Camanachd Association looking to recruit new referees
THE CAMANACHD Association is appealing for more volunteers to become referees.
It is particularly keen for ex-players to become referees in North and South Division 2.
A comprehensive package of training and support is provided, plus kit and equipment. All volunteers need to provide is boots, a watch and a whistle.
Referees provide a vital service to the sport and refereeing offers a great opportunity to maintain an active involvement in the game.
Refereeing requires skill and is both physically and mentally challenging.
In allocating games, the association takes into account whether a referee wants to only officiate locally and/or the number of games to be undertaken in a month.
Referees receive reimburse- ment for travel expenses and a match fee.
All new referees are required to successfully complete a short training programme (Grade 3), after which they will be allocated games at an appropriate level.
Mentors will be on hand at matches in the early stages to provide advice and support and, once established at Grade 3, there is the opportunity over time to progress to Grade 2 and Grade 1. Training courses for new referees will be held at various venues in mid-January.
A series of workshops will take place across the country on Saturday January 16 to bring all existing match officials together prior to the start of the new season. These workshops form an important part of a wider programme of training and development being supported by the Camanachd Association in 2016 in line with the agreed Strategic Plan for Shinty.
The pre-season workshop will run from 11am until 1pm and take place simultaneously in Glasgow, Inveraray, Fort William and Inverness. The workshop will provide an opportunity for officials to address a range of topics, including rule clarification and interpretation, payments and administration, dealing with dissent, communication, training and development.
It is important that as many active officials - referees, goal judges and match assessors - as possible attend their nearest workshop. Travel expenses will be reimbursed and lunch will be provided. The final agenda and venue details will be circulated in early January.
An additional workshop specifically for match assessors will also be organised in February 2016. Anyone interested in refereeing should contact Astie Cameron, CA Operations and Events Manager, at the earliest opportunity. Telephone 01463 715931; mobile 07912 731295 or email Astie. Cameron@shinty.com
Following a vote by members at the recent AGM, the Camanachd Association is pleased to confirm an increase in match fee (referees) and mileage rate for officials in 2016, rising from £ 30 to £ 35 and 40p to 45p respectively.
As discussed on the night of the AGM, the Camanachd Association is currently reviewing the administration of payments to referees on behalf of clubs. There are likely to be some changes to this process in 2016 and further/ final information will be issued to all clubs and officials early in the New Year.