Final whistle for refs' association?

SET TO CLOSE AFTER 98 YEARS? . . . pictured are (back row, left to right): Kevin Moore, Jacob Graham, Anthony Lamb, Mike Carr and Ian Claridge. Front: Jack Carr, Paul Graham (secretary), Steven Race (president) holding the first minute book from 1919, Peter Maxson (chairman) and Steve Jones (treasurer).

IT could be the end of an era for the Oldham Referees' Association.

The society was re-formed in August, 1919 after the First World War and has been in existence ever since. Members have met monthly during the season since then to discuss current topics and to aid their ongoing development as referees.

But at last night's annual meeting at Chadderton Football Club, members discussed a motion from the committee to recommend, regrettably, that the association is closed.

Over the last few years the society has suffered from falling membership and a dwindling number of members attending the monthly meetings.

Measures to try to remedy this have included changing the venue to Chadderton FC, shifting the start time forward to 7pm and focusing more upon interactive training sessions including use of video clips.

However, none of these measures have had the desired effect on membership and attendance.

CLOSURE

Peter Maxson, the current chairman said: "Myself and all the members of the committee are extremely sad that we are having to recommend the closure of the society.

"It has been in existence for 98 years and has provided support, advice and training to referees young and old over this time.

"I have been a member almost 30 years and chairman for 15 years and have gained much from my involvement.

"However, we have not been able to attract enough referees over recent years and they can get ongoing training these days from many other sources."

Steve Race, the society president and a Match Observer for the PGMO (Professional Game Match Observers) said: "It is very sad and we just can't get enough people to attend.

"This is about progressing younger referees into the game, but attendances have been low. It feels even worse when it is on your watch."

The association can boast many highlights, not least of which was the 60th anniversary dinner in 1979 at the old Belgrade Hotel, Oldham, where stalwarts Arnold Parker and John Maxson received long service awards.

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