NEWLY QUALIFIED REFEREES FIND JOY OFFICIATING

Refereeing is a great way to keep fit, meet new people, stay involved in football, and earn a bit of additional income. Two newly qualified referees, Chloe Gravett and Tom Stewart, shared their thoughts upon their roles in Norfolk’s grassroots game. Both officials completed The FA Referee Course in Norfolk, during the previous season in February.

Chloe Gravett who officiates mainly youth football told us about her experience:

“I decided to take part in the referring course through the support of my local football club, Fakenham. I was assistant coach to the tiny kickers and wanted to start looking for a part time job, and Norfolk FA were short of referees, so it just made sense. Our football club's secretary sent me the details and I joined up!

I have great support from the club and the coaches, and the feedback has been positive. I love earning money and getting experience in something I enjoy. There have been times where I have had to deal with fights and disagreements but dealing with these has improved my confidence. It really helps having the handouts to refer back to when something crops up that I am not sure about.”

Tom Stewart who officiates mainly adult male football told us about his experience of refereeing in local Norfolk leagues:

“I wanted to take the referees course and get into refereeing because I have been involved in football since the age of 11. I have also seen the decline in numbers of referees and felt it was time to put something back into grassroots football.

The course was well structured and very helpful, I found. It showed me an insight into how the laws of the game should be applied and more importantly the support network referees now have, we know it’s not an easy job to do and it’s brilliant to know we have some support.

To anyone thinking about taking up refereeing, I would say that it is the best decision I have made. It’s like joining another family, the support behind you is amazing. I find refereeing very enjoyable.

I have refereed 5 games so far and all have been enjoyable. It’s been interesting and every game has needed a different approach from myself. Overall, I have really enjoyed it!”

Committed Officials can be rewarded with County Cup Final appointments and Refereeing can even become a viable career opportunity for those progressing up the promotion pathway.

Thinking of taking up the whistle? We are running the below FA Referee Courses and you can book on now:

• The FDC – Tuesday 5th July, 6pm – 9pm and Saturday 9th July, 9am – 5pm
• Downham Town FC – Friday 8th July, 6pm – 9pm & Sunday 10th July, 9am – 5pm
• The FDC – Friday 12th August, 6pm – 9pm & Sunday 14th August, 9am – 5pm
• Great Yarmouth Town FC – Friday 19th August, 6pm – 9pm & Sunday 21st August, 9am – 5pm
• The FDC – Friday 9th September, 6pm – 9pm & Sunday 11th September, 9am – 5pm
  

BOOK ON A REFEREE COURSE

To find out more about the FA Referees Course and anything else, please e-mail our Referee Development Officer, Harvey Newstead on Harvey.Newstead@NorfolkFA.com.