It was the first meeting of the season for the referees Primary Development Group and the first time most had seen the new pitch facility.

Tim Robinson (Head Coach) opened the evening, outlining the expectations and responsibilities for the twelve young referees present, who had applied to be members of the group.

It was a two and a quarter hour session, supported by six coaches. Jacob Miles (Fitness Coach) led them through some warm up routines and gave general advice on fitness. Ashley Slaughter (Coach) put on an interactive session on positioning, decision making and signalling in an open play style, with coaches Dave Ellis, Theo Parfitt and Michael Ryan on hand to give instant feedback and sound coaching advice. Tim then gave an overview and feedback session.

The group moved back inside for the break, a chance to rest, have a bite to eat and an opportunity to sit down with their coaches.

Following the break Michael delivered a session on Identifying and Overcoming Challenges. The session looked at both on and off field challenges that can affect the performance as a referee, starting with the challenges before, during and after the game. The referees worked in small groups, then feeding back before being offered advice. The presentation continued with the use of, and problems, social media can present and also dealing with disappointment pertaining to refereeing, and by being proactive to overcome challenges that come their way.

Mathew Major, Chairman of the Sussex County FA, who witnessed the sessions said afterwards: “I watched with great interest as they all listened intently to the coaches and followed their instructions to the full.

“What impressed me the most was that each one of them was at some point taken to one side and given individual one to one coaching and feedback. It was clear, even at a distance, that they were taking on board these comments and from the body language; you could tell that they were responding to what was being said. I will watch the group's development with great interest and hope they go on to good things.”

Paul Jeffery, Sussex County FA Referee Officer added: “The session was collectively in my opinion, the best I have seen. The evening programme was well thought out and the delivery and interaction between the referees and coaches was a joy to watch. It was great to see so many smiling and enjoying themselves whilst being coached. The coaches have certainly set the bar high for the remainder of the season! Also this season, there will be a stronger coaching presence at the young referee’s matches at the Brighton & Hove Albion Performance Centre, which will benefit all those involved.”

Photographs from the session can be found on Facebook.

For further information about refereeing in Sussex please contact Refereeing:

Refereeing
T: 01903 768573
E: Referees@SussexFA.com