It will also assist with retention as referees will not be confronted with the same issues as those at games outside the academy system. This will go some way towards addressing the serious problem of the vast majority of our younger match officials leaving the sport soon after qualifying due to being disillusioned usually with spectator and team officials' reactions to their performances.
Matches are usually played on a Sunday morning (under 14s downwards) and on Saturday mornings (under 16 and under 18) at the training grounds, which are adjacent to each other in Cobham. Occasionally, Fulham play at their ground in Motspur Park.
The Association's highly successful Development Group (for young referees under the age of 30 with high potential) will also benefit from having a natural feeder group. Thus natural progression would be possible leading to even greater benefit when those who move upwards are given a Senior Mentor to assist them.
Equally, the Academies will allow the Association's more senior referees the opportunity to continue their development as well as ensuring that the higher age-group matches are officiated to a standard reasonably expected by the clubs whilst affording their younger colleagues the experience of running the line.
The County's Referee Coaches will be utilised within the Academies to ensure appropriate instruction and guidance is given.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The Referee must
- be parented with Surrey County Football Association
- be an active official on local football leagues, to form part of their development and future promotion opportunities
- be part of the County Football Association's Referee Coaching Scheme, and has satisfied the Association's Referees' Committee of their commitment to officiate at the Academy.
- have signed up to the code of conduct for academy officials - Parents / Guardians Code of Conduct
- have the appropriate attitude to accept positive feedback from the mentor
- have completed and returned to The FA a form to enable a security check to be carried out by that association
- For those 18 and over must have completed an FA CRB check
- Have undergone FA Safeguarding Children in Football training
- Attend a pre-season meeting with the club to receive first hand the club's requirements
Interested and still a teenager? Provided you can fulfil the above criteria, please feel free to apply for a place by completing the form listed under Related Documents and sending it to the Referee Development Officer at County Office or send it by email to tim.lawrence@surreyfa.com .