FEES RISE AGREED FOR NEW SEASON
Clubs approve rise in fees & expenses for the coming season

All referees and assistants officiating on the Spartan South Midlands League next season are to get a well merited increase in match fees. Travelling expenses are also increased from 28p to 30p a mile.

The new fees were given the backing of the League Management Committee and were approved by all member clubs at the League’s AGM. It follows a comprehensive study of referees’ fees in Feeder League competitions across the country carried out by our indefatigable appointments secretary Mick Ewen. The evidence showed that the Spartan South Midlands League figured towards the bottom of the pile for match fees and expenses.

We are extremely grateful to Mick for the efforts he has put in on behalf of all referees, especially as this is the first increase in match fees for over six years.

From the start of the new season, the new agreed rates are:-

Premier Division:    Referee  £30
Division One:          Referee  £27
Division Two:          Referee  £25
Reserve Divisions:  Referee  £23 

Assistant Referees: All Divisions:  £25

(Where assistants are appointed to reserve matches the fee will be the same as the referee). 

Mileage rates go up to 30p but the three officials will be restricted to a total of 250 miles compared to the present 300.

Wherever possible, at least two match officials will be instructed to travel together. We would ask that the Referee always looks at the most cost efficient way for all three officials to travel together, regardless of whether or not any official is starred on the bulletin. 

Also at the League AGM held at Tring Athletic FC, it was my pleasure, on behalf of the Association, to present trophies and certificates to clubs who have made refereeing a more satisfying experience over the past season. The trophies were all beautifully engraved and our Chairman Mike Taylor produced some outstanding art work in formulating the certificates which were much appreciated by the recipients. 

The awards reflected the marks that members ascribed to clubs week by week in the boxes marked sportsmanship and hospitality. 

The winners were:- 

Sportsmanship Trophy (First Teams):     Royston Town

Sportsmanship Certificates: Hadley and Tring Corinthians

Sportsmanship Trophy (Reserve Teams): Risborough Rangers

Hospitality to Officials Shield:  Royston Town

Hospitality Certificates: London Colney, Berkhamsted, The 61FC (Luton)

Club Assistant of the Year Trophy:   Sonar Ali (Hoddesdon Town)

Club Assistant Certificates: Simon Jeffries (Royston Town), Steve Marshall (Oxhey Jets).

The Association also presented a certificate to Harefield United in recognition of their success in presenting the best Level 5 playing pitch in the entire country – a notable achievement.

Bill Hamilton

12 July 2010