Two-day refereeing course could be the start of something big, says JB


The prospect of training current and ex-professional footballers to become referees is a subject close to John Bramhall's heart.

The PFA's Assistant Chief Executive has followed up a lot of Micky Burns' (ex chief executive Footballers' Further Education and Training) proposals. Micky pushed long and hard to make this a viable option as another career opportunity for a player who had decided or perhaps been forced to retire.

Finally, after many years of trying, it looks like all his hard work might finally pay off as a basic two-day residential course could be given the green light later this year- news that has naturally delighted Bramhall.

"It's a starting point. A number of lads have expressed an interest already, and it's important that these lads have an idea of what they're going to be faced with," said Bramhall.

"That's why we want to do an introduction, so at least after the two days they can walk away with a basic refereeing qualification and a clearer idea of where they need to go from there and what's required to become a referee."

Bramhall first approached the FA's head of Senior Referee Development Neale Barry (ex Premier League referee), to try and set up a course for players wishing to become referees, and with the help of various other organisations such as the PGMOL, Football League and Premier League there now seems to be real progress being made.

"It's like a lot of things in life, there's always a resistance to change, but I sense a willingness to do this. There's a shortage of referees from amateur level upwards, and a need to bring these people through. The next step is to at least give the lads the opportunity to do it and try to progress."

Certainly a lot of the players in the past would have been put off by the years of training required to qualify as a referee under the old system, but Bramhall points out that a lot has changed in recent years. "It's a lot more streamlined now - you can actually move up two levels at a time now unlike before, and if you have the necessary skills and ability, it's possible to get onto running the line at football league level within three years," explained Bramhall.

"There are better support groups in place now, so for me it’s just a case of starting the introduction and moving it forward from there."

That all sounds quite straight-forward but Bramhall is only too keen to point out that it won't all be plain sailing. "The problem is it's a bit like the England manmager's job - who'd want to do it? You've got to be really keen because it's more often than not a thankless task! The referees are under a lot more scrutiny now because of the media, and with so much at stake in the Premier League, the pressure is massive."

He added: "All we're saying is that if you have the skills, knowledge and understanding of the game, you shouldn't have to start at the bottom rung of the ladder. The system should allow all those with ability to progress and not be held back, even those who aren't footballers."


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