The Southend Junior League are not prepared to sit back and accept the acute shortage of referees.
They've launched an initiative aimed at promoting the recruitment of new officials from within their membership.
With 4,500 players covering 258 teams that's a huge umbrella -- but when you realise that only 1,700 refs are registered in Essex and it illustrates just how acute the problem in nationally.
The Football Association requirement is that all would-be refs must be a minimum of 14 years old.
It's a new style course in two parts with the first covering laws of the game with a multiple choice test. Upon passing the test they will gain level nine trainee referee status and be FA registered.
They will be required to officiate at a minimum of three games with a mentor -- "friend" -- to assist and guide.
Part two will see a return to the classroom to discuss experiences of the three games and then obtain further instruction on "how to referee."
On passing the final exam, refs will be at level eight (under-16 youth) or level seven status.
The League sponsored the cost of the course which was over £500 while instructors were Simon and Gordon Chittock.
Essex FA's Terry Thacker was course organiser and he's available on 01245 458625.
Published Monday, January 13, 2003
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