Around 150 referees register with the Southern Amateur League each season. Referees Secretary Bob Coates controls appointments for all officials from Senior Division 1 right down to Minor Division 5 South. Below is a step by step process of how appointments work, as well as hwo to fulfil your duties to the League:
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1. Appointment
The League Referees Secretary will contact you by telephone or email to inform you of your appointment for the coming weekend.
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2. Confirmation
The Referees Secretary from the host club will contact you to confirm the appointment and give you details of the ground and kick-off time.
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3. Meet and Greet
A member of the host club should meet you and show you to your changing room, give you the match ball and also show you whiich pitch is to be used.
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4. Arrival at the ground
You should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to kick-off. All teams are required to submit teamsheets to you 20 minutes before the match begins.
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5. The Pitch
Once you are changed check that the pitch is fit for play and that goals, flags and other equipment are all in good, safe condition.
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6. The Match
Enjoy the match but be sure to report any shortcomings in behaviour, facilities or organisation on your match report.
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7. Payment
The home team pays the referee and (where appointed) 1 assistant. If necessary the home team will pay all 3 officials and settle up with opponents.
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8. Hospitality
It is customary in SAL football to accept hospitality in the form of a post-match meal and perhaps a drink. Try not to shoot off immediately after the game.
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9. Report card
Complete and return one of these after every match you referee. We need your feedback to know if our clubs are falling short of our expectations.
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Misconduct
If have you need to report any misconduct please do so using the form attached and return it directly to the AFA.
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More cards please!
Each referee is sent a handbook and a stack of report cards. However, if you run out you can download more from the website.
Questions?
If you need any more information about refereeing in the Southern Amateur League contact Referees Secretary Bob Coates by telephone on 01293 773 194 (h) or 07933 744 314 (m) or by email at r.w.coates@btinternet.com.