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The summer recess is over once again, and another season is getting under way already. The break between seasons seems to be getting shorter and shorter, or perhaps I'm just getting older and older! With Euro 2000 to occupy the summer as well, football is pretty much non-stop these days. Never mind, I suppose we'll just have to grin and bear it. What a shame!!
Euro 2000 turned out to be a successful show of excellent football - as long as you weren't English, of course. And inevitably, there were plenty of talking points. From an English point of view, the victory over Germany was small consolation, and, in my humble opinion we got what we deserved. The only good thing that has come out of the whole thing has been a string of jokes, some of which are printed later in this Newsletter.
The French were worthy winners of the tournament, and I must admit that the final was better than I had expected following Italy's performance in the semi-final. It is still difficult to believe how bad the Dutch were at taking penalties. It is rumoured that Japp Stam's effort is now orbiting Pluto!
Not much doubt about the main talking point from a refereeing angle. Portugal's exit by the Golden Goal penalty against France proved to be somewhat contraversial, to say the least, with three of their players ending up with 8 or 9 month bans from UEFA competitions following their clear display of dissent and abuse towards the match officials. What the incident highlighted for me was the amount of additional pressure the referee and his assistants are under. It was a very brave decision to give the penalty, and with so much at stake, it was inevitable that the decision would not be accepted without an argument.
I wonder if the Golden Goal rule is the best way to settle a match. Personally, I would prefer to see the full 30 minutes of extra time, so that if a team does concede a contraversial goal, they at least have time to come back. However, in this particular instance, this would not have been the case, as the incident happened right at the end of extra time anyway. If you would like to express your view on this matter, then please let me know and I'll include your points in a future Newsletter.
During the course of the season, I hope to bring you information on football in general, and refereeing in particular. I also intend to keep you up to date with Branch news, and hopefully the information will be brought to you in an informative, but humorous style. It goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway) that any views, thoughts, opinions, or comments from you, the Branch members will be gratefully appreciated.
Happy reading, and enjoy your season!!
2000/2001 COMMITTEE
At the Branch AGM in May, the following officers were elected to serve on the Committee for the forthcoming season. The changes are in bold type, but so you are fully up to date, the full list is as follows:
President---------------John Newson
Vice Presidents-------- Bill Baldwin
------------------------Bert Carey
Les Eyers
Eric Heads
Colin Morris
Tony Scott
Dave Watts
Vic Taylor
Chairman----------- Vic Taylor
Vice Chairman------John Aggett
Honorary Secretary----Bernie Cheeseman
Assistant Hon Secretary---- Brian Foreman
Honorary Treasurer---- Dave Frondigoun
Social Secretary---- Mick Smith
County Delegate---- Brian Foreman
Branch Coach---- Colin Morris
Press Officer---- Ian Miles
Fund Raiser---- John Bradley
Leagues Liaison Officer---- Steve Peeke
Supplies Officer---- Ted Welch
Committee Members--- Nolan Wilde
-------------------------Steve Martin
Branch Auditor---- Barry Bright
WHY SHOULD I ATTEND BRANCH MEETINGS?
The members of your Branch Committee have been concerned for some time about the low attendance at Branch meetings. We realise that Branch members have other commitments, but some members don't appear to come along to any meetings.
You may have a perfectly good reason for not attending. We would like to know that reason, because it may be the same reason that many of your colleagues do not attend. If so, then we can change things. Is Monday a bad night for meetings? Would another evening be better? Do you find the meetings boring? Are they badly structured? Would you like to see more guest speakers? Or less guest speakers? Do you feel intimidated? Do you feel that you would not know anyone?
Whatever the reason for n ot going, we would like to know. Please contact any Committee member, by whatever method, and let us know. You can remain anonymous if you wish. We are a large Branch, and a successful one, but we would love to see more members at meetings, so that we may continue that success.
You may think that attending Branch meetings has nothing to do with your performance on the field of play. However, you could not be more wrong! If you have any pride or self respect, and I'm sure we all do, then you will want to give of your best when you are refereeing. Attending Branch meetings is an excellent way of learning how to improve. I have listed below eleven reasons why members should attend Branch meetings whenever possible. Next month, there will be eleven more! Have a look, see what you think, and hopefully we will see more of you in the forthcoming season.
1) You will meet other referees.
You will be able to mix with other people who all have the same interest as you. With this common denominator, you will soon get to know other Branch members.
2) You will learn from others.
Through talking to other referees, you will gain knowledge from talking about their experiences.
3) You can help others.
Equally, you can pass your experiences on to other referees, so that they can improve.
4) You will hear Guest speakers.
The Branch has guest speakers throughout the season. These are often well known referees with vast experience, who give up their time to pass some of their experiences on to other referees.
5) You can participate in group discussions.
Our in-house coaching provides an excellent opportunity to air your opinion through group discussions. It is also another means of meeting other colleagues.
6) Problem corner.
If you have had an unusual incident, or you are not sur e what to do in certain circumstances, then the problem corner will provide you with the answer you are looking for.
7) You will learn the art of linesmanship.
Every season, we have a coaching session on running the line. You may referee every week, but if y ou get an appointment as an Assistant Referee, then this could be totally alien to you. This session will give you some tips so that you will have confidence and be able to truly assist the referee.
8) You can buy equipment.
Our Branch Supplies Officer, Ted Welch, is always in attendance to supply members with anything from a whistle to a full kit. All equipment supplied by Ted is a good quality, and is also very competitively priced, so why not make good use of him?
9) You can see how a commission works.
A nother regular feature in coaching sessions is to have a mock commission. This can help you to become familiar with a situation which can at times be daunting, particularly if you have never had to attend one before.
10) You can get help on the pitch.
The Branch operates a mentor scheme, where a senior referee from the Branch will come and watch some of your games and give you some tips on how to improve. This is completely informal, and can often be done over a beer after the match. (There's another reason).
11) You can have your say in Branch matters.
Branch meetings offer you an opportunity to air your views on how the Branch is run. You may have a suggestion to make for coaching at a future meeting, or an idea for a social event. The Branch Committee is more than happy to listen to new ideas.
Gravesend Branch Xl V Southern\Ryman Leagues select Xl
Sunday June 4th 2000
The day started badly with the weather forecast predicting rain, and lots of it ! But the two teams took to the field seeming unworried by what the skies above had to offer.
The two captains, "Tricky" Trevor Bailey for the Branch, and Dave "it hit my pad" Watts for the Select Xl, walked to the middle for the toss, Dave won and decided to bat. They got off to a great start with Colin Plummer and Mick O'Keefe both smashing their way to 25 before retiring, our only success was when Trevor bowled Bernie Cheeseman for 3.
Then came the days only moment of controversy, Ted Welch came steaming in, bowled to Dave, the ball struck something and John "the cat,' Aggett (know n as the cat because he is always asleep or scratching himself) took a simply brilliant one handed diving catch down the leg-side. Everybody appealled, but the umpire, Mr. Bernie Cheeseman (a close personal friend of Dave) said not out.
The savaging of our bowling attack continued with Dave Watts, Ian Crouch, Irv Woodward and Martin "fat boy" Bishop all reaching their 25 before retiring. Our only highlights were wickets for Gavin Badrick and Pat Carey, and of course Pat's great catch on the boundary to dismiss Steve Peeke off the bowling of his arch cricketing enemy Ted. The words that were exchanged between the two of them as Steve left the field would definitely have warranted a red card for S6 during a game. Trevor then tried some slowing down tactics but these failed miserably, and the Select Xl finished on a massive 206 - 4. After a quick cup of tea came the Branches even quicker innings.
With the exception of Malcolm Stone (29), Ted (14) and Trevor and Roger Wells (13), most of us came and went very quickly with Mick Smith, Steve Martin and the referee of the year all trudging back to the pavilion with big fat zero's next to their names.
We eventually reached 104 before being put out of our misery. The rain that was forecast never came to save us, and we failed miserably by 102 runs. Although we were slaughtered everybody had a great time, and our thanks must go to Margaret Watts for scoring, Jackie Aggett and Sally Bailey for the mid-innings teas and for Dave Askham for standing all day at one end as umpire.
Please note that there has been a change of plan for our next match on the 30th July. We have been challenged to a match by the Bromley Branch, we have of course taken up the challenge so I will not be needing as many players for this one, but I will be needing all of you for the re-arranged Branch cricket day which will now be on Sunday 20th August at the Gravesend Rugby Club starting at 2 o'clock. So don't worry if you haven't been asked to play yet, I will get round to you all!
"Hold on", I hear you say. "Wait a minute. Didn't I read in a Newsletter towards the end of last season that Gravesend came runners-up to AFA in the Southern Division Quiz? Therefore, AFA would represent the Southern Division in the National Final. So why am I reading a report on the National Quiz Final, when it has nothing to do with our Branch?" The answer can be summed up in one word........Fate!
You are quite right. AFA did win the Southern Division Quiz. However, it later came to light that they played an ineligible player, so they were subsequently disqualified. Therefore, as runners-up, Gravesend were asked to represent the Southern Division in the National Quiz Final in Coventry on 7th May.
This came as a surprise to the team members as much as anyone. We had been handed a lifeline. In the year when we wanted to win the National Quiz more than ever, as a mark of respect for Roland Gawler, fate had dealt its' hand. We were suddenly back in the frame. However, all the team members had switched off, thinking the Quiz season was over, so a couple of training sessions were hastily arranged at the Prince of Orange, so that everyone could get back into the swing of things. The team members, namely Pat Carey, Graham East, Gary Groutage, and Ian Miles, ably assisted by Vic Taylor, John Bradley, attempted to answer hundreds of questions from Colin Morris' archives as Colin tried to get the minds back into Quiz mode.
The day soon arrived, and we set off on the now familiar route to Coventry, although the venue this year was a hotel in the city and not the football ground. We arrived in good time for lunch, although one or two appetites were wavering as nerves began to jangle. Our opponents on the day were Bristol, South Tyneside, Doncaster, Neath, and holders Fermanagh & Western.
After lunch, we entered the lion's den, and, in front of a healthy audience, the Quiz was soon under way. The first round was a Yes/No round, with questions worth 1 point each. Each team member was asked four questions. At the end of the round, there was not a lot to chose between the teams. Bristol led with 12 points, and we shared second place on 11 with Fermanagh and Neath. At least we had not repeated the disastrous start that cost us the Southern Division Quiz on the day.
Round 2 was the dreaded numbers round, although, thanks to our training, there was not really much to dread (in theory, anyway). As it turned out, we only dropped two points in the round, and now found ourselves joint leaders with Bristol on 25 points. Fermanagh were ominously only a point behind, but this was more like it!
We felt that we would be strong in the remaining two rounds, so there was everything to play for. Round 3 was the Restarts round. The Questionmaster read out a playing situation , and team members had to select the correct restart of play. Again, we scored well, dropping only 2 points in the round. In fact, we outscored everyone else, which meant we were now out in front on our own with 39 points. Bristol were second on 37, and Fermanagh third on 36.
Questions in the final round were worth up to 3 points each, so we could not afford any slip-ups. Pat got us off to the perfect start, scoring a maximum 12 points on the round (the only one in the whole Quiz to do so). Graham slipped up on a couple of his questions to add to the tension, but with other teams dropping points, a strong finish would see us home. Gary and Ian both managed to get through with only dropping one point each, and then we had the long tense wait before the fina l scores were announced.
When the announcement came, our gut feelings were confirmed. We had done it! We may have got there by the back door, but when the opportunity came, we grabbed it with both hands and became National Quiz Champions for the fourth time - the first team ever to do so. But the drama was not yet over!
Pat had scored 22 out of 24 points, but so had a member of the Fermanagh team. This meant that there would be a tie-break for the individual award. The tie-break question was asked, and both players answered correctly by placing their answer in the block, as is now the recognised practice. The Questionmaster was then forced to resort to the old fashioned method of asking a question verbally, and then marking the verbal answer. Pat went first, and it was good to hear the typical Carey ramble as he tried to cover all the points in the question. His counterpart then returned to the room to give his answer. After much deliberation, the verdict went in Pat's favour, and he was pronounced the winner of the individual award.
The presentations then took place. Ian Miles received the trophy on behalf of the team, and made a short speech dedicating the victory to Roland. After all, we were all convinced that he had had a hand in it all somewhere. The team were all presented with commemorative watches to mark their win.
The final scores were as follows: Gravesend 78, Fermanagh 70, Bristol 68, Doncaster 63, S Tyneside 61, Neath 54. Gravesend individual scores were as follows: Pat Carey 22, Graham East 14, Gary Groutage 21, Ian Miles 21.
As the Internet becomes a more common form of communication, and as our Branch proudly boasts it's own web site, I thought it might be appropriate to introduce a monthly article keeping you up to date with information from the world of the computer. Some of you may surf the net anyway, but not everyone has access, and there are often informative snippets, which come my way courtesy of Brian Foreman, our own web site organiser. This month, I have started with an introduction into our own web site, and some information on some of our visitors. Future editions will include some of the news items from the various sources.
Firstly, our own Branch web site can be visited at gravesendrefs@currantbun.com and contains an introduction to our Branch, a brief history of the Branch, a list of Committee members, Newsletters, forthcoming events, dates of meetings, honours, information and photographs of our all-conquering Quiz team, and a page encouragin g readers to take up the whistle. In addition to this, there is a links page, where you can access other web sites, including FIFA, UEFA, and the RA.
The web site has already been visited several hundred times, and contact has been made in various parts of the country and beyond. One of our own Branch members has used the web site to make contact with us from the valleys. Ray Ellingham, who, as many of you know, now lives in Wales, sends his regards and congratulated Jon Beadle on his promotion to the Football League Assistant Referees list. Indeed, Jon himself has been in touch to say that the web site keeps him in touch, as he has a problem attending meetings these days.
We have been advised that Worcester Referees have launched their own web site. This can be visited at http://www.worcester-referees.com. I'm sure they would love you to pay them a visit. The name of the gentleman who contacted us is Christopher Rock.
Basildon Referees have also been in touch to advise of their web site. They found our link on another society\rquote s page. The address for Basildon is www.basildonref.co.uk. Their Webmaster is Tony Calver, and, again, I' m sure he would love to hear from you. Tony advises us that he also plays in the Gravesend League for The Red Lion. It really is a small world!
Brian is teaming up with a colleague from the Corsham Referee Training Web Site to try to put pressure on the RA to use their own site more effectively, including links to all the various society web sites throughout the country. Julian Carosi invites anyone to visit his web site to get all the up to date information on law changes, and gather training information to help them improve their refereeing. His address is www.carosi.freeseve.co.uk/corshamreferee/index.htm.
As promised earlier, here are a few jokes, mainly at the expense of the England football team following Euro 2000. Thanks to Vic Taylor and Brian Foreman for providing the various comments.
Q: What's the difference between O J Simpson and England?\par A: O J Simpson had a more credible defence.
Q: What have Nigel Martyn and Michael Jackson got in common?\line A: They both wear gloves for no apparent reason.
Q: What's the difference between a pyromaniac and England? \par A: A pyromaniac wouldn't throw away all his matches.
Q: What have England and a three pin plug got in common? \par A: They\rquote re both useless in Europe.
Q: Why do none of the England team own a dog? \par A: Because they can\rquote t hold on to a lead.
Q: What is the main function of the England coach? \par A: To transport the players to and from the ground.
Q:What\rquote s the England version of a hat-trick? \par A: Conceding three goals in fifteen minutes.
Q:What do Shearer and drug addicts have in common? \par A: They both wonder where their next score is coming from.
Q: What's the difference between the England team and a tea bag? \par A: The tea bag stays in the cup longer.
Q:What's the difference between an Airfix model and Phil Neville? \par A: One's a glueless kit.
Oxo were going to bring out a commemorative cube painted red, white, and blue, in humour of the England team. But it was a laughing stock and crumbled in the box.
The Seven Dwarves are down in the mine when there is a cave-in. Snow White rushes to the scene, and on her arrival she hears a voice saying \ldblquote England are going to win Euro 2000\rdblquote . Snow White says "Well, at least Dopey's alive" .
England have a new sponsor - Tampax. It was felt appropriate as the team is going through a bad period!
You are no doubt already aware, but it is with deep regret that I begin this page with notice of the loss of two more friends within the Branch.
Linda Wilmott passed away on 5th May, following her long battle with cancer. Linda was extremely popular, and was always in attendance at Branch functions over the years. She brought happiness to everyone who knew her, and is sadly missed.
Vic Harding, Vice President of the Branch also passed away just before Easter. Although he had moved away from Gravesend, Vic always remained in contact with the Branch, and recently celebrated 50 years membership of the Branch.
Although these sad events took place some time ago, this is the first Newsletter since that time, and I felt it would be inappropriate not to mention them.
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16th December 2000-------Christmas Parties
12th May 2001------------- Referee of the Year Dinner & Dance
Don't say you haven't been warned!!!
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As we start a new season, it is an appropriate time to remind all Branch members of a little bit of housekeeping which sometimes slips through the net. Don't forget, it is your responsibility to send in match result cards for all your matches. There is no problem with one person collecting cards from a group of referees, for example if you are all at the same ground together, or even having a drink together after the match, but if that person forgets to send the cards off, it is still your responsibility. Make sure you carry out your responsibility!
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Well, that's it for this season. But don't forget that I am still happy to receive articles during the summer, so why not drop me a line? Have a good summer!!
All articles to: Ian Miles, 17 Church Farm Road, Upchurch, Kent ME9 7AG. Telephone 01634 235148, or ---------- E-mail : :ian.miles@marshalls.co.uk
