With effect from the start of 2018-19 season the FA has announced a change to reporting for players being sent off

The system is basically the same as it is for yellow cards *(ie no details); this will make reporting so much easier for referees.

The notice from the FA is as follows:

“Currently Referees across the game at all levels when dismissing a player from the field of play are required to write a detailed report of the offence when reporting the dismissal.

The purpose of this report is largely historic and relates to when Players were able to appeal a dismissal and attend a Personal hearing to challenge the report. The move at grassroots level from term based discipline to match based discipline prevented personal hearings for red card offences and was replaced with the wrongful dismissal process.

The requirement to report the detail of the dismissal is not necessary for the Wrongful Dismissal process that now applies at all levels of the game and in fact contributes to confusion as to the purpose of that process.

The ability to claim a Wrongful Dismissal applies where a Club can demonstrate that the decision to send off a player for the offence committed was obviously wrong.

Clubs often concentrate their submissions on perceived errors in the detail of the report rather than whether the decision to send off for the offence was or was not correct. The onus is on the Club to show that the referee was obviously wrong in the dismissal offence and where they cannot satisfy that burden any claim should fail. It has therefore been agreed to amend the reporting process with effect from the start of the 2018/19 season to operate the same as reporting yellow card offences. This change will apply at all levels of the game.

Therefore the referee is only required to report the red card offences as laid out in the laws of the game as follows:

S1. Serious Foul Play

S2. Violent Conduct

S3. Spits at an Opponent or any other person

S4. Denying the opposing player an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball

S5. Denies the opposing player an obvious goal scoring opportunity by an offence punishable by a free kick or penalty kick

S6. Uses Offensive, insulting or abusive language

S7. Receives a second caution in the same match (This offence also requires the referee to report the caution offence for each caution)

Offences of S2 – Violent conduct will be categorised further with the following categories:

S2 – Violent Conduct – Head to Head contact

S2 – Violent Conduct – Elbowing

S2 – Violent Conduct – Kicking

S2 – Violent Conduct – Stamping

S2 – Violent Conduct – Striking

S2 – Violent Conduct – Biting

S2 – Violent Conduct – Other Unspecified Behaviour*

(* A free text field to capture other Unspecified Behaviour will be available if this option is selected).

There will be no requirement to write any further details for dismissals. This will save the referees time in reporting and avoid supplying unnecessary detail surrounding the offence.

It should be noted that both MOAS and WGS Portal are being amended to permit this change.”

Extraordinary Reports
“Referees will still be required to write details surrounding extraordinary incidents in the following circumstances.
a. Where the dismissal offence has a more serious impact than the dismissal itself, the referee will be required to submit the dismissal offence as normal and then add a supplementary extraordinary report clarifying why the dismissal was exceptional. Such examples would be where the offence committed included an aggravated breach such as discriminatory language or behaviour (homophobic, sexist or reference to race/colour/religion/ethnicity etc.) or here there was a serious injury caused by the act of violent conduct.

b. Where further misconduct happened following the dismissal such as the player refusing to leave the field of play or committed other further acts of misconduct following the dismissal.

c. Where the offences committed were by non-playing staff or spectators.””

Mark Ives

Head of Judicial Services                                                                                                                                          June 2018

A few days ago The RA was notified of the sad news of Len Randall passing away, on a personal note Len provided a great source of wisdom to me following the Board of Inquiry in 2012, I am very grateful to Ian Davies for producing the obituary below.

LEN RANDALL

Len Randall joined the Referees’ Association in 1985 and, in a distinguished career covering many decades, he held office at National, County and local level. On 28^th May 2018, upon Len’s death, the Referees’ Association lost a great ambassador, stalwart, friend and supporter. His legacy will form part of the history of the Referees’ Association.

Len will be remembered as a dedicated, committed, enthusiastic and, above all, respected member of the Referees’ Association. He was an honourable gentleman who believed in integrity and principles and this ethos formed an important part of his life. These attributes accurately reflect Len’s character and personality.

Len was a founder member of the RA Board upon its inception in 2004 and he would hold office as RA Chairman and RA Treasurer. Len was RA Chairman when the new format of the RA Conference weekend was established in 2005 at the Southport Conference. The foundations of the current Development Weekend were laid under his stewardship and the emphasis moved towards the provision of training for and development of referees. The Southport Conference will always be remembered as a catalyst for change and have a special place in the history of the Referees’ Association.

Len will be remembered for all the work he did behind the scenes at national level and the varied tasks included creating membership databases, preparation of AGM / Conference papers, printing tickets, Head Office administration to mention just a few for which he never expected any accolade. Len believed it was his duty to help and make a positive contribution.

Len’s efforts were not limited to supporting the national body and he also made important contributions at County and Local level. Len held office at Middlesex County RA as both Secretary and Treasurer and he was latterly the Chiltern District Referees’ Society delegate to Berks and Bucks County RA. He served in this role with distinction and only relinquished this post in the last few months.

Len had been a full member of Chiltern District Referees’ Society since 2008 and during the intervening decade he had made a significant contribution to the society. The esteem in which he was held by his local society is shown by the fact that he was twice the recipient of the Horace Freeman Memorial Award and he was the current holder. The award recognised the outstanding contribution he had made to the society. Len’s wealth of knowledge and inspiration would have a positive impact upon all members.

Len’s was a great believer in governance and rules and his undoubted abilities excelled in the reorganisation and restructuring process of the National Referees’ Association. Len was an influential member of the Constitutional Review Committee which ultimately resulted in the current Referees’ Association Constitution. It is no surprise that Len was the architect for new rules for his local society and County RA.

It was Len’s passion for proper procedural requirements that led him to take the lead in instigating the complete overhaul of the Referees’ Association Benevolent Fund Deed of Trust in order to ensure that the trustees acted in accordance within the law and the requirements of the Charity Commission. He also drafted a Memorandum of Procedures to be followed by the Benevolent Fund Trustees when considering an application for assistance from the Benevolent Fund. His guidance and advice would be valued by all fellow Trustees.

Len felt it was important to keep open lines of communication with members and societies. In order to achieve this goal Len was an avid contributor to the Chiltern Referee Magazine and his articles were always balanced and informative. He had also acted as editor of the RA Newsletter distributed nationally.

Len’s contribution to the Referees’ Association cannot be under-estimated and he undoubtedly exemplified the RA motto of “service before self”.

Len’s funeral service will be held on Wednesday 13^th June 2018 at 11am at Breakspear Crematorium, Breakspear Road, Ruislip HA4 7SJ.

BENCHMARK April 2018 issue

North Riding County FA Match Official Promotion Scheme Criteria

Thursday, 01, March 2018 – Thursday, 28, February 2019

The Promotion Scheme commences on Thursday, 01 March 2018 until Thursday, 28 February 2019 inclusive. 

If you are a Level 7 and wishing to apply for promotion for the first time, you must have served a minimum of one full registration period at this level to be eligible to apply – Please note that to apply for Promotion you must be refereeing within Open Age Adult Football.   

To apply to be a part of the promotion scheme, candidates must complete and return a ‘Promotion Application Form’ that can be found on the North Riding County FA website: (http://www.northridingfa.com/news/2018/feb/referee-promotion-scheme-2018-19) or by e-mailing Ross Joyce, Referee Development Manager – ross.joyce@northridingfa.com  

In addition a £30.00 administration fee is required; you will be sent the details of how to make this payment via Whole Game System upon receipt of your application and payment must be made within 7 days.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 06 April 2018 – Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis with a maximum of 40 places available on the scheme for 2018-19.

Level 7 -6 Promotion Candidates

• Successfully pass a written examination on the Laws of the Game
• Receive a minimum of 3 independent technical observer reports
• Referee a minimum of 20 open age adult football appointments
• Achieve a satisfactory average club mark over the course of the season
• Act as an Assistant Referee on a minimum of  10 open age adult fixtures (Saturday)
• Inform local observer coordinator of all appointments received
• Attend X3 Promotional Development Workshops – TBC
• Payment of £30.00 Promotion Administration Fee
• Be available to officiate within Saturday & Sunday adult football as appointed
• Submit an annual record of games officiated to the Association when requested

Level 6 -5 Promotion Candidates 

• Successfully pass a written examination on the Laws of the Game
• Receive a minimum of 4 independent technical observer reports
• Referee a minimum of 20 open age adult football appointments
• Achieve a satisfactory average club mark over the course of the season
• Act as an Assistant Referee on a minimum of  10 open age adult fixtures (Saturday)
• Inform local observer coordinator of all appointments received
• Attend X3 Promotional Development Workshops – TBC
• Payment of £30.00 Promotion Administration Fee
• Be available to officiate within Saturday & Sunday adult football as appointed
• Submit an annual record of games officiated to the Association when requested

Level 5 – 4 Promotion Candidates – FA Criteria

• Receive a minimum of 5 independent technical observer reports
• Achieve an average assessment mark of 73 or above
• Referee a minimum of 15 open age adult football appointments
• Act as an Assistant Referee on a minimum of  10 open age adult fixtures
• Inform local observer coordinator of all appointments received
• Attend X2 NRCFA Promotional Development Workshops – TBC
•  Payment of £30.00 Promotion Administration Fee
• Be available to officiate within Saturday & Sunday adult football as appointed
• Submit an annual record of games officiated to the Association when requested
• Must successfully complete an FA Nomination Fitness Test – TBC
• Must attend an FA Regional Training Seminar and pass written Laws of the Game examination – TBC

As you will see the Promotion Criteria and commitment required from candidates is intense; this is to ensure that all candidates are fully prepared and receive the very best development required to achieve their potential and move through the referee pyramid system.

The Promotional Development Workshops will include a number of important sessions around administration, managing the game, fitness and technical laws of the game sessions.   They will also include both practical and classroom sessions with refreshments provided.

All Promotion candidates will be expected to sign a ‘Promotion Service Level Agreement’ to ensure that they are fully aware of what is expected.

Moving forward the Referee Development Committee now reviews Match Officials off field performance as well as on field before making its decision on promotion, therefore we will provide all candidates with the very best advice and guidance to ensure they are successful.

Having carefully read the Promotion criteria; if you would like to submit an application please ensure you fully complete the application form and complete all areas and submit no later than Friday, 06 April 2018.

The form can be found on the North Riding County FA website (http://www.northridingfa.com/news/2018/feb/referee-promotion-scheme-2018-19) or is available by contacting Ross Joyce, Referee Development Manager.

Finally, if you require any further information please don’t hesitate to contact the County FA office.

North Riding County FA

Referee Department.

Booking for the Area Development Days are now open!

The Development day offers CPD training to your Youth Council/Young Referee members who attend in a fun and football related theme with the aim of them being able to bring what they have learnt back into their County Youth Council or Local Referees’ Association.

These are great networking opportunities too and in the past, fantastic partnerships and projects have come about that have allowed for cross-county development.
 
To book onto your day, go to www.rafayc.co.uk/events and select the day you want to attend.

We hope you are enjoying your season and this message contains IMPORTANT INFORMATION regarding FA Charges.

This Season has seen a significant number of disciplinary cases referred to The RA by members who have been charged with FA Rule E3 offences. It has been of considerable concern to The RA that most have got to the appeal stage before we know about them as that ties the hands of the Appeal Board because they cannot re-hear the case; merely judging the outcome on the appeal criteria.

This is guidance to you, LRAs and CRAs that, if charged, referees should ALWAYS ask for a personal hearing as they are better able to present their case that way.

Far too often do we see cases being dealt with by correspondence where the balance of probability has come down AGAINST the referee, no matter his/her standing or experience.

Tackling this issue at the initial stage will save hours of volunteer time going through the paperwork, unnecessary worry and disappointment and giving out guidance on ‘what to do now after the horse has bolted‘ rather than being able to offer far better advice from the outset.

Support is a click away;

www.the-ra.org

https://www.the-ra.org/welfare.php

https://www.the-ra.org/documents/Match%20Officials%20Guide%20to%20Personal%20Hearings.pdf

[email protected]

Case studies

1) Unsanctioned football

2) Racist remarks (implied)

3) Remarks of a sexual nature

4) Abusive language to minority groups

5) Urinating in a hedge (by a pitch)

If you are charged

Please contact us immediately, contact@the-ra.org

It is with sadness that York RA announce the death of one of our long-serving members, Eddie Benson, MBE (services to the Community in Haxby & Wigginton).

Eddie had previously served as our Training Officer and started the Youth Section some 20 years ago.

Eddie’s funeral is at St Mary’s Church, Haxby on 1 Sept at 12 noon.

The Press published an article about Eddie which can be found at: http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/15486350.Champion_of_young_people_dies__aged_82/

On the York RA website Eddie is remembered as the first recipient of the Chairman’s Award in 1990-91

https://yorkreferee.co.uk/york-ra/hall-of-fame/

Our thoughts are with Eddie’s friends and family at this sad time.

This is to inform you of two events that are coming up down at Wilberfoss Football Club that we feel will interest you. On 24 June we are welcoming Ex Manchester United and Leeds United footballer Lee Sharpe to the club. This event will have its door open at 7pm with a hot buffet being available at the cost of £35 per head. On the night there will also be the chance to win shirts signed by the man himself by the clubs he played for.

If you are interested in this event and buying tickets you can either email myself back or contact Paul Jacques on 07772 311202. Tickets are selling fast so be quick to make sure you don’t miss out.

The second event is an update regarding the 5-a-side football tournament. The date was originally on 22nd July but the football club has informed us they have taken a booking on this day for a wedding and we have been forced to move the date back a day to Sunday 23rd July. To the teams that have already contacted me could you let me know if this date would still suit you and hopefully will hear from more teams in the next few days being able to enter a team.

Regards,

David Laverack
Wilberfoss AFC
07951 860581

DRIVE ASSIST

All fully-paid-up RA Members are automatically covered for Drive Assist under the Association’s Insurance Policy, and completely free of any extra charge, as are all 75-years-and-over Members who opt to pay the excess premium of £8.

But there are some crucial points to remember:

• If you are involved in an accident, never admit liability.
• Call 999 if emergency services are needed.
• Exchange names, addresses and Insurance details with all involved parties.
• Note everything you can: all witnesses, vehicles, locations, damage and accident circumstances.
• Be sure to note the make, model, colour and registration number of every vehicle involved.
• Draw a sketch of the scene, and take photos if possible.
• Remember to beware of other traffic around the accident scene, particularly on busy highways.

And most importantly:

• Immediately get in touch FIRST with Spencer Hayes on Hotline 24/7 0800 254 5404 or 0844 576 1561, i.e. BEFORE you contact anyone else about the accident, including your own or anyone else’s Insurance Company.
• Spencer Hayes will then advise you regarding all the necessary steps you will need to take in order to fully protect your interests under the RA’s Drive Assist scheme.

Please note in particular that:

• The benefits and advantages of your Drive Assist cover could be jeopardized (or even voided) if you fail to follow this clearly laid-down procedure.