Cumberland FA has had to cancel an adult referees course in Carlisle this week due to a lack of interest.
It’s a concern across the county that new people – particularly ex-players – aren’t coming forward to take up the whistle.
Scott Taylor, Cumberland FA referee development officer, said: “As always, we are after adult referees to officiate our older youth age groups and support open age football.
“Sadly, this week we have cancelled an adult only referee course in Carlisle due to low numbers.
“We needed a minimum of 12 and the lack of interest among adults these days is a concern for us going forward. In the past, ex-players like myself would put something back into the game and take up refereeing when that time came to retire from playing.
“I finished playing aged 28 and wanted to stay in the game, hoping one day that I might officiate at a higher level than I managed to reach as a player.
“Now, some 22 seasons later I am one promotion away from running the line in the Football League! I’ve done several live TV games and been on duty at several Premier League grounds with numerous U21 sides and got as far as the FA Cup 1st Round Proper.
“Just imagine how much further I may have gone up the refereeing ladder if I’d started sooner!
“Anyone interested in becoming a referee must first take the free online FA Laws of the Game qualification and then they can book on one of our summer referee courses and start their journey.”
Four FA referee courses will be taking place throughout the county this summer – two in West Cumbria next month, a Penrith course in August and a Carlisle course in September.
The confirmed courses are:
- St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Workington: Friday, July 14 (5pm to 8pm) amd Saturday July 15 (10am to 2pm).
- St Benedict’s Catholic High School, Whitehaven: Monday July 24 (10am to 3pm) and Tuesday July 25 (10am to 3pm).
- Frenchfield Sports Pavilion, Carleton, Penrith: Monday August 14 (10am to 3pm) and Tuesday August 15 (10am to 3pm).
- Carlisle City FC, Gillford Park, Petteril Bank Road, Carlisle: Monday September 4 (10am to 3pm) and Tuesday September 5 (10am to 3pm).
The course cost is £130 and includes a whistle, flags, red and yellow cards, CFA referee registration, two-year membership of the Referees’ Association, and a first FA DBS application fee (worth £10).
