The Isle of Wight Divisional Football Association has announced an upcoming refereeing course in a bid to attract new referees to the game.
The Isle of Wight has a desperate shortage of referees. Last Saturday, no qualified referee was appointed for 10 of the games played in the Island Leagues. This Saturday, no referee has been appointed for 11 fixtures, including 3 in Division 2.
The lack of referees is so serious, that the future of grassroots football on the Isle of Wight has been called into question.
The refereeing course is open to anyone of either sex aged 14 and over. The cost of the course is £145. However, the Isle of Wight Divisional Football Association is willing to pay half the cost of the course after a newly qualified referee has completed 10 competitive games. A referee earns £35 for officiating an Island League game.
The course will be held on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd January 2022 at Ryde Academy, Pell Lane, Ryde. The timings for the 21st are from 18:00 to 21:00, and for the 22nd: 09:00 to 16:00.
Any interested person wishing to join the course should immediately contact [email protected] or call 01256 853005.
Further information may be found online at https://www.hampshirefa.com/referees/development-and-courses/the-fa-referee-course.
