Author Archives: renfrewshirereferees

January Members Meeting

A reminder to all members that our first members’ meeting of 2021 will take place this Monday 11th January 2021 with a start time of 7.30pm.

There will be the usual meeting business and a coaching slot from our Category 1 officials which will be of benefit to you all, even if you are not currently refereeing it will benefit your game when you are able to.  I would encourage you to attend if you can.

Similarly to previous meetings, this meeting will take place on the Zoom platform with full details of how to access the meeting having been emailed to all members.


January 2021 Introductory Referee Course

Looking for a new hobby and something to occupy your time during lockdown? From 21st January, Renfrewshire Referees Association will be hosting a brand new course – “An Introduction to Referee” to prepare you for refereeing when guidance permits.

Details;
Where – Zoom
When – Starting 21st January, every Thursday @ 7pm (10 weeks)

This is a great opportunity to learn the Laws of the Game with an exam to conclude on your final week. Support is provided to new referees and a mentor will be arranged to provide guidance in the early stages of your refereeing career. Direction will also be given on suitable leagues to commence refereeing at your own pace. Refereeing is a rewarding hobby giving you the chance to keep fit, make new friends and travel all over the country.

To register your interest in the upcoming course please register HERE

For more information on the course contact secretary@renfrewshirereferees.org.uk or message us on Facebook or Twitter

Whilst waiting for a reply test your knowledge with our association quiz. This quiz includes questions from the introductory exam and advanced exam.


October Members Meeting

A reminder to all members that our second members’ meeting of the 2020/21 season will take place this Monday 12th October 2020 with an earlier start of 7.15pm. This is to allow us to approve the audited accounts which were sent to members emails a couple of weeks ago.

Similarly to previous meetings, this meeting will take place on the Zoom platform with full details of how to access the meeting having been emailed to all members.


Covid Update: Cancellation of Training

With immediate effect Renfrewshire Referees Association regrettably announces that training has been cancelled for the next 2 weeks as a result of the latest COVID-19 guidance.  Please do not attend Renfrew Sports Centre for training until told otherwise; when we are cleared to return members will receive an email to that effect.


Introductory Referee Course

Renfrewshire Referees Association will be starting an introductory referee courses starting on September 2nd 2020. The course will take place on the Zoom platform over 10 weeks taking place each Wednesday evening at 7pm. Within the class candidates will learn Laws of the Game with an exam on the final week.

Support is given to new referees and a mentor will be arranged to provide guidance in the early stages of your refereeing careers. Direction will also be given on suitable leagues to commence refereeing. Refereeing is a great opportunity to keep fit, create new friends and travel all over the country.

For more information or to book your place on the course contact secretary@renfrewshirereferees.org.uk or message us on Facebook or Twitter

While waiting for a reply test your knowledge with our association quiz. This quiz includes questions from the introductory exam and advanced exam.


August Members Meeting

A reminder to all members that our first members’ meeting of the 2020/21 season will take place this Monday 10th August 2020 with a 7.30pm start.  Similarly to the AGM, this meeting will take place on the Zoom platform with full details of how to access the meeting having been emailed to all members.

I would stress the importance of attending this meeting if possible, as the amendments to the Laws of the Game will be covered by our association coaches.  Albeit we cannot referee at the moment, you will be required to know them and be able to apply them when we do eventually return to refereeing, so please attend if you can.

You should all have received a copy of the March members’ minutes in last month prior to the AGM.  For anyone who was not in attendance at the AGM, the new management committee is as follows:

President – Graham Grainger
Vice President – Chris Palmer
Secretary – Andy Taylor
Assistant Secretary – Ryan Kennedy
Treasurer – Michael Bonner
Training Officer – Gary Toland
Digital Officer – Barry Feery
Development Officer – Craig King
Schools & Leagues Officer – Ross Cooper


AGM 2020 Update

On July 20th, Renfrewshire Referees’ Association Annual General Meeting was held using the Zoom platform and a vote took place to decide the new management committee. The Association would like to thank all members for their attendance.

The new management committee is as follows:

Management Committee 2020:

Role Name
President Graham Grainger
Vice President Christopher Palmer
Secretary Andy Taylor
Assistant Secretary Ryan Kennedy
Treasurer Michael Bonner
Training Officer Gary Toland
Development Officer Craig King Snr
Digital Officer Barry Feery
Schools & Leagues Officer Ross Cooper
Female Ambassador Elaine McMillan
Association Manager Joe McDowall
Assistant Association Manager John Brown

The management committee would like to offer a note of thanks to our previous President, William Inch and Secretary, Richard Murray for their time and service during their term. They would also like to take this time to wish the best to all of the members taking up their new positions, on the committee.


2020 Annual General Meeting

Renfrewshire Referees Association will hold our Annual General Meeting on Monday the 20th of July 2020. The meeting will be held online via the Zoom Platform (Access & Login Details will be sent on Monday the 6th of July).

Initially we had hoped that this meeting would be held in person, however as time has marched on, this has not proved feasible. In order to keep the Association progressing & order to move forward with other business it is critical that our AGM is held as soon as possible. I would urge all members to attend & that those who require support in accessing Zoom contact Richard Murray at the earliest opportunity.

Membership Fees should be paid prior to the AGM. Fees have remained unchanged from last year and are set out below (including registration fee);

Ordinary Member – £45.00
Full Time Education Member – £10.00
Senior Associate Member – £10.00
Probationary Referee Member – £0.00
Life Members – £0.00

Full details of how to pay membership fee have already been sent via email. An AGM Pack, along with a list of Nominations will be sent by email on Monday the 6th of July.


Member Promotions

Following a meeting of the Referee Committee on 15th May, we are pleased to advise the following Renfrewshire Referees’ Association members who have been promoted for season 2020/2021.

Graham Grainger to Category 1
Barry Feery to Category 3 Development
Ross Cooper to Category 3 Development
Jamie Andrews to Category 3 Development
Mark Catterson to Category 4 Development
Niall Anderson to Category 4 Development
Paul Hopkins to Category 4 Development

Well deserved all and we wish you the best of luck in the coming season.


Social Media Reminder

Can I take this opportunity to remind you that as a referee you are expected to abide by the Social Media Guidelines set out by The Scottish FA. While we all understand the great asset social media can be, especially during these times, I encourage you all to think about what you are commenting and posting across social media platforms. As a referee you have are required to be ‘mindful of the impact any contributions on social media might have on people’s perceptions of referees and of the Scottish FA’ while also having a responsibility to protect the image of our association and our refereeing colleagues.
A few tips:

  • Avoid mentioning you are a referee in your profile
  • Do not use football team images as display pictures
  • Do not share/post/comment offensive slogans
  • Review Social Media Policy from the Scottish FA (here)
  • Please think twice before you comment or post something

Should the association notice or be notified of any breaches of this policy it could result in serious consequences, such as expulsion from the association leaving you unable to referee. While these cases are few and far between I do not want to see any of our members having to go through these procedures.

I know that for most of us are cautious around our use of social media, but it has been noted in the last couple of months an increase in material posted by some members that could breach this policy.
In the meantime please stay safe and well.

Regards,

William Insch
President