Category Archives: Meetings

Minutes December 2021 meeting

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Minutes of meeting held on Dec 2nd 2021

At NHS Club with 22 members and guests attending.

11 Apols; were received from Mssrs; B Smith; B Casterton; R Rich; G Bradbury; S Bayley; D Milburn; A White; G Rhodes; M Cottingham; J Unwin; M Burke.

Chairmans opening remarks; welcomed all, with one new face, Peter Berry. He praised the efforts of D King on his communication through newsletter and RA website.

Minutes last meeting; on line.

Weather conditions; due to weather conditions last weekend, Alan Kaye (c/man), gave a run down of the routine far calling match of due to weather conditions; frost/rain. He recounted a story that occurred at one of his matches. Do not let clubs put you under pressure, do your homework and check weather forecast and if grounds man in attendance, ask his advice.

Annual Quiz, we split into four teams of four with one of five. Conor set the questions and after questions we had pizza buffet followed by answers.

Thanks were given to Conor/ John for the organizing.

There being no more business meeting closed at 9.00.

Finally, a Happy Christmas and New Year to everyone……stay safe

November 21 meeting

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Minutes of meeting held on 4th Nov 21

At NHS Club with 21 members and guests attending

The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting mentioning the contingent from Barkston Ash RA who were in attendance.

He mentioned Garreth Rhodes who was due to officiate in the FA f1rst round this coming weekend. Also Dave Milburn who officiated in the RL 1895 recently.

Apols were received from Mssrs; B Smith; Casterton; Thornton; White; Haye; Bellis; Bishop; M Smith; M Cottingham; Unwin; Bayley.

Ian Hotchkies was presented with a 50 year award from the Chairman on behalf of the FA…….WELL DESERVED

Problem Corner; was discussion on the zoom presentation from CFA regarding unacceptable behavior. Methods to avoid/placate/punish were discussed.

Our guest Lewis Dawson (level 3 ex young ref of the year) then gave a presentation Being Respected-Not Liked; Getting the balance right.

Touching on topics;  Respect Decisions;  how do you get respect; Characteristics; laid back approach. There was an interactive approach with the aid of film clips, touching on common mistakes; social aspects; tactile; followed with a Q& A.

Conor  Ledgeway gave a VoT.

Next Meeting Dec 2

Comm 24 Nov

Meeting Closed at 9.25

October 21 meeting

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Minutes of meeting held at NHS Club

on 7th Oct 2021, with 27 members and guests

Apols were received from Mssrs  B Smith; M Burke; A Luff; P Hartley & Ms S Wood.

The chairman welcomed all old and new to the meeting.

Prior to a minutes silence for Peter Gibson; x player/ York league and FA sec. Our president said a few words on Peters career.

The Chairman then gave his thoughts for the future  and asked the floor for their thoughts and ideas. Various ideas ranging from; cost of courses (which FA set); speakers; content of meetings; sin bins; abuse from players/officials; lack of officials; reporting  and also give a good report when one feels teams/clubs earn one.

Sam Bayley gave a report on an incident on a recent match he was involved in as an AR. this was discussed.

Barry Casterton said misconduct was on the increase( not just in York but nationwide). This involved not just players but spectators/ managers.  All incidents require to be reported.

Our treasurer was in possession of new card reader, so subs can be paid at meeting. £20 with first year/youth refs varying in costs.

Our guest for the evening Carl Boyeson then gave a presentation. He said he had a bit of an affinity with York. He says he has been there/done that/has the tee shirt as been on the list since 2002; 20th on FL; reffed 623 matches and visited all but 2 grounds in his career. He showed numerous clips of incidents on matches which were open for discussion. He also discussed his experiences; diet regime and said every match now a days was a bonus.

Paul Ballantyne gave a vote of thanks.

Future meetings;   Nov 4th  Lewis Dawson;   Dec 2nd  Xmas Quiz and buffet;  Jan 6th Rebecca Welsh;

Dinner  20th May  guests  Andy and Bobby Madley

Meeting closed at 10.10

September 2021 Meeting

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York RA Meeting – 2 Sept 2021

Held at NHS Sports Club with 23 members and guests in attendance.

Apols were received from Mssrs; J Ledgeway; Rhodes; Black; Paul-Gordon; Bradbury (late); Gray; Blakey; Bishop; Bayley; Burke; Smith; Mollov

 

Our guest for the evening Bobby Madley was introduced and gave a presentation entitled ” What makes a good ref; do we expect too much)

He said he felt that the highlight of his career was reffing the WRFA Cup Final in front of all his own colleagues

When a young player he was a profilic goalscorer (Ossett Town), with 91 goals one season

He then switched to reffing saying that good refs will know LOAF and keep them updated

He then interacted with 14 year old Myles Smith and his father discussing ; social media and setbacks; an X factor sketch with two members singing, expect the unexpected

He gave a brief outline of his career. He stated that grassroots is the mainstay of football; think of Saturday/ Sundays in all weathers

There then followed a Q and A session

J Unwin gave a V o T
Meeting closed at 9.20pm

(DoNM is Thursday 7 October 2021)

York RA AGM September 2021

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York RA AGM – 2 Sept 2021

Minutes of AGM held on Sept 2nd 2021 at NHS Sports Club with 23 members and guests in attendance.

Apols were received from Mssrs; J Ledgeway; Rhodes; Black; Paul-Gordon; Bradbury (late); Gray; Blakey; Bishop; Bayley; Burke; Smith; Mollov.

The chairman welcomed all, new and older faces saying, glad to be back.
Mins silence was observed members (York and others) who had passed away over the past year.

Presentations were made to the recipients of York FA Senior/Junior Cup mementos from 2019/20/21 who were in attendance by our guest Bobby Madley.

AGM reports were submitted on line, no matters arising and all accepted

Election of Officers; thanks were given to retiring officers with thanks (J Unwin, B Smith). No new names were submitted, rest of committee were re elected.

Meeting closed 7.50pm

Chairman’s Update – 28 August 2021

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Little did I know when accepting the position of Chairman at the 2019 AGM that the world would change!

Indeed, as I enter my 3rd Term of Office, I have yet to experience the wonderful occasion of the Annual Dinner where I could delight in recognising the yearly achievements of all our Match Officials.

Although the pandemic is not fully under control, as a committee we now feel more safe and secure to recommence face to face monthly meetings and I am eagerly awaiting our first meeting of the new season which will be held at York Hospital Club on Thursday 2nd September 2021.

Given what has happened over the past 18 months, it has been difficult to motivate and inspire colleagues. Some will have found other interests and hobbies and others will have simply moved on in their personal circumstances.

However, at York RA we have a dedicated Team of Officials who have maintained a high level of interest over these difficult times and as a committee, we are keen to bring back good times.

We pride ourselves on being able to encourage top quality guest speakers to our meetings and we are always seeking out ways to entertain, educate and put together a meeting content which will aide the development of all Match Officials/Mentors/Observers and others interested in Refereeing.

I am confident that as we move forward and the new season evolves, enthusiasm for Football at local level will rise back up and our game will see many of you regain the enjoyment of Refereeing and get back on the progression ladder, in hope of achieving your full potential.

We here at York RA are committed to helping each one of you derive much enjoyment from your games and our meetings are designed to build on the superb work of the NRCFA but doing so in a relaxed, informal and enjoyable setting.

It is my hope, as we get back to all things normal, that we can build up our membership for the benefit of our membership where all will be welcome, particularly our Junior Referees and their parents.

So, as I enter my 3rd term, looking forward to the dinner next year, can I encourage you to come along to our meetings, enjoy yourselves and learn a little along the way.

I wish you all a successful Season and I look forward to meeting you and sharing your company in due course.

 

Best Wishes.

 

Alan

 

Alan Kaye, Chairman

York Referees’Association

York RA Meeting minutes – 14 January 2021

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York RA Online meeting – 14 January 2021

With 21 members and guests attending.

 

Register of attendees;  R Joyce; A Kaye; D King; J & C Ledgeway; P Ballantyne; I Hotchkies; G Mann; S Jackson; A Rose; H Oaten; R Rich; M Ellis; V Mollov; T Shepherdson; T Sparrow; M Cottingham; J Black; J Logue; S Lewis; A McEvoy; S Nelson.

Apols were received from Mssrs; D Holmes; B Casterton; J Unwin; S Bayley.

 

 The Chairman; Alan Kaye welcomed all to the meeting, he outlined plans for the forthcoming months and troubles that have occurred over the past months. Wished BC speedy recovery.

Dave King, then gave an update on the national RA with their zoom sessions and forthcoming presentations. ie this Sunday 17th Jan a RA/FA Virtual Summit covering various speakers (including Liam Slack) ex York RA speaker. York RA web is updated regularly / regular newsletter.

John Ledgeway, membership stands at 30 odd. £15 (£12 to RA covering insurance). York RA have decided that any person renewing membership from now until the end of the RA year at Aug can now pay £10 / £6 U18 and reductions for new referees

Ross Joyce, CFA Development Manager then gave an update of the plans for future, to keep us all occupied. Various modules; Remote Learning; Zoom presentations with guests (8 Feb next date); topic for young and older refs. Social Media (#NRCFARefDev).

Also looking to develop a Match Officials Consultation Group.

Stressed need for referees to keep up to date with Safeguarding (online) and DBS

Q&A, curtailing of the season; pressure on refs.

The chairman gave a vote of thanks.

AoB;  discussion on ; new venue; Sept start for the season; membership; reminder for RA zoom presentation.

Meeting closed 8.25

A quick committee meeting followed; comm meeting 25th Feb;  4th March meeting.

Chairman’s Update – 4 November 2020

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Dear Friends, members of York RA and all of you connected to Refereeing.

As the Season unfolds, we seem to be heading for a further ‘Footy Lockdown.’

Certainly, the Professional Game has been given the go ahead to continue, albeit in surreal circumstances with crowds not permitted, but what about our local football?

As I write, we all await the decision of government regarding local football and without being too despondent, I fear we will see the temporary postponement of many local games, both Saturday and Sunday (now confirmed)

So, what are we to do in these trying times?

Well, firstly, go along with the decisions of those in power and stay safe by looking after yourself and your families. For those of you active officials, I would encourage you to get out whenever and wherever you can to maintain a good state of fitness in readiness for the resumption, when safe to do so of course.

Our mental health is vital and keeping fit is one way to combat many issues which could have a negative effect upon our wellbeing.

For me, whilst a dodgy knee prevents my pursuit of an Olympic 10,000m Gold Medal, swimming has been my lifeline. For now, the walking boots are out and ready to roam our wonderful North Yorkshire countryside.

So, we here at York RA have been pondering how best to help and support you whilst in lockdown.

No easy answers other than to let you know that we are here and available to answer your calls and help in any way we can. We have a great wealth of experience on the committee with members willing and able to be at your disposal for help, advice and support. Our contact details can be found on the York RA website, do not hesitate to call. (www.yorkreferee.co.uk)

Nationally, the RA is still active via Zoom meetings and recently has put on some great sessions with high profile Referees and other athletes, Indeed the next Zoom will be a presentation with Howard Webb…..heard of that guy somewhere! Check out the National RA Website for details of this and forthcoming events which, due to demand you need to get in early and book your spot. (https://www.the-ra.org/).

Also, whilst in lockdown, membership of the National & Local RA covers you for Insurance purposes and there is a wide range of benefits to members some of which, particularly if you are furloughed or otherwise in some financial difficulty, may be of benefit.

We have considered further monthly Zoom/Teams Meetings but our scheduled meeting for this Thursday (5th) has unfortunately had to be cancelled.

I would invite you all to write to me personally or any member of the Committee with ideas on what you wish to see via Zoom/Teams sessions over the coming months. What can we do to stimulate and help keep you motivated and prepared to see the season to a conclusion?

Our hope is that once Christmas passes, there may be some return to normality and if so, we can get back to live monthly meetings and prepare for the annual dinner, which incidentally is a great event at the end of May and one which would give us an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all our Match Officials and those who offer support in other ways over the past 2 seasons.

So, get in touch, share your ideas, tell us how we can best support you but, more importantly, look after yourself, look after your families, stay safe and remain optimistic that we will beat this awful virus and although life as we knew it may never be the same, we can adapt and ‘get on with the game.’

I wish you all well.

Alan

Alan Kaye

Chairman

York RA

Alan.kaye3886@btinternet.com

07789 005327

September 2020 meeting

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Microsoft Teams meeting on 3 Sept 2020

 

An inaugural online meeting was held to start the new season, rather than our usual venue

The Chairman welcomed members to the event

Conor Ledgeway gave an update on COVID-19 protocols

David King then provided a brief summary of the new Law changes

James Unwin updated us on the local league scene for 2020-21

The presentation used was emailed to all members/referees for them to digest

AGM

The formal AGM took place and with no new proposals the existing officers / committee were re-elected (those wishing to stand)

The main change was that Conor Ledgeway is the new Vice Chairman

[see full list on officers/committee page at York RA tab]

Chairman’s Letter – July 2020

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Dear Friends, colleagues, past, present and future members of York Referees’ Association.

Well, what strange times we have endured these past few months. Just when we were looking forward to plum appointments, promotions and otherwise enjoying our Football Refereeing in all its forms, football was pulled out from under our feet.

However, there is some light at the end of the long tunnel and although watching professional football in empty stadiums barely compensates, it nevertheless helps to reignite our love and enthusiasm for the game.

I am optimistic that at local level, we can look forward to resuming and ‘getting on with the game, from September.

North Riding County FA are making preparations for the re commencement of Football in our area, the Club and Referee Registration process is now open and the Leagues can affiliate from 13th July.  The York Minster Engineering League Premier League will hopefully kick-off on Saturday 8th August with the other York Leagues planning to commence on the weekend of 5/6th September.

Here at York RA, we have kept abreast of developments within the National RA and our own dedicated Committee have met (Via Zoom) to prepare for next season and to look after all our best interests.

We have made a provisional date to hold our 1st Meeting of the new Season on Thursday 3rd September 2020 at the usual venue of the York Hospital Club (put that date in your diary now).    York NHS Social Club, Whitecross Road, YO31 8JR

If there are still social distancing rules to follow then we can accommodate that as the Club has ample space and facilities to do so.

Confirmation of that meeting will be published later but we intend to hold the Annual General Meeting as a first agenda item, keeping the time down to a minimum, followed by a key guest speaker from within the professional game.

In relation to the AGM, should anyone wish to stand on the Committee for next season then please either let me know personally or, turn up at the meeting and put yourself forward.

Due to the Codiv 19 pandemic, as our season ended prematurely, we had no opportunity to hold an AGM, the Annual Dinner or make presentation to our successful Match Officials.

We are in the process of recognising your past achievements and suitable mementoes will be presented at a future meeting.

Our Annual Dinner, which is a fantastic social occasion, was clearly cancelled at short notice but we have re booked for next season so put Friday 21st May 2021 into your diary as an event not to be missed.

FA Premier League Referee Andy Madley was to be our guest speaker at that event and he is still waiting in the wings for a future invite, such is our respect our Association holds within the Professional game.

Now, we need to get back to the real business of supporting you, our York & District based Referees, Observers, Mentors and supporters of all things Refereeing so, one of the initiatives for this coming season will be a significant reduction in our annual membership fees.

For full adult members, the fee for 2020/21 will be £15 if paid up before the end of October. After that the fee will increase to £20. That is a reduction of £8 & £3 respectively so please take advantage of this offer. For those of you who pay annually via direct debit, fear not the necessary arrangements have been made for the appropriate deduction.

Of course, 1st Year Referees and New Members signing up for the first time are welcome free of charge and for those members under 18, the membership fee is £6 only.

“What do I get for my Fifteen Quid?” you may ask. Well, you become a member of the National RA with all the benefits which they afford, for example, inclusion on the RA Insurance Policy and numerous discounts on items of Referee equipment and various other benefits which are well advertised on the National RA Website  www.the-ra.org  In addition to that, you will be supported by the National RA should you require the services of a suitably qualified professional to represent you in any Refereeing matter that you may become involved.

Locally, you join a very well established and respected Association where we provide a social aspect to our in house training and development. You only have to trawl back through past meetings to see that the quality of guest speakers are second to none. From Martin Atkinson to Jon Moss, Andy Halliday (VAR Expert), Gary Kellett (Senior Match Observer), Liam Slack (PGMOL Sports scientist), Andy Madley, Mark Haywood and Paul Tierney to name but a few. Where else can you listen and learn from the experiences of these guys whilst at the same time being entertained.

We are recognised as being one of the top 10 Local Referee Associations in the Country and we intend to enhance that profile but, can only do so with your support.

All our top professional Match officials and I mean, all of them, joined there local RA at the start of their careers and ALL of them are still members today.

Just think what you could achieve when in the company of our Nation’s best, in a safe and enjoyable environment……worth the effort I can tell you.

For our younger Match officials, can I offer my encouragement for you to come along, in the knowledge that you are safe and will benefit from the experience of listening to others, who have all gone through the same processes and climbed the same ladders as you are doing right now.

I would encourage parents or adult family members to support their young Referee by also coming along to our meetings and can tell you that on our Committee we have an appointed Welfare officer who is held in very high regard within the North Riding County FA safeguarding community.

We welcome all those involved in Refereeing, whether you blow a whistle, hold a flag, work as an administrator, support our Referees through the mentoring or observing schemes or are simply a retired official in some Refereeing capacity who is able and would enjoy passing on valuable experience.

This message is designed to ignite your enthusiasm for the new season. Writing it has certainly set my pulse racing again and I look forward to meeting and teaming up with you all in the very near future.

Should you or the parents of young Referees have any queries, concerns or questions then please do not hesitate to contact me direct or any member of our Committee. My details are appended below and Committee details are included on our website www.yorkreferee.co.uk/

We will endeavour to keep you abreast of developments but for now, clean the boots, oil the whistle, iron the flag, sharpen the pencil, get fit and stay safe.

With my very Best Wishes.

Alan

 

Alan Kaye

Chairman, York RA

(H) 01653 648759

(M) 07789 005327

[email protected]