The Ipswich Referees Society is the place for up-and-coming referees. The society has decades of experience to call upon and can provide mentors for new and improving referees to help them to reach their potential. The Society provides all kinds of support for active referees, including training on the Laws of the Game, discussions on how to deal with difficult situations on the field of play and support for referees facing personal hearings at the FA. Please contact us for more information about any issues that are of interest to you.
info@ipswichreferees.org
The Suffolk and Ipswich League is holding a Working Group on 16th May at 7pm at Ransomes Sports and Social Club to encourage better working relationships between clubs and match officials and to address to problems being faced by referees on match days. Everyone is welcome and everyone's voice will be heard so please come along and get involved.
Alan Dale, Workforce Development Manager for Suffolk FA, gave an excellent Continuous Professional Development session to the Ipswich Referees Society. Using clips from real matches, Alan discussed the importance of trying to give decisions as referees that appropriately match the situation of the game. He also highlighted the importance of good quality communication between referees and players and also between referees and benches. It was an excellent evening and very informative. Thanks AJ!
Suffolk referee Callum Walchester gave a great presentation about his pathway to a level 2B referee, including all the highs and lows along the way. A very honest and engaging speaker, Callum also showed clips of games he's been involved in and shared many of the lessons that he's learned along the way. It was a fantastic evening, especially for those young referees who came along to learn about referee promotion from someone who has recently taken the path they'll be aiming for and it was a shame that we didn't have more in attendance because they've really missed out.
Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Membership
The Society holds monthly meetings at which referees can meet new people, discuss the important issues that they face and learn more about the art of refereeing. Meetings regularly include training sessions on the laws of football, feature guest speakers and offer support for up and coming referees.
Our usual evening for meetings this year falls on Easter Monday so we're moving it back a week to 25th April. The session will be a continuous professional development session for all Suffolk FA referees presented in conjunction with Suffolk FA. This session is open to all referees, please come and join us at Ransomes on Monday 25th April at 7:15pm!
Suffolk referee Callum Walchester started out as all referees do and has worked his way to level 2b panel list referee. He officiates on the National League and runs the line on the football league. Callum has kindly agreed to talk to the Ipswich Referees Society about his pathway to promotion, the opportunities he's had along the way, his experiences in reaching the level he is currently at and his aspiration to go further. This will be a fantastic opportunity for our younger referees to learn what it takes to reach the higher levels of football refereeing and talk to someone who has already taken that pathway. Come and join us at Ransomes on Monday at 7:15pm!
This evening's main event is all about dealing with inappropriate behaviour. Referee trainer Andy Wilding has prepared three scenarios: 1) Adults men's game 2) U15 Female game and 3) U13 boys game. In each scenario a scene has been set for you to discuss what action (if any) you, as a referee, should take in order to bring the situation under control. Should be a great evening of discussion.
The main benefit of membership is the safe knowledge that you have a strong team of referees behind you so when you go out onto the pitch, you are not alone. The Ipswich Referees Society also provides additional training to support your progress and a wealth of experience. Its connection with the National Referees Assocation also means that you will have financial insurance and legal backing should you ever need it, including:
Loss/Theft of Personal Effects - insurance cover for losses incurred while refereeing (including kit)
Physiotherapy & Dental Cover - for injuries incurred whilst refereeing (including support whilst in hospital)
Drive Assist - Motor Legal Assistance if you are involved in a Road Traffic Accident.
For more information about the society and what we do:
For information about memberships:
membership@ipswichreferees.org
Please address any society correspondence to:
Andy Wilding
Secretary
10, Spriteshall Lane
Trimley St. Mary
Felixstowe
IP11 9QY
If you've faced abuse or misconduct on the pitch or have received notification from the FA about attending a personal hearing, we're here to help and have a team of referees who can provide the latest guidance for anyone facing these situations! Please email us:
personalhearings@ipswichreferees.org
Join us on the third Monday of the month
(Sep - Dec & Feb - Jun) at 6:45pm for a 7:00pm start.
Ransomes Sports Club
Sidegate Avenue
Ipswich
IP4 4JJ
