The Ref Stop

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I think part of the training should be a mentor coming to see a couple of games - or group up the refs together to support each other.

Refereeing is a tough craft - I remember one of the old guards coming to see one of my first games from my course for support and advice - feel like this part of the course/process has been lost.

I know that Surrey has a mentor programme and does their best for young and new referees, but perhaps WE as more experienced refs should be giving more back (I penalise myself here too!).
 
The Ref Stop
Wolf_Ref said:
I think part of the training should be a mentor coming to see a couple of games - or group up the refs together to support each other.

Refereeing is a tough craft - I remember one of the old guards coming to see one of my first games from my course for support and advice - feel like this part of the course/process has been lost.

I know that Surrey has a mentor programme and does their best for young and new referees, but perhaps WE as more experienced refs should be giving more back (I penalise myself here too!).
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You are quite right, but with 24 new referees on each course all starting refereeing at much the same time, finding mentors is very difficult.
If 50% of the members of this forum gave two half days a season to mentoring newbies, the problem would be solved. Most CFA's have someone responsible for providing mentors, and would love your offers of help, even if it is only occasionally - thank you.
 
ChasObserverRefDeveloper said:
You are quite right, but with 24 new referees on each course all starting refereeing at much the same time, finding mentors is very difficult.
If 50% of the members of this forum gave two half days a season to mentoring newbies, the problem would be solved. Most CFA's have someone responsible for providing mentors, and would love your offers of help, even if it is only occasionally - thank you.
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Absolutely. It needs a buy in from referees in all counties etc.
 
TobyTheRef said:
Was due to have my first pre-season game yesterday but it got called off at the last minute, so decided to find a match to watch down at the local park.

Young ref in the middle (he told me it was only his third game) and it was a really tough one for him, lots of stupidity and needless dissent from both sides, the ref unfortunately was struggling to get the game under control and seemed quite reluctant to get the cards out.

Anyway, mid way through the second half, big striker gets completely wiped out just in front of me - at least a yellow in my book, personally - ref blew for the free kick but no card, cue the big striker to square up to the ref and say 'keep on like this, ref and you're going to get a slap' or something to that effect.

The poor lad was almost in tears at that point, he barely got involved for the rest of the game and blew up a bit early.

I went to chat to him after to make sure he was okay - he told me that he was done with reffing, he'd been verbally abused in all of his games so far and hadn't had much support from the local FA.

So we've lost another young ref after only 3 games, all of which were supposed to be pre-season 'friendlies'.

Anyway, I offered to get in touch with his RDO to speak to him and report the striker but he said not to bother. All a bit demoralising.
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I can speak from experience, which sadly, led me to learning the hard way and ironically, seeking advice from experienced refs on here. My first game was a Sunday league game, and it was horrible. 90 minutes of dissent, sly jibes and generally making me feel incompetent. Bear in mind, I was 35 at the time. I had the same emotions.I wanted to quit there and then. As the other guys have said, start with kids football and work up.

I ended up reffing through the ages, and have found a level I like. I'm not bothered about promotions and stuff like that. I got into reffing to grow the girls game and give something back to football. Its been 3 years since my first game, and I enjoy it every time I step on the pitch.

Sadly, we have a poor culture of referee abuse and its the elite game where people learn it from. Unless we adopt a rugby style culture, where players are drilled to actually respect the ref, it won't change. Respect is earned, but we are humans. You wouldn't shout abuse at someone in your life or work, so why is football any different.
 
es1 said:
I've offered my services numerous times in the past. directly to the rdo in person and email and step 5 appointing officers. I'm not going after them anymore
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Sorry to hear that - I wasn't thinking of Appointments Secs at that level, more those appointing to youth and grassroots.
 
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es1 said:
I've offered my services numerous times in the past. directly to the rdo in person and email and step 5 appointing officers. I'm not going after them anymore
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We’d bite your hands off down here in Hampshire
 
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