The FA Launches RAIL Initiative for Referee’s
The Oxfordshire FA has announced a new scheme for referee’s that is hoped will recruit 8,000 new ref’s by 2012, and retain existing ones.
The RAIL initiative (Referees Advice and Information Line) provides a hotline for referee’s in the early stages of their development to get help and advice from a number of experienced ref’s.
Oxfordshire FA’s Referee Development Officer, Nigel Saverton, said, “RAIL is a way of providing a consistent message of support to our new colleagues as they start out on a long career in the game.
“We might expand the scheme to include current referees in the future but, for now, it is vital that new referees are given total support during the early part of their careers.
“For years, new referees have spoken with people they know or have heard of but now, with one number and a consistent service, we can ensure a uniform response for everyone.”
Oxfordshire FA has confirmed that the new scheme will not replace their current mentoring service but will give new ref’s a chance to talk to someone after a particularly tough match.
FA Regional Referee Manager, Janie Frampton, said: “The Football Association totally support the new RAIL initiative of ‘mobile mentors’ for referees as it provides an immediate support mechanism with experienced people who can help and guide new match officials.”
Leave a Reply