MARK COURTNEY

As you all know Mark is getting married on Thursday and on behalf of the website's users I wish him all the best for his big day.

Congratulations to John McKnight and David McGarvey

Who have been appointed as assistant referee's for the British Amatuer Rosebowl Fixture 2003 in Airdree, Scotland, on May the 11th.

BELFAST TELEGRAPH INTERMEDIATE CUP FINAL

Congratulations to Alan Black who will referee this year's final and Ken Ginnett who will undertake the role of 4th Official
Congratulations are also extended to our NIRA colleagues Mr Shanks and Mr Flynn who have been appointed as Assisstant Referee's for the prestigious game.

NATIONWIDE IRISH CUP SEMI-FINALS.

Congratulations to Alan Snoddy and Micheal Ross for their appointments to these semi-finals.

Monthly meetings: 10th March 03 – Perspective from Simon McDowell – International rugby referee
14th April 03 – Malcolm Moffett – ‘Lessons from local games’: supported by video
12th May 03 – AGM and Election of Officers

All meetings are held at CIYMS Club Rooms, Circular Road, Off Holywood Road. Start 8.00pm, except AGM meeting which is a 7.30 start.

Sharing Information

Recently there have been a few instances where the Committee have learnt retrospectively about tragic personal events affecting some members. In particular, I’m referring here to the passing away of a parent. When the Committee and the membership, as a whole, are not able to pay their respects at the proper time, this can initially be construed as a lack of thought or care, but the particular instances I’m thinking about were to do with a lack of knowledge. We are not very good in conveying and passing information, so could I please ask members who hear of any information that might be loosely categorised in the ‘births, deaths, sickness or marriages’ categories to let me or another member of the Committee know. In summary, I would far rather hear the same message 20 times, as not hearing the message at all!

Update from Dec 02 Newsletter and matters arising

Christmas charity match for the Jack Adair Cup

Relevant members will know that the match against Shorts did not take place on Boxing Day because the date was unsuitable for a number of reasons. However, we are determined that the match will definitely take place, and the morning of the Irish Cup Final (3/5/03) has been provisionally pencilled in. Harry Aston will be taking forward the relevant arrangements in due course.

Northern Ireland Referees’ Association (NIRA) annual charity appeal – Ileostumy Association

There was an excellent turn out of members at both Northcott and Sprucefield Shopping Centres on 1/2/03 to support the collection. I have not listed those who attended individually because the problem with lists is that you run the risk of leaving someone out and therefore causing offence. However, you all know who you are, so on behalf of the Committee many thanks – your efforts were greatly appreciated!

Members will appreciate that information about the amounts collected on the day at the two collection sites, and personal donations received to date by John Fielding is still being collected and collated. However, initial figures indicate that a substantial four-figure sum, well in excess of £2000 has already been collected by NEURA through the various methods. Last year, NEURA contributed over £3500 to the overall NIRA total, so we want to beat this figure, and have therefore still a little way to go to do so!

Included with this newsletter is an individual receipt for every member who has already forwarded personal donations to John Fielding. The amount collected through personal and club donations is nearly £1000, which is a tremendous effort! However, on a slightly negative note, this figure to date has been accumulated through the efforts of approximately only 30 referees, which is a very small percentage of our active refereeing population. So, whilst ‘Charity Saturday’ as an event is now well behind us, it is still not too late for members to reflect on the charity cause and make personal donations. So, to those of you who have not yet contributed and plan to do so, John Fielding is waiting to take your money! For convenience, John’s address is:17, Orby Close, Regents Manor, Belfast BT5 6BP. Donations will be accepted right up to the week before the National Course.

NEURA Website

As outlined in the Dec 02 newsletter, Patrick O’Callaghan is still in the throes of developing NEURA’s website (www.neuref.8m.com). Progressively, Patrick is building up a good site which, when completed, will provide us with another forum through which we can convey information and other items of general refereeing interest. So keep sending items to Patrick, because a website is only as good as the flow and quality of information that is received.

Referee Corporate Wear

Colleagues will have recently received from NIRA the facts and figures with regard to this initiative. Ideally, NIRA need a minimum of 70 members to provide a financially viable basis on which to proceed. As members may recall, the cost for 70 or more members will be £105.20. To date, I have received £20 deposits from 37 NEURA members. As the largest divisional association, I would imagine that NIRA would have expected a slightly larger number from NEURA. Could I therefore please ask those members who still wish to become involved in this initiative to send me their £20 deposit (by cheque please) as soon as is possible. NIRA will be meeting in a few weeks time, and they will be making informed decisions on whether to proceed based on the actual number of deposits received at that time.

Standing newsletter items

Assistant referees

Assistant referees are always required throughout the season for Irish League Reserve Division matches. If you wish to gain more experience of “ running the line”, please contact John McKnight:

Referee Supplies

Any member wishing to purchase new kit or supplies, please contact Peter Thompson or Alan Snoddy.

Reporting Cautions, Sendings off and other incidents

The majority of the membership is very clear about their responsibilities and of the procedures to follow in this regard. However, there is still the need to reinforce the key reporting messages, especially for recently qualified referees, but also because I have been recently made aware of anecdotal evidence that a small minority of referees may not be reporting all field offences, perhaps because of a clear lack of understanding about the procedures that must be followed on all occasions.

All referees, but particularly those in Levels 1 – 3, should ensure that they send their disciplinary reports within 2 days (Sundays excluded) to the correct Association. Please remember:-
· Junior football and Junior Shield games to CAFA;
· Junior Cup games to IFA, 20 Windsor Avenue, Belfast BT9 6EE

The County Antrim Football Association (CAFA) Secretary is
Mr Brian Dumigan
56, Orangefield Road
BELFAST, BT5. 6DD – TEL:02890650650

Unavailability

If you are unavailable to officiate on a particular match day, please inform the relevant League/Association secretary as soon as is practicable. Subject to the reason for the unavailability, please also provide as much advance notice as possible.

Appointments

Congratulations to FIFA colleagues, David Malcolm (Referee) and Keith Glasgow (Asst Referee) who were appointed to the very prestigious friendly International: Wales V Bosnia, which was played at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on 12, February 2003.

Latest information and developments

Recruitment News and Issues

Members may have recently read in the local press that a Ladies only instruction class was arranged by the IFA, under the Association’s strong drive and desire to proactively spread all aspects of football throughout the female population. Under the expert and entertaining tuition of Norman Cowie, 15 ladies therefore worked their way through an accelerated tuition programme two nights a week, that culminated with all ladies taking the written test on 13 February 2003. Norman has advised that all ladies passed the written test with flying colours, so it is sincerely hoped that some or all of the ladies will make the full transition and become registered and active referees.

On a related recruitment issue, this paragraph is particularly addressed to the high number of young ‘club’ referees who are registered this year. The fact that you have registered demonstrates that you have an obvious interest in refereeing, so why not make the full transition and start refereeing actively every week. The simple truth of the matter is that we need to identify the young men and women who will progressively replace the current senior panel of referees. As outlined in the ‘Appointments’ section above, the rewards are there for those of you who have the drive, determination, tenacity and skill to succeed! Interested, then please get in touch.

Frankly, the normal attendance at monthly meetings is disappointing, when measured against the registered number of members (currently 268). Members will therefore be aware that the committee is continually looking at ways to increase the monthly attendance, through developing a programme of meetings that has variety and also seeks to mix referee instruction with other football related issues.

It was therefore very heartening to see such an excellent turn out of members, in excess of 100, for the ‘Jeff Winter’ night on 10 February 03. In particular, the Committee were very happy to note and observe the camaraderie and conversation between some members who may not have seen some of their colleagues for a considerable period of time. In terms of Jeff’s address it was very carefully crafted and thought provoking, because there was something in it for referees at all grades.

Unfortunately, we can’t bring the likes of Jeff Winter to every meeting. In the Committee’s continuing efforts to increase the monthly attendance at meetings, we have introduced a few recent changes. For example, food is now served at all meeting, while under the ‘bring a friend’ initiative all members who bring a colleague who would normally not attend monthly meetings are entered into a draw. For example, Mervyn Smyth who brought a friend in January 03 won a new watch!

In the Committee’s concerted efforts to maintain the attendance momentum generated from February’s ‘Jeff Winter’ night, any member who attends either the April 03, May 03, or first meeting of the new Season in September 03 will be provided with the new NIRA tie free of charge.

This year’s National Course will be held in the Everglades Hotel in Londonderry on 31st May/1st June 03. Subject to late changes, the guest speakers will be Mario Van der Ende, an ex FIFA referee from Holland (currently on the FIFA Referees Committee), and George Cummings who, until very recently was the Head of Referees at FIFA. Members will receive further details from the IFA in due course.

Request for e-mail addresses

Many thanks to those members who have supplied me with their e-mail addresses. I have now set up a referee group address list of approximately 30 referees. This has enabled me to electronically send this circular by Microsoft Word attachment, therefore saving the Association 30 postage costs. Can I therefore appeal again for members to send me their e-mail addresses to not only help save costs, but also to speed up the NEURA information distribution process.

QUB-Inter-University Crowley Cup – Ladies and Men’s football tournament 3-8 March 03

Colleague William Campton has been approached to organise referees for this event. A number of referees have already registered their interest. If your name is not on the list, and you would like to get involved, please contact William direct – Business – 028905244431, Home – 02890584877.

Referee Grading

This paragraph is intended for junior referee colleague. Do you know your grade? Since Christmas, I have been advised that referee assessors have been focusing some of their attention on assessing junior referees. It is therefore possible that a junior referee who starts the season as a Level 1, could finish the same season as a level 3 as a result of initial assessor observation followed up by more formal and detailed assessment(s). If you fall into this category and you are unsure or have not been formally advised by the IFA of your revised grading, please give me a call.

An incorrectly held personal understanding of current grading could adversely impact on promotion aspirations, especially when the IFA’s Referees and Coaching Committee deliberates at the end of the Season about who might move from junior Grade 3 to intermediate Grade 4. So, I repeat again, if assessor colleagues have recently paid you a visit or visits, there is a strong likelihood that your grading will have changed. Have you been formally advised of your revised grade? Check this detail out now!!

‘Special’ Olympics

NIRA have been approached by our Irish counterparts who are organising the referees for the football section of the Special Olympics which are being held in Ireland this year. Special Olympics is an internationally recognised organisation dedicated to empower individuals with mental disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society, achieved through sports training and competition. The football section of the games will be held from 21/6/03 to 29/6/03 in the Dublin area. Referee participation will be on an entirely voluntary basis. There will be no match fees, accommodation or travelling reimbursements. Referees should only volunteer on the basis that they will be able to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements, although Dublin colleagues will be able to help.

Interested in taking part in this once in a lifetime opportunity? If so, please contact me, and I will pass on personal details to NIRA who, in turn will collate responses and take further action as required.

Kind regards to all

Trevor Moutray, Feb 03

Charity Developments Children in Need

The annual Children in Need charity match was played at a wet and windy Dixon Park on 18/11/02. Our opponents were the NI Fire Brigade. The credible sum of £120 was raised. Thanks to colleague Bobby Anderson who organised the opposition. The fact that half of the Fire Brigade team was involved in a major fire incident less that 1-hour before the kick off, speaks volumes about their commitment to charitable causes. Thanks are also extended to NEURA colleagues who turned up on such a poor night and to Ballyclare Comrades FC who made us feel most welcome.

Traditional Christmas Charity match against Shorts for the Jack Adair Cup

The long-standing Christmas charity match against a Shorts Bros select has been arranged for Boxing Day, at Aircraft Park. Kick off 10.30 am. It is appreciated that Boxing Day might not suit some members who normally participate in this annual event. However, we have been advised that the Shorts Club is being opened on Boxing Day to accommodate other festive sporting activities, and that it would not be financially viable to open up the club for only a football game on alternative Christmas dates. So, if you wish to work off the Christmas Dinner, or want to work up an appetite for Boxing Day fare all in a good cause, please note the arrangements. All will be most welcome. Contact Harry Aston for further details (93368956).

Northern Ireland Referee Association (NIRA) annual charity appeal

With a recent influx of new referees, some colleagues will not be aware about this initiative. Some background might therefore be helpful. Each year, NIRA seeks nominations from the four divisional associations about charitable groups that NIRA will support and raise funds for on a given day in the referee calendar. NIRA has a proud record in this regard, because in 10 years over £40,000 has been raised for a number of good causes.

NIRA has agreed that this years charity will be the Ileostumy Internal Pouch Support Group. Basically, this is a support group that has been established to help individuals cope with the impact of medical conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Crohn’s Disease. Some of these conditions can become cancerous, and when this occurs major surgery is required, for example, the removal of the colon. Where the more evasive and severe type of surgery is required, then medical appliances are required to help the individual cope with body waste.

Our own member and referee assessor, Sidney Spence, has made this years nomination. Sidney is a long-standing member of this particular support group. The designated charity day will be 1st February 2003. On this day, referees from the four divisional associations will be asked to actively support a number of initiatives, including making a personal donation from their match fees on that match day and also arranging a collection from the players and officials of the two opposing teams. Further details will be announced at the next 2 monthly meetings before the charity day.

NIRA Office Bearers

NEURA have now two office bearers within NIRA. Many congratulations to Keith Halliday who was recently appointed the NIRA Recruitment Officer. This means that Keith now looks after recruitment both at Divisional and Association level.
Please note Kieth now has a page for all his "Recruitment and Retention" publications on our site.

Congratulations are also extended to David Best who is now responsible for NIRA’s finances, having recently been appointed as Treasurer.
In addition, David is also the NEURA Whistler rep. If you have any articles for inclusion in the magazine, please forward. David’s contact number is 90840546.

Total Football Magazine.

Colleagues who have attended the last few monthly meetings will know about the recent launch of this new bi-monthly local football magazine.
NEURA have made arrangements to receive a supply of these magazines every two months. So if you currently buy the magazine for your local newsagent, stop and instead buy from NEURA, because we receive £1 for every magazine that we sell.
The magazine costs £2, and the Editor, Jason Andrews will be our guest speaker at the January 03 meeting. Surfers check out the web site – www.totalfootballmagazine.com.

Assistant Referees

Assistant referees are always required throughout the season for Irish League Reserve Division matches.
If you wish to gain more experience of “ running the line”, please contact John McKnight.

Referee Corporate Wear

John Ferry, NIRA chairman and member of the North West Association, is currently investigating, through a clothing manufacturer, the possibility of providing new corporate wear which is modelled on the current appearance of blazer, grey trousers, shirt and NIRA tie. Instead of the blazer having the current sewn on badge, it is intended that the badge will be woven into the blazer pocket. In addition, the trousers will be the Remus Umo brand name. In summary, the articles will be of a high quality and professional finish. Initial estimates suggest that the package of blazer, trousers, shirt and tie will cost in the region of £105. However, I would emphasise that this is just a provisional cost, so levels of interest and demand will obviously determine and drive whether the initiative goes ahead and at what cost.

One thing which is definitely going ahead, is the revamp of the NIRA tie. There has been much criticism levelled at the current tie, so 3 new designs are currently under discussion. Hopefully, David Malcolm will have the 3 new proposed designs at the December meeting, so that all members can view.

Appointments

Hot off the press! Many congratulations to the following referees who have been appointed for the prestigious Steel and Sons Cup Final on Christmas morning:- · Referee – Alan Black;
· Sen Ass – Ken Ginnett;
· Ass Ref – David Todd;
· 4th Official John McKnight

At the time of writing, the officials for the Amateur League Border Regiment Cup Final have not been announced, given that one of the semi-finals has still to be played.