Update 03/04/20
AGM & Updates from Scottish FA:
All AGM notices have been sent via email and post in the last couple of days. The AGM will be taking place on 16th April via Zoom, details are within the AGM pack on how to join. Should you have any questions please see the hints and tips guide within the AGM pack, if this doesn’t assist then contact the Secretary.
The Referee Operations department have put a number of updates on the Extranet, we have inserted the highlights below but recommend you all log on and read these:
– Referee Operations Online Coaching Schedule: In line with what would have been the original calendar of events the department are putting on some optional Online Coaching events. If you are available to attend please do, I have copied the timetable at the bottom of todays update. These will be available by Zoom and the department will provide information on how to access these.
-Physical Training Material: John McQuade has pulled together a mixture of training material which there should be something for all levels. Whilst your own health and safety is of paramount importance, and any excerises done should be in accordance with government guidelines, we would encourage all referees, where practical, to remain fit and ready for when football recommences. I have attached these materials below for you to access.
Training Programme 2020
FIFA Training Programmes
Training Programme
Pre-Season Training Guide
– Referee Operations Video Update: The Referee Operations Department have also recorded a video update for us all. The video introduces options which will allow referees to continue to (voluntarily) benefit from online coaching sessions over a few upcoming Saturday mornings (replaces the previously planned calendar of events), some physical training programmes supplied by John McQuade to help you keep fit whilst stuck in our around your home, and also gives an update on the staff situation within the Referee Operations team.
Thanks,
Vikki Allan
Secretary
Update 31/03/20
Annual Dinner and AGM
The Management Committee can now confirm that we have taken the difficult but obvious decision to postpone our Annual Awards Dinner which was due to take place on 2nd May.
This has now been moved to 7th November 2020 and we hope that our members, their friends and families can join us then. All details remain the same apart from date change. Anyone who had purchased tickets can use these for the new dates, however if you can no longer attend please contact the member of the Management Committee you purchased these through to receive your refund.
I can also confirm the AGM will take place on 16th April, AGM packs will be issued in the coming days with information on how we are planning to run this.
Thanks,
Vikki Allan
Secretary
Update 19/03/20
We have been requested by the Scottish FA to cancel all Association Training/Meetings until end of June. As a Management Committee we will continue to meet (via phone) as and when required to ensure the Association is still running.
Centrally this includes Scottish FA cancelling the remaining Calendar of Events, which includes the final SCORE / Female training day on 26/4, Regional Training Days planned for 17th May at Ross County academy (north of Scotland referees) and the Oriam (south of Scotland referees) – as well as Summer training Camp currently planned for Saturday 6th June at Oriam.
They plan to run a shortened summer camp / start of new season camp on a Sunday in either late July or early August where they will combine a fitness test with relevant material and LOTG downloads and will be in touch once further clarity around dates is obtained.
They will also be putting a message on the extranet.
We are currently in discussion with The Village around the Annual Dinner and options for this which we will confirm in due course.
We have also asked the query around membership fees and Scottish FA plans so will update the membership as soon as we have clarity on this also.
Many Thanks,
Vikki Allan
Secretary
SFAR Edinburgh & District
Update 15/03/20 –
Please see below from Scottish FA –
Please note that the official line to clubs from the Scottish FA on training is that “the decision to suspend or continue training is at each club’s discretion at this time, however clubs must ensure to follow current medical guidance when making this decision”.
“Under no circumstances will friendly matches or ‘bounce games’ be permitted, even if these take place within a scheduled training session”.
Please do not agree to officiate at any friendly, closed door match or training match until further notice.
Update 13/03/2020
Dear Member,
Following the Joint Response Group’s decision to suspend ALL domestic professional and grassroots football under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA until further notice.
The advice from the Referee Operations Department is to suspend all RA meetings and Association training until further notice.
Therefore the SFAR Edinburgh and District will cancel training each week for the foreseeable future and our AGM/April Meeting will be cancelled then rearranged.
Whilst our priority is the health and safety of all match officials, we would encourage referees to continue to train individually, where possible in order to ensure readiness for the resumption of football. However, we would re-iterate that your health and safety is your priority so please do not put yourself at unnecessary risk.
Our advice is to keep an eye on the extranet for updates from the Scottish FA and we will send emails/update social media as the situation progresses.
Many Thanks,
Vikki Allan
Secretary
SFAR Edinburgh and District