Risk v Reward is the theme for the 2017 Referee Development Weekend from The Referees' Association. Join us for a host of training sessions and development workshops, where we will be looking at a range of key topics aimed at improving your refereeing toolkit.

The Referees' Association Events Team

Date: 8th - 9th July 2017

Venue: Jury's Inn, Hinckley Island and Leicester Road Football Club

There are many highlights, including interactive indoor workshops, the Referee Awards Dinner with entertainment, a fun-filled team based quiz and a number of practical outdoor sessions.

Referees of all levels are welcome to attend as are those in workforce roles. With a great range of high profile guest speakers, recognition awards and much more, there is something for everyone. 2017 sees the Development Weekend continue to grow.

Tutor Line-Up

We are pleased to be able to announce the following high quality line up of tutors who will deliver sessions over the weekend. We are delighted to have a number of FIFA, Select Group, Select Group 2 and Football League referees and assistant referee as well many of the Football Association's Refereeing Department providing us with insight and knowledge on what will be a packed weekend. The following officials and staff will be in attendance during the event:

Natalie Aspinall, Peter Bankes, Neale Barry, Gary Beswick, and David Elleray - plus many more

Indoor Workshops

On Saturday 8th July, our tutors will be delivering a number of indoor workshops themed around key refereeing topics. There will be an update on the 2017-2018 Laws of the Game as well as session on the growing trials of Video Assistant Refereeing. Group activities will then take place, lead by PGMOL officials and FA staff, titled; ‘Play on? Advantage?’, ‘Keeping Control’ and ‘The Off-field Approach’. All of these will aim to assist your refereeing when balancing the risks and the rewards on offer. The Saturday workshops are free to attend for members of the Referees’ Association.

Quiz

There is a fun packed quiz early on Saturday evening, with teams competing on a range of sporting topics, including refereeing. This is another free event, so put together a team and aim to beat your fellow officials.

Referee Awards Dinner

The evening of Saturday 8th July sees our yearly Referee Awards Dinner take place and continues with the event theme of Risk v Reward. We will be celebrating the achievements of match officials who have been appointed to FA Finals during the past season as well as awarding the Joel Richards’ Young Volunteer of the Year award to another worthy recipient. There will also be entertainment during the evening.

Outdoor Practical Sessions

On Sunday 9th July, we travel to Leicester Road Football Club, where our tutors will be delivering a number of practical outdoor sessions again around the main event theme. Sessions include; ‘Taking the Right Steps’, ‘Play on? Advantage?’ and ‘Wait and See?’.

If there are any questions regarding this event, please email events@the-ra.org and a member of the team will respond.