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: