AFC Corsham is excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive Referee Strategy Initiative, aligning with the FA Refereeing Strategy 2023-26. This initiative aims to attract, develop, and retain referees from diverse backgrounds, including a strong emphasis on increasing female participation. The success of this initiative is vital for the continued growth and integrity of our club and the sport we love.

Context and Objectives

Referees play an indispensable role in football, ensuring fair play and upholding the rules of the game. However, the grassroots level faces a shortage of referees, impacting the quality of our matches and the overall football experience. To address this, AFC Corsham's Referee Strategy Initiative focuses on the following key objectives:

1. Attracting New Referees: We aim to make refereeing an attractive choice for our members, especially those aged 14 and above, through awareness campaigns and recruitment drives.

2. Supporting and Developing Referees: By offering robust training programs and mentorship opportunities, we will ensure our referees are well-prepared and confident in their roles.

3. Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity: Encouraging participation from under-represented groups, including women and ethnic minorities, to create a diverse and inclusive refereeing community.

4. Retention and Recognition: Implementing systems to reward and recognise the efforts of our referees, ensuring they feel valued and motivated.

How You Can Get Involved

This ambitious initiative requires the collective effort of our club members. We are seeking volunteers who are passionate about football and willing to contribute to the implementation of this strategy. Here are some ways you can help:

- Awareness Campaigns: Assist in organising and conducting presentations and workshops for our youth teams and local schools.
- Recruitment Drives: Help identify and recruit potential referees from within our club and the local community.
- Training Programs: Support the coordination of training sessions and workshops in collaboration with County FA and FA CORE.
- Mentorship: Experienced referees can provide guidance and support to new referees, sharing their knowledge and experience.
- Inclusivity Initiatives: Develop and promote programs that encourage participation from women and minority groups.
- Behavioural Management: Work on implementing and enforcing codes of conduct to ensure a positive match environment.
- Reward and Recognition: Assist in creating and managing a recognition program to celebrate the achievements of our referees.

Join Us

If you are interested in helping coordinate and implement the AFC Corsham Referee Strategy Initiative, please get in touch with me at vicechair@afccorsham.onmicrosoft.com. Your involvement will make a significant difference in enhancing the quality of refereeing at our club and supporting the growth of our football community.

Together, let's build a supportive and inclusive environment where referees can thrive and contribute to the beautiful game.

Thank you for your support,

James
Vice Chair
AFC Corsham