Referees

Dear Club Secretary's - From Referee Appointments

As most of you will be aware, there are occasions when I am unable to appoint a referee, this is mainly in youth football. Following a huge number of requests and queries from clubs and leagues last season I will be inserting ‘Club Referee’ when I am not able to appoint. This gives the club enough notice to try and obtain their own referee for this particular fixture to avoid any issues on the day. Last season I have received a few queries in relation to late appointments i.e. club find a referee and I then appoint when one becomes available. 

The FA regulations for match officials state that a qualified and registered referee takes precedence over any other alternative, especially when officially appointed. Therefore I would ask that to avoid these problems going forward, should a club find their own qualified and registered referee for a match after they have received a ‘Club Referee’ notification from FULL-TIME, that they let me know straight away.

I will then note that and not appoint over the top, giving me the chance to utilise any officials that become available elsewhere. 
Please note this procedure is only in place if you are using a qualified and registered referee.
If you have a parent, coach or manager then an appointed referee will take precedence over this at all times. 
Best Wishes 
Mike Desborough | Referee Liaison Officer
Bedfordshire FA

REFEREE UPDATES -  Mike Desborough Referee Office

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Useful Information 

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Who to Contact

Mike Desborough | Referee Liaison Officer - Bedfordshire FA
Tel: 01582 565111  | Direct Dial: 07803 623374
E-mail: Mike.Desborough@BedfordshireFA.com 
Web: www.bedfordshirefa.com

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Becoming a Referee

If you are interested in becoming a referee and would like more details please see our "Becoming a Referee" page.