Referees/Assistant Referees

[Rhodes]

Not SSML related but sad to learn that well known Great Yarmouth Referee Norman Burtenshaw died recently, he was 97 so thankfully a good age. Burtenshaw had a colourful career in the middle and refereed the 1971 FA Cup Final, which I attended, the 1972 League Cup Final and a European Cup Semi Final second leg tie between Benfica and Ajax, he sent George Best off in 1971 for swearing and appears in this iconic 1966 photograph of Dave MacKay and Billy Bremner. In 1967 he was unceremoniously attacked and knocked unconscious by Millwall fans during a pitch invasion at The Den:

https://www.greatyarmouthmercury.co.uk/news/23603028.obituary-legendary-fifa-referee-norman-burtenshaw-dies-97/

[Rhodes]

No doubt PetetheGreek carries a plastic box such as this on match days although, knowing him as well as I do, it is probably a tupperware box:

[Rhodes]

As part of the new FA Referee Strategy commitment, launched in July (see link below), to address under-representation of Referees from ethnic communities in the grass roots game, the Middlesex FA have organised a two day course next month, it's £40 but bursaries are available (see link below):

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/c313cc35b2e442bc839581bbd8987450

https://www.thefa.com/news/2023/jul/27/new-referee-strategy

[Rhodes]

This is a good idea and initiative isn't it from the Hertfordshire FA to protect young match Officials who are still learning their trade:

If you see the yellow armband remember that young referees, just like young players, are learning the game and need support and encouragement so that they can develop and improve.

https://www.hertfordshirefa.com/news/2023/sep/26/yellow-armbands-for-young-referees

[Rhodes]

I'm just wondering what PetetheGreek thought about the recent goings on in Turkey where the President of Club Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca, attacked a Referee, he would know all about the temperament of people in that particular area of Europe:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12858697/Turkish-referee-discharged-hospital-swelling-fracture-punched.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12851957/Ankaragucu-president-punches-referee-Turkish-Super-Lig-Rizespor.html

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/25020768/turkey-football-suspended-referee-attack-ankaragucu-rizespor-faruk-koca/

Edited December 16, 2023 by Rhodes

[Rhodes]

Just to inform you of this Referee Bursary Programme, courtesy of the London FA, in partnership with the FA, but I believe anybody can apply to attend:

https://forms.microsoft.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=kCXJRcbM-UaA_5_I2e3eOYV9rB8sGI5HrFpOIP3aXUZUMFhEUDBFTDJXSkQxOE5FSzdYRVVKVk5RSy4u

[Rhodes]

This may be of some interest to Officials for information, Official thunderstorm guidance for grassroots football:

Thunderstorm guidance | England Football

[Rhodes]

Many congratulations to the Hertfordshire FA affiliated Officials recently promoted following their quarterly review: 

https://www.hertfordshirefa.com/news/2023/nov/10/referee-promotions-2023-24

https://www.hertfordshirefa.com/referees/refereeing-support/referee-promotion

[Rhodes]

Some informative information on the Middlesex FA's programme of Referee Courses for the 2024/25 campaign:

FA Referee Course - Middlesex FA

[Rhodes]

Sad news, Stotfold based Referee Peter Garside passed away recently, Peter Officiated on various local Leagues during the 70's, 80's and 90's before retiring and was very highly and fondly thought of both on and off the field of play:

[Rhodes]

I see that there is a lot in the press at the moment about statistics released by the Football Association recently of assaults on grassroots Referees increasing by 32%:

Serious allegations relating to the assault and attempted assault of match officials in grassroots football last season increased by 32% from 2022-23, according to new data published by the Football Association.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce90rz88nl7o

https://sportsmedialgbt.com/grassroots-football-homophobia-anti-gay-lgbtq-discrimination-disciplinary-review

https://cardiffjournalism.co.uk/thecardiffian/2024/12/14/get-in-that-car-and-youre-dead-grassroots-football-referees-share-tales-of-threats-and-abuse/

[Rhodes]

A good news story from the Hertfordshire FA and their Referee Recognition Awards event held recently, young Referee Mackenzie Beaumont-Gardner was recognised as well as Christopher Geelan and Lesley Douglas: 

https://www.hertfordshirefa.com/news/2025/may/22/referee-recognition-awards

[Rhodes]

This should be an interesting evening on Thursday (12 June) shouldn't it, at the Royal British Legion, Melrose Avenue in Bletchley (MK3 6BU) at 7.30pm where former high profile, Northamptonshire born and bred, Referee Peter Kirkup will give a talk. Mr Kirkup's CV is as long as your arm and includes Officiating at the 2007 FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United however he had to be replaced at the twelfth hour for the 2013 Final in Cardiff, between West Ham United and Liverpool, when developing a stye in his eye which was affecting his vision.  

ALL REFEREES WELCOME, THURSDAY 12 JUNE, 7.30PM, ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, Melrose Avenue Bletchley MK3 6BU. From Old Bradwell to Wembley and back again. Be entertained and educated by Peter Kirkup one of the best match Officials this Country has produced. Young Referees and parents very welcome. This event is organised by Milton Keynes Referees Association.

Edited June 10 by Rhodes