York Referees’ Association Meeting Minutes – 8^th January

Attendees:
Alan Kaye, John Ledgeway, Conor Ledgeway, Barry Casterton, Lennon Gillan, Myles Smith, Charlotte Jacques-Smith, Sophie Wood, Robert Riches, Dave King, Ian Hotchkiss, Graham Bradbury, Mark Benton, Sam Bayley, Toby Holland, Tom Holland, Jacob Wallis, Debbie Wallace, George Roberts, George Smith, Ian Smille, Tony Weirench, Matt ?, Peter Berry, Kieran Foster, Gareth Rhodes, Scarlett Davies,

88 in total attendance.

Apologies: Kevin Lynch, Oscar Cooper, Dave Milburn, Macauley Gibson, Matt Mesias

1. Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

– The meeting commenced at 19:35 at the York Hospital Club with

– Alan Kaye (AK) Welcomed all members, parents and the CORE & Development groups joining us from North Riding County FA. AK provided a brief overview explaining the purpose and benefits of the RA.

2. RA Business

–  AK confirmed that former FIFA Assistant Referee Darren Cann will be the guest speaker at the RA Annual Dinner in May.

3. Match Incident Sharing

– Conor Ledgeway tasked the room with discussing Pre-Match Pitch inspections. Given recent and forecasted weather (along with recent Football League incidents), timeframe and actions prior to and on match day were encouraged to consider. Gareth Rhodes shared his process from the weekend form day of appointment through to arriving at the ground.

– BC provided guidance and expectations from a league perspective.

4. Guest Speaker: Craig Pawson

– AK Introduced our guest speaker for this evening Craig Pawson Premier League Referee, 2022 FA Cup Final Referee and Former FIFA Referee.

– Craig introduced his session that will be based around leadership under pressure, his journey into Referee & VAR. Key milestones included 100 UEFA & FIFA appointments and 280 Premier League games. CP thanked AK for his involvement in the development of his Referee Career.

– CP discussed the pressures around the exposure of the PL highlighting the global following and what his match day preparations are following appointments being published at 4pm on a Monday. These include Physical, Technical and Mental preparation.

– Importance of confidence and how this can impact your on-field performance and emphasising the value of positive body language. In game leadership includes balancing consistency & flexibility, handling player reactions and managing mistakes.

– CP went on to explain methods to ‘parking decisions’ talking through the golden 60 seconds after incidents were maintaining high levels of concertation.

– CP talked about the new VAR process of in stadium announcements and the differences the introduction of VAR brought about.

– CP emphasised the importance on a strong network around you and not reading any online scrutiny.

– CP welcomed questions.

– AK thanked CP for his presentation to York RA, Dave King gifted RA souvenir and CL gave vote of thanks.

5. Any Other Business

– RA Raffle.

Meeting closed at 21:30

York RA Member Meeting Minutes- 4/12/25 @ York Hospital Social Club

Apologies: Sophie Wood, John Ledgeway, Kevin Lynch, Oscar Cooper, David Milburn, Garreth Rhodes, Sam Bayley

1. Next meeting in January is on the 8^th rather than the 1^st with PGMO PL Referee Craig Pawson
2. AK announced guest for the dinner on the 9^th May which will be former FIFA AR Darren Cann
3. AK asked CL and BC to explain why they were absent last month. CL explained the highly commended award for NRCFA Ref Dev which was a great achievement
4. Discussion held around minutes silence with feedback on how it went after discussions last month
5. Silent weekend – only 1 incident of discipline on that weekend in York. Jacob explained what happened in his game with him asking the managers to tell the parents to be quiet for the duration of the game. His experience of this was positive
6. Safeguarding – positive support behind CL from Myles, Craig, Mark & Matt who are working to support referees. Other issues around player suspensions with clubs and The FA communication breaking down. Point raised on the insurance through the RA being important if any unofficial games take place
7. AK celebrated Charlottes recent game at SGP with the Chinese international team v Burnley
8. Macca Quiz – Macauley put on a great quiz for all the 24 guests in attendance. The winners were Dave King’s table

AOB: none with meeting finishing at 21:33

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

1. Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

– The meeting commenced at 19:35 at the York Hospital Club with 29 present

– Alan Kaye (AK) Welcomed all attendees

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

York RA Member Meeting Minutes- 02/10/25 @ York Hospital Social Club

Apologies: Alan kaye, Sam Bayley, Mark Benton, Colin Coote, Andy McEvoy

1. October’s meeting saw us back at the usual venue but in Alan’s absence, Vice-Chair Myles chaired the meeting. Myles began reflecting on last months meeting asking for feedback. It was felt a positive meeting but timing wise it could be been a bit shortened
2. Safeguarding update from Barry – 1 serious incident in an U16s match which is at discipline
3. RDO update from Conor – Roadshow in York next week and advertisement of Bishop Auckland’s 120 anniversary meeting in October with PL ref Peter Banks
4. Problem corner – good discussion held around unusual incidents i.e. Corner flag being kicked and broken / manager kicking the ball in the stand / coach behaviour on a sideline
5. Membership update – John gave an update on the prices £25 adults £12 U18s and free for new referees. Currently on 20 members
6. Guest Speaker – Garreth Rhodes – EFL Referee

Garreth gave a presentation all about his career from starting as a player and watching his dad who was a professional player for Bradford City. Garreth spoke about the journey from playing in the youth system at Leeds, York, Doncaster and York RI and progressing to Semi-Pro adult football with Tadcaster Albion & Selby Town. As time progressed Garreth found himself at local level and ended up refereeing a game as there was no ref assigned. The game went well and as they say the rest is history…

The telling moment came when Garreth had a serious injury that meant he could not play anymore therefore he decided to pick up the whistle and give it a go. His first game at Barmby Moor v Melbourne had 6 yellow, 6 reds, 3 mass confrontations! From there he managed to get on the promotion scheme from L7 – 4 and ended up on the York Premier League which saw further promotion and opportunities at the Iber Cup refereeing the U19s final. Garreth continued to progress both on the line and in the middle and talked us through his experiences on the conference north and into the football league. The key takeaways was all about working hard and being determined to succeed

Ian Smellie gave Garreth the vote of thanks

AOB: none with meeting finishing at 22:00

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