Abuse at Grassroots football

Sky Sports News is investigating the abuse of referees at grassroots level and we want YOUR stories.

As part of our State of the Game series, our Chief News Reporter Dan Roan is looking at the issue of referees and the physical and verbal abuse they receive when they are officiating in grassroots games.

Are you a referee who has been physically assaulted by a player during a game? Would you be willing to talk to us about your experiences? Simply e-mail us at skysportsclub@bskyb.com.

We also want to hear from those on the other side of the abuse. Are you a player who has verbally or physically assaulted a referee and would now like to repent?

We want to know why you did it, whether or not it was a one-off and what punishment you received.

Simply email us at Sky Sports News with your stories and contact details and we could feature you on air as part of our State of the Game campaign.


http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11096_3422510,00.html

Surrey FA County Office

The County Office will close at 3.00pm on Monday 21st April for staff training.
It will be open as usual on Tuesday from 9.00am.

Mark Wood - Assistant Secretary

Uefa stand up to be counted

The wind of change is sweeping through football on the issue of player behaviour and Uefa are determined not to be left behind.

While Uefa president Michel Platini has already said that this summer's Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland would be used to highlight the need for more respect within the game, his organisation have now instructed referees to implement clarified directives.

At a workshop last week referees officiating in the summer were handed a six-point list.

One of the main thrusts was over the relationship between players and match officials.

The instructions are pretty clear: "Referees can accept a spontaneous expression of frustration from players, but will firmly sanction players who show dissent to the referees by word or action.

"Any players involved in mass confrontation have to realise that the main protester(s), including any who run over to join in, will get a yellow card."

Refs have been ordered to "act firmly (red card) against challenges involving excessive force including the illegal use of arms and elbows".

It's not just players that have to watch their behaviour: "If a coach openly criticises the referee, action will be taken to curb his behaviour."

Luckily for British players they have the summer off to watch how these new directives are enforced, but for the rest - you have been warned.

Expect some card action from the boys in black.

RE: Referee Required 15th April 18:15 KO

Thank You for all those who Volunteered, The game has now been covered.

Regards

Simeon Potter

Sutton & District Referee Society AGM

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Just to remind everyone the April meeting is the AGM and it will be on Wednesday 23rd April and not our usual Second Weds of the month slot.

Hope to see you all there.

Regards

Simeon Potter

Assistant Referee Required

I am looking for an assistant referee for this Saturday, 5th April, for an under 16’s game, Fulham v Watford at Motspur Park. The kick off is 11.00am.

If you can help either reply to this e-mail or call me on 01372 387 097

Many thanks
Mark

Mark Wood - Assistant Secretary
Surrey County Football Association Limited
Connaught House
36 Bridge Street
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT22 8BZ

IST - In Service Training

To All Promotion Candidates

Please can you urgently advise me if it is your intention to attend the Introduction to the Promotion Scheme seminar, which has been organised for Monday 14 April 2008 at The Leatherhead Institute starting at 7.30pm?

If you have already advised David Dixon on this matter please accept my apologies.

Regards

Bruce McLaren

News from RA Sponsor PrestonSkirrow

News from RA Sponsor PrestonSkirrow

Dear All,

RA Sponsor PrestonSkirrow have just sent out their April newsletter and have some stunning car offers for Referees’ Association Members. Not only do you get special deals, but the RA also receives a sponsorship payment for every car bought by our Members or their family and friends. Even better news, a portion of this payment will directly benefit your own Society.

To see the newsletter click the link below.

http://www.prestonskirrow.co.uk/NewsletterRAApril08.htm

You will also find a copy on the RA Website News section.

http://www.footballreferee.org/

PrestonSkirrow cater for all aspects of car sales from Company Car contract hire to private sales of new and up to twelve month old cars. PrestonSkirrow are also licensed credit brokers, so can arrange low-rate finance as well. So if you are thinking about changing your car give them a call – you have nothing to lose and potentially lots to gain.

Dave Skirrow

Ref required ...Thur 17th April 6pm k.o Paddington Rec,Maida Vale

Fellow Refs,

A referee is required at Paddington Rec (very close to Maida Vale tube)...for a mens league match on thursday 17th April...fee is £30 and its on floodlit astroturf..the pitch is booked from 6-7.30 pm..so matches are usually about 35 mins each way.

So if you work in London and fancy a pleasant evening run out next week please email me asap....first come first served...

Best wishes

Neil
Email: n.mosley@imperial.ac.uk

Surrey Referee

RA Draw Tickets and Reminder of the AGM date for April

Ladies and Gentlemen:

John Kasey has asked me send out a message that there still RA Draw tickets available.
Anyone wishing to obtain some please contact John by e-mail at johnkasey@hotmail.com

It is all in a good cause and half of any raised is given back to the society.
This would be a great way of supporting the RA and Society all together and have a chance of winning the Grand Prize. Please support if you can.

For all those you already have tickets and those who will have some in the near future! please return the tickets with monies at the
AGM meeting on Weds April 23rd.

(Note this replaces the normal 2nd Weds of the month meeting)

Regards

Simeon Potter