Referee News

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TRAINING COURSE: New Referees Wanted!

Are you one of those people who spend the weekend shouting at the Referee on your TV? Do you think you could do better?

That's the challenge being offered by Warley and Sutton Referees Associations who start new referee training courses over the next few weeks.

Courses kick off at Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club, Rectory Road on Monday 24th February for 10 weeks, or Blackheath Conservative Club on 25th March for 12 weeks. Both take place from 7.30pm-9.30pm

Anyone over the age of 14 can get involved in refereeing, with many ex-players taking up the whistle. It's a great way to stay involved in football even after playing days are over. Match officials are finding they have the chance to progress and benefit from some terrific opportunities on offer.

Registration costs just £10 so to find out how you can take part, call Terry Johnson on 0121 353 0258 (Sutton RA), Dave Tolley on 0121 550 5157 (Warley RA), or Birmingham County FA on 0121 357 4278.

Go On... Make it Official!

In their continued bid to boost the number of referees, Birmingham County Football Association are offering a Women Only Referee Training Course in April.

The course will take place on 2 Saturdays in April (6th and 20th) at BCFA HQ, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham between 10am and 5pm. Participants do not have to have played football but must be aged over 14 years old and have a general interest in learning about the game. Attendance on both days of the course is essential.

For just £20 those taking part will benefit from 2 days of expert tuition and will receive a complimentary copy of the Laws of Association Football plus an interactive training CD ROM. The cost of the final examination is also covered, along with a year's free registration should participants wish to take their knowledge out onto the pitch and become a fully-fledged referee.

"Sometimes women can feel a little intimidated about being the only women on a training course, which may be discouraging them from taking that first step," said BCFA Secretary, Dave Shelton. "We want to change all that and hope this course is the first of many."

Women Only: That's Official!

England's top female referees helped the BCFA encourage more women to "take up the whistle" at a special recruitment seminar... by keeping the men out! The event at BCFA HQ on Weds 30th January saw around 30 guests hear how Wendy Toms and Janie Frampton made it to the realms normally inhabited by men only.

Referees Presentation Evening

The FA's Head of Refereeing, John Baker joined officials from all over the BCFA region at a Presentation Evening held at County HQ. The evening was organised to present the first Records Of Achievements to those officiating over 10 or 20 games per season. The idea is to provide the means for referees to record their accomplishments which helps improve morale and aids promotion chances.

Is Bert a Record Breaker?

Bert Babbs celebrated his 101st Birthday in November having spent his life refereeing at both local and national levels. Happy Birthday Bert!

Record Ref Rewarded

Wolverhampton-based Referee, Bill Morrow has received his long service award - at the age of 71!
Bill only took up refereeing at the age of 50, and has continued to dedicate his time to grassroots football ever since as a Level 7 (Class 3) official.
BCFA Assistant Secretary, Geoff Southall said: "We are delighted to be awarding another long service medal to one of our referees - but this is certainly one with a difference!
"Bill proves the fact that refereeing is an opportunity for anyone to get involved in football. We value the talents of anyone - young or old - who has what it takes to get out there and take charge of a game of football."
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