April - AFA Lonsar

Transcription

April - AFA Lonsar

AFA Argus Made Up Pages: AFA Argus Made Up Pages
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AFA & LONDON REFEREESʼ SOCIETY
Norsemen FC
Our next meeting will take place at
Edmonton Sports & Social Club, Church Street,
Edmonton, London, N9 9HL
on Thursday 12 April 2012
Beginning at 19.20 for 19.30
Our Guest Speaker will be
Ed Stone
Who will discuss
"Working as a Team with Neutral Assistants
[There will be lots of learning and good practice, much interaction and
everyone will get an opportunity to share their views.]
Agenda: The eveningʼs events
will run as follows:
1845: Bar open;
1920: Take your seats;
1930: Chairman opens meeting
with Society business and
announcements;
1945: John Cooke: match
incidents, law queries and
training session;
2030: Ed Stone;
2130: Q & A, Vote of Thanks;
2140: Raffle, 100 Club Plus,
announcements.
2145: Meeting ends.
As a courtesy to our speakers, please try to be in your seats at least 10
minutes before the meeting begins.
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Ed Stone
Passed the basic referees course in November 1990 at Reading. Starting
officiating in the Reading League and Reading Sunday League.
Moved to Coventry in October 1992 and started out on the promotion ladder
with Birmingham County FA achieving Class 1 in 1996. Moved straight onto
Contributory Leagues – as an Assistant – and Supply League as a referee.
Became an instructor in 1997 running the basic training courses in Coventry
before attending the National Course for Referee Instructors in 1999 and 2000.
In 2000 was appointed CTO (County Training Officer) for Birmingham County
FA, becoming responsible for the training programmes for over 2000 referees.
When John Baker – then the Head of Refereeing at The FA – announced ten new
Regional Manager posts to co-ordinate and advance the standard of the referee
training in the country, was appointed to one of the posts.
During time at The FA was a staff member on the National course for eight
years as well as the annual re-licensing programmes. Responsible for rolling out
GTT (Generic Tutor Training) to all referee instructors to develop their skills and
bring in line with other FA Tutors. Represented The FA abroad and at national
events during tenure at a variety of training events, programmes and shows.
Left The FA in 2009 and now work in a Further Education college as a lecturer
in engineering, in addition to managing the full-time programmes of study.
Current involvement:
Active as a Level 5 referee in AFA football
Also acting as an Assistant on a Supply League
Level 4 referee tutor – delivering basic courses and in-service training with two
County FAʼs
Having become an assessor in 1997, now assessing at both Contributory and
Supply League level.
Q. Who was the first Chinese player signed by Manchester United?
A. Yung Lee Sharp
Confession
Dying husband asks his wife, “Our seventh child always looked different
from the other six. Did he have a different father?”
Wife (crying): “Yes”..
Husband: “Who?”
Wife: “You”!!
See you about, Trevor Weaver
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NOR SE M A N F OO T BA LL GR OUND
About our hosts . . .
Norsemen FC has a long and distinguished history that goes back to well over 100 years.
In the early 1890’s at Clapton, North London, the Orion Gymnasium was a flourishing club. At that time
the Orion also ran a football team but some of the players, dissatisfied with the poor arrangements offered
and the lack of fixtures, decided to form their own club. At the end of the 1894/95 season, Vic Homer and
Jack Stapleton got together some of these members and at an inaugural meeting held at the Homer
residence in May 1895, the club was founded and officers elected for the coming season.
Apparently the selection of a name presented some difficulty and the Norsemen Football Club was
suggested as all members lived in and about Clapton, North London. However, it was realised that the
name was unsuitable and recourse was eventually made to the Scandinavian Norsemen, which embodied
the original suggestion and at the same time came into line with the then fashion of clubs adopting such
descriptive names such as Druids, Olympians, and Foxes etc.
The first pitch was on open ground at the rear of the now demolished Cross Keys public house, near
Edmonton Green Station, the public house providing dressing rooms. It is said that this early contact with
licensed premises was influential in the formation of the character and behaviour of the members of the
club throughout its history.
The club’s first match was against the Druids on 28 September 1895, the game resulting in a victory for
Norsemen by 2 goals to 1.
Thanks for tonight’s meeting, facilities and wonderful atmosphere must go to clubman David “Biff”
Simpson referee extraordinaire, loyal Society member and good all-round bloke.
So, what are you waiting for? There will be good speakers, an excellent atmosphere, a well stocked bar
and sandwiches plus your chance win raffle prizes and clinch a bonus at the !00 Club Plus Draw for April.
Please bring with you your raffle ticket stubs plus money to hand to me or Mike Naylor. See you there.
Go r d o n K ir b y , Ch a ir m a n
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OUR WEBSITE
Dates For
Your Diary 2012
Just a reminder to members
that our website address is
12 April
At Norseman FC
Speaker: Ed Stone
www.afalonsar.co.uk
Michael Hayden is doing a
10 May
At CSC: speaker to be confirmed.
grand job keeping it up to date.
Please visit it!
18 May
Annual Dinner and Presentation
Evening
Speaker: Steve Bennett
REFEREEING ACADEMY
AT SOCIETY MEETINGS
Training Officer and AFA Referee
Development Officer John Cooke will be
pleased to receive any problems of
members at monthly meetings, and also to
analyse and debate recent incidents
recorded from the professional game on
video. Members with video recorded
incidents are always welcome to bring them
to meetings and they will be examined, time
permitting. If possible, please telephone
John in advance.
NEWS OF
MEMBERS
Do you have news of members including yourself?
Would it interest other members?
COPY FOR
If so, please let the Editor know
MAY ARGUS
by post, phone call or e-mail and
MUST
it will be published in the next
BE WITH THE EDITOR BY
Argus.
FRIDAY
27th APRIL 2012
Anything in good taste is
acceptable - e.g. news of awards,
promotion, appointments, injuries
OR SOONER IF POSSIBLE.
or return after injury.
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Chairman’s Comment
“Hola from sunny Spain:” I am in my second week in this delightful resort on the
Mediterranean coast of Andalucía with another week to follow. This charming resort is ideal for
relaxing and maintaining my efforts to keep fit and hopefully as a result pick up my refereeing
for the last few games of the season in April. “Power walking”, as it is generally known but
perhaps in my case it is more “wobbling around”, seems to work for me and keeps the muscles
supple and helps maintain a reasonable level of stamina. But instead of performing my daily
routine in the cold, rain and wind of Gunnersbury Park, Acton with the elevated section of the
M4 as a backdrop--for 3 weeks I am waddling along the seafront of Roquetas de Mar with the
Mediterranean for company and the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas as a backdrop. It’s a pity that
all this effort will be wasted an hour or two later as I tuck into delicious seafood dishes with a
beer and or a wine. And in spite of my determination to keep mobile I simply have to honour
the local tradition of an afternoon snooze!
“Urbanizaciones Roquetas de Mar” is a modern purpose built holiday suburb established
some 35 years ago around 45 minutes from the city of Almeria site of the international airport.
For anyone seeking the bustle and nightlife of Malaga, Benidorm or Lloret de Mar this is not for
you as there is little to do except relax. Situated midway between Valencia and Malaga and due
south of historic Granada, Almeria is the driest and one of the sunniest regions of Spain. Like
many other regions of Spain it has been hit by the economic downturn and this is evidenced by
the number of vacant shops and bars and half-finished edifices on the western edge of the area
which were planned as holiday apartments, villas, supermarkets and hotels. In spite of this the
council maintains a neat and clean environment with flourishing gardens, tree lined avenues
and a long, clean and safe sandy beach. Current holiday-makers and long-term residents benefit
from rock bottom prices as stores, bar and restaurants all selling the same goods compete for
their custom. For the golfer, which regrettably I am not, there is an 18 hole course in the town
and another two courses less than 30 minutes drive away.
Are we on a slippery slope to nowhere? As usual while in Spain I have sought out various bars
where I can watch wall-to-wall UK and Spanish football. Last week I settled into the corner of a
lovely, hospitable Spanish bar and after the odd beer, a plate of calamari in garlic sauce I settled
back with a decent bottle of local wine for what I thought would be an exhibition of fine English
club football. The bar was filled with Spaniards, some Germans and some Dutch: a real mixture
of representatives of European major footballing powers. But as the Manchester United V
Athletico Bilbao game developed I sat incredulous as the goals went in. Heads then turned
towards the Englishman sitting in the corner who sank lower and lower into his chair. Although
an ardent Liverpool supporter I always stick up for other English teams competing in Europe
[but it sticks in my craw to cheer for Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and
Spurs]. But with the hammering United took from a Spanish team followed by a similar
demolition of Manchester City by a Portuguese side and following Arsenal and Spurs
departures from this season’s European footballing scene a sobering thought descended on me
“Are the days of English club football’s dominance in European over?”
Not long ago 3 of the 4 semi-finalists of the European Champions League were regularly
Premiership sides with invariably one winning the final. But with Chelsea our sole
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representative this season I worry about the future. Remember the giants of yesteryear on the
European footballing scene: Anderlecht, Hamburg, PSV Eindhoven, Red Star Belgrade, Moscow
Dynamo, Honved, Bratislava, and Malmo; where are they now? Remember the days when the
two Glasgow teams were European Championship contenders and an away leg in Glasgow was
an experience not to be forgotten. But when will a Scottish side reach those dizzy heights again
particularly since some money has been mislaid at one of the two Glasgow clubs and its very
existence is uncertain? Is the same happening to the top English clubs? We have had 20 years of
lavish spending on transfer fees, agents’ fees and players’ wages with the result that clubs are
either incurring massive debts or relying solely on success in Europe and the income from TV
receipts. Most of this spending has been on overseas players. Those English clubs that have not
tasted success for a long time are finding it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to reach the
top of the Premiership and therefore European football. Current press estimates put European
Cup finalists’ success as worth around £48-50 million whereas FA cup-final winners might
pocket less than £2 million.
The Premiership has the rich top 6 clubs plus another 8, who offer some resistance, and finally
another 6 who hover constantly above the trap door to the Championship. But will recently
introduced UEFA legislation end this making clubs live within their means? Ultimately the
foreign sugar daddies of English football will become bored with their toys [ask their ex-wives]
and perhaps then, and only then, will domestic players regain their places in our top teams. We
have done well at club level for 20 years but what about our national sides? The other home
nations [with the greatest respect] do not feature prominently on the World Cup radar and
England was very poor at World Cup 2010 in RSA. Are we likely to see any improvement this
summer or in the next 8 years; I doubt it?
St Howard? The near tragedy of the collapse of Bolton Wanderer’s Fabrice Muamba in a recent
game with a suspected cardiac arrest brought home the importance of there being even the
simplest medical support at football grounds even at grass roots level. Fortunately for this
player skilled, trained and brave people were on hand and they seem to have saved his life. But I
am appalled that in Saturday grass roots football there is generally no requirement for teams to
have even a simple first aid kit. In my Sunday league this is mandatory and failure to produce a
first aid kit to the referee before the kick-off earns a fine. One bright light in this tragedy was the
role played by Howard Webb. This was recognized and well received by the written and
television media and rightly so. His handling of the situation was excellent with the right
balance of concern for the player’s welfare, the need to remain in charge and when required
having the strength of character to abandon the game. I was later pleased with the comments
made and thanks and praise extended to Howard on BBC’s MOTD that evening and on other
similar shows. Since the dismissal of certain people from our TV screens recently sports
commentators and pundits have given referees credit where it has been due, shown respect and
even when the correctness of their decisions is in doubt comment has at least been objective.
Thank goodness moronic comments such as “I think the referee got that just about right” and “That
was nearly offside” have largely disappeared. Perhaps we are witnessing a new dawn of
understanding of referees. Much of this credit has been hard earned by The FA and the high
standards its sets and to referees such as Howard and his colleagues.
Good old Uncle George: Thanks to those of you who wrote about my reference to my great
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uncle in the last Argus. Those with a keen interest in West Ham United will have worked out
that he was called George Kay and was my late mother’s uncle. If anyone out there has a link
with the clubs he was involved with [West Ham United, Southampton, Luton Town and
Liverpool], I should like to hear more.
Tricks of the Trade: Thanks too to those of you who have added to my growing list of useful
hints to be published from September. We could do with more so please all you Level 3s and 4s,
assessors and instructors you must have some helpful hints worth passing on to new referees.
Please help future referees with your suggestions.
. . . and finally: Some years ago with the generous cooperation of Mike Brown, CEO AFA we
held an evening entitled “Save a Life.” Mike very kindly gave up his time and gave expert advice
and training to those attending on how in an emergency we might save the life of a player
whose life is in danger. It might be timely to retread this path and I am delighted to say that he
has agreed to repeat this exercise. If you are interested please let me know.
Best wishes.
Gordon Kirby, JP, Chairman
WA N T E D
SOMEONE TO KEEP THE SOCIETY
WELL SUPPLIED
We looking for an enthusiastic Supplies Manager to keep our members at
the top of their game with –
Accessories
socks, whistles, lanyards, pumps, gauges etc
Consumables
match reports, wallets, cards etc
Advice on the best deals for kit and other equipment
The appointee should be aim to be "on-side" at most Society meetings
Please contact either Gordon Kirby (kirbygrd2@aol.com) or
Mike Naylor (mikernaylor@hotmail.com)
if you'd like to know more.
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Whistleblower’s Opinion
Two legs good - three legs better
The Southern Amateur League (SAL) took a squad of 16 two-legged players for the semi-final
of the FA National Inter-League Cup against the Isle of Man(IOM).
The National symbol of the IOM is a three-legged figure and the Manxman players in this
closely fought encounter made full use of their symbolic advantage.
The longer the game went on, the faster they ran.
The FA Inter-League Cup is the senior amateur football competition in England, and the SAL
had surprised many so called "higher" Step 6 and 7 leagues to win the national competition in
2008.
In this 2011/12 competition, the SAL had beaten the Spartan South Midlands League, the
Devon and Exeter League, and the Sussex County League to reach the semi-final.
The game was played in the magnificent Bowl Stadium in Douglas in front of a crowd of over
2000. Just behind where we were sitting, live commentary on the game was being broadcast on
Manx Radio. The pitch was an artificial 3G surface in excellent condition, but one on which the
home side had the playing experience.
The refereeing team had been flown in from Manchester. Referee Chris Kavanagh, and
Assistants Gareth Mellor and Joe Simpson did a good job of keeping the game flowing,
although perhaps allowing more physical contact than "soft Southerners" might be used to.
Despite any home team advantage with the pitch, the SAL team started very confidently,
moving the ball quickly forward where Andy Barrell (Winchmore Hill) and Alex Ewin
(Nottsborough) were finding space in dangerous attacking positions.
Meanwhile in defence, Jack Gavin (Old Salesians) James Ayres (Old Salesians) Arren Sutcliffe
(Nottsborough) and Alex Karamath (Old Wilsonians) were in commanding form against the
speedy IOM front men.
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So it was no surprise when following a free kick by Rob Laney (East Barnet OG) the SAL went
ahead when Alex Ewin coolly scored from an acute angle.
The SAL continued to play good football, but the Manxmen changed their formation to
strengthen midfield, and began to create more chances. The SAL wide players were isolated and
not giving support to a hard pressed midfield two. It took a great save from Dan Ashley
(Nottsborough) on 40 minutes to keep the SAL ahead at half time.
The Manxmen began the second half with waves of attacks, and opened the left side of the
SAL defence to give a tap-in goal for McNulty. 5 minutes later, a clumsy tackle gave the IOM a
penalty, which Dan Ashley (having only that morning watched the video of a penalty in the
IOM's last game) dived the right way to save.
The SAL brought on Richard Parker (Nottsborough), but before he had time to settle, the
Manxmen took the lead after 16 minutes from a right wing attack creating a chance for Jones
to score.
The SAL played their last attacking option bringing on Nick Haynes (Old Salesians) for Andy
Barrell, but at this stage the Manxmen were well in control. And only another magnificent save
from Dan Ashley kept the SAL in the game.
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Dan Ashley : Man of the Match
(Photos by Diane Morrissey)
Matt Kerr (Nottsborough) came on to reinforce a tiring midfield for the last 10 minutes. The
Manxmen defended deeper to protect their lead and the SAL had one last chance when Dan
Field (Civil Service) hit a post after a corner.
But the Manxmen were deserving winners of a high quality and very fast game. Playing on
an artificial pitch can be unusually tiring even for the fittest of players, and they looked the fitter
side on the day. The Manx run to the Final has featured a series of game-changing second-half
performances, and their 'extra legs' proved decisive in the end.
The Isle of Man FA were excellent hosts, from meeting the official SAL party at the airport to
a first class reception and dinner after the game (to which some travelling supporters in
addition to the official party were privileged to be invited).
At the dinner, after admirable speeches from Tony Jones, President of IOM FA, and Ian
Hunter, Chairman of the SAL, the hosts awarded the opposition Player of the Match Award to
Dan Ashley, the SAL goalkeeper. That says it all!
S A L T e a m - Dan Ashley, Jack Gavin (Captain), James Ayres, Arren Sutcliffe, Alex Karamath, Dan Field, Ian Cooper, Rob
Laney, Andy Barrell, Alex Ewin, Chris Rose. S u b s - Richard Parker, Nick Haynes, Matt Kerr. T e a m M a n a g e r - Bob
Leeds. C o a c h - Pat Forgan
P a t r i ck M o r r i s s e y
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The AFA and LONSAR Referees’ Society
Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening
The Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening will be held on Friday the 18th May 2012
in the St. Giles function rooms at Balls Brothers, Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London
EC3 7PP starting with drinks at the bar from 6.30pm and dinner at 7.30pm. The
evening should end at about 10.30pm so there will be plenty of time to catch the last
train or bus home. If you have never been before it is an event not to be missed
especially with our very illustrious guest speaker in attendance.
You can finish off the season with good company, excellent food and an opportunity
to see fellow colleagues honoured.
The evening is mixed company so if you wish to bring your long suffering partner or
guest as a thank you for putting up with your many hours away from home on
refereeing duties this is the time show your appreciation.
We are honoured to have as our guest speaker Steve Bennett who was first
appointed as a referee to the Football League in 1995 and continued successfully up
the rankings into the Premier League and then appointed as a FIFA referee in 2001
and was only removed from the FIFA list in 2006 as he had reached the grand old age
of 45 (where was the age discrimination act?)
Steve Bennett finally retired as a Premiership Referee in 2010 and became a full
time refereeing coach for the FA. He later became a FIFA Referees Instructor and
UEFA Referee Observer where he still travels the world in this capacity. With such an
illustrious guest speaker it is advisable that you book your seats as early as possible to
avoid disappointment.
The seating arrangements at the moment consist of 7 tables of 8 but we have made
provisions for another 2 tables as we anticipate a good turnout as Steve Bennettʼs
attendance will generate a lot of interest, so if you wish to book as a party we will
endeavour to seat you all at the same table. If you are booking individually and you
wish to be seated at the same table as someone else all you have to do is indicate
your wishes on the booking form and we will try and accommodate you.
The evening will be overseen by our MC who will try and co-ordinate the events but
may end up a bit disjointed if he is plied with too much alcoholic beverage.
The tickets are reasonably priced at £35 per person (including tea, coffee, water
and half bottle of house wine per person) which is the same as last year so it canʼt be
bad!
If you would like any further information on the evening then contact:
Dave Cunningham Tel. 07961 151427 or 020 8842 1137 (Home & Fax).
Email: davecunningham@tiscali.co.uk
The booking form is included with the yearly subscription form so please fill in your
menu choices and send your cheque direct to Mike Nayler together with your yearly
subscription.
David Cunningham, Vice-Chairman and Social Secretary
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2007 ISFA U18 International Match
England v Scotland
2009 ESFA U18 International Match
England v France
D o m e st i c Ho n o u r s:
FA Challenge Cup Final 1995
Manchester United v Everton, Linesman
Division 1 Play-off Final 1995
Bolton Wanderers v Reading, Linesman
FA Youth Cup Final 2000
Coventry City v Arsenal, Referee
Arsenal v Liverpool, 4th Official
Division 1 Play-off Final 2003
Sheffield United v Wolverhampton W, Referee
FA Community Shield 2003
Arsenal v Manchester United, Referee
Carling Cup Final 2005
Chelsea v Liverpool, Referee
Chelsea v Manchester United, Referee
S t e v e Be nn e t t , En g la n d
D a t e o f B i r t h : 17 . 01 . 19 6 1
I n t e r n a t i o n a l Ho n o u r s:
UEFA Intertoto Cup Final 2003
FC Schalke v PSV Pashing, Referee
Qatar-Emir’s Cup Final 2006
Al Sadd v Al Wakrah, Referee
UEFA Cup Final 2006
Sporting Lisbon v CSKA Moscow, 4th Official
Ukraine Championship Final 2006
FC Dynamo Kiev v FC Shakhtar Donetsk,
Referee
R e f e r e e in g Ex p e r ie n ce :
Qualified as a local Referee in 1984. – Promoted
onto the following competitions;
1992 Linesman’s List – National Football League
1993 Linesman’s List - FA Premier League.
1995 Linesman’s Panel - FIFA.
1995 Referees List – National Football League
1999 Referees List - FA Premier League
2000 Referees List - FIFA (until January 2007)
U E F A E l i t e G r o u p D e c 2 00 3 – J a n 2 00 7
2010 May - Retired
S e le ct io n o f m e m o r a b le g am e s :
In t e r n at io n als
2002 Nigeria v Paraguay, Referee
2002 Bhutan v Montserrat, Referee
2003 Switzerland v Albania, Referee
2003 Norway v Portugal, Referee
2004 Germany v Hungary, Referee
2004 Holland v Finland, Referee
2005 Albania v Ukraine, Referee
S ch o o lb o y Ho n o u r s :
2004 ISFA Boodle & Dunthorne Cup Final
Millfield v Queen Elizabeth’s GS
2006 ISFA Boodle & Dunthorne Cup Final
Kings School Chester v Millfield
2006 ESFA U18 Centenary Shield
England v Northern Ireland
12
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2005
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
Spain v Bosnia Herzegovina, Referee
Norway v Moldova, Referee
France v Germany, Referee
Denmark v Paraguay, Referee
Brazil v Argentina, Referee
Slovakia v Czech Republic, Referee
Spain v Sweden, Referee
S e l e c t i o n o f m e m o r a b l e g a m e s : UE F A
Ch a m p io n s L e a g u e
2003 PSV Eindhoven v FC Monaco, Referee
2003 Real Madrid CF v FC Porto, Referee
2004 Club Bruges v Shakhtar Donetsk, Referee
2004 Maccabi Tel Aviv v Bayern Munich, Referee
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FC Monaco v PSV Eindhoven, Referee
FC Barcelona v Udinese Referee
Real Madrid v Rosenborg, Referee
Benfica v Barcelona, Referee
Inter Milan v Bayern Munich, Referee
AEK Athens v Lille LOSC, Referee
Olympiakos v FC Shakhtar Donetsk, Referee
Cu r r e n t ly h o ld in g t h e
f o llo w in g p o sit io n s:
FIFA Senior Referee Instructor since October 2008
UEFA Referee Observer since June 2011
PGMO Referee Assessor since August 2011
Member of Bromley RA
ADVERTISEMENT
Roquetas de Mar, Almeria, Andalucía, Spain
We have two one bed-roomed apartments for rental throughout the year both south facing, fully
equipped including UK satellite TV. They are close to the beach, bars, restaurants and all amenities
and are ideally suited for single occupancy, a couple alone, or perhaps a couple with a child. We
also operate a small supermarket stocked entirely with UK sourced goods.
Roquetas de Mar is a small, modern development south west of the port of Almeria. It has pleasant
villas with gardens and many wide tree-lined avenues. There is a large UK community and there are
plenty of bars serving all day breakfasts and offering UK television particularly football. But there
are lots of local bars and restaurants with excellent Spanish and international menus.
Excursions can be arranged by local tour agents to Sierra Nevada, Alhambra, Cordoba and
Cartagena. The nearest airport is Almeria which is two and a half hours flying time from Gatwick.
There are connections from Birmingham, Manchester and Stanstead. Transfers to and from the
airport can be arranged at reasonable prices.
Please contact us on [Home] 0034950334544 or
[Business] 0034950334081 or on internet
[momowade@hotmail.com]
for further details of availability and prices.
Ken and Maureen Wade
[Highly recommended by Gordon Kirby, JP, Chairman]
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REFEREES’ TALKBACK
Ever wanted to talk through an incident with another referee after a game but found no other
colleagues available? A number of highly-experienced referees within the Society invariably
return to their club houses on Saturday evenings and will be pleased to met and greet you. If
you’re in their area, just call in after about 6.00 p.m. This scheme provides a network of AFA
club locations around London where referees can expect a warm reception and a friendly chat
after receiving club hospitality. The following clubs are currently available:
NO RTH
Latymer Old Boys
Botany Bay Cricket Club
East Lodge Lane
Enfield
Middlesex
NO RTH
Old Finchleians
Southover
Woodside Park
Finchley
London N12
S O UT H W ES T
Old Salesians FC
Salesian College Playing Fields
Old School Lane
Ewell West
Surrey
Tel: 020 8363 4482
Tel: 020 8445 7406
Tel: 020 8393 9820
Referees:
Referees:
Referees:
Trevor Syms, Ian Kerr
Tony Hemmings,
John Cooke, John Faithfull,
Robert Hanison
Society Friend:
Danny McConnell
Pat Morrissey, Peter Kosciolek
Peter Georgiou, Brian Mallins
Phil Cook, Treavor Weaver
Stephen O’Sullivan, Chris Phillips
Bart O’Toole
NORTH EAST
Old Parkonians, Oakfield Playing Fields, Forest Road, Fairlop, Ilford, Essex IG6 3HD
Referees: Bill Taylor, Peter Robbins, Clive Last, John Dixon
West
Polytechnic FC, Chiswick Sports Centre, Cavendish Road, Chiswick, London W4 3UJ
Referees: John Keane, Terry Hillier, Gordon Kirby
Can you add your club’s name to the list? If so call Gordon Kirby 020 8995 7529.
A. P. Clinic
of Physical Medicine
Naina Patel BSc (Hons) MCSP (State Registered Practitioner)
• physiotherapy • sports injuries
• back/neck pain • massage
020 8444 1920/2030
www.apclinic.co.uk
353 Muswell Hill Broadway London N10 1BX
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HERE COMES
THE BIG ONE!
The Referees' Association Grand Prize Draw 2012
1st prize - A Hyundai 1.2 Classic or £5000
2nd Prize - £1000
3rd Prize - £500
25 consolation prizes of £100 each
Tickets @ £1 each
Books @ £5 for 5 tickets
Please make cheques out to
"The Referees Association",
and return cheques and completed counterfoils
and/or unused tickets to:
Mike Naylor
AFA & LONSAR Treasurer
1 Acacia Rd, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 3DP
Extra Tickets are available
Please see Mike at upcoming Society meetings or
contact him at mikernaylot@hotmail.co.uk;
or Tel 020 8288 1724
Please make all returns by 15th May,
and don't forget that as well as a chance to win
MAJOR CASH PRIZES,
the Society benefits from an RA rebate of
50p for each ticket sold.
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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Please note that our AGM
will be held in conjunction with our monthly meeting
on Thursday 10 May 2012
at Civil Service Club
beginning at 1915 sharp
If you have any matters to raise or want to ask a question about
PLEASE let me have details in writing before the event.
This will enable me to better manage the proceedings.
The May monthly meeting will follow when the AGM has finished.
Gordon
100 Club Plus Winners Drawn at The Society Meeting
on Thursday 8 March 2012 at Old Isleworthians FC were:
Num b er
92
72
33
Na m e
A n d r e w M a cR a e
Willia m Ev an s
P e t e r Ge o r g io u
Am o unt
£2 5
£1 5
£1 0
Bo nus?
X
X
X
To t al
£25
£15
£10
J u s t t o r e m i n d y o u , t h e £ 15 b o n u s i s p a i d t o a n y m e m b e r w h o s e n u m b e r i s d r a w n
o n t h e n ig h t an d is p r e s e n t a t t h e m e e t in g .
W h y n o t e n h a n c e y o u r ch a n c e s o f w in n i n g b y a t t e n d in g so c ie t y m e e t in g s m o r e
r e g u la r ly ?
A n d d o n 't f o r g e t t h e 1 0 0 C l u b P l u s p r i z e s t o b e d r a w n a t t h e S o c i e t y A n n u a l D i n n e r
a n d p r e s e n t a t io n e v e n in g o n F r id a y 18 Ma y a r e w e ll w o r t h h a v in g p a r t icu la r ly if y o u
a r e p r e s e n t o n t h e e v e n in g . P le a se se e A r g u s a n d o u r w e b s it e f o r d e t a ils. Y o u h a v e
t o in it t o w in it !
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RDO EVENTS CORNER
LONDON FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATION
London FA’s Course Calendar is shown
below. Anyone requiring more information
should contact its Referee Development
Officers, Adrian Shorter
(adrian.shorter@londonfa.com
or 020 7610 8375)
or Andy Porter (andy.porter@londonfa.com
or 020 7610 8362).
following six Saturday mornings (targeted at
people who would like to qualify as referees).
B a s i c T r a i n i n g C o u r s e (W a l t h a m s t o w )
All day on Saturdays 21st and 28th April
2012 and all day on Sunday 22nd April 2012
(targeted at people who would like to qualify
as referees).
Y o ung Ref er ee s S up p o rt Gr o up
Evening of Thursday 12th April 2012
(targeted at officials under 26 years of age).
B a s i c T r a i n i n g C o u r s e (P i m l i c o )
Evening of Tuesday 1st May 2012 and the
following eight Tuesday evenings (targeted
at people who would like to qualify as
referees).
R e f e r e e M ast e r m in d Gr o up
Evening of Monday 16th April 2012 (targeted
at officials who wish to develop their
refereeing skills to the best of their
potential).
B a s i c T r a i n i n g C o u r s e (H o l l o w a y )
Evening of Tuesday 1st May 2012 and the
following eight Tuesday evenings (targeted
at people who would like to qualify as
referees).
B a s i c T r a i n i n g C o u r s e (B r o m l e y )
Morning of Saturday 21st April 2012 and the
R-E -S-P-E -C-T (AND ALL T HAT)
MAN AGE RS AN D COACHES
As the season draws to a close, one naturally reflects upon how it has gone: bearing
in mind the, continuing, influence of the “RESPECT” (hope that practising referees
reading this prose, continue to display that wording on the upper sleeve of their
refereeing tunic!) Campaign which has materially helped the “Beautiful Game”!
However, one disturbinbg fact appears to have gone – generally – un-checked by
a lot of referees, in the humble lower regions of football’ “pyramid”.
That is the misconduct by certain Team Managers/Coaches, clearly showing
verbal dissent (and body language of insolence) at some decisions of their Match
Official(s).
The writer views that such verbal spitefulness from touchline Club Officials has
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always been anathema to him, in practical terms . . . and must, accordingly be so to
most active “Whistlers”.
It has been disturbing, when looking back, over this – the writer’s umpteenth –
season to realise that this correspondent has had occasion – from three quite
separate fixtures – to report a team’s lineside Club Official for (respectively): dissent,
rank insolence and disrespectful bad manners.
One such ill-mannered has even got himself into additional “hot water” by
refusing to disclose his name . . . naughty boy, oh dear, oh dear!
Interestingly, the instances needing such reporting to the appropriate County
F.A., were all from clubs’ where the Competition’s Handbook clearly states that, via
their particular Constitution: “This Competition and its Clubs shall support the FAs
“Respect” programme.”
Brave and encouraging words . . . so well meaning!
Presumably, sanctioned Competitions are advised of reported misconduct
performed by their constituent clubs, directly by their parent County Football
Association?
Hence it would be interesting to know just what action that League/Competition,
consequently takes against these offending member clubs?
Ah . . . now there’s a thing? Ah?
If nothing else, surely that Competition has a “duty of care” to protect the very
established ethos of its repute?
Importantly, one looks back to the cause of this unwelcome nastiness, not in
accord with the “Spirit of the Game”.
The writer suggests that it is a progresion of what “last weeks’ Referee allowed” .
. . and then his match predecessor . . . and then the one prior . . . and so on.
If referees’ became more united – thereby more vigilant – in having the courage
(yes, that’s what it takes) to publicly stop the game, and so across to the
perpetrator(s) of such impertinence (albeit without the visual “power” of being able
to display a coloured disciplinary card) to obtain a name(s) for reporting purposes . .
. this would then become a needful addition to one’s refereeing technique.
If the playing pitch is of an enclosed nature then offending Club Officials must – if
the bad manners are deemed particularly disrespectful – be directed to a position
behind the designated boundary of the playing area.
A yer further display of misconduct obviously requires an enlargement of the
content of your Report!
A “can of worms”? Not necessarily so, provided (for example) that active referees
amongst the readership of this periodical takew, heedful, action . . . maybe, perforce
of circumstances in their very next match(!) should the foregoing scenario occur?
Remember, too, that such off-field ill manners are, usually contagious . . .
raopidly caught by the players.
Finally, Mr. Referee, remember your responsibilities to uphold “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”!
Oh, and . . . . “PLAY-ON!”
P h i l New m a n
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I am grateful to Simon Barnes, The Times for once again providing an article for Argus.
Gordon Kirby
“James – for England!”
“For England, Alec!”
And James Bond (and friend) go unto the breach once more. Is he inspired by pure patriotism?
Is he befuddled by love of country? Or is English patriotism just a camp joke to sell the film to
America?
Come all you young rebels and list while I sing,
For the love of one’s country is a terrible thing,
It banishes fear with the speed of a flame
And makes us all part of the Patriot Game.
The song of Dominic Behan. “Playing for England is the pinnacle of anyone’s career… I can
only say it as I see it, and what I hold dear in my heart.” The words oanf Stuart Pearce, one-off
England manager and full-time patriot.
Patriotism has been part of sport since England started playing international matches in
football, cricket rugby against other nations in the 1870s. (There was an earlier international
cricket match between United States and Canada but it didn't establish a continuing tradition.)
But sport has changed a great deal since then and so have both England and patriotism. And
yet as the Olympic Year gets into its stride, we are still being sold the event as a vector for cosy
last-night-of-the Proms patriotism. “Come on Jess! For England, Jess!”
Len McCluskey, general sectary of the trade union Unite, has called for widespread political
disruption of the Olympic Games. “The attacks on public sector workers at the moment are so
deep and ideological that the idea the world should arrive in London and have these wonderful
Olympic Games as though everything is nice and rosy in the garden is unthinkable,” he said.
Unpatriotic, no? “The Olympics are a showcase for the best of Britain,” Ed Milliband riposted
-- and there was I, thinking the Olympics were a showcase for international sport. But never
mind Usain Bolt and Yelena Isinbayeva and Michael Phelps and Kohei Uchimua and Qiu Bo and
the fact that there 200 nations besides Britain taking part. For Britain, Britons!
Out rings the national anthem, and the camera cuts to the three lions on a blazer pocket,
pans up – and there’s Pearce singing his heart out at the England game just recently. Which is
all very well, but the snag is that playing for England is no longer the pinnacle of any player’s
career. Club football has outstripped international football. The pinnacle is great clubs, great
cheques, week-by-week soap opera and dizzying Champions League nights. The two greatest
players in the world have never done much at international level: it’s not Lionel Messi of
Argentina or Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal: it’s all Barcelona, Manchester United and Real
Madrid.
Patriotism isn’t enough to make it international football special anymore. When there’s a big
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tournament and the country unites behind the team and its fortunes and misfortunes, sure, it’s
a wonderful vivid time. But outside those seven weeks in four years, it’s clubs all the way. If
Pearce sought to galvanise his young England team with patriotic fervour, he was always going
to fail.
Then there’s Kevin Pietersen. “For England, Kev!” But Pietersen is South African, and
couldn’t be anything else if he tried. He plays for England because international cricket is the
pinnacle of his career. The country he plays it for is a secondary issue. That doesn’t mean he
doesn’t spill his guts to score runs, and it doesn’t means he is anything other skin-strippingly
committed in the field. It’s just that his motivation has nothing to do with patriotism.
In 1995, there was a scandal when the magazine Wisden Cricket Monthly published a piece
arguing that British-born non-white cricketers shouldn’t be picked for England because they try
less hard, not being motivated by real patriotism. Offensive nonsense, obviously enough.
I don’t suppose non-white English cricketers share the patriotic motives of Cecil Rhodes, but
these days the white ones don’t either. There are other motivations for playing with total
commitment: and modern cricketers play with a great deal more physical commitment than
any player of the more leisured if more obviously patriotic past.
There will be plenty of British medals to enjoy during the Olympic Games, but we will do
ourselves a great disservice if we get more excited about David Beckham at Wembley than
Uchimura at the North Greenwich Arena: I’m expecting him to emerge as the greatest male
gymnast ever to stand on his hands.
Are our Olympic athletes fuelled by pure patriotism? “For England Tom!” But Tom Daley has
been criticised for taking care of business and media work, rather than concentrating everything
on his attempt to win a diving medal for Britain.
No one could be more motivated or train with more purpose than Jessica Ennis: but I am sure
that love of country is only one ingredient in the head-spinning cocktail of motivations that
drives all elite performers. For me, for my parents, for my coach, for the love of victory, for the
desire to do down an opponent, for the pursuit of excellence: it’s all immensely complex, even if
the British medal-winners wrap themselves in union jacks and weep on the podium. I suspect
that patriotism is more savoured in victory than in preparation. Only as the flag is raised and
the anthem rings out does a modern Olympic athlete become an uncomplicated patriot.
What is patriotism? The last refuge of the scoundrel? The glorious emotion of the man who
regrets he has but one life to lay down for his country? A society united by a delusion about its
ancestry and a common hatred of its neighbours? Would you sooner betray your country or your
friend? Will this house in no circumstances fight for its King and its country?
Come, this is sport. And here, thanks God, patriotism is silly hats, a stupid desire to cry on the
evenings when we lose, a halfwit singing “No Surrender to the IRA”, the way we suspend our
certainty that it doesn’t actually matter when Beckham's swerver hits the net and Jonny’s
parabola sails over the bar, the way we will cheer for Little Tom and Big Chris and Lovely Jess
and Wonderful Becky, the way we savour the wins because the defeats give a pain that is
almost but not quite real, the way we acknowledge with regret tinged by generosity (and vice
versa) defeat by a truly great opponent – and the way we can just enjoy the party without
allowing the patriotism to go to our heads and make us sick and abusive and needing to be
sent home in a minicab.
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And then there’s the higher patriotism. Diogenes said he was not an Athenian or a Greek but
a citizen of the world. In the little world of sport, we need not be Londoners or Englanders or
anything else parochial: we can be patriots for the planet-wide kingdom of sport: mad jingoists
for the nation of excellence: chauvinists for its provinces of drama and beauty and effort and
will and triumph and failure. The Olympic Games involve more than 200 nations: let us be
patriots for them all. Let us approach these Games with a vast unbordered patriotism and make
them a showcase for our species (and for our co-conspiratorial species Equus callus), a
showcase for the whole bloody planet. Let us makes the real Patriot Games.
S im o n Bar ne s
Old Butch
John was in the fertilized egg business and
had several hundred young layers (hens),
called 'pullets,' and ten roosters to fertilize the
eggs.
He kept records, and any rooster not
performing went into the soup pot and was
replaced.
This took a lot of time, so he bought some
tiny bells and attached them to his roosters.
Each bell had a different tone, so he could
tell from a distance, which rooster was
performing.
Now, he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report by just listening to
the bells.
John's favourite rooster, old Butch, was a very fine specimen, but this morning
he noticed old Butch's bell hadn't rung at all!
When he went to investigate, he saw the other roosters were busy chasing
pullets, bells-a-ringing, but the pullets, hearing the roosters coming, would run for
cover.
To John's amazement, old Butch had his bell in his beak, so it couldn't ring.
He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one.
John was so proud of old Butch, he entered him in the Renfrew County Fair and
he became an overnight sensation among the judges.
The result was the judges not only awarded old Butch the "No Bell Piece Prize,"
but they also awarded him the "Pulletsurprise" as well.
Clearly old Butch was a politician in the making. Who else but a politician could
figure out how to win two of the most coveted awards on our planet by being the
best at sneaking up on the unsuspecting populace and screwing them when they
weren't paying attention.
Vote carefully next year, the bells are not always audible.
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Eve-of-Final Rally – Friday 4 May 2011
Doors open @ 6.30pm
One Great George Street, London. SW1P 3AA
(Between St. James’s Park and Parliament Square)
Guest Speaker: David Davies OBE
David spent 13 years with The FA between 1993 and 2006 and led the
organisation through several turbulent periods as Executive Director and
as Acting Chief Executive following the resignations of Graham Kelly,
Adam Crozier and Mark Palios.
Among his responsibilities were international relations and as football’s
representative on the British Olympic Association leading up to London’s
successful Bid for the 2012 Summer Games.
Prior to his FA career, David spent 23 years as a presenter and correspondent with BBC Television. He is the only
BBC correspondent to have had senior roles in the coverage of successive World Cups and General Elections.
On leaving the FA he co-wrote the book FA Confidential with Henry Winter. David has resurrected his broadcasting
career, by standing in occasionally on the Radio 5 Live Sunday morning show Sportsweek. He was a personal advisor
to Danny Jordaan, Chairman of the 2010 World Cup Finals Committee.
A very enjoyable evening is assured in the company of many other top referees,
some of who have ‘been there and done it’. You will receive a souvenir Rally
Programme, autographed by the match officials.
A bar and light refreshments will be available.
Which of our colleagues will follow Martin Atkinson (pictured left at the 2011 Rally)
as the referee appointed to the most prestigious club match in the world - the FA
Cup Final?
Come and meet him and his team and hear what he has to say about their
preparations for the big match. A number of former FA Cup Final officials will also
be in attendance as well as senior FA personnel.
“I really enjoyed the Eve-of-Final Rally and I thought it was pitched just right. We
weren’t there long into the night which is vital for preparation, but long enough to
enjoy the whole event. It was very well organised and all the members were great,
really respectful and the good wishes we received made the team feel very proud and honoured. Julie and I will
cherish forever memories of a fantastic weekend and one that we will all remember forever. The game worked out
perfectly and no one was talking about refereeing after the game.” Martin Atkinson.
Tickets are now available from RA Head Office priced at £12.00 each for adults and £6.00 for 18 and
under. Telephone 02476 420360 or post the slip below to: The Referees’ Association, Unit 12,
Ensign Business Centre, Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, Coventry, CV4 8JA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I/We…………………..……………………. (ABS) apply for …….. tickets for the Eve-Of-Final Rally on
4 May 2012. Enclosed is my/our cheque for £……..……. made payable to The Referees’ Association
or please charge my MasterCard / Visa / Maestro / Solo credit/debit card (delete as appropriate) no:
............../............../............../..............All cards: Expiry Date:............./............. Total (£)………………..
Sec No (CV) 3 digits …………… Maestro & solo cards only: Valid from .........../..........Issue no..........
Your Address Details: .....................................................................................................................................................
Post code ……………
Telephone no..........................................
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MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 8 MARCH 2012
AT OLD ISELWORTHIANS FC
“Superb, Wonderful, Best meeting since the last one!”
We certainly enjoyed ourselves in leafy Isleworth with members turning up in droves. Attendance
was 250% greater than our meeting at this venue last year. But it was a special event with Malcolm
Edwards receiving his award for 30 years impeccable service to refereeing and our old friend Jim de
Rennes, as guest speaker from Kingston Referees Society, was in the finest form possible.
The path to holding the meeting in Isleworth is worth recalling as we originally were due to break
new ground at the St John’s Ambulance Centre, Richmond. However, due to unforeseen operational
demands this was cancelled at short notice and we switched to a nice pub in Mortlake. But a burst
water pipe ruled this out at short notice. So it was back to the CSC, London but our speaker was
reluctant to enter the metropolis so late due to an afternoon engagement . By now I was desperate
and turned to Brentford FC at the Sport and Culture Stadium, Griffin Park. However after 48 hours
consideration the Bees said they couldn’t accommodate us. Finally, and here great thanks to Gary
O’Connell, Cub Manager, we turned to Old Isleworthians FC who did us proud on the night with a
nice bar, great food and a cosy atmosphere.
Gordon opened the proceedings with the usual boring announcements but quickly moved on to
match incidents and law queries. The “Tadman Question” [I’ll call it that as Peter has raised this
twice now] was discussed. To recap, this relates to a Bolton versus Wigan game where a player
taking a corner seemed [but no-one can be sure] to have not played the ball before running into his
opponents’ penalty area. A colleague then took over and dribbled the ball at speed towards the goal
with spectators and defenders stunned. His cross resulted in a goal. The referee didn’t seem to have
noticed anything amiss and allowed the goal to stand [if fact the referee had his back to that corner
and his nearest AR was on the other side of the FOP.]
Law 17 states inter alia, “the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves.” Note that the words
“kicked and moves a distance of its own circumferences” or “kicked and leaves the confines of
the corner arc” or anything as remotely clear are no longer valid. These former definitions were far
too helpful for referees to judge whether there had been an offence or not. [Thanks FIFA.] So by a
player merely brushing his boot against the ball thereby causing it to move one micron [or even to
shudder or tremble on the spot perhaps] is sufficient to comply with this silly law and provides yet
another problem for referees. I think we all agreed that referee diligence is the answer. Some
colleagues mentioned experiences where the captain of one of the teams briefed them before kick-off
that his team would use this tactic. So the referee has that information but what does he do with it?
Some of us on noting the execution of this ruse will shout loudly “Ball in play!” But others
criticised this citing that the referee was unfairly assisting the other team. This led inevitably to the
question of whether we inform defending teams that the imminent free-kick is a direct one. Again
we were split. What right has the defending team to be forewarned and surely they can work out that
if a referee has his arm held high the kick is indirect and if no such signal then it is direct? Simples!!
The Chairman, sensing a fight breaking out in the ranks, offered the view that pro-active and preemptive refereeing is better than having to deal with a difficult situation later and that by shouting
“direct free kick goal-keeper” was about right.
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[If that query was not enough then cop the one which followed raised by someone sitting in the
intellectual seats!]
An attacker with the ball approaches his opponents’ penalty area with only the GK to beat. He
flicks the ball past the GK and shapes up to follow but the GK flattens him and the ball rolls
harmlessly wide. There were shouts from the assembled ranks of “DOGSO”, “penalty” and
“dismissal” however what actually transpired was unexpected. The referee having eventually
caught up with play blew his whistle and awarded a penalty; so he had got that bit right. He then
engaged the GK in 2 minutes of earnest conversation during which it was unclear whether a card
was brandished. The GK then walked off the FOP but not before removing his top and handing it to
a colleague who faced the penalty which was executed. Several minutes later the former GK was
seen on the touchline asking to re-enter the FOP. As the ball was out of play the referee waved him
on and he swapped GKs’ shirt with the temporary GK and the game continued. What was all this
about? Clearly the referee didn’t think the offence worthy of dismissing the GK but warranted a
penalty. But should he have done more; why did the GK vacate his goal at a critical time, is there
life on Mars?
After several minutes of analysis the following suggestions were made [see which one you
prefer]:
• The GK told the referee that his contact lens has been knocked out in his illegal tackle on the
forward and he wished to leave the FOP to adjust/renew it;
• The GK was suffering an upset stomach and wished to leave the FOP to relieve this and to
return having done so.
What would you have done, answers on a postcard to the Editor please?
The big moment had at last arrived and with a respectful hush having settled over the audience
Society President, AFA Board member, RA Board member, Bartholomew O’Toole delivered a
tribute to Malcolm Edwards on the occasion of his award by the AFA for 30 years impeccable
refereeing. Bart solemnly and eloquently reviewed Malcolm’s playing and refereeing careers from
his entry into AFA football in 1965 as a player with Old Uxonians where he did 400 games. Entry
into the refereeing ranks was made on 13 November 1969 following a course held at Newcastleupon-Tyne University under the aegis of Northumberland FA. He subsequently registered with the
AFA in 1975 and his registration number was 979. Malcolm’s achievements are many and great with
over 1600 games so far as a referee and many, many senior cup-finals. To loud acclaim from his
colleagues Malcolm shyly accepted his award and in reply admitted that refereeing had saved him
from shopping with his wife of 34 years. Such is his devotion to the regime that on one occasion
when returning from a game in 1978 his wife told him that she had bought a house and could he
possibly find time to see it? Malcolm’s secret: get the angle right, know your decision is correct and
SELL it to the players convincingly.
Jim de Rennes then took over for a sparking 70 minutes but see elsewhere for an account of this.
Gordon ended the meeting with the raffle [organized by Mike Naylor] and the 100 Club Plus
draw, the results of which are elsewhere in this issue.
He reminded colleagues that the next meeting would be at the Civil Service Club, Great Scotland
Yard on Thursday 12 April at 1905 for 1915 when our guest speaker would be Ed Stone.
Gordon Kirby, Chairman
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Jim de Rennes
“Effing Workshop”
Jim de Rennes, Kingston Referees’ Society was our guest speaker on 8 March 2012 at Old
Isleworthians FC. His presentation, a workshop, on the use of the “F” word in football and our
attitude as referees to this is rather difficult to record without causing offence given the nature
of the workshop’s theme. Jim very kindly has let me have a further piece reproduced below
which adds light to his workshop. What follows immediately is how I saw his excellent
presentation.
Jim broke us into groups of 3 and asked us to list all the reactions we may consider when
hearing the “F” word when refereeing. Replies were:
• Ignore;
• Discuss with offender;
• Dismiss the offender for OFFINABUS;
• Caution the offender for dissent;
• Public admonishment;
• A quiet word;
• Involve offender’s captain [but he might be the offender];
• Laugh it off;
• Offer a smart response;
Generally, we referees will always try to manage a situation rather than resort to dismissing a
player. But the key issue is whether the language is actually directed at the referee or was
perhaps a general comment brought on via frustration. However, we all agreed that ignoring
the words, laughing it off or offering a smart response are not an options as these will
encourage others to do the same and before long the game is out of control.
One colleague always, on hearing a remark not solely directed at him, roars [as he
demonstrated] “Player!” which invariably results in the player throwing his hands up in a
gesture of remorse followed by an apology.
Involving the captains was thought a good idea as this demonstrates flexibility and firmness
plus determination by the referee to manage the situation short of dismissal. If a captain has
been consulted about a player’s bad behaviour earlier in the game then if later the player is
cautioned or dismissed the referee looks to have been fair but firm. There was a counter
comment however that we perhaps expect too much from captains as they are not born leaders
nor elected by the team. Yes, it is a courtesy perhaps to say firmly [as I do often, “Skipper
please tell your number 6 to shut or I’ll shut him up!”] This delivered in a loud voice is a clear
message not just to the mouthy player who is on the verge of dismissal but to all the players. It
also empowers the captain.
Jim said that the “F” word and similar are now used far more often and openly than say 20
years ago and sadly their use is being accepted. Chat show hosts use the “F” word to show
how smart and up to date they are. A rather beautiful London-born films star was quoted
recently in the national press as using the “F” word many times plus the occasionally the “C”
word during an interview about her latest film. What someone of her obvious charm and talent
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hopes to achieve by doing this is a mystery. But the national press seems to relish quoting
offensive language either in full or with the middle letters omitted again to show how cool or
smart they are.
Offensive language is used widely in TV soaps, often before the watershed, to “emphasise”
real life situations. But it does beg the question of whether the soaps are imitating life or
whether viewers watching and listening to their heroes and heroines curse their way through an
episode are in fact aping their behaviour. Just think of an incident on MOTD on a Saturday
evening involving a foul-mouthed outburst; this is very likely repeated by a teenager the
following weekend during your game.
Clemency was sought for those players who through their daily lives use and are subjected
constantly to the “F” word; use in the pub, home or on a football FOP is unremarkable. The
players are often disciplinarians with their kids; they lead near blameless lives but curse and
swear at every opportunity. But, according to them, there is no malice intended.
There is
the familiar story of one such player who habitually urged his children as they kissed him
goodnight to “Now say your fxxxxxg prayers before you get into bed.”
We agree that use of the “F” word itself although to be discouraged should be judged by the
way, intensity and proximity of its projection. “Oh for fxxxs sake referee that was never a
corner” is perhaps borderline acceptable but a loud shout from 25 yards of “For fxxxs sake ref
you don’t know what you are doing!” is clearly unacceptable and the player must be dismissed.
However, we referees, certainly those within the Society tend to be PC and have little
tolerance of OFFINABUS language directed at us and we believe firmly in exercising tight
control over it is for the greater good of the game as a whole.
To emphasise the thrust of his workshop, Jim exhibited a display of gift wrapping papers
bought openly on Kingston market recently displaying words which frankly would make a
docker blush. It is hardly surprising he said that this kind of language is becoming commoner in
everyday use.
David Carney delivered an excellent Vote of Thanks, Gordon handed over a Society mug and
members delivered another round of applause.
Go r d o n K ir b y
THE PROBLEM OF THE “F” WORD IN
THE LOCAL PARK
We all know the Law: offensive language must be punished with a red card.
We also know that what offends one person may not offend another. Many players are in
the habit of using the F word in their daily working and social lives, often perhaps without
even realising that they are doing so. To expect such people to play an emotionally charged
physical contact sport for 90 minutes without at least occasionally using the word is almost
certainly expecting too much.
However, we also know that when we referee on a local park it is almost certain that there
will be people within earshot who will take offence at hearing the F word shouted across the
field of play.
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W e t h e r e f o r e k n o w t h a t w e c a n n o t a l l o w it s u s e t o p a s s u n n o t ic e d , b u t w e a l s o
k n o w t h a t e n f o r c i n g t h e l e t t e r o f t h e La w b y p r o d u c i n g a r e d c a r d e v e r y t i m e w e
h e a r t h e w or d w o u l d s h ow a f a i l u r e t o w o r k w i t h i n t he p r e v a i l i n g a n d a c ce p t e d
c u l t u r e o f t h e UK i n t h e 2 1 s t c e n t u r y .
Attitudes to the use of the F word have changed as evidenced by the fact that The
Guardian newspaper printed the F word 33 times in 1985, but 843 times in 2007.
Interviewed by a daily newspaper in 2008 Keira Knightley apparently used the F word 6
times and the C word once.
According to a May 2008 Radio Times survey, 93 percent of people over 70 think that
there is too much swearing on television, but only 39 percent of those under 30 think that
there is too much. There is clearly a very large generational as well as a social difference in
attitudes to swearing. In local parks and youth football referees may well be several decades
older than many of the players.
Much also depends, of course, on HOW the potentially offensive words are spoken. As
long ago as 1975 a character in Harold Pinter’s play No Man’s Land used the C word as a
term of affection.
It is clear, then, that there is a wide range of attitudes to the use of the F word in society as
a whole, and this is reflected in the use of the word and reactions to that use on and around
the field of play.
R efer ee s m u s t r em a in a w ar e of t heir re s pons ib il ity to pr o tec t t he im a g e of th e
g a m e w e l o v e b y e n d e a v o u r i n g t o e n s u r e t h a t n o o n e is o f f e n d e d b y h e a r i n g
l a n g u a g e t h e y d i s a p p r o v e o f , w h i l e a t t h e s a m e t i m e w e r e m a in s e n s i t iv e t o t h e
r e a l i t ie s o f t h e l i n g u i s t i c w o r l d w e i n h a b it i n t h e 2 1 s t c e n t u r y.
J im d e Ren nes
The Shaggiest Dog Story Ever
On a cold wet winter evening a small theatre in Preston found that it suddenly lacked an opening act
as the bearded lady had gone down with dandruff. The theatre manager rang a theatrical agency
offering to take the first act available. It came to pass therefore that Pete and his talking dog Bonzo
was first on.
As the curtain lifted Pete and Bonzo were centre stage. Pete spoke to Bonzo, “Bonzo I understand
you drank 6 pints of bitter at lunch time how do you feel?” A hush fell on the audience as Bonzo
scratched his left ear. He then raised his head and barked “Roof!” “Yes said Pete you do feel rough.”
The audience was unimpressed.
Pete now enquired about their landlady’s looks: “How does she look Bonzo?” Again there was an
interested silence from the audience as Bonzo considered his answer. “Ruff” replied Bonzo eventually.
The audience began to slow hand clap and some even booed.
Finally Pete asked Bonzo to name the last thing a builder would put on a newly-built house. Bonzo
after consideration replied “Roof!”
With this Pete and Bonzo were yanked off the stage and thrown out into the cold night air. Sitting
forlornly on the pavement Pete said to Bonzo, “You stupid mutt look what you have done” Bonzo
raised his head slowly and replied eloquently “Would it have been better if I had said chimney?”
It’s the way you tell ‘em.
Go r d o n
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Page 28
Q&A April
Q u e st i o n : No w t h e s e a so n i s n e a r l y o ve r w h a t
d o I d o i n t h e Su m m e r ?
Answer: Well firstly its not over yet. We are, as they say 'at the business end of
the season' This were teams are fighting for the final top placings in the league or
trying to avoid the drop at the other end.
So check your appointments carefully and if your involved in one of these
games make sure your physically and mentally prepared. It could be your
decision that makes or breaks a teams' ambitions for the whole season. No
pressure then.
For those who will hopefully get promotion from Level 5 to 4 its time to 'hit the
track' and ensure they are properly fit to face the FA fitness test The sooner you
get 'fitter' then the easier the test will be. The later you leave your training the
harder the test will be and bigger the possibility of failure. What's the point of all
that hard work throughout the season wasted for one last effort?.
For those who don't have such higher aspirations - have a rest. I suggest you
take a month off. Put aside those mid week runs and rest yourself both physically
and mentally. The latter is very important. You will surprise yourself how tired
you are. If you count how many games you have controlled over the season; all
those games over the numerous weekends take its toll. How many referees look
at Easter as a bench mark as the 'beginning of the end' of the season and
consequently let thier approach to a game drop accordingly.
Look forward to the FA cup final and the 'Euros' Try to look closely at team in
the middle. Look out for the new kit to be worn by the FA cup officials. When
watching the middle men try setting your watch and comparing your watch (and
stoppages) with that of the referee at half and full time. Check the positioning he
takes up at corners and how he controls the free kicks and again the positioning
he take at direct free kicks outside the penalty area.
But before you put your boots back in the cupboard take time to reflect.
Reflect on your season. Have you enjoyed your season. Did you perform well
enough - the various leagues will let you know how the players felt when you
receive your 'marks for the season'. Reflect on how you felt you did. Question
yourself - did you make the correct decisions when the occassion needed it was you in the correct position to award that penalty? Did get those strong
testing decisions right or did you avoid pulling out your card when that certain
'off the cuff' remark was made directly at you.
From these reflections I urge you to put them down on paper. Fold them up
and put away in your trinket bag were you put your whistles etc and get them out
at the start of next season as a reminder to improve on the areas of your game
you felt lacked attention and you can then enjoy next season even more.
28
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Page 29
Conference Booking Form
Name
Name of Guest(s)
Friday 13 July
All prices are per person
Number required Total Cost
Ticket for the RA AGM (RA Full & Youth members only)
_____ ___
Saturday 14 July Ticket for the RA Conference for Full & Youth members
_____ ___
Saturday 14 July Ticket for the RA Conference for Associate and non members £10.00 _______
Friday Evening - £20.00
·
Friday Evening Hot & Cold Buffet
______ __
·
Vegetarian Options
Saturday Ladies’/Partners’ Day Trip - £20.00
·
Ladies /Partners Day Trip
No Charge
No Charge
£_____ __ ___
£_____ __ ___
______ __
£_____ __ ___
____ ____
£_____ __ ___
£_____ __ ___
Saturday Lunch
·
Pre Packed Sandwiches
£4.00
____ ____
·
Beef Burger & Wedges
£6.00
____ ____
£_____ __ ___
·
Lasagne & Chips
£9.00
____ ____
£_____ __ ___
·
The Restaurant 3 course buffet style
£16.95
____ ____
£_____ __ ___
Saturday Evening Dinner Dance - £35.00
Please choose:
·
Braised Beef, with red cabbage, green beans, creamed mash with red wine jus
____ ___ _
£_____ __ ___
·
Herb Crusted Salmon, Lemon Crushed New Potatoes
Vegetarian Options
· Goats Cheese and Walnut Tart with Pomodoro (tomato) Sauce
____ ___ _
£_____ __ ___
_____ ___
£_____ __ ___
_____ ___
£_____ __ ___
·
Roast Vegetable Wellington with Basil & Tomato Sauce
Payment Method
Please circle
MasterCard / Visa / Maestro / Solo / Cheque
Cheques should be made payable to “The Referees’ Association”
For credit and debit card payments
Card
number
£
Please debit my account as below
Security
For all
For Maestro and Solo cards
Number
cards
only
(CV) 3
Expiry date
Valid from
Issue No
Digits
Dietary requirements are required prior to the event. Any additions or change to dietary requirements made on the night of the
event may incur a short delay in service and potentially an additional charge.
Please return this booking form by 29 June 2012; if this form is not received by this date the Salmon option on Saturday Evening
will not be available and you will be allocated Beef.
Bookings for Accommodation at the Barceló Hinckley Island
The special room rate for this Conference is £82.00 per night for a single, twin or double room inclusive of hot and cold buffet
breakfast. Parking is free for attendees at the RA Conference.
Single
Twin
Double
Friday night
Saturday night
All members will be responsible for settling their own bills for Hotel accommodation
Please do not send any money to Head Office, Coventry for Hotel accommodation.
Please note: Hotel bedrooms may not be available before 2.00 pm, in line with international hotel policies.
29
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Page 30
2012 Conference – 13 and 14 July
Please complete this form and send to:
The Referees’ Association, Unit 12 Ensign Business Centre, Westwood
Business Park, Coventry, CV4 8JA
MEMBER’S DETAILS
Name
Address
Post Code
Please state your Association, Branch, Society or Club
Contact telephone
number(s)*
Daytime
Evening
Mobile
Email address
SEATING FOR THE SATURDAY EVENING DINNER DANCE. PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS &
INSERT FULL NAMES
Tables for the dinner will seat a maximum of 10. Where guests wish to be seated on the same table
please submit all respective members booking forms stapled together with one member acting as coordinator for that table of up to 10 guests. Please complete just one of the charts below on the batch of
forms you are submitting for your group listing their names (up to a maximum of 10) to be seated
together. Payments for groups can be made collectively or by individuals.
First name and Surname in Block Capitals
First name and Surname in Block Capitals
1
6
2
7
3
8
4
9
5
10
The Conference Dinner Dance on Saturday evening at 7.00 pm seated for 7.30 pm
Life Membership & Cup Final Award presentations will be made during dinner
The preferred dress is ‘Black Tie’, alternative Lounge Suit
30
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Page 31
Friday 13 July RA AGM
3.00 pm
AGM open to Full Members & Youth Members only
4.30 - 5.30 pm Discussion session with the FA
7.30 pm
.
Reception with buffet at which the 2012 L&MSA Awards will be presented
by the President, David Elleray.
Saturday 14 July
Saturday 14 July pm
Ladies’ / Partners’ Day Trip
1.30 pm
9.30 - 4.15 pm arriving back at the hotel for
complimentary afternoon tea
Members return to
Conference
1.40 pm
Law changes
Neale Barry
2.00 - 3.00 pm
Workshop session 2*
3.10 - 4.10 pm
Workshop session 3*
4.15 pm
Members return to
Paris Suite
4.20 pm
Keynote Presentation
5.30 pm
Close of Conference
Please note! Numbers are limited to 53
Saturday 14 July am
Conference Theme – Working Together
9.30 am
Entry to Paris Suite for
Conference
10.00 am
Opening by the President,
David Elleray
10.10 am
Keynote Presentation
“Benevolent Fund” - Members will
have the opportunity to make donations
throughout the weekend
11.10 – 12.10 Workshop session 1*
12.15 pm
Lunch may be pre-booked or
Members may make their own
arrangements
Sunday 15 July
National Quiz Final
11am
Lakeside Room
Please indicate your preferences below putting a ‘1’ against your highest preference followed by
a ‘2’ against your second preference and so on. Every effort will be made to match your
requests, but if a session is over-subscribed, an alternative will be offered.
Interactive workshops ê
A
Incidents in and around the penalty area
B
Mass (player) confrontation
C
Dissent from players and team officials
D
Judging bad tackles
E
Free Kick and Penalty Kick management
F
Offside
G
Achieving high quality teamwork and co-operation
PLEASE NOTE: NO WORKSHOP TICKET = NO ENTRY
31
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Page 32
Ladies’/ Partners’ Trip 2012
Barnsdale Gardens and Rutland Water
The Ladies’/Partners’ Trip will leave the Hinckley Island Hotel at 9.30am for a visit to the
famous Barnsdale Gardens, near Oakham in the tiny county of Rutland. This was the original
home of the BBC’s Gardeners’ World programme with Geoff Hamilton. His work is continued
by his son, Nick. There are 39 individual gardens in an 8 acre site. There is also a gift shop,
nursery and a licensed tea room – serving delicious food and drinks all day.
RUTLAND BELLE CRUISE
Rutland Water is set in three thousand acres of beautiful English countryside and was created
in the 1970’s by Anglian Water. The 45 minute cruise will enable you to enjoy the scenery from
the water, amidst the sailors, anglers and waterbirds, whilst listening to a commentary
highlighting points of interest. The boat has a covered all weather saloon and open decks. For
the mobility challenged the access is very safe. Facilities include a licensed bar, tea and coffee
and toilets. For those not wanting to join the cruise there are walks, restaurants or you could
even hire a bicycle!
We will arrive back at the hotel at 4.15pm for afternoon tea
Cost £20 per person includes entrance fees, cruise and afternoon tea
Alternative for ladies not going on trip – Shopping in Leicester (15-20 minutes to Leicester)
Local taxi company (recommended by hotel) A1 Taxis 01455 615161
32

April - AFA Lonsar

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