January Members Meeting at York Hospital Social Club- 04 January 2024

Apologies: Brian Smith, Andy McEvoy, Vlad Mollov, 

The meeting began at 19:40 with 82 members present for the January meeting with special guest Anthony Taylor, one of our leading Premier League and FIFA referees. 

Chairman Alan introduced the evening by welcoming all members present.

A moment’s silence was given for Alan Dennison who sadly passed away yesterday. Alan was a much treasured member of our association who would regularly attend meetings for many years. He will be a huge loss and our thoughts are with his family and friends. 

Next month’s meeting is Gareth Vickers and Jayne Sims is the March meeting.

Alan then introduced our special guest for the evening before Anthony took to the stage. 

Anthony Taylor:

Anthony gave us a very insightful evening with clips combined with lots of questions from various people in the room. Conversations touched on head injuries, stopping play, cautions after promising attacks, dissent sin bins, handball, and the Christian Erikson incident at Euro 2020.  

It was excellent to have such a high profile referee with us which was told in the number of people in attendance. Lots of positive comments were given in Anthony’s transparency and honesty with his answers throughout his presentation.

Matt Messias gave a vote of thanks to Anthony which highlighted the key aspects of Anthony’s presentation. 

AOB:

Membership was highlighted with future events and the website highlighted for all.

Meeting closed at 21:30

December Members Meeting at York Hospital Social Club – 07 December 2023

Apologies: Brian Smith, David Milburn, Andy McEvoy, Matt Messias, Sam Bayley, Colin Coote, Lennon Gillan, Geoff Hartley, Bradley Hall, Vlad Mollov, 

The meeting began at 19:37  with 31 members present for the Christmas Quiz hosted by Macauley Gibson.

Chairman Alan introduced the evening and welcomed new and returning members. He congratulated Charlotte Jaques-Smith on her recent promotion to Level 6 and Conor Ledgeway on his new role from January as North Riding County RDO. Guest speakers for upcoming meetings announced:

Jan- Craig Pawson

Feb- Gareth Vickers

March- Jane Simms 

Members were then asked about any issues at games with advantage being a hot topic from the recent Tottenham v Man City game. Discussion was had on when and how to apply advantage, with it being agreed that sometimes that split second wait time can be useful and also that it needs selling well for the games benefit but also the referees benefit. 

Christmas Quiz:

Macaulay ran us through his ultimate quiz with rounds on football, sport, capital cities, human body, and Christmas songs! A short break was had for the Pizzas and buffet! Team 3 were the winners with 49.5!

AOB:

Meeting closed at 21:30 with festive wishes given by Chairman Alan

November Members Meeting at York Hospital Social Club- 2 November 2023

Apologies: Brandon Bishop, Andy McEvoy, Mark Benton, Matt Messias 

The meeting began at 19:34 with 28 members present for the guest speaker Andy Himsworth, FL Match Observer and FA CORE Performance Coach

Chairman Alan introduced Andy before welcoming new faces in the room. He then commended the award of Dave King’s 50 years service to football award at the recent North Riding FA awards dinner. Special mention also given to member Andy Kay who received ‘referee of the year.’

Local issues- Macaulay Gibson talked us through his issue at Bridlington Town with two Brighouse town players fighting each other on the half time whistle. Members were asked what they would do in this situation. It was agreed that both players needed to be sent off for their actions and that it needed to be communicated to the management team if the player has gone into the dressing room before being shown the red card.

Gaz Rhodes also brought up a situation in law that has happened recently with a goalkeeper slipping and taking a goal kick but after realising the striker would get the ball he picks it up. Many different outcomes were discussed with the correct outcome being a red card for DOGSO and indirect free kick to the attacking team. 

Barry Casterton gave an insight into safeguarding explaining how the minor league are fully supporting all referees if there are any issues at games.  

Break

Andy Himsworth (Unplugged):

Andy gave us a very insightful presentation beginning with an introduction of who he is and how he got to where he is. This was before playing the ‘infamous’ game ref or chef in which Chairman Alan Kaye won! 

The main part of Andy’s presentation stemmed around polishing process looking specifically at when issuing disciplinary action, quick vs slow cards, and managing the incident as a whole. Video clip analysis was used to create discussion with specific focus on the difference between reckless and serious foul play challenges. All clips came with a definitive outcome and key learning points.  

A vote of thanks was given by Conor Ledgeway for our guest. 

AOB:

Next meeting will be the Christmas Quiz on 7 December

Raffle and No.s board

Meeting closed at 21:32

October Members Meeting at York Hospital Social Club- 05 October 2023

Apologies: Garreth Rhodes, Graham Bradbury, Brandon Bishop, David Millburn, Colin Coote, Lennon Gillan

The meeting began at 19:40 with 38 members present for the guest speaker Tony Harrington, Premier League Referee from Hartlepool.

Chairman Alan introduced Tony before welcoming new faces in the room, giving special thanks to Andy Kay for inviting youth referees. 

Conor Ledgeway started a discussion around his game last month- Scunthorpe United v Buxton in which the game was abandoned in the 96th minute due to a waterlogged pitch. Many views were expressed with the key learning that we must always be prepared and that player safety has to come first. Learning points were noted on ensuring everyone is aware of what is happening and why and being able to communicate this effectively.

Break

Minutes silence for Tom Hughes 

Tony Harrington:

Tony began his presentation giving a background on his refereeing journey from 14 in Hartlepool through to the Premier League. This journey took him through the Hartlepool Sunday League, Northern League, Conference North/Premier, Football League, Championship and most recently Premier League.

Tony then talked through his lifestyle as a Premier League referee with all the training requirements and schedule. He spoke through his injury struggles and his expected role of VAR over the next couple of months. This led into some VAR clips for the remainder of the evening prompting plenty of discussion and learning opportunities. Some of the instances centered around penalty/non penalty decisions alongside sending off/cautionable offenses. Key learning also took place on the role of the VAR and understanding if the decision is a clear and obvious error. 

Following the clips, Tony then took questions surrounding managing the game, different levels of the game and the Women’s game. 

A vote of thanks was given by Myles Smith for our guest. 

AOB:

Future meeting dates and guests announced for new members with the hope that they will return next month for Andy Himsworth. It was excellent to have such an attendance. 

Raffle and No.s board

Meeting closed at 21:55

September Members Meeting at York Hospital Social Club- 7 Sept 2023

Apologies:

Ian Hotchkies, Andy McEvoy and Sam Bayley

Introductions and information from the summer

The meeting began at 19:38 with 30 members present for the guest speaker Matt Messias

We had one new member on the evening, Neil Hunter from Poppleton who has recently passed the February referees course.

Myles Smith and Vlad Mollov welcomed onto the committee

David Milburn congratulated on his achievement in Rugby League as a match commissioner

The SILVER QUEST Award was highlighted that was presented at our 2022 annual dinner

David King applauded for his achievements which saw him end up at Wembley over the summer

Law updates

Dave King ran members through the most recent changes in the LOTG, albeit fairly minor changes for the new season

Safeguarding

Barry Casterton talked us through some current safeguarding issues and upcoming courses

Clip Analysis

Alan showed a range of different clips from his recent games, sparking debate around simulation, technical area misconduct, and penalty kick decisions

Matt Messias:

Chairman Alan introduced Matt Messias, one of our own members who is an ex FIFA & Premier League Referee. Matt began his presentation with a special thanks to Dave King to recognise his 50 years lifetime award. Matt then proceeded to host an interactive discussion around mass confrontations. Referees from different years of experience were put together on tables to discuss the different stages of what is best practice when confrontations occur. It was a very informative evening, that was well received by all those in attendance… a good turnout for the first meeting of the season

AOB:

Date of next meeting – 5 October 2023

Raffle

Meeting closed at 21:50

Minutes of meeting at NHS Club held on 2^nd March 23

With 30 members and guests in attendance

The chairman welcomed all to the meeting. Prior to commencement a moments silence was observed for the voice of football John Motson. It was later mentioned that Roy Ellwood, one of the founder members of York Sunday Morning League and York FA member had passed away (service at the crem 23 March)

Apols were received from MS/Mssrs Thornton; Gordon; Dennison; Milburn; Simpson (5 no).

Dinner; May 19^th Marriott; £30; names to treasurer; Menu selection/booking form to follow.

Safeguarding; Parents/Coaches acting up on U15s. If confronted with this situation, contact relevant team manager. Report to CFA with all details and words used.

Body Cams; follow up to the use in NRCFA (Langbaurgh Legue) a few weeks ago. The trial was classed as a success as not one camera was activated. Seems a good deterrent.

10 local officials have been awarded appointments on local CFA finals. Congratulations were given.

John Murray, Radio Sports Commentator then gave a presentation on the how’s and wherefores/pitfalls of commentating football, where for 90minutes you are doing unscripted work. It can be like refereeing where the unexpected happens. As in flashpoints where goalscoring incidents occur and quick recognition of players is required. VAR now adds an extra layer of drama now. A lot of pre match data is required regarding players stats being up to date and who is playing where/when etc. We now have career broadcasters on good pay and numerous players on pundit stints. This was a very interesting and different side of the game. John had also covered various other events

D King gave a VoT.

There being no more business meeting closed at 9.40

Next meeting 6^th Apr, The Conor and Mac roadshow

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 6^th APRIL 23

At NHS Club with 22 members and guests in attendance.

The chairman welcomed all to the meeting, including new members. He then congratulated the members who were awarded FA cup final appointments in York and Selby.

APOLS were received from Mssrs; Gerring; Clarke; Bayley; Gordon; Rhodes; Bradbury & Thornton (7 no).

SILVER AWARD; work was in progress with Barry Casterton and Conor Ledgeway. A safeguarding policy for York RA is well under way. Hopefully that they will be completed shortly.

SAFEGUARDING; Young refs are not reporting cases of abuse, basically not knowing how; who and where to report cases. A children’s policy is being amended for York RA.

Sophie Wood then showed a video regarding the trial of body cams (NRCFA Langbaurgh League). She then gave a report on using them. There then followed a discussion on with topics raised; videoing of youth matches, youth football filming and problems that can arise.

Conor and Macauley then gave a presentation using clips of level 4 refs. These were all discussed and various outcomes raised. With using level 4’s it was easier for the floor to interact with. All enjoyed.

DINNER; the chairman gave out details, awaiting confirmation on our guest, a hard man to pin down, but hopeful.

Meeting closed at 9.35

Minutes of meeting held at NHS Club
on 2 Feb 2023

There were 23 members/guests in attendance.

Apols were received (13no)from Mssrs/Ms ; A Thornton; PJ Berry; S Berry; R Simpson; M Shields; D Milburn; A Kay; A McEvoy; C Smith; JP Gordon; V Molov; S Wood; M Messias

The chairman welcomed all, mentioning new member attending first time (Jake Drummond) and mid-season promotions

York members have/had some plum appointments in CFA Cup matches lately. Watch this space for future updates regarding appointments etc.

Thanks given to D King for the newsletter

Body cams were going to be trialed on a NR County League (Lamburgh) for 18 months. First in the country

Safeguarding; misconduct quite, just clubs playing unregistered players

Membership stands at 41

There then followed a discussion covering various topic; match incidents; white cards

Garreth Rhodes one of our members gave a presentation entitled Key Match Decisions. This entailed splitting into groups of 4, watching clips (10 of) of incidents, discussing what/why/ decision. Then Gareth giving the outcome. This proved to be one of mixed thoughts, enjoyed by all
Connor Ledgeway gave a VoT

A reminder of forthcoming dinner 19th May, arrangements in hand. Meeting closed at 10.00

Minutes of meeting held on 5^th Jan 2023

At NHS Club

With 40 members and guests in attendance……best attendance for some while

The Chairman welcomed all, wishing all best wishes for the New Year.

As our guest David Webb; YCFC Manager wanted to be away sharpish, he took the chair.

David gave an insight of his career and his background spanning; youth; coaching; development; and various roles, working his way up with experience before his managerial role with YCFC.

He then hosted a Q & A session, answering all questions and queries put to him.

J Ledgeway gave a VoT.

After the break normal business was resumed;

Apols were received from; PJ Berry; S Bayley; C Jaques-Smith; M Shield; M Messias.

New ref Reece and father were welcomed.

B Casterton gave report on safeguarding, mentioning that all refs have to take safeguarding courses but club officials are not.

He then gave the names of the CFA Senior Cup final officials, which were local lads. Congrats were given.

There had been problems at the Scarboro V Darlington match. CFA awaiting all details.

Dinner was fixed for Friday 19^th May.

Dave Milburn then gave a report on his experiences at the RL Wheelchair Rugby World Cup where he was officiating. He showed his medal to the floor.

The Chairman hoped that all who attended will come again.

The meeting closed at 9.35