tion of mini-Lincoln instructors courses were key issues, both of which have been instituted in our area ie Surrey, Sussex and Kent, can only improve the levels of interraction between the FA and referees.  Outreaching (a much abused word) into the community (sounds like social services) by promoting refereeing activities and courses at county events eg county fairs, business fairs and education centres, with the use of display stands, video loops and interactive computer programmes, full page advertisements in football magazines and programmes were all designed to attract people into refereeing.  I have to admit that these initiatives have been tried before but perhaps not in a co-ordinated way and/or with such involvement by the FA.  The material (and money) is being made available centrally in order to achieve this.  What remains is the motivation of local groups to use it positively.  Schools and colleges should be targeted to bring younger referees into the system.  Referees starting as young as 14 are able to reach a high level in their 20's.  This has been demonstrated by one such referee who is now on the Nationwide League because he started at that tender age.

The audience was left in no doubt that John Baker was passionate in his vision about the future of referees and refereeing.  A lot of work has been, is being and needs to be done to realise the aims of the drive in R & R.  John then proceeded to brief Conference about the Law amendments for season 2000/2001:

No advertising on the ground, within the confines of the goal or the technical areas
Substitutes in friendlies agreement on maximum numbers relayed to the referee before the match
Assistant referees duties
    - clearer as opposed to closer view than the referee
    - at penalty kicks - goal judge and goalkeeper
    - assistance with 9.15m at free kicks near him Goalkeeper
    - 6 seconds to put ball into play - NO 4 steps
Offensive gestures
    - akin to offensive language
9.15m advancement
    - will apply to FA Cup from 1st round proper
    - on one occasion only at each free kick
    - caution as well is mandatory
    - no discretion is allowed
Penalty kicks
    - equal number of players taking kicks ie one team could be short of players due to
       injury or indiscipline
    - further assistant referees responsibilities
Fourth official
    - can advise in the case of mistaken identity in cautions at the time it takes place not
       in the dressing room at half or full time

    - can advise on violent conduct if unseen by the referee or assistant.

There then followed an appeal by a member of Council, J W Bunn JP, Vice President of the Midland Division, to persuade Peter Willis to reconsider his decision to resign as Public Relations Officer of the RA.  Peter, having done so much in this role, was felt to have acted hastily, and his expertise was sorely needed.  To a man, Conference gave Peter a standing ovation.  We can only hope that Peter resumes this important role.  Peter, embarrassed, demurred on any decision but I am sure will give careful thought to it.  At this point, Conference was closed and we all adjourned  to our hotels to prepare for the evening's dinner and dance.

The evening was warm indeed and wearing a suit as per requirement was a little uncomfortable to say the least!  We were fed and watered (and wined) very well, and entertained by a four piece band and an Irish comedian aided and abetted by Neil Midgely.  The RA Draw was duly held with none of the major prize winners being present.  The winner of the car could have driven it home if he wanted to!  I had a chance to speak to Peter Willis later, and commitments permitting, he should be able to visit Sutton Society in the new year.

I don't really  remember much about going to bed but I did remember to set the alarm so that I wouldn't miss (a) breakfast and (b) the train, which thankfully wasn't delayed.  On reflection, a memorable weekend for all sorts of reasons.  Even meeting people who had nothing to do with football (excluding referee wives).  Would I go again?  Yes, I probably would, so if any of you are interested in going next year let's make up a group and don't forget to bring the ladies!

Peter Watson