May: The winner of the County RAE George Watts Trophy for 08/09 was Vince Roper. Vince is well known throughout the county for his varied roles, including still being an active referee at the age of 67.
22nd April: At the AGM on 21st May David Tozer (Gt Yarmouth) was elected as Secretary of Norfolk Referees' Society County Committee.
23rd April: If you spotted David Beckham with tape on his wedding ring finger during recent England internationals The FA has explained it by stating that there is no ring under the tape. Apparently he wears the tape as a mark of respect to his wife.
April: Congratulations to Darin Geary (Norwich) on gaining promotion to level 3 for next season.
13th March: Norfolk FA's Referees' Committee met on 12th March to decide upon promotions and County Cup Final appointments. Fourteen referees were promoted from level 7 to 6 and seven were promoted from level 6 to 5.
In the new promotion season level 6 to 5 candidates will only receive 4 assessments (including a senior match). This has had to be reduced from 6 assessments due to the shortage of assessors and the anticipated number of assessments needing to be carried out.
5th March: At the County RAE Quiz on 4th March Fakenham Branch retained its crown as Champions following a narrow 2 point winning margin over runners-up Central & South Norfolk.
19th January 2009: Stuart Reeve of Gt Yarmouth Branch has taken on the post of Treasurer on the County Committee.
15th December: On Sunday 14th December two members of Norwich Branch were appointed as Assistants on the same Premier League match. Darren Cann and Steve Artis were on duty at the Portsmouth v Newcastle match.
4th December (Wedding Rings): Norfolk FA has issued a statement, the basis of which indicates that referees registered with Norfolk may allow a player, at grassroots level, who is unable to remove his plain band wedding ring to take part provided the ring is safely taped. The referee should make a report of the circumstances to Norfolk FA as soon as possible after the game. Other jewellery & rings must be removed. This interim statement has been issued pending further instructions from The FA.
October: It is with great sadness that the passing of the County Committee secretary Brian Gadd is announced. Brian had suffered increased health problems this year. He was a tireless worker on behalf of Norfolk RAE members and will be greatly missed.
In 2008 Brian was a Norfolk winner of The FA's Volunteer Workforce Award. The award recognised Brian's tremendous contribution over many years, particularly during his illness earlier in the year. The award was presented to Brian's grandson at the Norwich Referees' Society annual dinner meeting on 20th October (see Pictures page).
August 2008:
If you have already done a Safeguarding Children (formerly Child Protection) workshop or distance learning, you will not have to do another one. Clarification is still being sought from government by The FA as to whether CRB checks will need to be renewed.
