Dedicated to raising refereeing and umpiring standards, through the exchange of ideas and training methods, and promoting a more positive image of officials, the Association of Elite Sports Officials (AESO) is comprised of former and current elite referees and umpires.

The AESO’s main aims are: 

  • Improving standards of officiating in sport through inter-sport exchange of ideas and practices
  • Developing and supporting a positive image of sports officials 
  • Engendering a greater appreciation of the dedication of sports officials and their key role in sport 
  • Assisting sports governing bodies to recruit and retain sports officials, especially amongst females, young people and ethnic minorities

David Elleray, Chairman of AESO (former Premiership and international football referee) says there is mutual respect between the match officials of different sports. "The formation of AESO enables us to learn from each other in a more structured manner," he explained. 

"I’m delighted that we have received the support of our respective governing bodies, who see the very tangible benefits involved in cross-sport projects of this kind.

"While each sport has its own specific challenges and demands, there are many aspects of refereeing that cut across sports and that is the platform we will build on.

"We have started with the full-time officials in football, cricket and both rugby codes, but anticipate the organisation growing to include senior part-time officials as well as representatives from other sports.”

Lord David Triesman, Chairman of The Football Association, added: “I warmly welcome the formation of the AESO. Elite officials should have the support and resource across sports of those who face similar challenges.

"How officials come into sport, what they learn and how they stay involved is critical to all of us who love our particular game and sporting fairness in general.”

Chris Kelly, Umpires’ Manager at the England & Wales Cricket Board, said: “While the world of sport continues to evolve the officials’ role needs to be given as much support as possible to allow the officials’ development to keep pace with the evolution.

"The AESO is well suited to support this development by providing opportunities for officials to share best practice and to confront the challenges in their sports with new perspectives. The AESO has an opportunity to shape the public perception of officiating which is key to recruitment and retention in all sports.”

Ed Morrison, Head of Elite Referee Development at the Rugby Football Union, added: “On behalf of all Elite Referees in Rugby Union we’re delighted that this initiative has been introduced. All sports can learn from each other and I’m looking forward to working closely and exchanging ideas with football, cricket and rugby league.”

Stuart Cummings, Match Officials Director at the Rugby Football League: “This is an extremely positive move as it is an initiative where by ideas and innovations can be shared to improve officiating standards and recruitment of match officials in all sports.”

The AESO Executive Board
Chairman - David Elleray (Football Association), Vice Chairmen - Stuart Cummings (Rugby League), Ed Morrison (Rugby Football Union), Chief Executive Officer - Chris Kelly (England & Wales Cricket Board), Technical Director - Keith Hackett (PGMO, football)

The Active Members Group
Football – Mike Riley and Howard Webb, Cricket – Nigel Llong and Richard Kettleborough, Rugby League – Steve Ganson and Phil Bentham, Rugby Union – Chris White and Rob Debney