FROM THE OFFICE 

Ladies & Gents                                                                                                8^th August 2008

This is my first epistle of the season and hopefully the content is of some use to you all.

Firstly I want to deal with the bench situation at all games. Last season saw an increase of poor behaviour from the benches in all divisions. May I remind you all that there is to be just one member of the coaching staff standing, and that is when he is issuing instructions. Once he has completed this it is a case of bum on seat.

May I also ask you to consider that instead of reporting the benches, willy nilly, consider reporting an individual(s) if he (they) continue to give you verbal. Hopefully after the County FA deal with the discipline aspect of it, it will make them think again. I know that you may think I’m talking out of my backside, but it’s got to be worth a try.

Also, why not speak to both benches prior to kick off and tell them exactly what you expect from them in terms of behaviour.

The wearing of jewellery this season is basically strictly forbidden. I’ve already had a piece on this, which I got from the FA, posted on the website. Right away I can hear all of you thinking it is not possible. You are not wrong, as common sense must prevail. Some individuals may not be able to remove a wedding band, for various reasons, be it religious or otherwise. If they cannot remove it, get it taped up.

Studs coming from ears, nose, mouth or eyebrows WILL be removed, as will all other items of bling.

Ian Blanchard, the head of refereeing in the ivory tower stated “Of course we need to be abiding with the laws of the game. At a senior level I believe it is very easy to implement the removal of all jewellery; however at local level I do feel we need to extol an element of common sense.”

Read the rest of it on the website.

When exchanging team sheets in your dressing room prior to the kick off, tell the club representatives exactly what you want and demand they speak to their players in the dressing room and that they convey to the players your instructions.

Also, the FA are concerned about undergarments, whether under players shorts or shirts are of the wrong colour. Again, the ruling is quite explicit. Again explain to the team representatives that any undergarment worn must be of the same colour as the outer garment.

As you are all aware, the FA has publicised their Respect campaign. As I write this article, I have had no paperwork from the powers that be concerning this matter. Be assured it will come to our level of football, but the burning question is when. Hopefully the guys at the highest level get it right, because if they don’t, then it will be another good idea out of the window.

As soon as I’m given the necessary info, regarding the Respect campaign, then I’ll let you all know.

Well the season starts on Saturday and no doubt all of you are raring to go. Me personally, well I can’t wait neither. No real new law changes to worry about, apart from the item regarding Law 4 which I’ve mentioned above.

Many of you will be striving to attain promotion and I wish you every success, there is a lot of hard work ahead of you. Remember, get it right of the park, and the chances are it will enable you to get it right on the green bit.

Be prepared for a number of appointment changes in the weeks ahead. This is brought about by the FA appointing for the FA Cup and the FA Vase and also the County FA’s are busy appointing to the early rounds of their respective cup competitions.

Remember, once the FA or County give you an appointment, you must tell me. Don’t make the situation worse, by keeping it secret.

All I can say is all the best for the season and if you get any problems, (refereeing ones that is), then please feel free to speak.

Finally my condolences go to the referee who missed his FAMOA day with the Beds FA because and wait for it, his hamster snuffed it. This very true, and look closely in the September bulletin and the shamed will be named.

Cheers

Mick

Mick Ewen
56 Milton Avenue
Hornchurch
Essex
RM1 2BW
07939.879.295
Email Mick Ewen

Below you will find links to previous messages from Mick