GLOUCESTERSHIRE is bucking the national trend when it comes to referee participation, to the “delight” of the county FA’s former Premier League official Steve Tanner.
While the months between the start of the 2013-14 season and end of the 2014-15 campaign saw an 11.6 per cent drop in refereeing numbers across the country, the county body (GFA) reported a 14.2 per cent rise in male refs and a huge 108.3 per cent increase in female refs over the same period.
Such are the levels of interest among would-be matchday officials in Gloucestershire that around 100 males and females of all ages and backgrounds are eagerly awaiting the call to join one of numerous FA-directed courses planned this September.
GFA referee development officer Tanner said: “2014-15 was one of the best periods ever for refereeing levels in Gloucestershire, something we’re all pleased and proud about.
“A lot of hard work goes into trying to ensure as many fixtures as possible, be it involving adults or juniors, have a proper referee and that they are in the best possible shape to oversee them.
“People have taken note of the success we are having enticing more referees and assistant refs into the Gloucestershire game, because we passed the 100 mark for the latest season when it came to our officials being appointed to prestigious national competitions such as the FA Cup, Vase, Trophy, Women’s Cup and Sunday Cup.
“Alex Hardman was appointed as assistant referee to the Women’s Super League Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City (at Wycombe’s Adams Park), while Tim Wood ran the line for both legs of the FA Youth Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea.
“The strides we have made over the past two seasons show no sign of abating as we have 450 male and female referees registered for the new season, a fantastic number given it’s only seven weeks or so since the registration period began.”
Tanner revealed male referees in the county grew last term to 754 from 660 in 2013-14, while 36 female refs were in action — up from 25 the year before.
Last season saw 88 per cent of youth league games covered by a qualified and registered match official, and a commendable 90 per cent of adult games had a registered ref in the middle.
During the same campaign, the GFA held seven referee courses involving 225 candidates, as well as two league-specific sessions designed to combat shortages.
The county body secured £2,500 from the FA to help support the North Gloucestershire League in a quest to ensure that within a two-year period, the league will have 100 per cent of its matches covered by a registered and qualified match official.
Anyone wishing to find out more information about becoming a referee or match official in the county, and the courses on offer, can email Steve Tanner at: steve.tanner@gloucestershirefa.com or call him on 01454 615888.