Young referees start with the basics

In preparation for the 2012 season, Mr Moreland? pitched an idea to the Granville Association that would see youngsters begin their refereeing in small sided football matches to develop their skills.
BHFC found that due to a shortage of referees, many juniors were being thrust into senior games without experience.
?They were being put on full sided games, they were nervous and had no confidence,? Mr Moreland said.
?Now we pay for their course and put them on small sided games to build that confidence.?
With the idea approved by GDSFA, the first crop of junior referees from the bridging course took to the field last Saturday.
Among them were Harry Dawson and Christina Adzic who play for Baulkham Hills in the Under 15?s and Under 14?s respectively.
Christina said her first match as a referee was much more enjoyable without the pressure of being in charge of older age groups.
?It was a good experience and it was good to start with the Under 9?s so it wasn?t too intimidating,? she said.
?I hope to get better and hopefully improve.
?I?d like to be a linesman or even referee for some of the older games when I get older.?
Harry says his decision to become a referee was eased along by the support from BHFC and GDSFA.
?I never really saw myself as being a referee but my Mum saw the chance to start refereeing with Baulkham Hills mentoring me and from there it has been fun,? he said following his first game.
?I definitely want to ref higher games in the future.?
Rather than being sent to matches across the district, all first time referees were scheduled at the same ground to give Mr Moreland and Granville District Football Referees Association appointment officer Kieran Fisher the opportunity to assess the benefits of the initiative.
?Previously we would?ve started these kids in under 10s or 11s,? Mr Fisher said.
?Now they?ve got something to gradually work on their skills and it gives young referees experience in a non threatening environment.
?We have got a mentoring program at Granville to help them out, give them advice and get them more confident.?
Baulkham Hills have also put some of their senior members through a referees course to ensure all teams benefit from association approved officials.
-By Mitchell Grima