An annual gathering in recent years, the event provides a valuable opportunity for referees of a wide range of experience to come together in a semi-formal setting to exchange views and to learn from a keynote speaker.

This time the guest speaker was Football League referee Fred Graham who entertained his audience with an insightful and irreverent exploration of ‘Communication and Match Control’.  Fred himself had cut his refereeing teeth on the Eastern Counties League before progressing to the professional game, so he had plenty in common with those present.  He regaled the referees with stories of handling tricky situations both on and off the pitch and sharing plenty of tips that emerging match officials can put into practice in their forthcoming games.  Above all, though, his enthusiasm was infectious and reminded everyone that refereeing is not only something to be enjoyed, it also provides a pathway to a great deal of personal development – qualities such as confidence, decision making, influencing and managing people around you…

The event also provided an opportunity for new Cambridgeshire FA Referees’ Officer Colin Hills to re-introduce himself to the county, having worked in Cambs previously, and to present his vision of how referee development will work in the future.  Cambridgeshire FA and the Cambridge & District Referees’ Society are planning to co-operate ever more closely to afford their referees high quality training and development opportunities.  There will be further outdoor practical sessions in the new year, once the weather has improved and, in the meantime, the Society will hold monthly general meetings to continue the good work.

The next meeting is to be held on Monday 14 December at 7.00pm at Bottisham British Legion – Downing Close, Bottisham, CB25 9DD – and the guest speaker is our very own Football League match official, Marc Wilson, presenting his speciality topic ‘Expectations of an Assistant Referee’.   There will of course be the usual ‘Problem Corner’ slot, too, where referees of all levels can bring their experience to bear on recent problems or challenges.  All monthly meetings are free to attend, there are refreshments available, and it is almost impossible to leave without learning something new!

Contact for all Cambridgeshire FA refereeing enquiries is:  Colin Hills, Referees’ Officer, 01223 209026, colin.hills@cambridgeshirefa.com

Contact for Cambridge & District Referees’ Society is:  Sarah Anderson, Secretary, 01638 614765,  cdrs.secretary@gmail.com  Website: http://www.cambridgeshirefa.com/referees/referees-association