Match officials with their medals (Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO)

Ambitious officials urged to apply for promotion

Referees who have ambitions of being promoted through the Development Pathway have until March 1 to declare their intentions to Essex FA Referee Development Officer James Lisher, who is encouraging local match officials to absorb the guidance published online to see if they might be suitable.

Individuals who wish to be considered for season 2013/14 must first ensure they will be able to meet the criteria laid down by The FA, which are detailed online at www.essexfa.com.

For Levels 7-6 these include basics such as attending in-service training events and passing written multiple choice examinations on the laws of the game.

Further up the levels, there are extra requirements to represent the substantial degrees of commitment needed to cover more prestigious games from further afield.

Level 5-4 candidates, for example, must also complete five 11v11 appointed matches as an assistant referee on a supply league or equivalent, and pass a fitness test.

All promotion applicants must re-register with the Essex FA by June 1, respond to all correspondence in writing efficiently, preferably by email, and maintain a record of all matches covered as a referee or assistant.

Individuals must also be proficient in misconduct report writing and attend disciplinary hearings as required.

Once the promotion application window has closed on March 1, all match officials who then meet the criteria for season 2013/14 will be contacted with confirmation of their place on the promotion scheme, along with the necessary details of the scheduled in-service training seminar dates and what will be expected of them.

Lisher explained: “We’ve published plenty of advice and guidance on our website for match officials applying for promotion so they can gain an understanding of what the assessors will be looking for from their on-field performances.

“There are approximate timelines as well. It’s important not to miss the deadline for declaring an intention to apply.”

Anyone wishing to apply for promotion should complete the ‘Promotion Scheme Application Form (P1)’ available from www.essexfa.com/referees/promotion.

This should be returned by email to james.lisher@essexfa.com, although postal applications will be accepted. All forms must be received no later than March 1.