Fast-track football referee course set to start in Inverness
THE whistle blows on a new football referees’ course starting at Inverness Leisure this week.
Men and women of all ages are being encouraged to get involved, with the first sessions kicking off on Thursday from 7-9pm.
Official Molly Alexander from Inverness, who was assistant referee earlier this year at a women’s Euro qualifier between Switzerland and Italy is keen to encourage as many folks as possible to attend as it can open up great – and unexpected – experiences.She explained: "There are huge opportunities and pathways available for those who have high aspirations but participation in this course can also meet the needs of those who simply love football, do not want to play anymore, feel they have reached the peak of their playing days but want to remain in the heart of the action."All you really need is a love for the beautiful game and good communication and decision making skills, however, this can be developed."She added: "Anyone interested could complete this course by Christmas. This could benefit pupils at school as they could gain experience before they qualify by refereeing many of the junior matches at school between now and Christmas."The SFA have recently highlighted that there is a fast track option for those who have previously played, have a lot of experience and are confident and effective at communicating with players."This is something The North of Scotland Association encourages and various referees have been promoted through the refereeing categories very quickly and therefore have the opportunity of being involved in bigger matches and opens up more opportunities. The association would also like to encourage more females to take up refereeing as the opportunities available in the women’s game are huge. I personally wish I had taken up refereeing a very long time ago and would highly recommend it as I have had some fantastic opportunities in a relatively short time."Molly explained what this had led to for her. She explained: "This has included refereeing in the centre of the Club Academy, local amateur league, Women’s SPL, to doing the line in the North Caledonian League, Highland League and Youth League, Scottish Cup and a dream opportunity of being assistant in a European qualifying match, Switzerland v Italy"Several of our referees within the North of Scotland Association have international experience and been fortunate to officiate in some incredible games and these are the opportunities that we would like to highlight."It can seem like a thankless task at times but through coaching and mentoring support from the association, you will be able to cope with the pressures that can come from this but having good interpersonal skills really helps you to relate to the players."We have a very supportive association that is keen to promote people to take up refereeing to support grassroots football through to International. The game needs referees and our association needs more referees, otherwise games will not run."Molly was involved in a little bit of history at the weekend when she, Lorraine Clark and Kylie McMullan were the officials appointed by the SFA as the first all-women group in charge of a men’s game – Banks of Dee v Golspie in the Scottish Cup preliminary round.*** For more information on the courses, call 07786 364155.
