Referees between the ages of 16–26 and operating as Levels 5-7 Referees were invited to apply for membership via their 2011/2012 Referee Affiliation forms.
Since then, 40 referees have been invited to be part of the new DFA Referee Academy and their retention will be reviewed on a regular basis.
This new Referee Initiative will be an important part of the FA Referee Development Programme and the Directors of Durham County FA are pleased to announce the appointments of Academy Directors, Geoff Eltringham (Football League Referee) who will be running the North Academy ,and Tony Harrington (Football League Assistant Referee) who will be running the South Academy.
Supported in their roles, Geoff and Tony have appointed as their Referee Coaches :
- Russell Tiffin, ex Football League Assistant Referee and now Football League Assessor.
- David Webb, Football League Referee
- Sebastian Stockbridge, Football League Assistant Referee
- Graham Fyvie, Level 2B Panel League Referee
- Shaun Hudson, Level 3A Contributory League Referee
- Brian Parry, ex Football League Assistant Referee and now Football League Assessor
- Gary Beswick, Premier League Assistant Referee
- Martin Coy, Football League Assistant Referee
Each Referee in the Academy has been assigned a Referee Coach from the above who will provide support, encouragement and advice throughout the season.
Season 2011 -2012 Referee Academy Meetings
Please find below the schedule for Referee Academy Meetings from September 2011 – through to April 2012.
North Academy meetings will take place at the Houghton Le Spring Sports Complex.
South Academy meetings will take place at the Norton FC Football Club.
The dress code for all meetings is the DFA Academy polo shirt and tracksuit kindly provided by the Durham County FA.
Sunday 11 September 2011, Induction / Expectations – What is expected from you and what do you expect?
Thursday 29 September, Teamwork, Assistant Refereeing
Thursday 27 October, Fitness Session, Recognising Challenges
Thursday 24 November, Fitness Session, Advantage
December, No Meeting
Thursday 26 January, Joint Meeting DFA, Fitness Assessment, Disciplinary Hearing Session
Thursday 23 February, TBC
Thursday 22 March, TBC
Thursday 22 April, TBC
May/June No Meeting
Sunderland AFC / Hartlepool United FC / Darlington FC
Academy Referees are appointed to referee Sunderland AFC, Hartlepool United FC and Darlington FC Academy fixtures in addition to the matches they referee on local leagues and County Cup appointments. These fixtures are played in an environment where no criticism or abuse is tolerated and this creates an excellent development opportunity where referees can try new things without fear of criticism. Each match is observed by a Referee Coach who provides feedback onto the officials on how they can develop.
What is expected of a Academy Referee?
There are a lot of positives to being in a Referees Academy and as such, much is expected of them.
All our Academy Referees have signed a contract outlining the behaviours and attitudes that they must display at all times. Poor behaviour is not tolerated at any time, whether on Academy duty or not.
Attendance at meetings is compulsory and referees are expected at all times to be positive, receptive to constructive criticism and take advantage of all opportunities to develop their skills.
Referees are encouraged to join their local Referee Association as a further aid to help with their development.
Good correspondence is vital and referees must adhere to their responsibilities in closing dates with the DFA for County Cup appointments.