Female refs wanted

Thursday, 04 December 2008.

A female-only Referees Course is being held at Lancashire FA on 18 and 19 February 2009, during the half-term holidays.

The course is designed to attract females into refereeing, as there is a desperate shortage of female officials in Lancashire. Girls' and Women's Football Development Officer, Mike Nadal, believes that the opportunities for females wanting to become referees have never been better.

"The game now gives women and girls the chance to progress in both the men’s and women’s pathways so the opportunity to officiate at the top level is there for all to see. High-profile officials such as Amy Rayner and Natalie Walker have already proved that women who have the ability to progress will do so."

Referee Development Officer, Dean Mohareb, echoed the sentiments of his colleague.

"It is important that women realise they are on a level playing field with their male counterparts within refereeing. Women also have differing needs and that is why The FA has policies and procedures in place to support female officials through specific areas such as maternity leave.

"Females are important to the game of football and they play a vital role in many areas such as administration, coaching and education. We want to make sure that they have more impact within refereeing so that we have a fully representative and able workforce."

For further information, please contact the LFA Referee Development Officer Dean Mohareb on dean.mohareb@lancashirefa.com or visit www.lancashirefa.com

REFEREE COURSES

WHAT COURSES DO WE OFFER??

Basic Course

Aimed at anyone aged 14 or over who wishes to become an active referee. The course is approximately 16 hours in duration, with either written, theoretical or practical examinations.
The full qualification now requires the following:

1) Pre course study pack
2) Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks for over 18s
3) Safeguarding Children training for all candidates
4) Attendance at the basic training course
5) Completion of 6 11 a-side matches
6) Attendance at a 'call back training evening'

Only after having successfully completed all of this will you become a qualified referee and in the first instance be able to accept appointments on local adult and junior leagues

Prices are as follows:

Aged 18 or over - £77.50 – After completion of 6 games £30 is refunded
Aged 16-18 - £65 – After completion of 6 games £30 is refunded
Aged 14-16 - £35 – After completion of 6 games £10 is refunded
The course price includes:

• FA Referees Registration
• Red & Yellow cards
• Enhanced FA CRB Disclosure where required
• Safeguarding Children Workshop

• Study Pack and Laws of Association Football
• Membership of the FA Match Officials Association (FAMOA)
• Certificate of qualification

The next course to be held at Salford Sports Village, Littleton Road, Lower Kersal, Salford is as follows:

Induction evening 7-9pm 17 November, Training 23 & 30 Nov 9.30-4pm, Exam evening 2 December 7-9pm

Induction evening 7-9pm 19 January 2009, Training 25 Jan and 1 Feb 9.30-4pm, Exam evening 3 February 7-9pm

Induction evening 7-9pm 16 March 2009, Training 22 & 29 March, 9.30-4pm, Exam evening 31st March 7-9pm

Induction evening 7-9pm 27 July 2009, Training 2 & 9 August, 9.30-4pm, Exam evening 12 August 7-9pm

Induction evening 7-9pm 7 Sept 2009, Training 13 & 20 Sept, 9.30-4pm, Exam evening 24 Sept 7-9pm

Induction evening 7-9pm 12 October 2009, Training 18 & 25 October, 9.30-4pm, Exam evening 28 Oct 7-9pm

Induction evening 7-9pm 7 November 2009, Training 13 & 20 Nov, 9.30-4pm, Exam evening 24 Nov 7-9pm

There will also be a requirement for all new referees to attend a Safeguarding Children event during the programme (6.30pm – 9.30pm). Details will be provided when booking.

All courses will be held at Manchester FA, Salford Sports Village, Lower Kersal, Salford, M7 3NQ

To obtain an application form contact Peter Roberts, Referee Development Officer: peter.roberts@manchesterfa.com or 0161 604 7619