The Referees' Report

News Archive - April 2004

Big Date for Suzanne posted 22/4/2004

Suzanne Caldwell received her first major appointment when she was assistant referee at the recent International Youth U19 Challenge Match between Scotland and Wales played at the Shyberry Stadium, Airdrie on 17th April 2004.

The all Lanarkshire refereeing team (from right to left): Donald MacKinnon (Match Referee), John McCrossan (4th Official), James Myles (Assistant Referee) and Suzanne Caldwell (Assistant Referee) &  were warmly praised by both sets of officials from the competing countries for their performances.

At the after-match official Civic Reception hosted by North Lanarkshire Council the match officials received medals to mark the occasion.

Speeches after the official dinner by Angus Mc Connell, President of SYFA and Mike Williams, President of the North Wales Football Association paid tribute to Suzanne for pursuing a career in refereeing and complimented her for her courage. One of the remarks from the speeches was “Were the officials part of Don MacKinnon’s family” and “Is Suzanne, Don MacKinnon’s Granddaughter?”.

The game finished 2-2 and the match trophy shared.

Stuart and Frank - high as the Blackpool Tower posted 16/4/2004

The "kiss-me-quick" hats were in evidence at training earlier this week. Members, Stuart Park, Frank Queen and James Moore were invited to officiate at this year's Blackpool International Football Tournament, held over the Easter Weekend. The tournament, one of the biggest youth football tournaments in the UK, saw 130 teams from 11 different countries, including England (of course), Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as a wider international representation from Denmark, France, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Italy and Netherlands.

The age groups spanned 11 to 18 year olds.

Over a busy Saturday, Sunday and Monday, a total of 328 games (of shortened duration) were played culminating with the 8 final matches.

Jim refereed one of the finals while Frank and Stuart were appointed assistant referees on the under-13 final between Crumlin Utd and Shankhill Jnr. The match was eventually won by Crumlin Utd after a penalty kick decider.

The boys must have done something right because they have already been invited to take part in next year's event. Stuart and Frank thoroughly enjoyed their experience and have accepted the organiser's kind invitation.

Both Stuart and Frank would specifically like to thank R Paterson and P Crilley for their assistant referees coaching session, which obviously came in very handy (their thanks did not quite extend to a stick of rock - maybe next year boys!).