Glossary of Abbreviations
The Football Association
SCFA Surrey County Football Association
SCRA Surrey County Referees Association
Scratoc Surrey County Referees Association Training Officers Committee
Club & Player Disciplinary issues
including reporting of misconduct, commissions & punishments
Referee Training
Including In-service training, assessing, mentors & promotion
County Cup Issues
including appointments & closed dates
General Concerns and Comments
Including Newsletter, County Office & communication issues
Club & Player Disciplinary Issues
Including reporting of misconduct, commissions & punishments
Q Prompt return of blank report forms within 1 week with same or more than sent in. Unfortunately this does not happen from Surrey at present.
A A few seasons ago we used the reply slip in a window envelope to return blank forms. Many went astray for a number of reasons and were not received. Two years ago we introduced a computerised system and complaints of non-receipt are now negligible. The system relies on the referee being a Surrey referee and quoting his correct registration number. Details of this new system were widely circulated advising that it would take 7-10 days for reports to be returned and that any referee requiring a supply in the meantime should contact the office; some did, most didn’t. Apart from Public Holidays replacement forms are always posted second class on the Monday following the week that they were processed.
Q Could report forms indicate that the address slip does not need to be filled in if the referees name and registration number are submitted?
A They do now. We had to wait until our stock ran out before re-designing and re-ordering the forms as they are supplied by the FA. Despite this note and reminders, many referees still complete this slip unnecessarily.
Q I have asked for new report forms on 3 occasions and still have not been sent any so my bookings don’t get sent in. I also believe that more referees would put in bookings and sendings off if the form was a tick sheet.
A Such comments are rare but one is one too many. It is preferable that requests for anything be made in writing, including by email. If a phone call has to be made, please get the name of the person you speak to and write to The County Secretary with all the details if you do not receive the items requested. If a referee failed to send in misconduct reports this would be regarded as misconduct and a referee found guilty may have his registration cancelled. The FA is currently investigating a standard report form for every County FA and is also looking at the possibility of a tick form.
Q Could SCFA issue an acceptable word (or similar) template to enable forms to be compiled on PC (I created my own but was told it was not acceptable)?
A A programme has been available for about 3 years called RefHelp. Unfortunately it costs about £25 and required constant updating as we made changes to our form due to changes imposed by the FA. We expect the FA to explore the use of IT for reporting misconduct. Remember that it is perfectly acceptable to complete a standard form using a computer. The only restriction is producing a non- standard form. Section 5 on the reverse of the standard form refers.
Q Why aren’t photocopies of report forms acceptable?
A They are acceptable but they should be of a reasonable quality and double sided even if the referee has not written on the reverse. The participant who receives the copy should be able to refer to the section overleaf to ascertain the charge.
Q Could the procedure for sending in report forms be extended from 2 days to 3?
A From our experience, referees like to get reports in whilst they are still fresh in their mind. However, we realise that referees have other responsibilities and there may be a few extra days before a report is submitted. It is important to get the reports in quickly as there is a time limit after the incident set by FA Rules when we cannot progress the report. Our computer programme is also able to determine the average time that it takes an individual referee to submit reports. This is reviewed at the end of each season and if the time is deemed to be excessive the referee is contacted for his comments and possibly an explanation.
Q Why is it necessary to put the full name of the player when surely an initial should be sufficient?
A There have been some unpleasant incidents in recent seasons, including referee assaults, where it has been impossible to track down the player responsible.
We need to catch these thugs and suspend them from playing. The player cautioned one week may assault a referee the next week. Even with a full name we may never locate him but it may be the vital piece of information that we need, especially if the first name is unusual. Secondly, all cases of misconduct have to be allocated to a player file. If only an initial is given we cannot be certain that the player is the same one and so a new file is created. This will mean that a commission may have an incomplete record of the players misconduct and also that the player may accumulate 5, 10 or even 15 cautions and go unpunished.
Q Why is there a need for duplication of report forms? Middlesex use one form.
A The reason that Middlesex only require one form is because they and Hertfordshire were selected by the FA to trial a scanning scheme in which reports are scanned at over 50 a minute. This has proved successful and so we have taken advantage of a grant from the FA to purchase the equipment that would enable us to request only one form. However, staff are still undergoing training and familiarising themselves with the system. We envisage being able to start next season by requesting only one form. Until notified otherwise referees should continue to send in 2 copies.
Q As far as I am aware there is very little support for referees from SCFA. In my experience there is a strong club bias when it comes to hearings and much politics due to the club and SCFA connections.
A Very often when a Not Guilty verdict is given, the referee feels let down and this is understandable. However, at a disciplinary hearing it is the Association that has brought the charge and the referee is our witness. It is therefore arguable that it is the Association that has failed and the referee should take some comfort from that. The issue of Council members sitting on hearings where they may have an interest has been addressed on a number of occasions and if such a case should slip through (entirely by accident), a re-hearing would be the likely outcome.
Q I have been on two disciplinary hearings to give evidence as a referee and assistant referee and found it very stressful. I felt as if I was the one on trial.
A Clearly this is worrying as the referee is a witness for the Association. Provided that the referee has acted in accordance with Law and written an accurate and concise report he should have nothing to fear. A commission can be intimidating and some referees are able to deal with it better than others. We do believe that we cater for the referee better than other counties but we do need to keep focused on the problem and address it.
Q Is it possible for RA representation for officials at all hearings.
A The RA cannot represent a referee as the referee is normally a witness. The referee is permitted to be accompanied by a colleague such as an RA member with the consent of the commission Chairman. We are not aware that this has ever been denied.
Q Why was I not told the result of a disciplinary hearing I attended as a referee against a player’s appeal following a sending off?
A Under FA rule, as soon as a referee has given his evidence, he must leave the hearing. This prevents any confrontation or problems after the hearing. The results of hearings are not a secret and are widely circulated on a monthly basis. If a referee contacts the County Office at least a week after the hearing preferably by email they will be informed of the findings. Remember that the County Office does not have the staff to handle a great increase in phone calls requesting details of hearings and if this should occur, the facility may need to be withdrawn.
Q Player punishments do not always fit the crime / offence. Hearings will be postponed for players but not referees. Referee should see written protest from player before hearing.
A These three points really highlight how little some referees know about the disciplinary process. Firstly every County FA has to abide by the Guide to Recommended Punishments as laid down by the FA. When a player is sent off we are obligated to ‘offer’ the appropriate punishment. If the player requests a Personal Hearing this punishment can be varied up or down. To request a Personal Hearing, a player does not have to give his reasons. He merely has to tick the appropriate section on the charge form. Finally, hearings can and are postponed due to the non-availability of either player or referee. However, a player must have a very good reason to postpone a hearing and cannot postpone more than once. If a player asks for a second postponement this is always denied unless there are really exceptional circumstances. All of the above are FA Rules and Regulations and are included in the county handbook.
Q Stronger disciplinary action taken by commission panel would take out persistent offending players for a greater length of time.
A More severe punishments are being handed out especially large fines with part suspended to try and encourage a reduction in misconduct.
Q Couldn’t disciplinary hearings be in a more central area?
A We have 3 venues, Woking, Leatherhead and Morden. Virtually all serious cases, e.g. assault and abandoned matches will be heard at Leatherhead with a commission comprising senior, experienced members of Council. For other cases, a number of factors are taken into account, e.g. urgency, availability of participant and referee, area in which the referee and/or club will need to travel from and whether there is an available slot to be filled.
Q I believe that disciplinary commissions comprise the ‘old school’ who don’t know what is going on or said to referees at matches these days.
A The purpose of a commission is to simply receive evidence and judge the case before them. Just because foul language directed at referees could be regarded as commonplace that does not make the individual before them guilty. Commissions comprise a broad mix of individuals, young, old, male and female.
Q I was dismayed to receive notice of a disciplinary hearing via 2nd class post.
A We don’t see a problem provided adequate time is allowed for delivery to ensure that 14 days notice is given. Most notifications for attendance are posted a month in advance and some referees are even contacted by telephone first.
Q I promised myself after the last disciplinary hearing that I attended that I would decline any future invitation to attend. They always run late and end up taking up a whole of one evening.
A A referee’s refusal to attend a commission would be reported to the Referees Committee. However it is pleasing to note that this is a very rare occurrence. In order to try and adhere to the timetable, a maximum of 4 cases are now planned per commission whereas it used to be 5 or 6. From next season there will be a Case sheet which will include start and finish times to enable the performance of commissions to be monitored.
Q It would be nice if misconduct hearings could be kept away from Tuesday evenings so that they don’t clash with senior football appointments.
A Referring to the previous question, a participant may need to travel further if he wants to attend on a particular day of the week. Hearings are now heard every weekday except Friday and an effort is made to keep cases involving senior clubs and senior referees away from Tuesday. It would help if the referee could close the dates for when he has games to help pre-warn availability for a commission.
Q Sometimes the player does not turn up. London FA makes the player pay a fee up front.
A Under FA Rules a participant requesting a hearing in any county must pre-pay a Personal Hearing fee, currently £25, and an administration fee of £7. This is rigidly applied in Surrey. We can understand that this is extremely frustrating for a referee but he should take comfort in the fact that invariably in these cases, the player is found guilty. For information, at a hearing in Morden last year, 3 referees did not turn up after sending in postcards stating that they would attend.
Q Only comment is that disciplinary hearings are still a bit in the dark ages held in dingy smoke filled old buildings. Officials do not use mobiles so no contact if late problems and travelling sometimes back and forth.
A The venues at Leatherhead and Morden have recently undergone major redecoration and are now felt to be entirely suitable. Woking is also deemed acceptable but it may depend on which room we are allocated. The Association welcome input from anybody who feels that they know of or are able to offer an alternative venue. Enquiries have been made of other venues but the cost has been prohibitive. A contact phone number if late is an excellent suggestion and will be considered
Q I commute to London to work and this is not taken into account when hearings are called.
A In addition to people working a long way from home others work shifts. The County Office cannot possible know of this and so cannot take this into account. However, most hearings can be re-arranged to suit participants but it does need a phone call or an email as soon as possible.
Q There was no feedback given to me at one of the disciplinary hearings I attended where a sending off was quashed on appeal. This has a demoralising effect on the general attitude some referees may have towards SCFA.
A It is extremely annoying and frustrating for referees when a player is found not guilty but it must be said that in most cases this is because the referees report is vague or the referee changes his version of events at the hearing. This may be a bitter pill to swallow but it is nevertheless a fact.
Q The only concern I wish to make is whilst attending discipline hearings I feel that there should be a place where the referees are completely isolated from the players / clubs officials etc.
A A separate room should be available and we would want to hear details immediately if this doesn’t occur. However, some referees prefer to stand with players and club officials and we have to respect that.
Q Could the fee for attending at hearings be sent by cheque to the referee rather than being given in front of players’ managers etc?
A The referee should be in a room set aside and any expenses paid there. As for payment by cheque we do not believe that this would receive widespread support from referees.
Q I would like more information regarding suspension of players dismissed when no personal hearing taken place.
A Players sent off who do not request a Personal Hearing will be deemed to have accepted the Recommended Punishment. Reference to the county handbook, pages 85-87 will give the relevant details.
Q There should be fixed fines and suspensions. Obviously these will be graded according to the offence incurred.
A The previous answer partially covers this. There is a Guide to Recommended Punishments but of course a participant has the right of appeal.
Q Could training be given to clubs as to how to treat referees?
A This has been tried but with little success. The FA introduced Charter Standard for youth clubs last year and this year intend to introduce it for adult clubs. To be successful, a club must be able to demonstrate a good disciplinary record and once achieved, discipline must remain satisfactory or the award may be removed. A club where a participant has assaulted a match official is excluded from applying for a further 3 years. The Association also try to ‘drip feed’ the consequences of referee abuse to clubs.
Q Fines and suspensions do not appear to work for some players and youth team parents. What would concentrate the mind would be to deduct points.
A FA Rules generally prohibit leagues from deducting points for misconduct. Charter Standard and suspended fines are 2 ways of addressing the points raised.
Q Disciplinary hearings – pay a proper fee for taking up 2-3 hours of a referee’s night included travelling.
A FA Rules prohibit the giving of a ‘fee’. However we are able to offer a subsistence allowance plus mileage. Both of these have been increased in recent seasons to £5.00 plus 23p per mile or public transport costs. Some counties pay neither!
Q An assault on a referee should be dealt with by removing player and all the team from league and county.
A There would be a lot of support for this suggestion but FA Rules prohibit such action. On receipt of prima facie evidence, the player(s) is suspended immediately.
Referee Training
Including in-service training, assessing, mentors and promotion
Q What about a seminar on fitness / fitness training?
A With the recent introduction of FAMOA by the Football Association each County FA has a fitness co-ordinator whose role it will be to organise fitness training sessions and seminars. These have already been started in Surrey
Q What about a promotion advice booklet?
A This is currently under consideration.
Q Could there be more training on implementing law changes?
A Although in-service training takes place on many other topics any new Laws are usually dealt with at the first Society meeting of branches of the Referees Association each season. Of course not all referees belong to the RA so this is an area that could be explored further.
Q Some of us don’t drive. Could training events be arranged close to public transport e.g. mainline rail stations?
A Although this problem would normally affect the younger referee it is essential that all referees who wish to receive further training are able to do so. With the formation of the new Training Committee this is exactly the sort of issue that they will be addressing.
Q Training sessions are usually Jan / Feb. Why not have them late Aug / Sept for the start of the season? Also, locations of training centres make it almost impossible to attend. Why not try different venues especially in S.E Surrey?
A The training sessions are now held all year round. The issue of venues is often raised and will be kept under review.
Q Is it possible for referees unable to attend a training session to receive handouts?
A A newsletter would provide the ideal means to circulate such information and will no doubt be considered by the Training Committee at the appropriate time.
Q We teach the laws of the game but after passing the exam why is little done to teach people to referee or explain the importance of positioning and fitness?
A Virtually every referee who takes the exam has been trained at a SCRA society by a Licensed or Registered Football Association Instructor. Every society and every Instructor in Surrey, without exception, will ensure that any referee seeking further training or guidance receives it. In addition there are various mentor schemes, a range of excellent free publications from the FA and of course, the counties own training programme.
Q The In service training is very good if one cares to take advantage but many referees don’t. Perhaps it should be compulsory for say the first 2 years or maybe refresher courses should be compulsory every five years.
A The FA has made it a requirement that a referee seeking promotion must attend at least one in-service training during a promotion period.
Q Training evenings try to cover too many people. Could they be held in smaller groups and be more professional using power point etc?
A In service training sessions are now more focused on specific groups such as youth referees, new referees, referees going for promotion, etc. The Referees Committee has a budget to work within and whilst smaller groups may be desirable a balance has to be struck to ensure maximum participation. The Association has purchased equipment to give power point presentations and this has already been used at training sessions with great success.
Q Why are the training days always on weekdays? If training is important why not close a Saturday for training?
A There is already a shortage of referees and so training on a Saturday would only make the situation worse. When planning training, other participants such as leagues also need to be considered. Some training sessions have been held on Sundays but match officials appear to favour evenings.
Q When I attended the in service training with SCRA why didn’t I see anyone from the County?
A We would much rather see a room full of referees than County officials. However, a member of the Referees Committee is always in attendance at training sessions and invariably there are other County members present. It is likely that the writer was unaware of their identity and therefore presence.
Q The training sessions are an excellent aid to all referees. Could all referees receive the ‘LOAF’ when registering each season? Other counties do this.
A From last season the Laws are included in the County handbook enabling the laws to be accessed by all participants including referees.
Q We are just numbers. I have been to training evenings and on both occasions I left before halfway. These evenings were a joke, not serious enough.
A This proves that you can’t please everybody as the majority of referees felt that the training was of great value. It would appear that the writer did not make his views known at the time or immediately afterwards. An evaluation form will be suggested to the Training Committee.
Q Could you set up courses specifically for managers or include in coaching courses? A special "Mini – soccer" referees course should also be set up which would be a good place for teenagers to get experience of refereeing.
A The Laws are now an element of coaching courses and courses for refereeing mini-soccer are now part of the Associations football education programme. Although mini-soccer courses have been available for some time the response has been poor. They can be run on demand at any time.
Q All referees should sit quarterly tests on Fitness, Laws of the Game, Man Management.
A An interesting view and an obvious response is; what if they don’t?
Q After initial training provided by RA – not county, there is no obvious support & training offered by SCFA. This should be provided to every active referee every year.
A Firstly training is given by the SCRA on behalf of the SCFA and using FA Registered or Licensed Instructors. The FA have recently implemented policies and procedures with regard to training and the SCFA and SCRA are obliged (and happy) to comply with these. Training is available to every referee every year.
Q The in-service training sessions are simply a "mothers meeting" of tea and sandwiches. They are not productive in any way and are too short.
A This view is not shared by many. A great number of people give up many hours to present these sessions at no cost to referees. Instead of remarks like this some constructive comments to the Referees Secretary would be more appropriate
Q I feel there could be some practical training e.g. showing some tackles so you can assess fouls as all classroom work is theory as opposed to practical and many of the people’s attitudes seem to be that they are right whatever.
A The FA have made great progress in providing CD Roms and videos which provide the opportunity to discuss real-life match incidents. These are frequently shown at in-service training sessions and at referee societies.
Q Having recently qualified I believe the referee training courses should be streamlined into a course for those who intend to referee (more practical) A course for those who do not intend to referee (A book learning exercise).
A A two-tier referee course is now available as an option for training. The first part is theory and a candidate can curtail the course after this part. The second part is practical in the form of refereeing 6 matches under the guidance of a mentor.
Q When I had a problem with promotion issues no one was willing to listen or resolve the issues until it was too late for promotion.
A As stated, the promotion system has been overhauled and the Assessing Co-ordinator now works in the office from Tuesday-Thursday making contact far easier.
Q The Association does not actively try to support referees in achieving their goals. When I applied for promotion to Level 5, I was pushed into games the season after gaining Level 6. It was too soon and I was not up to the standard. I got no constructive feedback and effectively ‘gave up’. Where is the monitoring scheme that I believe some County FA’s have?
A The whole promotion system has recently been re-structured and should now address most referee concerns. However, referees are individuals and whilst some may thrive on games that stretch their ability others may like to consolidate their game after achieving Level 6. The assessments provide feedback, not only to the referee but also to the assessing co-ordinators. It is important that the referee communicates any concerns with these people as soon as possible. The last thing we want is a referee giving up.
Q I have had 2 bad experiences trying for promotion that put me off for a couple of years.
A It is not unusual for referees seeking promotion to experience some sort of setback. The important thing is to remain confident, ask colleagues to watch you and always discuss assessments with the assessor and even colleagues. Contact with your assessing co-ordinator would be another invaluable step.
Q My personal opinion is that County Assessors would be better used if occasionally they would come to watch other referees other than those applying for promotion and offer them guidance – on the job supervision.
A A very valid point and something that the Training Committee can consider. Currently there is just about enough assessors to carry out the required number of assessments for promotion but there are many people suitably qualified to offer guidance outside of the assessing scheme. A referee seeking such assistance should contact his society or write to the Referees Secretary.
Q The first games after qualification are a difficult period when one can doubt one’s ability to perform well. Easy to walk away from refereeing in that period so support in this period would be welcome.
A Some new referees would rather not have someone around for their first games. However, this period is an important time for the referee and support, even from a non-referee should be sought. The ideal place for this would be a referee’s society.
Q What about a complete overhaul of the promotion process?
A Again without specific details of what the writer has in mind it is difficult to comment. The promotion process is laid down by the FA. However the Association have, from the start of this season restructured how we administer it and hopefully referees will see improvements.
Q Why is it you can only get promotion on senior football matches?
A By ‘senior’ we assume that the questioner means adult. Candidates going for promotion from Level 7-6 can be assessed on the majority of adult football and also on youth football subject to certain criteria. Candidates going for promotion from Level 6-5 can only be assessed on adult football. Guidance is given in the ‘Referees’ section of the County Handbook and additional advice can be obtained from the County Office.
Q I would like to see referees being assessed at regular intervals to improve consistency. We all make mistakes but we also all think we are the best. We need to be viewed and told of our mistakes and encouraged to improve on them. How many negative reports from clubs against a referee does it take before the Association reacts? Or, are the clubs unwilling to report poor refereeing?
A Throughout the course of a season we receive very few letters from clubs regarding a referee’s ability. These are passed to the Referees Committee who usually arrange for the referee to be watched.
Q I only qualified last year but no one from the County has contacted me since qualifying.
A Contact is usually maintained through the referees training officer and the society that trained him. However, the point is well made and will be a subject for consideration at a Referees Committee meeting.
Q Information obviously cannot cater for every member but could we have feedback on how one is performing and what is expected?
A In addition to assessments when going for promotion the SCRA in conjunction with the Referees Committee have provided a summary for all candidates at the end of the season regardless of whether they have been successful or not. Additionally assessments are carried out on selected county cup fixtures. Any referee desirous of feedback should either request guidance at a SCRA society meeting or from the SCFA Referees Committees.
Q The Association should select a panel of up and coming referees and nurture them and potentially allocate each a mentor.
A The Development Group has recently been re-formed after a break of several seasons and along the same guidelines as above
County Cup Issues
Including appointments and closed dates
Q I came off a Contributory league about five years ago and to this date I have not received a county cup appointment.
A Several comments such as this were received. The Referees Committee have circulated a questionnaire regarding county cup appointments and when the replies have been assessed and acted upon it is hoped that a revised appointing system will mean that similar comments will be greatly reduced.
Q More communicating between SCFA referee appointment secretaries and league secretaries regarding county appointments.
A Such liaison has taken place in the form of meetings and agreed procedures during recent seasons. It must be accepted that some league referee secretaries have more time and are more proficient than others. We found that leagues were nominating referees that weren’t registered, that had closed dates, that were injured and even referees that were non-Surrey registered. This reduced the time available to send out cup draws. Leagues are always asked for their opinion when referees are appointed to County Cup finals.
Q A new procedure I have encountered this season has been team sheets. What are they for? Just to list those present –ok, but without clearer instruction on their completion and improvements in their layout they don’t indicate which player is which number or who are the designated substitutes.
A Team sheets were introduced at the request of referees via the SCRA. They were slightly redesigned for this season, but the above points are well made and from next season, team sheets similar to those used for the senior cup will be provided. These will be twice the size of the current ones to give more space for completion.
Q I believe referees who do Sunday’s on a regular basis should be those who are rewarded with Sunday County Cup appointments.
A By and large this is how the Referees Committee makes the appointments. However, circumstances sometimes dictate that ‘other’ referees are appointed. Feedback from the county cup questionnaire may well reflect this point.
Q I think there is now a need for county cup appointments to be taken into and issued from the County Office, even to the phoning out of appointments with the instant reply on availability then being available. Evening shift required?
A The appointments system works reasonably well so we do not feel it requires such a person. However, the situation could change but such a position would need financing and as with all such initiatives the clubs would bear the costs.
Q Match fees for cups should be in line with league fees. e.g. Ryman £33.00 cup £24.00 (£9.00 difference). This invites comments about ‘how much you’re worth’ or ‘on the cheap today then’.
A Since the writer submitted this comment the fees now are Ryman referee £30, Ryman Assistant Referee £15. Both are plus expenses but officials are obliged to travel together. Senior County Cup fees are Referee £32 and £35 for quarter and semi-final, and Assistant Referee £24 and £27 for quarter and semi-final. It can therefore be seen that we compare favourably at the senior level. At the junior league level, county cup fees must be advised at the Association AGM in June and this is currently £20. Leagues can hold their AGM after this date and possibly set a higher fee although currently the maximum permitted is £22. This increases to £25 from next season.
Q When giving closed dates, this information is not being given to the relevant quarters.
A All closed dates advised to the office are passed on but occasionally they are overlooked due to workload. The FA are devising a new ‘Football Records’ computer programme which will not allow a referee who has closed a date to be appointed on that date. It is unlikely to be in place for next season but in the meantime we shall be more diligent.
Q Dates for County Cup games should be publicised as early as possible and included in the Handbook as last year.
A A quick look at old county handbooks has revealed that dates have been in the handbook for at least 25 years and probably for many years before. They are on the website in July and are made available to leagues as soon as they are known so that they can plan their fixture lists.
Q Cup appointment correspondence on late appointments on occasions no match cards and team sheets are provided.
A Clearly this would depend on how late the appointment was and this is an area which needs addressing.
Q I think that the County FA should let leagues know well in advance which referees are needed for cup games as the short notice given disrupts league games.
A This is a problem not just confined to us but throughout the football pyramid. A couple of obvious problems are that there is only a 3 or 4 week gap between rounds and many games are postponed so the home club is not immediately known. Increased use of email may help alleviate the problem. The Referees Committee are well aware of the concern and will continue to address it.
Q On semi-finals and finals it would be sensible to have officials on the line whom do lines throughout the season.
A Agreed
Q Why must I give a reason why I cannot accept a county cup appointment? No other competition at local level requires this.
A If a referee is available he is obliged to accept a county cup appointment unless appointed to a game higher in the recognised ‘Order of Precedence’. Records are kept of reasons why a referee refuses an appointment especially as many of these could have been notified earlier, e.g. working, on holiday, long term injury. The Referees Committee monitor the situation and would most likely take action if a referee declined a county appointment and then officiated in a local league match on the same day.
Q It would be useful if when appointed for County Cups referees are asked about their availability before the clubs are advised.
A The onus is on the referee to close his dates not only with the County FA but also with leagues.
General Concerns and Comments
Including newsletter, county office and communication issues
Q Could information be disseminated using e-mail?
A The IT system that we use is linked to the Football Association’s system and so there are technical issues to overcome. However, it is the intention of the Association to enhance its use of email to all participants, not only referees and we envisage starting this during the summer.
Q I was unfairly criticised in my capacity as assistant referee without full knowledge of the circumstances. When I politely wrote and pointed these out I was ignored. Not a good advert to maintaining support and confidence and leaving unfairly a black mark on your records.
A Not being aware of the particular case we cannot comment. However, it is not obvious that every letter expects a reply and in this case the letter may have been added to the relevant Case papers. All participants who clearly expect a reply receive one.
Q Can communication be improved? I have virtually no contact with Surrey County FA.
A It is acknowledged that there could be greater communication with referees and a regular newsletter is under review. However, some referees claim to receive too much information already!
Q I have never felt part of Surrey since moving here from Sussex in 1997. I continued to referee in Sussex for a couple of seasons but am now non-active. I used to be an assistant training officer in Mid Sussex and active in the R.A.
A The important point is to continue refereeing and enjoy it regardless of where in the country you are. Surrey has a vibrant RA and I am sure the writer would have been made welcome at any society.
Q To be honest it is not so obvious that the FA provides anything to ‘grass root’ referees like me. At Society meetings the hierarchy reporting line is referred to ‘County’ where referee thoughts / input is channelled but where or how effective the communication channel is leaves something to the imagination.
A The FA and SCFA do a great deal for ‘grass roots’ referees much of it in conjunction with the SCRA. If society members are not receiving adequate information on issues that they have raised they should take the matter up with the society secretary or write to the SCFA Referees Secretary.
Q As information is provided from a number of sources (SCFA, SCRA, and Scratoc) information is often repeated or the message becomes confused. Who runs refereeing? Join forces – let Surrey show the country a new way.
A There have been developments in this area since replies were received. The FA have issued guidance for training which has led to Scratoc being wound up after over 30 years of outstanding contribution to refereeing in the county. That expertise has not been lost, but has been absorbed into the new Training Committee which feeds into the SCFA Referees Committee. The SCRA have a representative on the Council of SCFA and he also sits on the Referees Committee. We feel that both bodies share similar concerns and interests in refereeing matters and work extremely well together.
Q I have been surprised that the SCFA has sought to save money (postage) by hanging on to Law changes and other relevant material beyond the first date that such info would/could be needed simply to include it with a later posting. We are important, we are not something tacked on to the side of the game and we need to be treated as an essential part of the game
A As mentioned earlier, the Law amendments are posted to referees the day after we receive them from the FA. The money in the SCFA bank account belongs to club and leagues and we have a duty to spend it wisely. Not only is postage a consideration but also the staff time and wages required to fill the 1200 plus envelopes
Q Could the Law amendments be available to referees much earlier?
A The Law amendments are circulated the day after they are received from the FA together with the referees receipt and new registration card. The FA relies on UEFA for these booklets but these are usually distributed in June well before the season starts.
Q SCFA expects high standards from us; fair enough but remember you need us not the other way round and we are volunteers. The high standards you expect must be maintained by you.
A Of 97 SCFA Council members, 96 are also volunteers who give up their time without receiving a fee or wage. In addition, there is an army of volunteers working for the SCRA, leagues and other bodies. All of these, including referees, work to the highest standards attainable at any particular time. Occasionally things will inevitably go wrong.
Q I appreciate the cost implications but why don’t referees receive handbook amendments from SCFA throughout the season?
A The fact is that nobody now receives handbook amendments. It used to be the case that when the handbook was issued, an amendment list was also issued at the same time. We now have an arrangement with the company that produces the handbook whereby it is now possible to include late entries including new clubs, referees, changes of address etc. into the handbook that would in the past have been in the amendment list. It is our view that because changes are made on such a regular (daily) basis that any amendment list would be instantly out of date. From next season, we hope to introduce a new method of circulating cup draws, which includes the most up to date contact details. There is also a possibility that IT developments could assist.
Q As a newly qualified referee I have a lot of support from my referee society but have received nothing from County regarding requirements and procedures for promotion, nor guidance on leagues etc. Why is this?
A All of this information is included in the handbook and the Officer in charge on exam nights tries to point this out. There are now also in service training sessions aimed at the new referee. However, if a referee is unsure his society or County Office will be able to assist.
Q More welcoming needed for new referees. I find referee circles are very cliquey and unwelcoming to newcomers.
A Experienced referees reading this, please take note!
Q I don’t feel SCFA is sufficiently accountable or accessible. I don’t feel that it’s possible for the ordinary referee to influence decisions that affect us.
A On the contrary. Any changes that have been implemented have usually been as a result of an idea promoted by a referee or his society. The SCFA do not feel that they have the monopoly on good ideas. Revamping of county cup flysheets and circulation of new Law changes are two ideas that immediately spring to mind and there are many others.
Q Could SAE envelopes for disciplinary and appointments be provided?
A We would estimate that this would cost in excess of £5000 per year and would have to be borne by the clubs. We do not feel that such a suggestion would receive the support of the clubs. However, acceptance of county cup appointments or of attendance at personal hearings could be sent by email and we feel sure that the FA will soon relax their Regulations to allow misconduct reports to be emailed as well.
Q Systems have to be put in place for resolving complaints from referees otherwise more will leave.
A Any complaint by any participant is investigated. If anyone does not receive a satisfactory response, they should write to the County Secretary with full details or if a member of the SCRA try and resolve the issue through the society.
Q I have had great difficulty trying to speak to the correct person to sort out my membership. I must have made 20 phone calls and spoken to several people. Got sorted by trying on email.
A This is a tale of woe which fortunately we do not get very often and possibly 20 phone calls is an exaggeration borne out of frustration. However, clearly there was a problem that we believe would not arise now that staff, experienced in refereeing issues, are employed in the office. In the case of queries, we would recommend writing, rather than phoning, as some matters may need to be referred to the Referees Committee; email is fine. Full details should be provided.
Q Why does the Association only seem concerned with the top levels of referees?
A The Association are concerned about every referee, regardless of level.
Q Why don’t SCFA Council members attend more matches and not just cup finals?
A Obviously the writer is unaware that many Council members are referees and referee assessors, the latter giving up their free time at no cost to anyone but for the benefit of refereeing. Others are involved in clubs and leagues so therefore regularly attend matches throughout the season. It is difficult to know how the questioner came to believe that Council members do not attend matches.
Q Could there be a help line for new referees?
A Help is available from the Training Officer who trained you, the SCFA Referees Secretary or from County Office. In addition, SCRA members can seek assistance from their society.
Q Could the County Handbook be available to referees much earlier e.g. at least a month before season starts.
A When does the season start? For senior football, the season starts about the second week of August. For junior football, the season starts towards the end of September. For the last 4 seasons the handbook has been distributed during the third week of August, in ample time for the majority of clubs and referees. A handbook could be circulated a lot earlier but its content would be greatly reduced and not worthy of being called a handbook. It is estimated that 20-25% of clubs affiliate in July or later. It is an unequivocal fact that the later the handbook, the more comprehensive it will be. We have to strike a balance and believe that we have it about right.
Q I had to phone 3 times with my change of address before they got it right.
A Of course this is unacceptable. However the office staff do their best often in difficult circumstances and with constant interruptions. This is why we ask that changes to details are put in writing.
Q On 3 occasions I have written to an official within the Association, but have never received a reply.
A If this occurs then the County Chairman or County Secretary must be advised in writing giving full details.
Q As I am deaf since birth could an interpreter be provided for training or for disciplinary hearings?
A When the need arises the referee should write to the County Office. Interpreters are provided for deaf players at disciplinary hearings and there is no reason why the same should not apply to referees. This may be different with training sessions but the issue will certainly be pursued upon request.
Q I have found the FA toothless when it comes to dealing with local authorities regarding the condition of pitches and dressing rooms.
A When the Football Foundation was launched in July 2000, £140million was made available over 3 years for the improvement of facilities at all levels. Referees are unlikely to be aware that since then County FA’s across the country have bombarded local authorities, Council Officers, clubs and leagues in an effort to ensure that this money is spent. In Surrey, 3 seminars for local authorities have been held and these have been poorly attended. It does seem strange that failure to address poor facilities is likely to be blamed on cost and yet up to 90% grant is available. Now that the Register of English Football Facilities (REFF) has been published there seems to be more media awareness. The Association cannot do it alone and we need clubs and leagues to canvass and pester their local authorities and local councillors.
Q At in service training sessions, moans are passed around about referees failing to deal with correspondence. I have found that the County’s officers are often the worst at fault.
A Without specific details no comment can be made. If any referee has any concerns about an Officer not dealing with issues, he should write to The County Chairman or County Secretary giving full details.
Q I would like to see our marks sent to us once a month so we can improve if we do same team again.
A It would be a matter for leagues and competitions to agree to divulge marks on a monthly basis. One would assume that the referee had done his best in the original game so how could he improve to any large degree? Besides, there is a danger of attaching too much importance to club marks.
Q On several occasions I have contacted your office pointing out I am eligible for long service awards. I am still waiting to hear from you. I have been registered with the Surrey FA for many years.
A Long Service Awards were subject to a questionnaire at about the same time as this one as we realised that some referees had been overlooked. Unfortunately some referees are not aware of certain criteria such as they must have been active throughout the term of the LSA. We are confident that all qualifying referees have now been offered a LSA. If any referee reading this feels that they are due one they should write to the SCFA Referees Secretary.
Q I would like to see SCFA really pushing all referees towards their own organization The Referees Association.
A The relationship between the County FA and the SCRA is the envy of many other counties. It is our belief that the majority of active officials are already members of the RA. We fully support the SCRA in their recruitment drives in the same way that they support us in other areas. There is no doubt that membership of a society is desirable but of course we as a County FA cannot insist.
Q Most of the county’s Officers and committees are out of touch with the modern game. Most of them are past retirement age and hence have the time to devote and see their positions on the county as one of power, something which they probably never had during their working lives.
A The facts are that 7 out of 10 directors, 13 out of 15 Officers and 16 out of 20 divisional members are still in employment, most full-time.
Q The worst scenario is a referee’s frustration when trying to contact someone in the office, particularly after a match incident and being met by an answer phone.
A The office is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm each weekday and does not close for lunch. Outside of these times, if the matter is of an urgent nature, there are a number of options for the referee to contact including the Referees Secretary or his society. It would be unfair to burden clubs with an increased wage bill for what will be few calls.
Q I think that it would be a benefit to have a central contact at the County Office. Some one we could easily contact and not have to chase around to talk to.
A It is pleasing to report that since this questionnaire was circulated there are now 3 persons in the office with knowledge of refereeing. These are the County Secretary, the Assistant County Secretary Mark Wood and the Assessing Co-ordinator Vic Skilton. Contact details are inside the front cover of this booklet.
Q The Association could regionalise delegates in the County to aide questioners on problems experienced by referees.
A We feel that the SCRA through its societies do exactly that. Non-RA members can of course contact any of the 4 referee secretaries or the county office.
Q When SCFA becomes a limited company will referees be entitled to vote?
A The Association became a company limited by guarantee in March 2001. Referees are not entitled to a vote under either entity simply because they are not members as defined by the Articles of Association. This applies to every county and the FA themselves.
Q I am afraid that there is a personal feeling of an underlying threat of sanctions within all correspondence. The job is difficult enough without feeling that the Association is demanding a far greater level of response than most team’s players and club officials seem to have imposed on them.
A The Association sanctions players and clubs by way of fines and suspension. Rarely, if at all, does this apply to referees. Referees are registered with the FA and the County FA and are expected to comply with the FA Regulations pertaining to Match Officials. These are not onerous or difficult to comply with.
Q I have been a referee since 1957 but never acknowledged. I am a number.
A Assuming that this means active in Surrey since 1957, a long service award should have been presented for 15 and 30 years service and a 45 year award is now due. These awards are intended to acknowledge the service given to the Association and we would be concerned if due awards have not been presented.
Q I suggest you send out opinion research sheets every year or even twice a year, then I will consider from now on what you have already mentioned.
A We agree with this point but it’s taken long enough to review this one!! A lot of referees have replied that they get too many forms to fill in!! We feel that we can only improve and address the concerns of all participants if forms such as this are completed and returned. It will be readily seen that arising from this questionnaire; many changes have been made for the benefit of refereeing.
Acknowledgement
Thanks is offered to the many people who have contributed to this document. If you have a question which you feel requires an answer and could be included in a future revised edition to the benefit of referees and refereeing, then please write to the County Office.
|