland Yard Detective Inspector
UK’s leading authority on stalking and harassment. Hamish has been personally requested by high profile individuals and organisations to:
Advice and Lecture on this specialist subject
Website: www.hamishbrownmbe.com Email: [email protected] 25 The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society
Courtesy of the Chiltern Referee 26 The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society
Courtesy of the Chiltern Refereee 27 The Warbler The Magazine of the Woking Referees‘ Society
Courtesy of the book of football quotations
28 WARBLER REFERENCE GUIDE 2009/10
THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION Wembley Stadium PO Box 1966 www.TheFA.com London SW1P 9EQ FAMAO National Managers Janie Frampton Education 07984 003476 “name”@theFA.com Ray Olivier Workforce Roger Vaughan Recruitment and Retention Surrey County Football Association Connaught House 36 Bridge Street Leatherhead, www.surreyfa.com Surrey, KT22 8BZ 01372 373543 Referee Competition Manager Mark Wood [email protected] Appointments Secretary Rod Wood 0208 979 2477 & 07860 400995 [email protected] Referee Development Officer Tim Lawrence 01372 373543 Promotion Assessor Co-ordinator Martin Allen 07769 793493 [email protected] Referees Association of England 1, Westhill Rd, Counden, Coventry CV6 2AD www.footballreferee.org 024 7660 1701
Surrey County Referees Association [email protected] Honorary Secretary Brian Fish 01483 420007 [email protected]
Guildford & Woking Alliance League Terry Hawkett 01932 887058 07778 628547 Referees’ Secretary [email protected] Surrey County Intermediate League Adrian Freeman 01483 894351 / 07814 516911 (Western) Referees’ Secretary [email protected] Suburban League Tony King 01189 740465 Assistant Referees’ Secretary [email protected] Combined Counties League Philip Nash 07951 415046 Assistant Referees’ Secretary [email protected] Southern Youth League Peter Harris 01252315856 / 07967 988840 Assistant Referees’ Secretary Peter.harris1767ntlworld.com Camberley & District Sunday League Philip Nash 07951 415046 Referees’ Secretary [email protected] Surrey & Hants Border Sunday League Bob Dick 01428 682542 Referees’ Secretary [email protected] Farnham & District Sunday League Colin Barnett 01252 328953 Referees’ Secretary [email protected] Surrey Elite Intermediate Football League Derek Stovold 07787 590132 Referees’ Secretary [email protected] Surrey Youth League www.wsyl.org.uk Referees’ Secretary Alan Wiggins 01932 789376 [email protected]
Surrey Primary League Phillip Lee 07837 101012 Referees Secretary [email protected] Middlesex County FA 39/41 Roxborough Rd Harrow, Www.middlesexFA.com Middlesex, HA1 1NS 0208 424 8524
Hampshire County FA Winklebury Football Complex, Winklebury Way Www.hampshireFA.com Basingstoke, RG23 8BF 01256 853000
Berks and Bucks County FA 15a London Street, Farringdon Www.berksandbucksFA.com Oxfordshire, SN7 8AG 01367 242099
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