With the local season now in full swing the Jersey Football Association is throwing the doors open for a referees’ course later this month.
Jersey Football Referees’ Association president Paul Daniel said: ‘Anyone with an interest in football is most welcome to come on the course.
We have more games to officiate this season with the introduction of the U13 and U15 girls league so now is a good time to get a some more people qualified.
‘Nobody is forced to referee; people must want to do it and those who successfully complete the course can then officiate where and when they want – girls, ladies, junior boys or senior men’s games.
‘Those who progress to the top of the Jersey ladder will then have an opportunity to officiate off-Island as we receive appointments for the FA Cup, the South West Counties Championship and the Hampshire League.
‘We also have several refs who go away to take part in tournaments and that is a great experience for them too.’ New candidates will undertake the FA’s two-tier training syllabus which is designed to separate out the training of personnel who simply require a knowledge and understanding of the laws of the game and those who wish to become active refs.
The former group take part one only and complete a simple multi-choice examination, which earns an FA Certificate of Attendance.
This is primarily intended to benefit leisure staff, sports study course students, teachers and parents, the latter who could then help out when their offspring participate in games without official referees and club officials who may find themselves occasionally with a whistle in their hand.
Part two concentrates on developing practical refereeing skills through sessions on positioning and movement, unfair play and illegal challenges, communication skills, recognising, handling and reporting misconduct and the development of team work with assistants.
The course involves some practical match experience and is completed by two test papers, one written and one oral.
Passing gives qualification as a level 7 junior country referee with promotional development available to level 5 as a senior county referee.
n There is also a club linesman’s course being held next Monday at Le Bolivot, Grouville, from 6.30 pm.
Contact Mark Le Cornu, or turn up on the night.
Part one costs £10 and part two an additional £20, but all fees can be reclaimed after completion of ten matches.
Prospective refs should contact Gill Morgan (JFA, telephone 500165), Mick Blampied (853888), Paul Daniel (732808) or Mark Le Cornu (617327) for further details.
