2003 marks a milestone in the history of the Reading Referees' Association.
Seventy five years ago, its committee took the decision to offer training for
prospective referees. Today Reading referees have one of the strongest training
teams in the country and a course unique in the UK.
In those early days and indeed for many years, the training was carried out by
whoever volunteered to take on the job. Today, training is controlled by the FA
and although it is still carried out by volunteers, instructors have to receive
extensive training.
This starts with a weekend course held within easy reach of
would-be instructors. This is in many ways a taster session and many referees or
ex-referees who feel they would like to put something extra into the game, find
that standing up in front of people and providing instruction is not for them.
For those who want to continue, the next step is a week long intensive course,
previous held in Lincoln but which now takes place at Staverton Park. Here the
candidates are instructed in various instructional techniques, which they then
have to be put into operation, being assessed at every stage. Those who pass,
and it's not everyone, become Registered Referee Instructors and are qualified to
work on courses for prospective referees.
There are varying degrees of pass,
however, and the top marked are invited back for a second week the following
year, for more intensive training on advanced techniques. Those who pass that
week are awarded the coveted FA Licensed Referee Instructor's Badge. They are
then also eligible to work on courses for existing referees, what is known as in-service training. That is not the end of it however, for every five years Licensed
Instructors have to present themselves at a re-licensing course, where they carry
out a series of instructional tasks to prove that they are still capable and indeed
still worthy to wear the badge.
The big change in referees' courses in Reading came in the mid-1970s when
John Lambden, who now controls the Evening Post sponsored indoor bowls at
Rivermead, was elected as Training Officer. John introduced innovations which
have been built on but which are very much part of the training courses run
today. Although the FA have tried to standardise courses they realise that the
Reading course is unique and are happy for it to continue.
What makes it different from any other course in the land is that it is not just based on the laws
of the game but also involves practical training. This includes trainees actually
refereeing part of a league game. Our thanks to the Reading Sunday League and
the teams that allow us to use their games for this purpose. The
trainees are of course accompanied by experienced officials to ensure no major clangers are dropped.
Another of John's innovations was the introduction of courses for referees
applying for promotion. This has now been made compulsory by the FA as well
as other training for new referees. In Reading we are particularly well placed for
this because we have four FA Licensed Referee Instructors, probably the highest
of any society.
I'm sure that those committee members who met back in 1928,
would be pleased if they could see how their forward thinking decision has
turned out. Anyone thinking of becoming a referee can find details of our course
on www.readingrefs.org.uk or phone Brain Wratten on 978 2681
As this is the last column for the season, may I thank David Wright, Sports
Editor of the Evening Post for giving me the opportunity of putting the
referee's point of
view, and thanks to all those readers who tell me by letter, phone or in person,
that they enjoy the column. Even those who disagree with everything I say. As a
referee I'm used to that.
Dick Sawdon Smith