James Barnes set to referee his 2000th match on Saturday 30th March, 2013
In what has been described as one of the most amazing feats ever recorded at Football NSW, 60-year-old State League referee James Barnes will this Saturday evening officiate his two thousandth match in his 43rd consecutive year as a referee in the SUPA IGA NPL Mens 2 match between the Bankstown Berries v Sydney University at The Crest Oval.
“I am really looking forward to this Saturday’s match although it will be just another match, it will have a touch of significance attached to it". “I never thought when I first started way back in 1970 that I would ever hit 2000 matches but it’s happened". “I just love the game and it is my passion that drives me to get more enjoyment out of it.”
Having started his refereeing career in 1970 with the Canterbury Association, Barnes has kept to his vigorous fitness regime in staying in shape by running an incredible 60km per week amongst other things.
“I do run 60kms a week sometimes even more". “I have an intense program I follow where it can vary from an 8km run to speed work and distance running". “I also do athletics and I am a distance runner with my next competitive run penned in May for the Sydney half Marathon which is a 10km run". “Luckily I’ve stayed injury free and have really gotten to know my body well – that and a very good physiotherapist also.”
Asked what his secret to his success has been on continuing to officiate at a high level, Barnes replied.
“You need to be able to communicate with the players and coaches and show them respect as I believe it is reciprocated". “The other secret is really no secret but an obvious one, doing this keeps you fit and healthy". “Finally, remembering a Leo Wilson (who is deceased) euphemism “be there”.
With 43 years under his belt officiating at the highest level, Barnes stated that two memorable matches he refereed stood out in his illustrious career as a whistleblower.
“The 1984 NYL Grand Final between St George and Parramatta Melita at St George Stadium when Saints’ David Batten put the ball from a header over the bar by mere centimetres which would have made it 2-2 in the 88th minute but Parramatta won 2-1". “Finally, the State League Two Final between Hakoah and Roosters when two uncompromising teams went hammer and tong at it and the crowd appreciated the way I let the game flow with Hakoah running out victors 2-1.”
With a number of aspiring youngsters looking at donning the whistle and the black and white, or in some countries bright yellow or pink attire as a referee, Barnes had a few key messages for them.
“Be prepared for hard work and set yourself goals that are achievable". “Train well, keep fit and learn man management skills as the players really do appreciate this". “Go that extra metre and see what you can achieve from there.”
Mention retirement and you’ll hear it from Barnes who still believes he can officiate a couple more seasons.
“To be honest I think I can referee at least two more years, it depends on my fitness and when I feel it’s time to pack it all up.”
Barnes put forward that the chrome dome appearance of one Pierluigi Collina and Australian and ex-NSL referee Simon Micallef were the referees he looked up to from both a local and international front.
“Most definitely Pierluigi Collina as he had an amazing presence on the pitch and commanded it very well". “Locally Simon Micallef via his cool manner earned much respect from me.”
The full article is on the Football NSW website; to view
Whistle Blowing is tops for Nick Backo
A FUN hobby that helped Nick Backo earn a bit of money as a 14-year-old has turned into a major success taking him places he would never have gone as a player.
Backo, 24, of Parramatta, has been a referee for 11 seasons, starting out with Granville District Football Referees Association and working his way up to a place in the A-League this season.
He has been an assistant referee for two A-League matches, getting him closer to his goal of being the main referee on the field.
"It's definitely the best experience of my refereeing career so far," he said. "In particular the first one, walking out on an A-League game was a pretty special experience.
"I never would have been a player in an A-League game, but have been able to experience it first hand."
Backo said he made the choice between refereeing and playing after under-18s, when he realised he was a much better referee. He said it was a good way of earning money, staying fit and building confidence, plus it brings a lot of opportunities to participate in the sport to a higher level.
"There's a training course at the moment, and there'll probably be another in a month or so," he said.
"You are taught the laws of the game, watch some DVDs, get some information from the older guys, then do a laws of the game quiz.
"We're a large association so we've never got enough referees to cover 100 per cent of the games. There are opportunities for people of all ages to become a referee, and females can join as well."
Football NSW Announce Referee Manager and Referee Coordinator
Football NSW is delighted to announce that Kris Griffiths-Jones has been appointed Football NSW Referee Manager while Richard Lorenc has been appointed full time Referee Coordinator.
During 2012, Football NSW in consultation with the broader refereeing community conducted a review of the structure and administration of Referees in NSW. A key outcome of the review was to increase the investment Football NSW made in full-time resourcing of the Referee Department.
With this in mind, Football NSW appointed both Kris and Richard in continuing in the development of Referees in NSW.
Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore was looking forward to the progression of referee development under these key appointments.
“Football NSW is really looking forward to working with all members of the refereeing community in NSW to incorporate the recommendations of the review.
“We are excited about the appointment of someone of Kris’ experience to join Richard in delivering the quality programs to all levels of referees from grassroots, through branches and the elite competitions and establishing a clear pathway for all aspiring referees to reach their potential at the highest level.”
Football NSW Referees Review Information
The FNSW Board has undertaken a thorough, well documented and engaging process to review the Referees structure in NSW from 2013 onwards.
This has been co-ordinated via the Football NSW Referees Review Panel which has made recommendations to the FNSW Board.
FNSW are grateful for the Football community’s contribution via submissions, Town Hall meetings and regular feedback.
Overwhelmingly, the positive and constructive attitude with which the discussion has been undertaken – both within the Referees Review Panel and with the broader football community – has been greatly appreciated by the FNSW Board.
The attached document outlines the FNSW Board’s decisions in relation to the FNSW Referees Review.
For further information regarding the FNSW Board’s decisions in relation to the FNSW Referees Review, click here.
FNSW Super League Referee of the Year
Congratulations to Chris Young for winning the FNSW Super League Referee of the Year at the the 2012 Silver Medal Dinner which was held at the Mounties Sports Club on Friday evening 28th September, 2012.
Ben Wilson appointed as FFA Director of Referees
Football Federation Australia (FFA) announced Ben Wilson as the new FFA Director of Referees replacing the outgoing Mark Shield.
Wilson will join FFA in a full-time senior management position continuing FFA’s commitment to the ongoing development of referees in Australia.
Wilson has a long and successful history as one of Australia’s top match officials. He began officiating at the age of 15 and his first professional match came as an NSL Assistant Referee in 1996.
A FIFA Assistant Referee from 2000 to 2011, Wilson officiated in almost 200 NSL and Hyundai A-league matches, including five Hyundai A-League Grand Finals as well as six FIFA tournaments. The highlights included the 2006 FIFA World Cup, 2011 Asian Cup and 2009 AFC Champions League Final.
For the full story click on the link below:
NSW State League Football Referee Honoured
8th September, 2012
Congratulations to Kristian Griffiths-Jones for being named Referee of the Year at Bonnyrigg Sports Club on Saturday Night 8th September, 2012 at the Gold Medal Dinner. Well done Kris and a top effort all year.
Referees played a huge role in the NSW Premier League this season and it was fitting that well known whistleblower Kris-Griffiths Jones picked up the Referee of the Year award.
It has been a remarkable year for Griffiths-Jones who has been seen as one of the most experienced referees officiating in the NSW Premier League.
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