I was furious, apart from his bald rudeness who does he think I am, a professional referee?  I'll tell you who I am.  I am a person who works bloody hard all week trying to make a living and on Saturday afternoons I spend my time at football being sworn at and abused by some of the worst thugs who in any other circumstances would probably be locked up, I've been spat at, I've been punched, pushed and jostled, I've had abusive phone calls, I've been threatened, I've had my family and property threatened, I've done it for fourteen years and still I do it for the love of the game.  I and thousands like me are the thin line between a great game and total chaos.

So when the crumbs fall in my direction the last thing I need is some self-righteous, supercilious grey suit telling me what I should be doing with my hard earned spare time.  A little help and understanding seems to be something in very short supply where referees are concerned.

I am an amateur referee, I have had a glimpse over the fence and the grass is dry and brown.  Referees beware, if you sign a professional contract make sure it's watertight and make sure you are adequately rewarded.  What is the price of a soul these days?

Incidentally I was able to get some petrol a few hours later.  My wife asked if I was going to call them back - I don't think so.

Dave Churchley

Minutes of meeting which took place on the
13th of September 2000
at Sutton Utd. F.C. ground with 20 members present.
In the absence of the Chairman Kevin Winzer, Peter Fenn conducted the meeting.
Prior to meeting Peter Watson presented the Sutton Society with a gaval, this was handmade by his neighbour Bob Liles.

Apologies for absence.
These were recorded as having been made/received from, Kevin Winzer, Phil Smith, Mike Taylor, Roger Pink, John Stanton, Peter Moore, Mike Thorn and David Churchley.

Minutes of previous meeting.
The details of which had been published within the current issue of the Society magazine were accepted by members present and duly signed by the Vice-Chairman.

Matters arising        None.

Hon-Secretary Report/Correspondence.
No report, all correspondence in this month's issue of Touchlines.  Only one notification, no one from the Sutton Society won the Grand draw.

Hon. Treasurer. 
Cash in bank                          £882.78
Cash in Building Society       £200.00
Cash in hand                          £30.61        (including cheques)
Total                                      £1113.39
Membership full 53        Associate 2
We still hold registration of Chris Burton.

Following the Treasurers report, the Hon.Secretary informed all members present of the very sad and unexpected death of Chris Burton in May.  As a mark of respect members held a minute's silence.

Training Officer (S) Report
New Referee course is now in progress, hopefully we will have 20 students.
SCRATOC meeting held on the 12th September.
Points of interest were as follows:
A. A change in hierarchy within the Training Officers Committee.  Ian Mitchell is now
     Chairman.

Continued.