Dateline: Monday 12^th September
Venue: Colney Heath FC
Guest Speaker: Darren Deadman

The Committee would like to thank the 64 members of the Association who took the time and made the effort to attend the meeting on Monday evening, at Colney Heath FC. We are delighted with the attendance, which has been consistently very good, particularly at a time when many others struggle to reach double figures. In real terms, some 30% of our total membership were with us on Monday…so hopefully we've got it right.

Our guest from Cambridgeshire, was the Football League (Championship) Referee Mr Darren Deadman, who entertained us with a number of video clips of match incidents, each of which caused healthy debate and analysis. Even if we could not always agree on what was yellow and what was red, all of us must have learned something about positioning and methodology…certainly the word `isolation` has taken on a more serious meaning.

Two things that I observed from these video clips, was the apparent uncertainty of what pocket the red card was in. Not what you would expect at the top level. I have always been taught that if the red card is in your back pocket, you know it's there and that you can always buy yourself a little time should you need to produce it. Secondly was my observation that at every dismissal there stood the Manager in the technical screaming abuse at all and sundry because the Referee had the temerity to dismiss one of his players…yet as often or not the challenges that were punished could quite easily be described as `career threatening` …what price `RESPECT` here then????

Speaking of `Respect`, the Association will be producing a questionnaire very shortly, to which we would appreciate as many responses as possible. We will endeavour to find out what you think is good and what is not. Where you think there could be improvements and what part (if any) that you are at ease with. Analysis of your opinions will be presented to Mr Ewen for due consideration and subsequently to the League. You will be notified when the site is up and running,

Please use your voices (or your keyboards)…I heard them so I know you have them…..!!!!!

Happy whistling,

Mike Taylor
Chairman