Fermanagh and Western Referees Association Est. 1968

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The Assocition Sponsor

Westend Coffee Shop
Aisling Centre
Enniskillen

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Tim Marshall receives sponsorship from Barry Muldoon, Westend Coffee Shop

SUCCESS MARKED AT DINNER


The Association during the season decided that referees that are appointed to Mulhern, Reihill, Intermediate and Lowry Corry Cup Finals will be presented with a Cup for each one, on this will all previous names of referees which have had the honour of refereeing any these finals and this as been a popular move with Pat Chesters delighted, Pat one of members that are regarded as backbone of the Association delighted with this move, names from previous finals are Leslie Irvine, Frankie Hannigan, Patsy McCaffrey, Frankie Roofe and Gus Wilson are listed for Mulhern going back to early 1970's.
The dinner which had large attendance was enjoyed by all and the message was everyone as a lot to look forward to in the seasons ahead and for everyone to just keep pushing forward and rewards are there as been seen in last few seasons.
Raymond Black was presented with Evelyn Marshall Memorial Cup for services to refereeing in the last season both on and off the field, Raymond is the Association fitness instructor

 

SKY THE LIMIT FOR MEMBERS

The Association members are having a busy time with Eoropean and International appointments with Arnold Hunter having a great first year as FIFA referee with the highlight refereeing an under 21 European Championship in October, with UEFA appointments for the Maguiresbridge now reaching double figures as he makes further headway in his refereeing career.
Other members are also stepping up to the mark with Richard Storey and Tim Marshall officials at Under 19 European Championship from the 5th October until 12th October and for both its a step in the right direction.
Four officials from Northern Ireland where part exchange programme with Malta as part of this Enniskillen, David Hamilton made his European debut along with Kesh, Tony Sharkey who as been part of the Core Programme with other two officials being Ross Dunlop and Mervyn Smith both from NEURA. The four referees from Malta took charge of Dungannon Swifts and Donegal Celtic Premier League encounter.
Tim Marshall as received appointment as the referee for Victory Shield International at Ballymena Showgrounds Northern Ireland against Scotland and Clogher Richard Storey adds to his personal success in his first year as FIFA Assistant Referee with NUERA Andy Neeson and Brain Turkington the other officials for this International

 

REFEREE EXCHANGE WITH THREE DIVISIONAL ASSOCIATION COMPLETED


The Association as just completed referee exchange with the three other divisional Associations and from refereeing point it as proved very useful experience for our members with eight members involved being Joshua Porter, David Carson, Kyle Hay, Jason Clarke, Michael Connolly, Barry Monaghan, Stephen Anderson and Miklos Ujcz.
It will be hope another exchanges will take place in the new year thus further development of referees so they can reach there highest potential.

 

FULL TEAM OFFICIALS IN CARLING PREMIER LEAGUE

The Association continued show the positive steps members are making as a team of four members took charge of Carling Premier League encounter at Mournview Park when Glenavon played Glentoran with Maguiresbridge Arnold Hunter the referee with Enniskillen David Hamilton and Irvinestown Tony Sharkey the Assistants while making his debut at this level was Wesley Campbell (Augher) as fourth official

 

MEMBERS REACH LANDMARKS

During month of September several referees reach their own landmarks as Omagh Pat Chesters made it 1300 appointments which a record for the Association.
Enniskillen Luke Ormsby made it 200 appointments as Omagh Kevin Taggart went past the 100 mark in their refereeing career


NEW RECORD FOUR FEMALES MEMBERS REFEREE


The Association had four female members referee games on Saturday, Valerie McManus, Zara Donnell, Emma Laird and Victoria Finlay and this most active female members in any association in the Country, so we all hope the girls keep up the good work.

The new NIWFA Girls National League kick off on Sunday and our two young ladies Zara Donnell and Victoria Finlay took charge of two games as Zara was in Cookstown as Mid Ulster played Sion Swifts as Victoria was referee for Cappagh Spurs against Crusaders Strikers at Omagh

NEW REFEREES GET THEIR FIRST GAMES

The Association latest beginners class had nine new recruits and already many of these have taken up the whistle with 16 year old Stephen Anderson starting his career when Enniskillen Town United Colts played Lisnarick Reserves with Augher man, Dermott Monaghan starting in Omagh derby when Dungreen Rovers Reserves played Strule United Reserves.
Emma Laird begin in the Mid Ulster Youth League when she refereed Dungannon Colts v Fivemiletown while Miklos Ujcz also began his refereeing career in Mid Uslter Youth League with Dungannon United and Armagh City the teams.
Victoria Finlay began in the Brendan Keogh Youth League when she referee Under 16 encounter between Lisbellaw United and Ardstraw, the association wishes them all the best in their refereeing careers.

JOHN COYLE REFEREES LEAGUE CUP FINAL

The Brendan Keogh Youth League Under 15 League Cup final between Lisnaskea Rovers Youth and Enniskillen Rangers Youth at Ferney Park Ballinamallard on Friday 30th September 2011 will be refereed by Castlederg whistler, John Coyle with assistant referees being Adie Laird and Raymond Black both have experience of the IFA Championship and fourth official Cyril Walker.

VALERIE REFEREES NIWFA PREMIER CUP FINAL

Letterbreen woman, Valerie McManus will referee the Northern Ireland Womens Football Association Premier Cup Final at home of IFA Premier League Club Cliftonville on Monday 26th September 2011 when Glentoran Belfast United play Mid Ulster Ladies.
Valerie with lots of experience as already referee the Womens Irish Cup and now she takes charge of the top final in the NIWFA with Ruthanne Wright and and Lauren Murray as the two assistant referees while Scott Brier will be fourth official

ZARA AND JASON DONNELL THE NEW REFEREES IN THE ASSOCIATION

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Zara Donnell begins her refereeing career in BKYL

Newtownstewart girl Zara completed her referees beginners course in Omagh with IFA Instrauctor Tony Sharkey and began her refereeing in the Brendan Keogh Youth League last weekend and now a member of Association Development with Michael Connolly as mentor. 

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Jason Donnell begin refereeing in the BKYL

Young Jason from Newtownstewart began his refereeing last weekend in Brendan Keogh Youth League after doing beginners course in Omagh with IFA Instructor Tony Sharkey and now will be member of Association Development Group with Michael Connolly as his mentor for forthcoming season.

 

The Westend Coffee Shop and Aisling Centre confirm sponsorship for season 2011/12 season as Barry Muldoon presented assistant secretary Tim Marshall as cheque for incoming season.
The Association are very grateful said Tim and Barry continued support means we can further work on development of members to be better referees.

 

GRIMES APPOINTED TO REFEREE MULHERN CUP FINAL

The Fermanagh and Western Football Association, Mulhern Cup Final will be refereed by Declan Grimes on Monday 30th May when Tummery Athletic against Ballinamallard United Reserves at Drumad Lisbellaw.
Declan as example to all referees with his commitment, attitude and performances which as been rewarded with the final, he also refereed the Reihill Cup Final last season and as former player as put something back into the game also and something more players should be doing.
Decky assistants are both weekly in IFA Championship, Shane Corrigan and Andrew Stevenson with fourth official, Christopher Faris all are there on performances this season and the everyone in the Association wishes them all the best for the final.


DIERDRE MARTIN WINNER OF LAST PERSON STANDING

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Tim Marshall presents cheque to Dierdre Martin winner of the Association Last Person Standing

CONNOLLY REFEREES YOUTH LEAGUE CUP FINAL

Michael Connolly will referee Wednesday night IFA Youth League Cup Final at Seaview when Glentoran Colts play Glenavon III who won the Blue Riband Trophy at this level the IFA Harry Cavan Youth Cup, while the League Cup only for Clubs in the Youth League.
Michael as been refereeing this season in IFA Youth League and his assistants are James Burch and Jamie Robinson with Graham Wallace fourth official and this appointment can all only show what there for Michael in coming seasons ahead with guidance of support within the Association.

 

OFFICIALS PRAISED FOR PERFORMANCES IN REIHILL CUP FINAL

Joshua Porter and his team Raymond Black, Johny Thompson and Kieran Quigley have had praises of Club Officials following Friday night Reihill Cup Final at Ferney Park between Beragh Swifts Reserves and Tummery Athletic Reserves.
Tummery Captain Damien Hunter, said "I wish thank the officials for there part in final and Joshua is a fine referee" he continued to thank Basil for his work saying " There been a fine team of referees throughout the year, and Basil blessed with great talent in the Association"   
Beragh Swifts official Mr Lyons also " The Officials had a good game in final and Josh was outstanding"
These comments were supported by Association Chairman Basil Marshall " It's great to have received such positive comments from both clubs and I must add my congrats to all four also"   

 

JOSHUA PORTER APPOINTED TO REFEREE THE REIHILL CUP FINAL

Joshua Porter will referee Friday night final of the Reihill Cup at Ferney Park Ballinamallard when Beragh Swifts Reserves play Tummery Athletic Reserves.
Johsua as had a very impressive season refereeing in the IFA Premier Reserve League, Fermanagh and Western First and Second Division, IFA Youth League and also refereed the Harry Cavan Youth Cup semi final and was assistant referee in the Harry Cavan Youth Cup Final.
The assistant referees for the final are two men that have been in the IFA Championship this season, Raymond Black and Johnathan Thompson with Kieran Quigley as fourth official

GRIMES AND ORMSBY APPOINTED TO IFA GEORGE WILSON CUP FINAL

Luke Ormsby and Declan Grimes have been appointed to IFA George Wilson Cup at Seaview Belfast on Wednesday when Linfiled Swifts play Distillery II.
Decky as refereed games in IFA Premier Reserve League this season and this as been rewarded with fourth official in the Final and later this month he will referee the Mulhern Cup Final. Luke as been having a good season in the IFA Championship as an assistant referee and this been rewarded with this appointment. The referee will be Comer Bryan Dallas and other assistant James Burch.
 

DANNY COLTON REFEREES IN THE IFA CHAMPIONSHIP

Dromore referee Danny Colton made his debut in the IFA Championship as he refereed Armagh City against Dundela on Friday night. Danny as worked hard to reach this level and will hope to be promoted to this level next season. 
Danny becomes the Association fourth referee at this level this season and further shows progress been made by members

KERR AND CARSON APPOINTED REFEREES IN REIHILL CUP SEMI-FINALS


The referees for this seasons Rehill Cup semi finals are Dessie Kerr and David Carson and it's reward for both members. David will referee the Ferney Park semi-final when Tummery Athletic Reserves play holders, Lisbellaw United Reserves with Adie Laird and Martin Long the assistant referees with Deryck Wilson fourth official.
Enniskillen whistler Desie Kerr will be the referee for encounter between Beragh Swifts Reserves and Strathroy Harps Reserves at Mountjoy with Luke Ormsby and Scott Brier the assistant referees while two fourth officials are Allen Rogers and Pat Chesters.

 

JARLATH McELHOLM IFA INTERMEDIATE CUP FINAL ASSISTANT REFEREE

Jarlath McElholm the quiet man of the Association has been having a very good season the Premier League and this as been rewarded with appointment in the WKD Intermediate Cup Final on Monday 2nd May at Ballyclare when Carrick Rangers play H&W Welders.
The referee for the game will be Mervyn Smith with the assistants been Jarlath and Sam Campbell with Peter McGrath the fourth official

 

ANDY STEVENSON  AND JOSHUA PORTER HARRY CAVAN YOUTH CUP FINAL APPOINTMENTS

Andy Stevenson and Joshua Porter as been appointed to be assistant referees in the Harry Cavan Youth Cup later this month, Andy as had after a very good season in the IFA Championship and the young Mountjoy man starting to head the right direction as an assistant referee.
Joshua as been refereeing in First Division of Fermanagh and Western FL, IFA Reserve League and also IFA Youth League and he was the referee in the Harry Cavan Youth Cup semi-final.
The final will be at Lakeview Park Loughgall between Ballinamallard United III and Glenavon III on Thursday 28th April with Keith Kennedy the referee with Andy and Joshua are the two assistants with Ruthanne Wright fourth official.

 

MEMBERS APPOINTED TO NI TESCO CUP FINAL

The Association had four members appointed to Northern Ireland Boys Football Association Tesco Cup Final at Stangmore Park Dungannon on Sunday afternoon which was a very entertaining game with Dungoyne winning against Oxford United.
The referee was Castlederg whistler, Michael Connolly with the assistants Raymond Black Omagh, Adie Laird Castlederg and Joshua Porter Sixmilecross Fourth Official.

TONY SHARKEY AT UEFA HQ

Tony Sharkey leaves for on Tuesday for 10 days to UEFA's Centre of Refereeing Excellence (CORE) in Nylon, Switzerland this shows UEFA's commitment to raising refereeing standards.
Yvan Cornu, CORE's recently appointed manager, is overseeing the referee education scheme together with course leaders Jaap Uilenberg and David Elleray from the UEFA Referees Committee.

The introductory course lasts for two weeks as experienced referee instructors and specialists advise the young match officials – aged between 25 and 30, and considered as showing FIFA badge potential – about match preparation, player management, control of the game, tactical awareness and fitness training. The one-week consolidation course that follows will take place around seven months later.

Practical exercises, mental preparation and the opportunity to officiate at two Swiss or French championship fixtures complete the busy introductory course agenda, which will conclude with each participant setting personal objectives. The referees taking part will already be handling games at national level.

Ross Dunlop (NEURA) will be referee and James Eakin (MURA) are other two officials attending and these three where at Lisburn Distillery against Portadown on Saturday, everyone wishes them all the best in Nylon

CIS CUP FINAL FOR ARNOLD


Arnold Hunter as been appointed as fourth official in this Saturday CIS Cup Final at Mournview Park Lurgan on Saturday afternnon when Portadown play Lisburn Distillery.
The Association wishes Arnold all the best on this appointment in a career which as just seen him return from refereeing his first game as FIFA Referee, the referee for the final will be Mark Courtney with two assistants Paul Munn and Tommy Fairfield.

JAMES 100 APPOINTMENTS IN BKYL


Kesh referee James Farrell reached another career landmark when he referee his 100th game in Brendan Keogh Youth League when Ardstraw played Strtahroy Harps in Under 16th League as he becomes 7th referee to reach the 100.

 

REACH FOR THE SKY


Irvinestown whistlers Tony Sharkey and Tim Marshall will be officials in the Victory Shield decider on Wednesday night when Northern Ireland play England at the Ballymena Showgrouds with the game being showed live on SKY Sports.
The referee will be Stephen Weatherall with Tom Fairfield and Tony as the assistants while Tim will be fourth official. This another good appointment for the association in its development of members.


 

Hamilton and Sharkey International Line

St Patricks Day Under 18 International Centenary Shield between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland at the Oval was refereed by Ross Dunlop with Irvinestown Tony Sharkey and Enniskillen David Hamilton the two assistant referees for this International.


CECIL GIVAN REFEREEING 36 YEARS


The Fermanagh Distirt Council and Impartial Reporter Sports Award in Killyhelvin Hotel Enniskillen was a very good night with Cecil Givan being presented with Service to Sport Award.
Cecil first game was in April 1975 at Celtic Park and ever since as a present season after season refereeing in Fermanagh and Western Football League and Association and as been excellent servant to Referees Association.
He as now referee almost 650 official appointments but with friendlies, Coffee Cup etc that mark much nearer 1000, a real gentleman of the game and this award was without doubt well deserved. 

ASSOCIATION MAKE IT 14 IN A ROW

The Association made it 14 wins in a row as Stewart Blair with a score of 13 help the team to very comfortable victory while team captain Michael Connolly netted 12 and Peter Connolly with a 11 while David Hamilton completed good team performance.
The Association was denied back to back double as football side lost by narrowest margin on goal differerence thanks to some very questionable decisions in game against Mid Ulster RA, but the best was the four goal hammering of winners North East, the actions of the day can only be seen as compliment to our association.

 

THREE OFFICIALS APPOINTED TO IFA SEMI FINAL

Three members of the Association have been appointed to the Harry Cavan Youth Cup semi-final at Dungannon when Ballinamallard United Youth play Cliftonville Strollers on Wednesday 2nd March 2011.
The referee will 18 year old Joshua Porter from Sixmilecross who as been having a very good season and this just reward for all his efforts and hard work. The two assistants are  18 year old Andrew Stevenson from Omagh and 16 year old Luke Ormsby from Enniskillen, with both this season have been busy in the IFA Championship.
Joshua either in top divisions of Fermanagh and Western or Premier Reserve and Youth League weekly and then on Saturday he will referee in the Mulhern Cup. Portadown 16 year old Jamie Robinson will be fourth official.

SHANE IN PREMIER LEAGUE

Shane Corrigan made his debut in Carling Premier League as an assistant referee when Portadown played Lisburn Distillery at Shamrock Park last Tuesday night. Corrigan who as also refereed at Championship level as this season being on the assistants list in the Championship and he welcomed the move to higher level and will hope for some more in the future.
Tim Marshall also confirmed as the youngest referee in the Carling Premier League at age of 22 which a year younger and former FIFA referee Alan Snoddy who now IFA Referees Development Officer. 

Tim Refereeing in Carling Premier League


Irvinestown, Tim Marshall will become one of the youngest ever referees to take charge of Carling Premier League game at the age of 22, when he referees Portadown v Lisburn Distillery at Shamrock Park on Tuesday night with Omagh, Shane Corrigan and Mervyn Adamson (Hamiltonsbawn) the two assistants while Dungannon, Lee Tavinder the fourth official.
Tim did the referees course in the Bawnacre Irvinestown in September 2001 along with new FIFA Referee Arnold Hunter and it was in February 2006 that Arnold make his Premier League debut at Armagh City and two others from that class of 2001 Clare Noble and Tony Sharkey have also reached top level in the country as Premier League Assistants.
Tim as refereed in Ladbrookes.com Championship for the last three seasons and as had to work hard to achieve this opporunity and this will be next step towards making his way to joining the senior panel of referees which as been his goal.
It's great for the Association who for first time had two members referee in the 5th round of JJB Irish Cup a few weeks ago and now this be another positive step Tim joining Maguiresbridge Arnie Hunter having received appointment at top leve

HARRY CAVAN YOUTH CUP QUATER FINAL FOR JOSH


Sixmilecross referee Joshua Porter as been appointed to referee Harry Cavan Irish Youth Cup quarter final when Ballymena United III play Carrick Rangers Colts at Showgrounds Ballymena on Saturday afternoon.
Joshua having a good season refereeing on IFA Premier Reserve and Youth League and also the Fermanagh and Western top two Divisions.

APPOINTMENTS FROM IFA


Association members are receiving appointments from Irish Football Association with four appointments in the Irish Junior Cup 4th Round as Chris Faris travel to Belfast last Saturday we have three other members out this week with Michael Connolly and Damien Maguire refereeing the best games of the round in Mid Ulster while Kevin Taggart takes charge at Beragh Swifts.
In the Harry Cavan Irish Youth Cup young Joshua Porter good season continues as he referees Coleraine and Rosario YC in the 3rd Round and David Carson was appointed to IFA Youth League Cup game between Ballinamallard United and Glentoran which will take place now later in the month.
In the JJB Irish Cup its a first for the Association as two members Arnold Hunter and Tim Marshall referee in the 5th round with new FIFA man Hunter atr Windsor Park while Marshall takes charge of Queens game. There are also seven members appointed as assistant referees in this round and once again tribute to strides been made by the Association

HUNTER AND STOREY NEW FIFA OFFICIALS


The Association are delighted with the appointments of Arnold Hunter (Maguiresbridge) as FIFA Referee and Richard Storey (Clogher) as FIFA Assistant Referee as from 1st January 2011.Association Chairman Basil Marshall said “ I am delighted for them both as this as been reward for hard work, commitment, attitude, training and performances which as resulted in these two gents been rewarded with FIFA Badges joining the elite of refereeing in Europe, for both I do believe they can go further and they will have full support of the Association and myself in achieving these goals”.Marshall went on to explain, This the start of something great for the Association and reward for last 12 years of putting in place a development group within the Association. This as now expanded with our own training nights as well as the association development group with mentors for each referee. There also now assistant referee development group which will be under guidance of former FIFA Assistant Referee Gerard Flynn and further to that what known as Regional development Group which will see all young members involved with mentors to each one.  Referees work hard with training weekly, development meeting at National and Association level as well three fitness test per season and those in senior panel meet monthly also the Association Monthly meetings, this gives idea of the commitment required to a referee at Intermediate, Championship, Senior level or assistant in Premiership and Championship.The Association as a beginners course planned for February and are looking for new referees and those interested should email fwrefs@hotmail.com or visit our website www.fermanaghreferees.co.uk  

ARNOLD
NEW FIFA REFEREE
 
Fermanagh and Western whistler, Arnold Hunter, has joined the refereeing elite with his appointment as a FIFA referee.Joining the FIFA panel, Arnold is just one of four FIFA referees in Northern Ireland and will travel across Europe to officiate FIFA and UEFA competition football matches. Arnold’s first assignment as a FIFA referee is to attend an introductory course for international referees hosted by UEFA in collaboration with the Cyprus Football Association at the beginning of February.Speaking about his appointment to the FIFA panel, Arnold said:“I’ve always had ambitions of joining the FIFA panel and feel truly honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity.“I am looking forward to the training camp in February where I will undergo a fitness test, medical, and take part in workshops on mental preparation, injury prevention and fitness training techniques delivered by Europe’s top sports technicians.“Elite and Premier Referees from across Europe will also be at the training camp so it will be an opportunity to learn from them and their experiences.”News of Arnold’s appointment helped finish a successful year for the Maguiresbridge referee which saw him take charge of the Elite final in the Milk Cup in August and officiate as fourth official at a Europa League match in Greece in December.Working his way up the refereeing ranks for the past nine years as a member of Fermanagh and Western Referees’ Association (FWRA), Arnold is now a familiar face in the Carling Premier League, officiating games for the last three seasons.“I’m immensely proud to wear the FIFA badge, representing my country, the Irish Football Association, and Fermanagh and Western Referees’ Association where it all began,” continued Arnold.“To reach this stage has taken a lot of hard work, refereeing all levels of games in all kinds of weather.  I have made a lot of friends along the way who have helped me achieve this goal.  My wife, Tracy, my mother and father, George Parkinson, FWRA President – who introduced me to the refereeing world - and Basil Marshall, FWRA Chairman, who guided me through the referee course, have always supported me through good times and bad; without them I wouldn’t be in this position today.“Although it’s good to reach this stage I am under no illusions and know the hard work will be only starting now.  With Richard Storey’s appointment to the FIFA Assistant Referee panel, it will be good to have a fellow FWRA member to share the journey with and bring back our learning and experiences to our referee colleagues in the Bawnacre.” 

STOREY THE NEW FIFA ASSISTANT REFEREE 
Richard refereeing career began in January 2003 where he took charge of the local Reserve Division Three game between Fintona Swifts Reserves and Fivemiletown UTD III at Cranny Bridge Omagh as a 16 year old.
 On the news of the FIFA Badge Richard said “I am delighted to have been appointed and look forward to represent the Fermanagh and Western Referees Association and IFA in Europe”.
Reflecting on how it began I was fortunate enough to be appointed as assistant referee in the Irish League 1st Division.  I really enjoyed "running the line", and also working with some of the top referees in the country such as Mark Courtney and David Malcolm.  My final game of that season was a surprise appointment in the Irish Premier league where Omagh Town played Institute, (this turned out to be Omagh Towns last ever game).  At the end of the season at the annual weekend course it was announced that the Referees committee had made the decision to set up a panel on "specialist assistant referees" for the Irish Premier league and I was delighted to be informed that I was included in that list. 
The beginning of the 04/05  season was  when  began my career as a "specialist assistant" in the Irish Premier league where my first game was Portadown v Ballymena United at Shamrock Park.  Throughout not only this season but also the seasons to come I was appointed to games in which Gerry Flynn was appointed to, this was very beneficial to me as Gerry was a highly experienced FIFA assistant referee who I looked up to and had a lot of respect for, Gerry helped and guided me and I thank him for that.”  
Richard continued “Through good and bad times it as been Basil Marshall that as helped me greatly, and I really appreciated this. Along with Gerry both these men have been great with advice and encouragement so now I need to improve even more as I move to a higher level.”

TIM REFEREES INTERMEDIATE CUP FINAL

The Fermanagh and Western Football Association, Intermediate Cup Final between Ballinamallard United and Moutjoy United will be refereed by Irvinestown whistler Tim Marshall and the assistants will be Tony Sharkey (Omagh) and David Hamilton (Enniskillen) with fourth official Wesley Campbell (Augher).
The final will be on Monday 27th December 2010 at Darragh Park Castlederg with 2.30pm

 

VALERIE CONTRIBUTED THE MOST TO THE ASSOCIATION


Valerie McManus was without doubt worthily winner of the Evelyn Marshall Memorial Cup for the referee who contributes the most on and off the field to the Association.
Valerie on the field was 4th official in Womens World Cup game and also refereed the the IFA Irish Woman's Cup Final while she was assistant referee in the Fermanagh and Western Intermediate Cup Final. Off the field Valerie the hard worker behind why last season the Association raised £1400 for charity.
Three seasons the Association were collecting a few hundred for charity but then Valerie was appointed and in first year total raised to £700 and last season it hit remarkable high of £1400 and Valerie takes all praise for ensuring members raised this money either with donation of fee and collections from Clubs. 

LANDMARK GAMES FOR MEMBERS

Three members reach landmarks with regard games in recent weeks as David Hamilton made it 200 games when on the line at Dergview v Ballinamallard United in the JJB Sports Irish Cup 4th round on 11th December 2010.
Wesley Campbell and Christoher Faris made it 100 games in last few weeks with Wesley making the the mark in the Mid Ulster Intermediate League while Chris made the three figures in Irish Junior when Beragh Swifts played Orangefield OB II

 

SPONSORS THANKED BY CHAIRMAN

The Association November meeting had forty plus members in attendance this despite the poor weather conditions which as seen sport come to a halt this weekend, but not members of our association.
It was meeting saw awards being presented and any problems been debated while Association sponsors were thanked by Chairman Basil Marshall, "Sponsors are important to the Associations and we are greatful to Westend Coffee Shop (Aisling Centre), Hamilton Spar and McAleers Spar and hope for continual support in coming seasons."

 

MALTA NEXT STOP FOR STOREY


Clogher Richard Storey as been appointed to be assistant referee in the UEFA Regions Cup which will take place in Ta' Qali (Malta), Bangor David Malcolm will referee during the week.
The four teams in the Group are Wurttembergischer FV (Germany), Fthiotida (Greece), Federicion Gallega (ESP) and Malta in what will Intermediate Round of the competition.
The other officials are from Belguim, Malta and Montenegro and will have observer De Pandis (France).
This great appointment for young Richard and step forward in his refereeing career and having the experienced Malcolm with him certainly be of benefit to him, for the Association it another appointment which shows that those at the helm are making right decisions with the coaching and development within the ranks certainly backs up the view in last ten years this as become most progressive Referee Association in the Country

 

EUROPA LEAGUE APPOINTMENT FOR HUNTER

Arnie Hunter will be fourth official on Thursday when Europa League Group B game when leaders PAOK FC (Greece) play Club Brugge KV (Belguim) in Thessaloniki (Greece) with home side group leaders. The game will be refereed by Mark Courtney with assistants being Paul Munn and John McDowell, there are two additional assistant referees Alan Black and Raymond Crangle making up team of officials from Northern Ireland.
For Arnie its another step forward in refereeing career and well deserved for hard work put in and for the Association it just shows the development and coaching going on will have benefits and the Association wishes Arnie and Richard all the best on there two appointments.

YOUNG REFEREES WITH FIFA REFEREE LEE PROBERT

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FIFA Referee Lee Probert with Joshua Porter, Andy Stevenson and Rian Corry

NEW ROLES FOR MEMBERS AS THE ASSOCITION GROWTH CONTINUES

The Association continues to grow with nine new members from courses in Omagh and Enniskillen, with five of them having already refereed games in recent week.
Association Chairman as appointed new roles within the Association with Raymond Black the new fitness coach with Decky Grimes the co-ordinating the dates and venues, there will be on a Monday night with exception of forth Monday of each month.
The Regional Development Group as now grown to having almost thirty members involved thus the appointment of Danny Colton as secretary for the group, all these positive moves as the growth of the Association continues and the appointments shows the success of our development system.

DAMIEN MAGUIRE REFEREES LOWRY CORRY CUP FINAL

The 2010 Lowry Corry Youth Cup Final will be played at Killen Rangers on Wednesday 13th October with 7.30pm with Ballinamallard Youth playing Killen Rangers Youth.
Enniskillen Damien Maguire will be the referee and Damien who as been selected for the IFA National Development Group and without doubt performances are reason for this appointment. Mountjoy, Andy Stevenson and Enniskillen Luke Ormsby are the two assistants for the final and these two young men are now members of the IFA Championship assistant referees panel and are both doing very well. The fourth official will be Michael Connolly who after successful playing career as taken up whistle and referees weekly in the IFA Premier Reserve and Youth League.
The Association wishes all four all best on the night in what one the first three major finals of the 2010/11 season

WESLEY CAMPBELL APPOINTED TO REFEREE IN THE LADBROOKES.COM IFA CHAMPIONSHIP

Augher Wesley Campbell will referee this Saturday at Holm Park Armagh, when Armagh City play Coagh United in the IFA Ladbrookes.com Championship 2.
Wesley after very successful period at Junior level was promoted to Intermediate referee at end of last season and having continued to impress early in the season as been rewarded with this appointment and the Association would like wish him well.
Letterbreen Valerie McManus will be assistant referee in this game with Portadown Rodney Henry the other assistant.
The association also see this appointment as another success for its development group and work put in by the talents and mentors, with Wesley also in the IFA National Development Group
.

RECORD ATTENDANCE FOR SEPTEMBER MEETING

The Association monthly meeting at the Bawnacre Centre Irvinestown had record attendance for September when on 65% of the members were present to hear reports on the season to date from the Chairman, Basil Marshall.
The appointments for Finals of the Brendan Keogh YL were announced to the members with those that received appointments in Europe and in National Finals congratulated.
David Hamilton assisted by Arnold Hunter then showed clips from 2010 World Cup with the topic being advantage and this was well recieved and a further learning curve for member

 

ASSOCIATION DEVELOPMENT GROUP THE WAY FORWARD 

The Association own Devleopment Group which as now been running over a decade continues to main reason for success of the members and the Association wishes to thank all mentors involved for hard work and committment.
This year aleady there been fitness training nights, a meeting and assistant referee coaching taken place and there another training night next Monday with Group meeting on Wednesday night.
Currently we have four members Damien Maguire,Wesley Campbell, Danny Colton and Stewart Blair are in National Group with mentors being Arnold Hunter, James Farrell, Basil Marshall and David Hamilton.
  

IRISH CUP FINAL APPOINTMENTS FOR VALERIE AND CLARE

The Coca-Cola 2010 Women's Irish Cup Final will be played at Clandeboye Park Bangor on Friday 24th September with 7.30pm kick off.
Valerie McManus will be assistant referee while Clare Noble as been appointed as fourth official with Ruthanne Wright the referee and Lorriane Moreland the other assistant as Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers play Glentoran Belfast United.

FOUR MEMBERS SELECTED IN IFA ACADEMY

There are four members of the Association in IFA Academy which was launched on Wednesday night at Windsor Avenue with Rian Corry, Joshua Porter, Andy Stevenson and Richard Topping attending.
It was eduactional training during the vening and members also had new leisurewear distributed to them with next meeting on 19th September with World Cup Finalist assistant referee Phil Sharp who on English Premier assistant referees list.

JARLATH'S INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENT

Omagh Jarlath McElholm as been appointed as assistant referee for next week Junior International between Northern Ireland and Repbulic of Ireland at Lakeview Park Loughgall, with everyone in the association wishing Jarlath best wishes for the game.
The referee for game will be Mervyn Smith with James Eakin the other assistant while Allisater Burns will be fourth official.

ARNOLD EUROPEAN UNDER 21 APPOINTMENT

UEFA Referees' Appointments

U-21 European Championship 5pm at Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina) : Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) v Italy (ITA)

 

Referee

Alan Black (NIR)

Assistant referee 1

Gareth Eakin (NIR)

Assistant referee 2

Andrew Neeson (NIR)

4th official

Arnold Hunter (NIR)

 

 

Observer

Michael Riley (ENG)

Delegate

Bone Todorov (BUL)

RLO

Salem Prolic (BIH)

MICHAEL CONNOLLY TO REFEREE CHAMPIONSHIP CUP FINAL

Castlederg referee Michael Connolly will referee the NIWFA Davisons Frudles Championship Cup Final on Monday 6th September at Stangmore Park Dungannon and he have three other members of the Association with him on the night.
The appointment was announce by Elaine Junk the Chairperson of the NIWFA with Valerie McManus and Delcan Grimes as assistant referees with Joshua Porter as the fourth official when Fermanagh Mallards play Loughgall Lakers.

TIM MARSHALL IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Release Date: 25/08/2010

Author: By Richard McMeekin

TIM Marshall may only be 22, but already he has achieved a great deal in the field of refereeing - from officiating at a Youth Cup Final to a top of the table Championship clash.

The Irvinestown man, who is a member of the Fermanagh and Western Referees Association, gained his interest in football by spending years heading to matches with his dad while he assessed referees, and he has never looked back. He said: “I love being involved in football and also the challenge to try and better myself every time I referee.”

Tim’s first game as the ‘man in the middle’ was in the Mid-Ulster youth league under 11 - Portadown Youth against Orchard Youth in 2001; while his main highlight to date he says has to be refereeing the Harry Cavan Youth Cup Final in 2007 between Linfield Rangers and Crusaders Colts.

Meanwhile his biggest game came last season when he took charge of the top of the table Championship game between Loughgall and Donegal Celtic.

He added: “I have been two years in the Championship now and my short term goal would be to get appointed to a Premiership game next season and with more experience I hope to become a Premiership referee.  And if I can achieve this it will help set me in the right direction to achieve my long term ambition of becoming a FIFA referee.”

Tim is regarded as one of the country’s promising young referees and in order to help him further his refereeing career, he was selected for the National Development Squad.

“I have found being a member of the National Development Squad to be very beneficial, particularly because I have a mentor who is always there for me,” he said.

“Also, being involved in the Ref Cam was a good experience.”  This initiative involved the introduction of ‘Ref Cam’ exercises at local games with DVDs produced to illustrate positive elements and development opportunities in the referee’s performance.

Tim continued: “Meanwhile, the residential weekends which are run for members of the National Development Squad give you the opportunity to meet and discuss problems, so overall being part of the group certainly advances your refereeing, provided you put in the work.”

So, has Tim ever had any embarrassing moments whilst on the pitch?  “In one of my games a few years back I forgot to start my watch and I ended up asking one of the team’s coaches how long had gone!!”

Tim clearly loves being involved in the refereeing side of the game, but would he encourage others to give it a go? “With more opportunities within refereeing opening all the time I’d definitely encourage anyone with an interest in football to give it a go.”

So if you’ve ever thought about becoming a referee, then why not make 2010 the year that you become the ‘man or the women in the middle?’ Anyone interested in taking up the whistle should email referees@irishfa.com or contact Alan Snoddy, Irish FA Referee Development Officer on 028 90 669 458. begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              028 90 669 458      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

JOHN COYLE REFEREES KENENDY CUP FINAL

The Kenendy Cup Final will played between Starthroy Harps against Lisbellaw United at Kesh on Tuesday night with Castlederg John Coyle the referee, it reward for his committment to the Association.
Jarlath McElholm and Clare Noble will be the assistants with Deryck Wilson fourth official for the final.

MEMBERS MAKE DEBUT IN IFA CHAMPIONSHIP

The opening weekend of the 2010/11 season as been good for the Association with fifteen appointments from IFA, while Clare Noble in the Champions League.
Stewart Blair makes debut in the Ladbrookes.com Championship 2 as a referee at Annagh United while Raymond Black, Shane Corrigan, Scott Brier, Michael Connolly, Adie Laird, Andy Stevenson and Johnathan Thompson receive appointments the second and third level of football in Northern Ireland.
Joshua Porter as been selected to referee this season in the IFA Premier Reserve and Youth League and begins at Dungannon Swifts II today.
The Association wishes them all the best for the forthcoming season, while our Chairman is away as Referee Liason Officer in the UEFA Womens Champions League Group.  

 

Marshall appointed as Referees Liaison Officer


Basil Marshall will be the Referee Liaison Officer for UEFA Womens Champions League Qualifying round which will be played in Northern Ireland between 4th and 11th August 2010 with games at Dungannon Swifts, Moyola Park and Ballymena United.
The Group includes Northern Ireland Champions, Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers, German side
 FCR 2001 Duisburg, Scottish Champions, Glasgow City FC and  
ŠK Slovan Bratislava futbal from Slovakia.
Marshall will look after the visting eight referees appointed to the Group games

RICHARD ASSISTANT REFEREE IN SCOTLAND AND ARNOLD TO REFEREE UNDER 23 INTERNATIONAL

Wednesday 11th August will be another stride forward for Richard Storey and Arnold Hunter as both have received International Appoitnments.

Richard will be assistant referee when Scotland play Sweden in Under 21 encounter which will be refereed by
Ryamond Crangle and this another good appointment for the Clogher official.

Maguiresbridge whistler Arnold Hunter will be referee at Showgrounds Coleriane when Northern Ireland play Poland and another very good appointment for Arnold, with Andrew Neeson and Denis O'Connor the assistant referees while Dessie Loughrey will be fourth official. 

UEFA CLUB CHAMPIONS LEAGUE APPOINTMENT AS ASSISTANT REFEREE FOR CLARE

Castlederg woman Clare Noble will be one of eight officials at the UEFA Champions League Group 7 games which take place between 4th and 11th August which takes place in Northern Ireland.
Clare will be assistant referee in three games and will be joined by Ruthanne Wright from Portadown and six other female referees from Hungary, Turkey and the Czech Republic with games taking place at three venues and the Association wishes Clare all the best during he week
 


GROUP 7 MINI TOURNAMENT IN NORTHERN IRELAND 5 - 10 AUGUST 2010

Teams

  • FCR 2001 DUISBURG (GERMANY)
  • GLASGOW CITY (SCOTLAND)
  • ŠK SLOVAN BRATISLAVA (SLOVAKIA)
  • CRUSADERS NEWTOWNABBEY STRIKERS (NORTHERN IRELAND)

Match Day One: 05.08.10
16.00FCR 2001 Duisburgv ŠK Slovan BratislavaMill Meadow, Castledawson
19.30Glasgow Cityv Crusaders Newtownabbey StrikersMill Meadow, Castledawson

Match Day Two: 07.08.10
15.00ŠK Slovan Bratislavav Glasgow CityBallymena Showgrounds
18.00FCR 2001 Duisburgv Crusaders Newtownabbey StrikersBallymena Showgrounds

Match Day Two: 10.08.10
17.00Glasgow Cityv FCR 2001 DuisburgBallymena Showgrounds
17.00Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikersv ŠK Slovan BratislavaStangmore Park, Dungannon

Young Referees Invited to IFA Academy

Three young referees Rian Corry, Andrew Stevenson and Joshua Porter have been invited to be part of  IFA Referee Academy which joint adventure with Jordonstown and the Association wishes them all the best.

Referee Timings for Foyle Cup:


 

Tuesday 20th - parade at 10:45, meeting at 12 - final games at 19:00

Wednesday 21st - meeting at 9:30am, final games at 19:00

Thursday 22nd - meeting at 11:30, final games at 19:00

Friday 23rd - meeting at 9:30am - final games at 19:00

Saturday 24th - meeting at 8:30am, games at 10 & 11:15 - finals in Brandywell 12 noon - 4pm.


Blue kits have been arranged.  Wear Blue on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Black on Monday, Wednesday, Friday.


Shirt and Tie to be worn Tuesday & Saturday

Referees set for 2010 Foyle Cup

The Association will have 15 members at this year Foyle Cup which starts with opening Parade on Tuesday 10th July 2010 in the Maiden City.
Experience members Pat Chesters, Cyril Walker, James Farrell and John Coyle are returning again to the Maiden City popular youth tournament but we have some members making first year at the tournament Scott Brier, Johnathan Thompson, Andrew Stevenson, Peter Connolly while Luke Ormsby, Declan Grimes, Adie Laird,  Jason Lockhart, Micheal Connolly, David Hamilton and Joshua Porter will also referee at the tournament.
 

 

REFEREES FOR FRIENDLY FIXTURES


All Clubs that require referees for Friendly games MUST contact the Association appointments officer, who will appoint the referee for the game.
Clubs are asked not to contact the referee direct as members are not permitted to accept games directly from clubs.
The Association require 72 hours notice to appoint a referee so need to contact Basil Marshall at
basilref@hotmail.com or 07821561204.
Games with Championship or Premier League clubs will have three officials

UEFA APPOINTMENTS 

Maguiresbridge referee Arnold Hunter and Clogher Richard Anderson have received UEFA appointment in Malta on Thursday 8th July 2010 when Sliema Wanderers (MLT) play HNK Sibenik (CRO).
Alan Black will referee the game with A
nderson and Gareth Eakin the assistants while Hunter will be fourth official.

WESLEY NEW RECRUITMENT OFFICER

Wesley Campbell as recently appointed as the Association Recruitment Officer and he now sets to work over next few months when the Association intend to hold courses in four different venues provided they get at least 8 new recruits in each area.
Wesley starts his fourth season as a referee with promotion to Intermediate Level and looks forward to his new role in encouraging more into refereeing and especially Ladies, former players and young members.
The Association wishes Wesley all the best in the role and are confident he will along with new Instructors in the Association further develop the membership in the Association.

 

 

VALERIE ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Valerie McManus without doubt deserves the call up to FIFA Womens World Cup later this month for attitude and commitment and hard work she put into being a referee.
Valerie can be seen during the season as assistant referee in the IFA Ladbrookes.com Championship or in the Fermanagh and Western, she also referees in the Northern Ireland Womens League and as refereed the IFA Womens Irish Cup Final, also the Womens Premier Cup Final.
In the Fermanagh and Western she as being assistant referee in Intermediate Cup, Mulhern Cup and Reihill Cup Finals and also the Lowry-Corry Cup.
Valerie will be 4th Official when Northern Ireland play Sebria at the Showgrounds Coleraine on 23rd June and she will spend three days with other three FIFA Officials appointed to the match.
Everyone in the Association wish Valerie all the best and its what she deserves as she as shown great committment to refereeing

New Secretary and Vice Chairman


Enniskillen David Hamilton the new referees secretary following the decision of Omagh Shane Corrigan to step down.Chairman Basil Marshall said "Shane was good secretary and will be missed but I would like to think he back on a committee again and on behalf of the members I thank him for all his work." 

Tony Sharkey the new Vice Chairman of the Association with Roy Beacom stepping down because of work committment, the Association are grateful to Roy for all hard work he as done for the Association

  All appointments for referees for pre-season friendly and tournaments must come through Basil Marshall, the Association would asked CLUBS not to contact the referee direct.

For any games which have teams from IFA Premier and Championship will have three officials appointed while Intermediate and Junior games will have referee only unless otherwise requested.

He can contact by email @ basilref@hotmail.com or 07821561204

The Northern Ireland Referees Association have negotiated the following fees for the next three seasons

Category
Season 09-10
Season 10-11
Season 11-12

Senior Referee

£150
£170
£170
Senior Assistant
£75
£85
£85
4th Official
£75
£85
£85
Championship Referee (Div 1 & 2)
£70
£75
£75
Championship Assistant
£35
£35
£35
Divisional Intermediate
£40
£45
£50
Junior
£30
£30
£35

THREE APPOINTED TO UMBRO QUADRANGULAR TOURNAMENT

The Referees Association would like congratulated all three members selected for appointments in the International Umbro Quadrangular Tournament 21 – 24 April.
The Association policy of development as certainly got rewarded the efforts put in over the years as Tim Marshall will either referee or be 4th official over the four days, while Tony Sharkey and David Hamilton will be assistant referees during the Tournament.
Its a great achievement for the three members who all have been in Ladbrookes.com Championship this season and also all three have had appointments in the Carling Premier League.
The teams in the Tournament are Northern Ireland, Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man and there are also referees from these Countries which was great experience for our members.

FERMANAGH AND WESTERN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION                Suspensions and Club Fines – 15/02/2010

                       Player/OfficialClubDate of DismissalOffenceSuspensionAdditional Suspension Starting fromFine
                      Shane HackettBallygawley06/02/2010Violent Conduct1 + 2 Matches22/02/2010£20.00
                       Gareth McGuckinFivemiletown United II06/02/20102nd CautionAutomatic (1)n/a£10.00
                 John McMenamin                           (Official)Spamount Swifts 06/02/2010Reported by Referee3 Matches15/02/2010£75.00
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

REFEREES WILL BE MAKING A DONATION WITH THEIR MATCH FEE

WILL YOUR CLUB AND SUPPORTERS ON THE DAY SUPPORT THEM

FOR THE 

NATIONAL DEAF CHILDREN’S SOCIETY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

ON SATURDAY 20th FEBRUARY 2010

National Deaf Children’s Society in Northern Ireland. Key Facts.

There are around 1060 deaf children in Northern Ireland.

90% of deaf children in Northern Ireland are born into families with no previous experience of deafness.

40% of deaf children in Northern Ireland also have additional needs.

 Deaf Children in Northern Ireland.Deafness in children can present at birth, or can develop during their lives. Most deaf children are diagnosed as a result of the National Hearing Screening programme when new born children have a hearing test before they leave the maternity hospital. Some children will lose their hearing as a result of illness or the treatment of a serious illness.
Early diagnosis means that it is possible to plan the best support for a deaf child in Northern Ireland. However, parents of deaf children often struggle to find out about services and ensure that their child can be offered opportunities that others may take for granted. All too often, this becomes a struggle between the parents and education or health providers. Parents have to encourage infants to wear hearing aids and cochlear implants, while the child will be more interested in putting them in their mouth or investigating their insides. The fact that a child may have a hearing aid does not mean that a deaf child can always hear well or hear everything that hearing people would take for granted. Depending on the level of deafness, a deaf child with a hearing aid may only be able to hear the roar of a lorry passing them in the street, while other’s will struggle to hear the teacher speak in a noisy classroom.
Deaf children will often struggle to communicate with their parents and their brothers and sisters.Because of their hearing loss, deaf children will usually take longer to develop an understanding of spoken language and will find it difficulty to learn to speak. For some deaf children, learning sigh language can be a way of breaking down communications barriers with friends and family. Other’s will be able to cope through the aid of lip reading.For many deaf children, however, there will be lengthy periods of isolation when they will find it difficult to talk to other children at school, or in the neighbourhood. That sense of isolation can lead to much deeper problems when a child feels friendless and alone.

What does NDCS do for deaf children and their families in Northern Ireland?Founded in 1944, NDCS is dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young people. We represent the interests and campaign for the rights of all deaf children and young people from birth until they lead independent lives. NDCS supports the deaf child through the family as well as directly supporting deaf children and young people themselves.NDCS in Northern Ireland -
  • Provides advice and information for parents of deaf children on education issues, benefits and moving into training and employment.
  • Runs a range of family weekends at which the whole family. Parents meet one another, learn about deafness and how to best support their deaf child, while deaf children can meet other deaf children, and brothers and sisters can get involved in the fun.
  • Runs a wide range of sports activities for deaf children, including football, basketball etc
  • Helps Football coaches work with deaf children – NDCS have produced a dvd for football coaches on how to communicate with deaf children. We have also run training sessions for football coaches with the support of teams such as Arsenal and Liverpool. In Northern Ireland we are working closely with Belfast Deaf United.
  • Runs specialist football coaching for deaf young people. This year we are planning to run three such sessions with the IFA.
  • Runs activity holidays for deaf children and young people, with leaders who have been trained to communicate with deaf children ( and paddle canoes, rock climb etc )
  • Runs an annual Film project for deaf children in partnership with BBC Blast.
  • Runs an Arts programme for deaf children of all ages.
 NDCS as an organisation.

NDCS ensures that there is regional support for these activities, with 12 regional directors and  offices in Cardiff, Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow and London; local support via network of 35 home based family officers - all providing balanced information on all aspects of childhood deafness and emotional support for families of deaf children; advocacy work to help families of deaf children secure their rights; dedicated family programme at key developmental stages in the deaf child’s life and dedicated sports, arts and outdoor activities and personal development training for young deaf people.  

NDCS opened its office in Belfast in 1997.  By establishing a dedicated Northern Ireland Team, we have been be able to involve and consult families at grassroots level, develop close working relationships with professionals, develop appropriate services to meet families’ needs locally and increase our campaigning and lobbying work.

Whilst statutory services do provide some information and technical aids to deaf children and their families they are not able to provide the all-encompassing information and impartial advice and support which NDCS is able to provide.  NDCS NI provides immediate and on-going information, advice and support on all issues surrounding childhood deafness to families living in the province; ensures NDCS services are relevant in the country context; supports the development of volunteer and parent networks; organises events and activities for deaf children, young deaf people and their families; and works with government departments and other statutory and voluntary bodies to influence policy in relation to deafness and to promote joint working between health, social and education services.
 
NDCS Northern Ireland staff: Alan Sheeran, Director Northern Ireland, is charged with achieving systematic change at a national level.  Alan reports to Brian Gale, Director of Policy and Campaigns, who is a member of the NDCS executive directorate based in the London office.  Alan works to ensure that the work of NDCS is relevant to the Northern Ireland context, particularly in relation to the separate legislative and management background for education and health services in Northern Ireland.Celine Heatley, Administrator, is the first point of call when families and professionals contacting the Northern Ireland office.  Celine is responsible for day to day running of the office and its resources, and for providing full time administrative support for the Northern Ireland team.

Irene Bell and Barbara Wilson are both Family Officers.  Irene and Barbara are responsible for providing immediate and on-going support, impartial information and advice to enable families with deaf children to make the best choices for their children and achieve the benefits to which they are entitled. 
As Irene and Barbara are each a parent of a deaf child herself, they are well placed to offer emotional support, to give parents a more positive view of deafness, and help them to realise that they are not alone.
Wendy Gallagher, Programme Coordinator, is responsible for delivering the programme of events for parents, families and young deaf people in Northern Ireland.  Wendy is a member of the UK wide training and events team. Wendy has led the development and delivery of family events in Northern Ireland, in particular the weekends for families with newly identified deaf children and those for families with deaf children with additional needs. 
These have been so successful that NDCS is now rolling them out in England, Scotland and Wales.
Stacey Kilpatrick, Arts Officer, is responsible for delivering a dedicated arts programme for deaf children and young people in Northern Ireland. Stacey is a member of the UK wide training and events team.  NDCS has been delivering a dedicated arts programme since opening our office in Belfast.  Stacey has been so successful in engaging young deaf people and ensuring they drive the development of the programme in Northern Ireland that arts events will be offered as elements to pilot arts provision in the youth programme in the other countries.
Northern Ireland based staff with UK-wide remit:Pauline Walker, Deputy Director Families, has the remit to manage the UK wide family service team which includes the UK wide family programme for families and parents, the UK wide healthy minds development programme, the family officer team north England and the family officer team south England. Pauline is a senior member of the children, families and young people’s department and reports directly to the director who is a member of the executive directorate.Caroline Doherty, Emotional Health & Wellbeing Manager, has been responsible for delivering a dedicated healthy minds project for deaf children in Northern Ireland.  This work has been so successful that Caroline has been confirmed in post as a permanent member of the UK wide children, families and young people’s department where she will lead the development of both country specific and UK wide NDCS preventative mental health work.Michael Johnston, Youth Training & Development Manager, is responsible for designing and delivering the training and development programmes to meet the diverse needs of young deaf people across the UK.  Michael is a member of the children and young people’s team which is working UK wide with young deaf people themselves to enable participation and to develop a youth led service.

 
Drum United player allegedly ASSAULTS  referee

The Fermanagh and Western Football Association are to launch an investigation after an alleged assault on referee Michael McGlinchey during the Drum United v Orchard Farm game at Cranny Bridge on Saturday.

The alledged assault took place after Gerry Love's Orchard Farm side took the lead in the first half.

The referee showed a red card to a Drum United player after he verbally abused the official for allowing the goal, the home side claiming that it was offside.


Basil Marshall, Chairman of the Fermanagh and Western Referees Association has confirmed that the referee's report is alleging that the player then came back on to the pitch and aimed a kick at McGlinchey with the referee then abandoning the game.

He added that his main concern is for the safety of the referee.

"Our first concern is that he is okay. He was pretty shook up and angry that it happened. He was also annoyed that nobody from Drum made any approach to him and it emphasises what I've been saying for the past few years, that clubs should have somebody like a liaison officer who would deal with situations like this. I would also be concerned that there was no changing rooms as it left the referee out in the open and nowhere he could go where he would feel safe and it asks the question of whether changing rooms should be a necessity."

"I have no doubt that the Fermanagh and Western will deal with it in the efficient way that they always do," he stated.

The Fermanagh and Western FA havthe referee received the referee's report and the matter is sure to be dealt with in the New Year

CYRIL APPLAUDED ON BY PLAYERS


Cyril Walker this week was deserved as by Fermanagh and Western Football League, Gordon Lee as one of gentlemen of the Fermanagh and Western and these words are supported by anyone you speak to in the last week as the Sion Mills whistler was applauded onto the pitch by Fintona Swifts and Ballinamallard United before there game at the Bawnacre on Saturday.
The quiet man of refereeing as a remarkable five Mulhern Cup Finals one as referee and four as an assistant, he also refereed the Reihill Cup Final while been assistant referee on two occasions. Cyril also refereed the Kennedy Cup final and as been assistant referee twice.
At Intermediate Level Walker took charge of the Ballymena Intermediate McReynolds Cup Final 1999 and Northern Ireland Intermediate League Cup Final 2000. 
In the Irish League Cyril was regarded as a top notch assistant with highlight being on the line twice in Linfield v Cliftonville games, this only a small outline of what Cyril achieved and he as his own personnel record of games from that day in Victoria Bridge and we all wish him all best in the years ahead.

Cyril makes it 1000 Appointments

Cyril first game was back in August 1987 when he refereed Victoria Bridge Reserves and Bells Park Reserves and since then he as moved through ranks to Intermediate Level. The quiet man was a very good assistant referee in the Iirsh League and along the way made many friends and as became very valued member of the Fermnaagh and Western Referees Association.
Cyril as refereed the Reihill, Mulhern and Kennedy Cup Finals and several Youth finals in his 22 year career as a referee, he been a great serveant to refereeing and Chairman Basil Marshall said " Cyril a gentleman and good friend who will referee a game anywhere make no complaints and just get on with it, he example to all the new referees and a very important member of the association

BEST AT THE BAWNACRE

The Association October meeting will have IFA Instructor David Best as speaker in the Bawnacre Centre Irvinestown on Monday night at 8pm.
David a former senior referee with a wealth of experience as become one of the IFA top Referee Instructors and he makes return to Fermanagh and Western by request of the members.
The Glengormley man as spent a week away with UEFA getting further training on referee instructing and this will be of great benefit to all the Country and the Association are pleased that he will be attending Monday meeting.
All members are asked to make special effort to attend as the David talk will be of benefit to you the next time your refereeing

GRIMES REWARDED WITH FINAL

Omagh Referee Declan Grimes now in his second season as a referee as been making steady progress and as been appointed to Friday Brendan Keogh Youth League, Under 14 Cup Final when Enniskillen Rangers Youth play Ballinamallard Youth at Youth Sport Omagh.
Decky will have Tony Sharkey (Omagh) and Cyril Walker (Sion Mills) as the two assistant referees while new kid on the block Stephen Northern will be fourth official.
 

MARSHALL APPOINTED TO CUP FINAL

Irvinestown referee and Association Chairman, Basil Marshall will referee Friday night Brendan Keogh League Cup Final at Youth Sport Omagh when Killen Rangers Youth play Ballinamallard Youth.
The assistant referees are Roy Beacom (Kesh) and Luke Ormsby (Enniskillen) with David Hamilton (Enniskillen) fourth official.

ARNOLD TO REFEREE YOUTH INTERNATIONAL ON SKY TV

Maguiresbridge referee Arnold Hunter will referee the opening game in 2009/10 Sky Sports Victory Shield at Ballymena Showgrounds when Northern Ireland play Scotland on Thursday 1st October 2009 with 7.40pm kick off.

The assistants for the game with be Tommy Fairfield and Andrew Neeson with Hugh Carvill as 4th Official.
 

CAMPBELL TO REFEREE LOWRY CORRY CUP FINAL

The Lowry Corry Cup Final will be refereed by Wesley Campbell next Wednesday night when Dergview play Ballinamallard at Youth Sport Omagh. Campbell now in his third season as been doing really well and this season as been selected for the IFA National Development Group as a talent and referees in the IFA Premier Reserve and IFA Youth League as well as FWFL.
It will be busy week for Augher man as he as Brendan Keogh Under 15 League Cup to referee on the Friday night and on Monday as Association meeting, Tuesday training and Thursday IFA National Development meeting and training in Antrim which shows how much commitment involved in being a referee.
The assistants for the final are Joshua Porter who also on the Ladbrookes.com Championship assistant referees list and continues where he left of last season while Tony Sharkey will be the other assistant and he also part of National Development group and as been appointed as an assistant in Ladbrookes.com Championship this season.
The fourth official David Anderson continues to make strides refereeing in the IFA Premier Reserve League and IFA Youth League, he also assistant referee in Carling Premier League and Ladbrookes.com Championship.
Without doubt all four have potential to take there refereeing careers to highest level in Northern Ireland  and the assoction wishes them all best in the final

CAMPBELL REFEREES UNDER 15 LEAGUE CUP FINAL

Clogher Valley whistler Wesley Campbell will referee this season Under 15 League Cup Final at Youth Sport Omagh when Ballinamallard Youth play Enniskillen Rangers Youth on Friday 2nd October at 8pm, Wesley as been mainly refereeing this season in IFA Premier Reserve League. The assistants for the Final will be David Anderson (Tempo) and Joshua Porter (Sixmilecross) with the experience Kieran Quigley (Lisnaskea) as fourth official.

LAIRD TO REFEREE LEAGUE CUP FINAL

The Brendan Keogh Youth League have appointed the officials for the Under 13 League Cup Final on the Friday 2nd October 2009 between Enniskillen Rangers Youth and Mountjoy United Juniors with referee for the game being Castlederg whistler Adie Laird with the assistants being Pat Chesters Omagh and Nigel Harpur Castlederg while Kevin Taggart Omagh will be fourth official. The Association wishes them all congratulations on this appointment and its reward for effort during the BKYL season. 

JIMMY SMYTH BACK IN CONTROL

CLARE APPOINTED TO REFEREE IRISH CUP SEMI-FINAL

Clarenoble.jpg
Clare Noble who refereed Irish Womens Cup smi final

Castlederg woman Clare Noble will referee the Coca Cola Irish Womens Cup at Taylors Avenue Carrickferris on Monday night when Newbridge Predators play Glentoran Belfast United.
Clare will have two members from the Association on the line, Letterbreen Valerie McManus and Sixmilecross Joshua Porter with both her assistants also on the Championship lines and Clare as been mentor for both for last year.

MEMBERS ARE THE CREAM OF THE MILK CUP

PR-SEASON GAMES
 

All appointments for referees for pre-season friendly and tournaments must come through Basil Marshall, the Association would asked you not to contact the referee direct.

For any games which have teams from IFA Premier and Championship will have three officials appointed while Intermediate and Junior games will have referee only unless otherwise requested.

He can contact by email @ basilref@hotmail.com or 07821561204

FEE INCREASE AGREED WITH IFA
 
The IFA and Northern Ireland Referees Association have agreed fees for next three seasons and then another review will take place to look at bringing our referees in line with Countries of same size in Europe.
Junior Referees from start of 2009/10 season fees will be £30 per game for next two seasons with a further increase to £35 in the third season.
Divisional Intermediate fee will remain at £40 for new season but will increase to £45 10/11 season and further increase to £50 the next season.
Championship One and Two  referees fee remains at £70 for incoming season and increase and will move to £75 for next two seasons with assistants on £35.
There are also increase at Senior Level for next three seasons also and overall going in right direction for refereeing.
All Divisional Associations and Leagues have been informed and therefore Clubs will be aware for opening games of the season.

 

 

The Northern Ireland Referees Association have negotiated the following fees for the next three seasons

Category
Season 09-10
Season 10-11
Season 11-12

Senior Referee

£150
£170
£170
Senior Assistant
£75
£85
£85
4th Official
£75
£85
£85
Championship Referee (Div 1 & 2)
£70
£75
£75
Championship Assistant
£35
£35
£35
Divisional Intermediate
£40
£45
£50
Junior
£30
£30
£35

18 MEMBERS NAMED FOR FOYLE CUP
 
Association Chairman Basil Marshall confirmed the following referees will be refereeing at this year Foyle Cup, Pat Chetsers, Adie Laird, Cyril Walker, Michael Connolly, Nigel Harpur, John Coyle, Joshua Porter, David Anderson, Sam Armstrong, James Farrell and Glen Scott.
It all starts on Tuesday 21st July with opening Parade from University through the city Centre and then its five days football with as many as four games for our membes.
The Association will cover  games each day in Strabane and referees for this are Stephen Northern, Roy Beacom, Luke Ormsby, Paddy McRory, Basil Marshall, Valerie McManus and Declan Grimes
 

PLAYERS SAFETY - NO JEWELLERY
Referees are been asked to strickly enforce Law 4, The Players Equipment.
 
Safety
A
player must not use enquiqment or wear anthing which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery)
All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands etc) are stricktly forbidden and must be removed.
Using tape to cover jewellery is not acceptable

PLAYERS SAFETY - NO JEWELLERY
 
Referees are been asked to strickly enforce Law 4, The Players Equipment.
 
Safety
A
player must not use enquiqment or wear anthing which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery)
All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands etc) are stricktly forbidden and must be removed.
Using tape to cover jewellery is not acceptable

DAVID MALCOLM REPLIES TO REPORTER AND IFA INTERMEDIATE COMMITTEE MEMBER
 
 
 
Dear Sir

In your edition of 18 August you afforded Robert Fenton the
opportunity to 'give his views on where it all went wrong' in respect
of the recent action by Referees that led to the postponement of the
new JJB Irish Premiership opening day fixtures.

Robert was correctly introduced as a member of the Irish FA
Intermediate Committee. However the article did not clarify that Robert
is a very distinguished sports journalist for your very own paper and
as such has something of a unique and privileged position in football
through his work inside the IFA and then as a journalist who reports on
it.

It is disappointing that Robert has attempted to deflect the
shortcomings of others by blaming us for what unfolded last week. That
in itself is not unusual, referees are easy targets after all. But if
we are to truly learn from this and deliver the changes Robert himself
so passionately advocates, then he and his colleagues who have been
involved in this sorry episode must face up, like we have, to their own
responsibility here and not seek to blame everyone else and pretend all
is in order in their own camp.

For example, Robert tells us that this new Championship league took 5
years to set up and strict ground criteria, including floodlighting was
imperative. It was also named the Premier Intermediate League. Well
established clubs like Dundela and Harland and Wolff Welders who have
played so successfully at that level for many years were in effect
relegated to the third division because they didn't meet strict new
entry criteria for the Championship. But later Robert says this
Championship is of ordinary intermediate status like many others across
Northern Ireland. Well I'm sorry, but that doesn't stack up for anybody
looking objectively at this. Why would you take 5 years setting up just
another Intermediate League and why would you insist on higher entry
criteria? Why on earth would you call it a Premier Intermediate League
if in fact it wasn't actually Premier to those similar status leagues
Robert talks about?

Most worrying of all however is the alleged reason that there are not
enough referees available to staff this new level of football.
Has Robert and his colleagues not noticed that with a smaller
Premier league this season, there are now less games at that
level . There are also less reserve team games.
This automatically released up to 10 extra referees who could
have been used in the Championship this season, reducing the need to
'pilfer'
at most just 6 more referees. If Robert and his Committee
want the footballing public to believe that the IFA across all grades of

referees in Northern Ireland can not find 6 extra referees then I'm
afraid that in itself is a shocking indictment on the the IFAs referee
recruitment
and retention strategy for the last umpteen years!

We have long since advocated that many Intermediate games could be
played midweek to free up referees and yes spectators to watch and
officiate these. For example, why do the Reserve teams of Premiership
clubs kick off in competition every Saturday afternoon with their first
team? Why can those Championship clubs with floodlights not stagger
kick offs across other days in the week other than Saturday? Has
Roberts Intermediate Committee asked itself why every match under their
jurisdiction has to start at basically the same time as each other
every week in direct competition to each other, not to mention
Premiership teams like Linfield and Glentoran?

Our dispute was never about money or status. We most certainly were
not 'itching for a fight at any cost'. This sort of attitude betrays
the real problems that referees across all grades face from those who
are supposed to be in positions of responsibility and authority. With
that attitude, is it any wonder we decided to take a stand and say
enough is enough?

I said from the outset this dispute was about the value and worth that
people put on referees in our game. Our action came about because
people just didnt want to listen, they had ignored and marginalised us
for that long it became second nature to them. If Roberts views
represent the thinking of the wider membership of his Committee or
others in the corridors of power at Windsor Avenue, then it seems our
message hasnt yet been properly understood and people still think they
can blame, bully and ignore the elephant that remains at large in the
room.

Regards


David Malcolm
Chairman
Northern Ireland Referees Association