The Flag & Whistle

John Motson, regarded by many as the voice of football, has kindly agreed to speak at the AGM of the Association just five days after commentating at what may be his last FA Cup Final and only a week before he prepares to leave for Switzerland and Austria and the finals of Euro 2008.

It speaks volumes for the Association that Motty is willing to give up precious time in such a hectic programme to come and address our members. So please ensure we have a FULL turnout at Colney Heath FC on THURSDAY 22^nd MAY at 7.45pm.

Click here to read Bill Hamilton’s article on John Motson and the big night ahead

As the season 2007-2008 draws to a somewhat damp conclusion, may I offer my congratulations to those of our members who have gained promotion and also to the Referees who have been awarded Cup Finals, not only from our League, but from the County Associations that we all serve as well. Further details on the web-site.

The Association would not function efficiently without the help of the Committee and in particular the new activity on our web-site. My thanks then to Jake Hillier, who having assumed the role of web-meister, has taken the task on board so diligently and efficiently that you would never see the join.

To Bill Hamilton, Carl Couzens, Dave Carman, and Matty Mac, thanks for your support, help and opinions, all of which help to keep a healthy environment, and a democratic one to boot.

Finally, (thank-yous that is) almost, Tony, Mick, Eric, without whom we would not be the best League at this level.

Unfortunately we have had to endure more than our fair share of unpleasantries this season, particularly with misbehaviour on the benches, whilst good hearted banter is acceptable, foul mouth expletives, delivered with venom are not. Sadly, far too many of us are ignoring this or turning the proverbial deaf ear to much of this. We have the power to deal with this, so let's not be intimidated next season and deal with the miscreants correctly.

On a much happier note, we have a truly great Guest Speaker for our AGM on May 22^nd, Let's pack the house and have the most enjoyable gathering.

Mike Taylor

The league's referee assessment coordinator, Mr Tony Weight, has written a piece about the league's assessment scheme and how it has gone this season. Click here to read the article in full.

Dates have been finalised for the league fitness tests for season 2008-2009. Please click here for more information and to register which date you will be attending on.

The Association would like to congratulate even more of the league's officials on their prestigious appointments (will this ever end???). Congratulations to:

Mark Mellor & Paul Faithfull - Conference South Playoff Final Assistant Referees

The Association would like to offer its congratulations to Rob Mackay, who has been appointed as an assistant referee for The FA National League System Cup Final between the Midland Combination and the Southern Amateur League. A truly prestigious appointment and yet another great advert of the quality of match officials on this league. We wish Rob all the best for the game, which will be played at Coventry City's Ricoh Arena in May.

Please see here for the appointments to this season's League Cup Finals

The Association would like to offer its congratulations to the following referees who have been promoted:

If you have been promoted, but your name is missing, it might be because Mick Ewen does not know. Why not drop him an email and let him know of your achievement?

League Newsletter
The Association are grateful to the league for allowing us permission to publish the leagues weekly newsletter. This excellent bulletin, penned by former Holmer Green stalwart Bill Scholes, will be updated weekly on the news page.

Click here to visit the news page for all the relevant news from your League or alternatively, click here for the latest newsletter (26/04/2008).