York Referees’ Association Meeting Minutes – 6th November
Attendees: Alan Kaye, John Ledgeway, Lennon Gillan, George Smith, Sophie Wood, Charlotte Jacques-Smith, Dave King, Ian Smellie, Macaulay Gibson, Jacob Wallis, Debbie Wallis, Peter Berry, Ian Hotchkinson, George Roberts, Gareth Rhodes, Scarlett Davies, Colin Coote, Robert Riches, Mark Benton, Kieran Foster, Glynn Cardak, Tom Holland, Toby Holland, Alf Godson & Finley O’Brien
Apologies: Conor Ledgeway, Barry Casterton, Matt Mesias, Myles Smith, Sam Bailey, Tony Weirench & Kevin Lynch
- Welcome, Introductions & Apologies
– The meeting commenced at 19:35 at the York Hospital Club with 29 present
– Alan Kaye (AK) Welcomed all attendees
- RA Business
– AK thank Myles Smith for Chairing the October meeting
– Sophie Wood provided a safeguarding updated in Barry Casterton’s absence. Paper driving licenses will still have to be verified rather than being able to self-submit. Active Bystander training rolled out to clubs.
– AK shared that BC and Conor Ledgeway were tonight at Wembley for the CFA Awards Evening after being nominated for the Referee Event category amongst other categories.
– AK shared the date of ‘silent supporter’ weekend & reminder for remembrance weekend (and to check if there will be a minutes’ silence). Scarlett Davies shared best practice example of the set-up process of the minutes’ silence.
– AK asked those present to share how they are made aware of the meeting dates/times and for any additional methods people would like to see. Happy with newsletter and emails. Some have followed the Instagram following promotion from MS last month.
- Match Incident Sharing
– David King raised issue with portable goal in recent match where he mentored a new referee, providing guidance on ensure that any levers etc. are safe prior to kick off. Ian Smellie added that recently he found glass on the pitch during a recent inspection to stress the importance of pitch checks prior to kick off.
– Lennon Gillan discussed incident regarding incorrect competition rules (not allowing correct number of substitutes), Mark Brown added some further context around fixture/outcome and importance of being aware of competition rules prior to the game
- Guest Speaker: Mark Brown
– AK Welcome Mark Brown as the guest speaker
– MB provided an overview of his active refereeing career starting in 1996 starting in local football progressing to the Humber Premier League (2000) and quickly progressing to the Northern Counties East League, 2003 Football league assistant referee. Career continued to progress as a referee gaining further promotions (Football League 2010)
– MB shared stories about interactions and how he utilised his personality to enhance his performance as he moved through the ranks. Also picked up on key messages about safety of players and not to be pressured by any club staff to play on a pitch which isn’t safe
– Following retirement due to injury in 2018 MB went onto become an observer on the football league and hold other off-pitch positions
– John Ledgeway vote of thanks, followed by momentum given by DK
- Any Other Business
– December 4th meeting will be ‘Maca’s Christmas Quiz’ with food provided
– January meeting will be pushed back 1 week to avoid New Year’s Day – Guest speaker Craig Pawson
– Annual Dinner Friday 8th May reminder
– Raffle
Meeting closed at 21:33