Last weekend the Portuguese Refereeing Federation gave refereeing in this country a huge boost by sending expert, Jorge Pauleta, to run an intensive training course as part of the Buckmore Park Training Camp.

“It was fantastic to have such a top level Referee, with all the most up to date equipment, lap tops, CD’s etc, helping us to improve the standard of refereeing in this country” said Glyn Thomas, the newly appointed NRHA President and Chair of England’s Referees.

Attendees Steve Taylor (Letchworth), Tony Noble (Ely), Tony Czifra (Middlesbrough), Kenny Stockton (Middlesbrough), Gary Reynolds (Middlesbrough) and Stewart Henderson (Spectrum) made the effort to attend the course and from the first day got to referee some top level hockey (see ‘competitions – Buckmore park).

On the second day the ‘students’ participated in a programme of intensive classroom work that culminated in a written exam, with the countries highest qualified referees Mike Richardson and Ron Church (International B’s) assisting on the course.

“The Portuguese Refereeing Association have been incredibly supportive of not just this event, but also Roller Hockey in England generally” said NRHA Coaching Director, Keith Allen, “The effort of the Referees that attended the course has been recognised by the Portuguese and the NRHA with a signed Certificate of Achievement, a
Detailed Referees Manual, an official badge and a CD Rom that contains masses of information, instruction and tips on refereeing.”

“I think Jorge Pauleta has been of great assistance, we are really grateful. He has even offered to act as a sounding board for our Refs and will be selecting the most promising Referee from the course for further instruction in Portugal, expenses paid” Keith said.

PRH feels that this is a great start for improving the quality of the game in England and NRHA Marketing Director, Kos Galtos, said “I hope that players and supporters recognise the efforts of these referees. They have given up their time to improve their skills and because of this the sport may be more enjoyable for the players and fans.”

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Reporter: Kos Galtos