The Camanachd Association has launched a drive to attract more referees to the sport ahead of the start of the 2016 shinty season.
Refereeing offers former players with a great opportunity to maintain an active involvement in the game. It requires skill and is both physically and mentally challenging. Games can be allocated according to availability e.g. locally and / or only one or two matches a month and the relevant kit and equipment will be provided.
A comprehensive package of training and support is available and new recruits will start by refereeing in Marine Harvest North Division 2 and Marine Harvest South Division 2. 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 across the county in mid-January.
Referees also receive a match fee and reimbursement for their travel expenses. The match fee is £35 whilst the mileage rate is 45p per mile for the 2016 shinty season.
Workshops
A series of workshops will take place across the country on Saturday 16 January 2015 to bring all 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 activity being supported by the Camanachd Association in line with the agreed Strategic Plan for Shinty.
The pre-season workshop will run from 11am until 1pm and take place simultaneously in:
- Fort William
- Glasgow
- Inveraray
- Inverness
The workshops will provide an opportunity for officials to address a range of topics including:
- Rule Clarification & Interpretation
- Payments & Administration
- Dealing with Dissent
- Communication
- Training & Development.
It is important that as many active officials (referees, goal judges and match assessors) as possible attend. Travel expenses will be reimbursed and lunch will be provided. The final Agenda and venue details will be circulated in early January 2016.
As part of the campaign to recruit new referees, the above workshop is also intended to provide an initial induction opportunity for new referees, with further training dates to be confirmed prior to the new season starting.
An additional workshop specifically for match assessors will also be organised in February 2016.
If you are interested in refereeing in 2016, please contact Astie Cameron, Camanachd Association Operations & Events Manager, at the earliest opportunity.
E-mail: Astie.Cameron@shinty.com
Tel: 01463 715931 / Mobile: 07912 731295