Take note!

The Derbyshire County FA formed a new Referee Academy in May 2009 who are currently based at Derby County FC’s Moor Farm Training Complex.

After an intensive 12 week period covering many topics related to officiating using DCFA tutors, instructors and referees, it was thought that it would be good practice to observe a football match at Pride Park, the home of Derby County and to carry out an exercise on the evening's game monitoring the Football League Officials.

Each referee was asked to observe and make note of three strengths and three development points which the officials displayed during Derby County's game with Barnsley game earlier this week, courtesy of Tony Lormor, Derby County's Ticket Sales Executive.

The point of the exercise was to help develop the Academy members’ personal technique, style and skills. Also on hand were the Academy Tutors to help guide them along with the proceedings and to explain the techniques on show.

Moving forward from this, it is envisaged that the referees will adopt their newly acquired skills into their own games over the next few weeks - either at the Academy on a Sunday morning or in other matches when they see the opportunity to do so.

Techniques learnt from the evening varied and many commented on how impressed they were regarding the officials’ fitness, movement, positioning at set pieces and communication skills on show.

The Derbyshire County FA would like to pass on our thanks to Derby County Football Club for the evening’s entertainment and the complimentary tickets that allowed the Academy Members to attend.