Welcome from the FIT Director of Referees, Ian Matthew

Hello Everyone

I am really looking forward to the upcoming tournament in Bristol, renewing friendships with referees that I met at the last Euros and meeting others for the first time.

I will be able to show you visually the new trends in the game and how it impacts on the outcomes both for referees and players.  

 It’s also an exciting time for referees with the World Cup just around the corner in Scotland in 2011.  We are looking to get as many referees from your side of the globe to attend.    The complete FIT Referees Panel will be in attendance and will be motivational, directional and outcome based with the coaching.   The FIT Panel members are Lou Tompkins form Australia.   Some of you would already have met Lou on his recent visit when he delivered Level 1 Referees Coaching Courses.   Darrin Sykes is from New Zealand and has been coaching at the very top end for around fifteen years.   The experience that these guys bring will really assist on you as you move forward in your career.

We are going to give you our best and I can assure you we will have one on one coaching with each of you.  The new trends and referee techniques will be employed in our coaching to ensure you are fully versed and up to speed with the expectations of your counterpart referees from Australia and New Zealand.

Something else of interest for you is that both Lucas Von Hoff and Thys McCurdy have now  accepted positions as associate members of the FIT Referees Panel.   This now allows a more defined career path for referee coaches in your region and a voice on the panel as we move forward.     We are more dedicated than ever as to the ongoing development of referees and referee coaches from Europe and the inclusion of these guys will secure opportunities for specific development for your needs.

I look forward to seeing you all soon.

____________________

Ian Matthew

FIT Director of Referees

Referee Manager

Matthew Reid