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2020 a year which none of us could have predicted, it has been tough within the game and especially on our personal lives. At times many of us have felt deflated, however there were still positives to take away as an Association. Below Association Management and our President have written some words on this unprecedented year:

George Calder, EDRA President
Dear members

It goes without saying that it was been a somewhat indifferent year for everyone. It will no doubt have effected some more than others on both a personal and professional level, however it’s difficult to comprehend a pandemic that would have affected the footballing family the way this has. That said, there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel with a vaccination in circulation and the hope that football, with fans will return at all levels sooner rather than later.

As an association, we have endeavoured to keep everyone engaged and updated the best we could. Massive challenges have been faced and that was just with getting to grips with technology, which like most was certainly new ground for me and probably the majority of others. We have managed to adapt and overcome, and undoubtedly will benefit going forward to tap into that wider audience.

Despite the difficult year, there has been a stand out achievement with the appointment of Mr Graeme Leslie to the Scottish Cup final. A fantastic achievement and one which will remain in the memories of Graeme and his family for years to come, well done.

Personally I would like to wish all members and your families a prosperous 2021

Please stay safe and have a fabulous Hogmanay.

Kind regards

George Calder
EDRA President

Martin Clark, Mark Doyle & Calum Murray
Association Manager, Assistant Association Manager and Referee Committee Representative

As we reach the end of a calendar year, It has been the norm to make comment regarding the highlights achieved during the 12 months we are about to leave behind.

Prior to doing so, we are confident you will agree that it’s been a period we won’t forget and one we will all be delighted to see behind us.

However, even when faced with adversity endured, it is said one should look for the positives that have occurred to assist with our resilience and help drive us forward.

During the year much of our activity went online be it hosting Association Meetings, the New Entrants Referee class, holding zoom fitness sessions in Jimmy Ramage’s back garden to the amazing turnout at the two Category- Regional Training Days for our category 4-7 referees which saw a record attendance from the Association

With that in mind, it is worth noting that a number of officials received promotion in May, indeed one of the most successful years for the EDRA in that regard, and certainly under my tenure as Association Manager.

A number of our referees were accepted on the SCORE programme, thus continuing the pattern of success set by their EDRA colleagues in previous seasons.

Vikki Allan retained her position on the FIFA list, aptly demonstrating that even if times are difficult, hard work can bring rewards. Vikki has also made the first step towards achieving her goal in terms of operating at a similar level on the domestic scene by securing promotion to Cat4D.

It would be remiss of us if we did not make special mention of Graeme Leslie, who was appointed as one of the SAR’s to the 2019/20 Scottish Cup Final, during which he performed exceptionally well and assisted in maintaining, not only his high personal standard but also that of the reputation of this Association.
Thank you Graeme

We wish all members continued success and wish them and their respective loved ones a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2021.

Martin Clark, Mark Doyle and Calum Murray
Association Manager, Assistant Association Manager and Referee Committee Representative

Thank you to all our members for your patience and professionalism this year, while it may not have been the year we all expected hopefully there will be more football next year and potentially some normality. Happy New Year to our members and your families we wish you a happy, healthy and safe 2021.

A reminder to officials:
We have been approached by the SERYFA and had a request regarding a player who requires to wear a cap when playing due to eyesight impairment. Allan Archibald should also be mentioning this to officials but we would like to ask referees in this league to please allow this one player to wear the cap as to not stop them playing the game.

The Management Committee have discussed this at length and agree that the player will be allowed to wear this. The league are aware why this rule is in the Laws of the Game and have accepted the risks that may come with this. No other players will be allowed to wear caps and will follow as per the Laws of the Game. The team this applies to is Newcraighall Leith Vics 2007. Any questions please contact Secretary.

Congratulations to Alex Shepherd and Mark Harris who have been successful on their applications to the SCORE 20 programme!

The Scottish Centre of Refereeing Excellence (SCORE) is a programme ran by the Scottish FA Referee Operations department in collaboration with Heriot Watt University. It helps to identify and develop talented referees and assistant referees through intensive coaching, observation and training. It has provided the officials with opportunities to obtain one to one coaching and training from experienced coaches. Aside from the refereeing benefits, it will also expose the officials to a number of academic topics which will help them manage and deliver their matches successfully.

Martin Clark had the following to say:
I am confident that the members will join with me in offering their congratulations to both Alex Shepherd and Mark Harris in having secured a place as one of 9 for the 2020 SCORE programme.

The inclusion of both Alex and Mark has ensured that the EDRA are yet again well represented on this prestigious programme. This latest success for Alex and Mark replicates the fortunes of a long list of their colleagues who have successfully completed the SCORE programme.

Exciting times ahead for them both, and it is hoped that their success will be sufficient inspiration for others to want to follow in their footsteps.

Congratulations gentlemen.

Regards

Martin Clark
Association Manager

Hi everybody,

Martin and I would like to remind and encourage you to attend the forthcoming Regional Training Day for categories 4, 4Dev, 5, 6 and 7 which shall be held on Saturday 16th May online between 10am-12 noon.

Normally we would be holding this at The Oriam as one of the showpiece training events of the year however circumstances dictate otherwise but this should not deter us!!

Football will return and we will still need to be prepared as possibly as we can be so the Training Day will have its usual emphasis on coaching with the use of clips and discussion groups being led by some of the country’s top officials.

No doubt by now you are an expert on Zoom etc so I hope you will find the session both interactive and informative.

Many of you may not have attended a training day before or thought it was not for you but this is a great way to get involved; after all we all love refereeing, we are always learning and unlike other years when we may not have been available due to games we can hopefully attend so why not give it a go?

If you have not already intimated your attendance I would be grateful if you could come back to Martin and I as soon as possible and as always if anybody has any questions please get in touch

I look forward to hearing from you and joining you virtually on the 16th

Mark and Martin

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.

Click here to view

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

It gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction to have acknowledged the news of Crawford Allan’s appointment as Head of Refereeing following the sad passing of his predecessor John Fleming in October.

Crawford has been a member of the EDRA throughout his career, one which saw him reaching Category 1, a position he held until his voluntary retirement, albeit then taking up a position as fellow Observer. Clearly he will relinquish that position but now has the opportunity of managing the refereeing family, something I know he looks forward to doing with great pride and pleasure.

I am also confident that the members will be in unison with me in rallying behind and supporting Crawford in everything he chooses to do in his new role.

I look forward to a new era in refereeing and working with Crawford in the months and years ahead.

Martin Clark
Association Manager

For full statement from Scottish FA click here.

Similar to last year at this stage, the Association has enjoyed another successful year, not only measured by the excellent number of new entrants, subsequent numbers attending training, prestigious appointments and promotions but by the extremely healthy activity which has taken place throughout the year as outlined by Vikki who yet again has done a tremendous job in pulling together the highlights and major talking points.

What continues to be remarkable is the amount of time and commitment shown to the Association not only in terms of on the park where it matters most in terms of performance but by all the off-field activity. In terms of commitment however it would be wrong not once again highlight the examples set by George Smith who sadly passed away in May after a Courageous and brave fight lasting over 3 years. Similarly, the loss was exacerbated when the refereeing family lost John Fleming in late October. Both of these gentlemen were very close friends and colleagues to us all and will be sadly missed.

Conversely, from a positive perspective, I am confident the Association has a bright future ahead in the next year. Mark continues to do a fantastic job in supporting me……..and that’s no mean feat, but particularly with those on the development path, where he arranges the regular training evenings and seminars supported by an equally enthusiastic Michael Banks. likewise our President (Stuart Luke) continues to ensure that time at our meetings has a strong emphasis on coaching and reflection on refereeing which provides healthy debate. The support from those on the management committee is another very positive aspect and the effort and time given by them is very much appreciated.

This year has also seen a large number of new entrants, promotions and also prestigious appointments. It would be wrong to be blasé about the representation our women referees receive in regards to the finals of the major competition but once again the EDRA are the forerunners.

A particular highlight of the year though was not only Peter Stuarts promotion to Category 1 status but his appointment as the referee to the Scottish Junior Cup Final. A first for the association since Brian Colvin.

Similarly Ralph Gordon’s appointment as an Assistant Referee to the Scottish Cup Final was due to recognition of Ralph as a first class Assistant Referee and role model for all.

These appointments along with David Doig, Graeme Leslie and Gavin Duncan to the Challenge Cup Final marks one of our most successful years for some time and marks our progress.

Similar to the message from Mark at this juncture last year, If you have not been to an Association meeting, can we encourage you to come along. You will be made very welcome and gives you the opportunity to keep abreast with changes to the laws and put your points over in a very friendly and open atmosphere.

New Year, a New Decade and new goals…and I hope that you will use the short festive break to refocus and evaluate what you want to achieve from your refereeing. It does not matter what level we are at or what role we play I am sure we all wish to continue to develop and to do our best.

Wherever this year takes us can I therefore on behalf of Calum, Mark and I wish you and your families every success and a Happy New Year.

Martin Clark (Association Manager)

2019 Highlights:

February 19 – Introductory Class – First highlight is back in February where we welcomed 18 new officials during our February class! Our Feb class is 5 Sundays and we are running another in 2020. For info click here

February 19 – This year we also launched our skills videos on the website! These can be a great tool for new officials but also for experienced referees to also look back on! These videos have been viewed just under 900 times. If there is anything you would like to see added get in touch!

Delighted to showcase our new skills video section of the website last night!! Hopefully out development referees will find it beneficial! https://t.co/ewT7yq6Qrl #Referee #RefereeDevelopment #Development

— Edinburgh & District (@EandDReferee) February 8, 2019

February 19 – Visit from English Referee Association. – We not only collaborate with our colleagues across Scotland but also from other International Associations. This year we had the English Referee Association visit us here at EDRA where they shared some of their practices and we shared ours back. It is a great way to ensure we are both doing that most we can for our officials!

Great to be guests at Edinburgh RA tonight! @ Oriam https://t.co/s3ZKsoQ6qy

— Referees Association (@RefsAssociation) February 7, 2019

February 19 – Two of our female officials were out officiating in Oman in February 19! Niamh and Sandie went to officiate in the MESAC Football tournament in Oman with some of our other Scottish Colleagues.

February 19 – Borders Recruitment story in paper – Jonathan Gall helped with recruitment down in the Borders by having an article in the local paper!

February 19 – One Year on Story on website. – It’s important that we share our stories so in February Sean Duff shared his journey one year on in refereeing!

March 19 – International Women’s day – Celebrating our female members and their experiences in officiating. – In March we celebrated International Women’s day by asking some of our current female officials their thoughts and highlights of officiating so far! We are very lucky at EDRA to have a number of female officials, which we have had 5 come through the class this year alone. If you are interested in signing up for a class see more info here

March 19 – International Friendly Appt – David Doig was appointed to an International Friendly – England C v Wales C.

March 19 – Craig Ferguson was appointed to a UEFA U17 Euro Qualifying Tournament in which he officiated Poland, Russia and Portugal.

March 19 – Vikki Allan was appointed to a UEFA U17 Euro Qualifying Tournament in which she officiated Republic of Ireland, Norway and Germany.

March 19 – In March we had three officials appointed to the IRN BRU Cup Final. Congratulations again to Graeme Leslie, David Doig and Gavin Duncan! – Connah’s Quay Nomads v Ross County.

April 19 – First Super League Appt – In April Dominic Falconer received his First Futsal Super League Appointment – TMT v Polonia Edinburgh 3rd Official Glasgow City v Polonia Dundee 1st referee

April 19 – In April Mr George Smith was made Honorary President of our Association. Sadly Mr Smith passed away not long after he was appointed our Honorary President. Our Association Manager Martin Clark shared a tribute on our website to him. https://www.edinburghanddistrictreferees.co.uk/2019/05/21/a-personal-tribute-to-george-b-smith-gbs/ 2019 sadly saw us lose a number of the refereeing and footballing family. For those who have passed we take a moment to remember our own memories of them. Of those that have passed this included our Honorary President George Smith and also Head of Referee Operations John Fleming.

May 19 – SFA Youth Cup Final – In May Daniel Graves was Fourth Official at the Scottish FA Youth Cup Final – Celtic v Rangers

May 19 – SWFL1 Cup final – In May Emma Hingant (Ref), Vikki Allan (AR1) and Scott Downie (4th Off) were appointed to SWFL1 Cup Final – Celtic v Renfrew.

May 19 – SWPL Cup Final – In May Vikki Allan (AR1) and Emma Hingant (4 Off) were appointed to SWPL Cup Final – Glasgow City v Hibernian.

May 19 – In May we held our Annual Dinner, which is a Celebration of the Achievements from the Association members.

• National Cup Finals –
o 1.05/30 – National Cup Final Awards – Emma Hingant – SWFL Cup final 18, SWFL1 Cup Final 19 & SWPL Cup Final 19
o 1.10/30 – National Cup Final Awards – Niamh Westwood – SWFL Cup Final 18
o 1.15/30 – National Cup Final Awards – Vikki Allan – SWFL2 18, SWFL1 18, Women’s Scottish Cup 18, SWFL 1 19 & SWPL Cup Final 19
o 1.20/30 – National Cup Final Awards – Scott Downie – SWFL 1 Cup Final 19
o 1.25/30 – National Cup Final Awards – Iain Snedden – Scottish FA Youth Cup final 18
o 1.30/30 – National Cup Final Awards – Gavin Duncan and Graeme Leslie – Scottish Challenge Cup Final 19
o 1.35/30 – National Cup Final Awards – Ryan Lee – Scottish FA Youth Cup Final 18
o 1.40/30 – National Cup Final Awards – Daniel Graves – Scottish FA Youth cup Final 19

• The Presidents Award is awarded by our President each year to someone who has gone above and beyond for the Association. This year Stewart Luke presented this to Jimmy Duncan!
  
• The Frank Campbell Assistant Referee of the Year award was presented to Iain Gallacher!
  
• The Trainers Award this year was renamed to the Bill Mullan Award. Bill sadly passed away late last year but was a very respected member of the Association. We were delighted to have his son Gerry in attendance to present the award. This year the award went to Ralph Gordon!
  
• The Development Team Award is chosen by the Development team and given to someone who has excelled during the season. Congratulations to Daniel Silva!
  
• The Referee’s Referee of the year Award is nominated by the membership and then attendees vote a shortlist on the evening. This year the award was presented to Peter Stuart, congratulations!
  
• Our final award of the evening was the Bill Tait Award. This award is presented to an official who has performed extremely well over the season in the Juniors. This year the award was presented to Daniel Graves!
  
• At the Dinner we also share a video of achievements from throughout the season – check it out here!!!

May 19 – U19 SYFA Cup Final – In May Ian Baillie (Ref), Kevin Kyle (AR1) & Raymond Hume (4th Off) were appointed to the U19 SYFA Cup Final between Harmony Row YC v Kirkintilloch Rob Roy FC.

May 19 – We were very lucky to have had a number of promotions during the season! Congrats to all! – Peter Stuart (Cat 1), Ryan Lee (Cat 2D), Greig Haynes (Cat 3), Scott Downie ( Cat 3D), Will Pare (Cat 3D), Daniel Silva (Cat 3D), Tommi Kerr (Cat 3D) & Derek McNee (Cat4).

May 19 – Observers – In May our Assistant Association Manager Mark Doyle was also appointed as an Scottish FA Assistant Referee Observer!

May 19 – Scottish Cup Final – In May Ralph Gordon was appointed at AR2 in the Scottish Cup Final! – Hearts v Celtic.

May 19 – Recognition of Contribution to Refereeing award – In May Bob Wilson was recognised by the Scottish FA for his Contribution to Refereeing and was given an award.

May 19 – SCORE 19 – We were very lucky to have three members accepted onto the SCORE programme this year!

June 19 – Junior Cup – In June Peter Stuart was appointed as Referee to the Junior Cup Final! – Auchinleck Talbot v Largs Thistle.

June 19 – SWFL 2 Cup Final – In June Fiona Morton (Ref) and Vikki Allan (AR1) were appointed to the SWFL2 Cup Final Dryburgh Athletic v Morton.

June 19 – Choose Life Suicide Awareness Charity Tournament – In June four of our members volunteered to take part in the Choose Life Suicide Awareness Charity Tournament! Well done to Abdul, Stuart, Sandie and Kostas.

June 19 – EDRA Women’s training day – In June the EDRA held it’s first all female local training day! We ran through practical activities and also clips later in the afternoon!

September 19 – Champions League last 32 – Vikki Allan was appointed as AR2 to Champions League last 31 Atletico Madrid v Spartak.

October 2019 – EDRA are passionate about Women’s recruitment in Scotland. One of our female officials Vikki Allan has been part of the promotions this year.

"The best situation you can have as a referee is that no one talks about you after a game!" – @VikkiMAllan

Catch #AViewFromTheTerrace streaming now over on iPlayer https://t.co/VyPNSMLlNG @TheTerraceTV pic.twitter.com/luymYzs7GJ

— BBC Scotland (@BBCScotland) October 16, 2019

October 19 – Presentation to Drew Herbertson – In October the Association made a Presentation to Drew Herbertson who had retired in May from the Scottish FA after 38 years service!!

October 19 – Presentation to Scott Millar – Scott Millar was presented an award at our October Meeting for stepping down from the Senior List.

October 19 – Presentation to retired members – At our October Meeting we also presented retired members with awards to mark their service to the Association. These were presented to Steve McGeouch, James Tucker and Paul Gartland.

October 19 – Euro Qualifiers – In October Vikki Allan was appointed as AR2 to Euro Qualifier Germany v Ukraine.

October 19 – In October Niamh Westwood was appointed to UEFA U17 Euro Qualifying Tournament, she officiated Italy, Northern Ireland and Montenegro.

October 19 – In October Peter Stuart was appointed to UEFA U17 Euro Qualifying Tournament, he officiated Germany, Andorra & Belarus.

November 19 – Women’s Scottish Cup Final – In November Vikki Allan (AR1), Emma Hingant (AR2) & Niamh Westwood (4th Off) were appointed to the Women’s Scottish Cup Final! – Hibernian v Glasgow City.

December 19 – In December Gianluca Marini officiated his first match in the Futsal Super League Fair City Santos v Dundee West FC.

August/October 19 – New Entrants Class – We recently had 48 new entrants pass their exam and join the EDRA! This class was August to October over 10 Monday evenings. If you are interested in our next class starting February see the following link

Having been given the extremely sad news early on Saturday evening of the passing of Malcolm Jones, it left me, and I am sure all who came into contact with Malcolm, dismayed and shocked to say the least.

I, like a number of my peers over the years made many visits down the coast to Dunbar, indeed my last visit as an observer was only a few weeks back when I was warmly welcomed by Malcolm and his fellow team officials. The hospitality and friendly smile, irrespective of the result, was always extended by him, always keen to make sure you were looked after and that everything was as it should be.

It was a team effort from the Jones’s with his son Geoff as manager and a regular visitor being his other son Graeme (Well known to all senior listed officials as the SFA sport scientist, working until very recently with the refereeing family).

Malcom was a gentleman and one who will be sadly missed by everyone including us all in the refereeing family.

Our thoughts at this, the saddest of times, are with the Jones family.

Regards

Martin Clark
Association Manager
SFAR Edinburgh and District

Congratulations to Brent Falconer, Calum Doyle and Steven Wilson who have all been successful on their applications to the SCORE 19 programme. Brent will enter the programme as a Referee and both Calum and Steven are following the Assistant Referee pathway.

The Scottish Centre of Refereeing Excellence (SCORE)is a programme ran by the Scottish FA Referee Operations department in collaboration with Heriot Watt University. It helps to identify and develop talented referees and assistant referees through intensive coaching, observation and training. It has provided the officials with opportunities to obtain one to one coaching and training from experienced coaches. Aside from the refereeing benefits, it will also expose the officials to a number of academic topics which will help them manage and deliver their matches successfully.

Congratulations again to all three, we wish you all of the best throughout this programme and also to the other successful candidates across Scotland.

On Saturday 25th May prior to the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden, Bob Wilson was presented by the Scottish FA with an award to recognise his contribution to refereeing.

The Association nominated Bob for this award for the amount of work and years he has contributed to developing our up and coming referees, especially within Schools football. There isn’t a new referee who Bob hasn’t given advice to or helped them when starting out over the years. The commitment Bob has for developing officials goes above and beyond, attending all association meetings and giving up his free time to watch many of our new referee’s first matches.

We are glad and very thankful the Scottish FA presented him with this very deserved award, congratulations Bob!